MennoMedia
An agency of Mennonite Church USA
and Mennonne Church Canada
1251 Virginia Avenue
Harrisonburg. VA 22802
800-245-7894 (USA)
Suite 204, 50 Kent Avenue
Kitchener, ON N2G 3R1
(Canada)
info@MennoMedia org
www MennoMedia org
November 12, 2014
Colleen McFarland,
Director of Archives and Records Management
Mennonite Church USA
1700 S Main St
Goshen, IN 46526
Dear Colleen,
We arc pleased to know that Mennonite Church USA has received a grant to digitize the print
files of Gospel Herald and The Mennonite. As you know, Gospel Herald was a publication of
the organization then known as Mennonite Publishing House, later as Mennonite Publishing
Network, and now as MennoMedia.
You have our full permission to digitize all issues of Gospel Herald and make them available
for free, with full-text access.
Best wishes in this important endeavor!
Warmly,
Amy Gingerich
Editorial Director, MennoMedia
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons
Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 International
License.
The Anabaptist Mennonite Digital Collaborative,
coordinated by staff at Mennonite Church USA,
Goshen College, and Anabaptist Mennonite
Biblical Seminary, is working with Internet
Archive to provide digital copies of this title.
Please seek permission from the copyright owner
if your use of this item is not permitted under the
license.
MennoMedia seeks to engage and shape church and society with resources for living Christian faith from an Anabaptist perspective.
Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2015
https://archive.org/details/gospelherald195447erbp
GOSPEL HERALD
Jn the defence and confirmation of the gospel" "How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace'
iimf. xlvii ■ TUESDAY, JANUARY 5, 1954-
Praise Him
(based on Psalm 96) By Edna Beiler &^
Give unto the Lord,
O ye kindreds of the people,
give unto the Lord glory and strength.
Let the heavens rejoice:
cannot catch the symphony
This sweep of stars conveys to Thee,
tor hear the melodies that drift
<rom constellations as they lift
Their pulsing laughter to Thy throne.
>o dull-so dull my ears have grown
To any worship but my own!
yet sometimes through a river mist
That turns night skies to amethyst,
L)r when the brooding shadows creep
Up timbered hillsides, halt asleep,
lushing the harsh turmoil that mars
1 he silent advent of the stars—
Oh, sometimes, through our mortal haze,
I almost catch some lovely phrase
□£ that great rapture-song of praise!
For the Lord
is great,
and greatly to be praised.
Let the earth be glad:
Brown furrowed fields,
Lonely woodlands,
Forgotten beaches with a riffle of waves-
all cry His glory!
Carpets of moss,
Banks of stone,
And spongy pine needles underfoot-
all cry His glory!
Steady corn rows,
A scatter of alfalfa,
Meadow grass tangles aglow with
bloom-
all cry His glory!
Enduring vitality,
Staggering variety,
Resilience of this black soil under our
feci-
al 1 cry I lis glory!
Give unto (lie Lord
the glory
due unto his name.
Let the field be joyful, and all that is
therein:
Small, many-fected things
Freeze while we pass,
Or scurry down hidden lanes
Under the grass.
Butterflies drift along,
Bees bumble by,
And larks settle down to nest,
(Home from the sky.)
Seeds scatter wide and deep,
Under the sod-
All of them! All of them-
Glorify God!
Honour and majesty
are before him:
strength and beauty
are in his sanctuary.
Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof:
Somehow, it comforts me to know
That (somewhere) tides still ebb and
flow
Unfailingly, with crash and roar,
As house-high waves bombard the shore:
Perpetual thunder that might be
An echo from eternity.
W ind-song will change, rain-song turn
dumb,
The river's hymn be hushed and numb,
All cricket cries cease from the air,
Bird-songs retreat to otherwhere—
(Dulled to a whisper; never note
Came ceaselessly from feathered throat.)
But always— one lone bell tolls onl
Alwnss-lrom dark to earliest dawn,
And then repeals from dawn to dark
Its hymn divine. Some ancient spark
Drives it to cry forevermore
At this world"s dull and obdurate door!
O worship the Lord
in the beauty of holiness:
fear before him,
all the earth!
Then shall all the trees of the wood re-
joice before the Lord:
The little leaves whisper it
Over and over—
A song that they must have learned
Long, long ago.
And mountains of maples
Each wind-touch recover
A hymn heard in Eden
That I cannot know.
Yet sometimes at twilight
When dusk settles under
This grove of young maples
And winds give them tongue,
I listen (all breathless)— I wait
And I wonder
And catch— oh, perhaps!— just
One word of that song!
Rejoice! Do they whisper it
Softly, so softly?
Rejoice! Can you catch it—
That lingering word?
Rejoice! How they sigh it
(That syllable golden.)
Rejoice, you who hear it-
Rejoice in the Lord!
Let every tiling that lialh breath
praise the Laird.
Praise ye the Lord!
Reading, Ta.
Calling All Laymen
During the past few years there has
been a significant awakening of the lay-
men of the Mennonite Church. They
want to participate more definitely in
the life and work of the church. While
we Mennonites claim for ourselves the
belief that the church is a brotherhood,
and that we do not have a class con-
sciousness between ministers and laity,
yet this claim in actual life is more the-
ory than practice. The ministers make
most of the decisions that affect policy
and practice of the church. Only a few
conferences have lay delegates and they
are not encouraged to be as active as
they might be. Our church boards do
have some laymen as members, but far
more than half of the membership is
ministers.
1 he Mennonite Commission for Chris-
tian Education at its fast meeting estab-
lished a secretaryship in the held of
Adult Activities. The General Council
of General Conference has had a Lay
Activities Committee, which for several
years gave some study and direction in
the field, but at the meeting of the Coun-
cil December 3, 4, recommended that
its work be taken over by the Committee
on Co-ordination of Church Program,
which is composed of representatives of
the three Boards, the Commission, one
person representing the standing com-
mittees of General Conference, and an
appointee of and by the Executive Com-
mittee of Generaf Conference.
The major responsibility lor work in
the area oi giving promotion and direc-
tion to Lay Activities will likely rest in
the secretaryship created by the Com-
mission. This secretary will shortly con-
tact the district Christian workers' or-
ganizations to explain the plans of pro-
motion and to receive suggestions.
The Lay Activities Committee in com-
pleting its work prepared the January-
March issue of the "Christian Ministry"
magazine as a manual for use in minis-
ters' workshops and meetings, to give
help to ministers in utilizing laymen in
the work of their congregations. It is the
hope of the committee that there will be
extensive use of this manual. Laymen
may also order a copy from the Publish-
ing House.
The Committee on Co-ordination of
Church Program authorized a commit-
tee, composed of the Secretary of Adult
Activities, the Secretary of Relief and
Service of the Mission Board, and a mem-
ber of the Hesston Mennonite Service
Organization, to plan and carry through
a meeting of representatives of all exist-
ing Mennonite Service organizations,
GOSPEL HERALD
laymen interested in organizing such a
group in their community, and other
interested laymen to review this type of
organization and its administration, and
to encourage other communities to or-
ganize for emergency relief service. This
meeting and program will be announced
shortly. Ministers who want to help their
laymen in this type of service will also
wish to attend.
A committee appointed by the Gen-
eral Council of General Conference to
study the question of giving certain sta-
tus to certain lay workers, such as church
school and college teachers, publishing
house workers, and certain workers in
the local congregations, reported to the
General Council meeting December 3,
4. It was the conviction of the com-
The law demands restitution.
Grace voluntarily makes it, as
in the case of Zacchaeus, but
doesn t ask for it. — G. P. Sho-
walter.
mittee that all the laymen of the church
should be challenged to serve the Lord
and the church as the opportunity arises.
If status or special standing was to be
given to certain ones, it would tend to
divide rather than unite our lay breth-
ren. A letter has been sent to district
conference officials suggesting that the
conferences give consideration to greater
use of laymen in conference and congre-
gational organization and deliberation.
The Secretary of Lay Activities will
seek to encourage more lay activity in
the various phases of our church life.
Encouragement will be given to parents'
fellowships, adult education and indoc-
trination, area seminars or workshops on
rural and community life, Christian la-
bor relations, lay evangelism, and other
current concerns. Suggestions will be
welcome from any layman, lay group, or
minister who has concerns in this area.
We also need to give attention to utiliz-
ing the talent of retired persons, and to
making life meaningful lor the growing
number of old people in our church and
communities. We need the ideas and
counsel of all those who are interested in
this area of work. Such persons are in-
vited to write to the Secretary of Adult
Activities. The prayers of the entire
church are solicited that our laymen may
contribute largely to unifying the church
in its doctrine and practice, to increasing
the effectiveness of her ministers, and to
giving a clear testimony to the power
and peace of God in the world today.
—Nelson E. KaufTman, Secretary of
Adult Activities.
January 5, 1954
Our Readers Say-
... let me voice our feelings about the Field
Notes page, is nui tins, at least 111 large mea-
sure, tne way we keep aorcast with what is
going on 111 otner sections ot our cnurcn.'
ns a brotnernood we are interested in wnat is
going on auo 11 we ia.1 to get tmormation Here
we win seek lor it lroui some outer source.
Vve do hope you will not aooreviate this page
too much, l naiiKs lor tne good advice: "Ask
Cod to increase your sense ot urotherhood."
And as to visitaig speakers, vve appreciate thcrn,
Try us out and see. — J. u. noenstctter, Preston,
Mont.
* • *
I have read the Gospel Herald for quite a
long time, there are many things of interest to
the Christ. an. sucli as cnurcn activities, djuerent
writers, neid notes, etc. 1 was mucn impressed
by an article 01 Aug. 16, *L.ook.ng lor tne fer-
fect Church." Y.es. we see folks runn.ng from
one church to another, expecting to imu tne per-
fect church, poss.biy looking tor more liberty.
\\ hat we need is more ot Cod's love shed
abroad in our hearts. We are not go.ng to hnd
the perfect church on this earth ... It is my
desire tliat . . . every church member would
. . . read that article. — blam Blank, Lancaster,
Pa.
* * *
... I was also interested in S. C. Brubaker's
letter in Uur Readers say'' column. 1, too,
have been interested iu reaumg the articles con-
demn, ng the use 01 Cospei songs and have been
looK.ng tor ariicics by capable writers pointing
out tne "cons'' ot good l>os,,€1 songs. Certainly
many toiKs have been biessed by these songs
or tney would not nave been used so exiensi>eiy.
Did not the oospci song have a large part in
arous.ng interest in inus.c in our own denom.na-
tionr 1 sup|H>sc, too, it we would ask many
folks what brought them into the kingdom,
they wouid point to a Cospel song appropriately
used. It this is true, why should a song leader
rejuse to sing them? If only one soul is saved it
has been worth while.
Personally 1 enjoy singing the heavier types
of hymns including tumor songs, etc., but it
seems there are a lot of folks whose interest
in singing, or should 1 say spiritual interest, is
so little that accord. ng to what type of song is
sung they will not |«rticipate. It we sing only
this type of music our )<cople will quickly lose
interest in sinking. Certainly this can be lost
in a much shorter time than it took to build
it up. It our ord.nary people leave the singing
to the talented few, then congregational singing
is on the way out.
\\ e must bear in mind, too, the fact that the
music teachers in our colleges and schools (who
seem to be propagating this theory) have an
entirely different class of people to work with
than we have in our average congregations.
This group in our schools are young people,
many of w horn arc studying music and are cap-
able of singing a new or difficult song without
too much diffculty and are taught to appreciate
close harmony. In an average congregation
this is not the case and we must work with the
material vve have.
In referring to Gospel songs, I do not mean
the "Stamps" or jazz type, but rather the tyi>e
used in Life Soups No. »> and others. — William
D. Swart ley, Soudcrton, Pa.
GOSPEL HERALD
ESTABLISHED 1908 AS SUCCESSOR TO GOSPEL WITNESS (l»OS) AND HERALD OF TRUTH (18841
PAUL ERB. EDITOR JOHN L. HORST, MILLARD C. LIND. consulting editors LEVI C. HARTZLER. missions EDITOR
THE OOIPIL HERALD IS A RCLIGIOUI WEEKLY PUBLISHED IN THC INTERESTS OF THE MENNONITE CHURCH BY THE MENNONITE PUBLICATION BOARD, SCOTTDALE. FA.
ENTERED AS SECOND-CLASS MATTER IN 1»0B AT THE POST OFFICE AT SCOTTDALE, PA., UNDER ACT OF MARCH >. IS7». SUBSCRIPTION PRICE: M PER YEAR. THREE YEARS
IN ADVANCE, SS.OO, FIVE YEARS IN ADVANCE, SI 1. SO, SAMPLE COPIES SENT FREE ON REQUEST. SEND ALL MATERIAL FOR PUBLICATION TO OOSPEL HERALD. SCOTTDALE. PA.
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
a
Vanuary 5, 1954
COSPEL HERALD
EDITORIAL
Church Business
Meetings
Church people ordinarily meet for
worship, for inspiration, for fellowship,
or instruction. But since the church
nvns property and administers a varied
jrgani/ed program, its members must
also meet sometimes to carry on business.
VIost Mennonite congregations have an
annual or a semiannual meeting for the
purpose of conducting church business.
Because we are democratic in our con-
gregational government, all members are
nvited to these meetings. In some places
hey are well attended; in other places
anly men attend, and perhaps not very
many of them. Seldom do the young
people feel that this meeting is for them.
To one who is really concerned about
lis church the business meeting should
be very interesting. He will want to
know how the treasury stands, what
building improvements the trustees are
proposing, what the various organiza-
tions are doing, what the special study
committee appointed at the last meeting
has to recommend. He will want to hear
the report of the pastor and of the
church council, if there is one. He will
vant to help elect the officers and the
.ommittees who will carry on the work
of the congregation for the next year.
And he will want to join in the prayer
which calls down the blessing of the
Lord upon the labors of His servants.
When church members do not come
to business meeting, there may be sever-
al reasons. Perhaps they stay away be-
cause tradition has taught them they are
not welcome. Such a tradition ought to
be broken down, and can be. Perhaps
they find business meetings dull. That
may be because they are; that is, interest-
ing business is conducted in an unin-
teresting way.
How can business meetings be made
interesting? Much depends on the chair-
man. He must know how to keep things
moving. There must be opportunity for
all to express themselves, but the chair-
man must know when debate ceases to
be constructive, and must have ways to
go on to the next steps. The meeting
must be carefully planned. The proper
persons should draw up an agenda (list
of things to be done) and must see that
the agenda is covered in not more than
ninety minutes. Those who are to give
reports should have them carefully pre-
pared. It is often helpful to have them
in writing— duplicated so that every
member can have a copy. This is espe-
cially important in financial reports, and
where there are recommendations whose
wording must be carefully examined.
The meeting will be more interesting
if many take part. It is deadening to
have a little clique of four or five make
and second all the motions. Lots of time
can be wasted waiting for someone to
make a motion. It is such meetings where
the tedium is finally broken up by a mo-
tion to adjourn.
One of our precious privileges in
church life is that of participation. If
we don't attend business meetings and
don't participate when we do, perhaps
we deserve to lose that privilege in a
church in which all decisions are made
for us.
The Gaze of Faith
And let us run with patient endurance
the race that lies before us, simply fixing
our gaze upon Jesus, our Prince Leader
in the faith, who will also award us the
prize.— Heb. 12:1b, 2a, Weymouth.
Unto thee do I lift up mine eyes, O thou
that sittesl in the heavens.
Behold, as the eyes of semants look unto
the hand of their master,
As the eyes of a maiden unto the hand
of her mistress;
So our eyes look unto the Lord our God.
. . .—Ps. 123:1, 2, Moullon.
What a man looks at goes a long way
in determining his thoughts, his acts, his
character, his personality, his faith. The
muckraker has a groveling mind and a
muddy character. For that reason we are
fearful of what immoral literature, art,
comics, movies, and television will do.
A man will never rise higher than the
angle of his sight. God set us on two
feet rather than four so that we can look
up. Eyes that revel in mountains, that
see the birds, that gaze at stars, that try
to pierce the blue can never again be
satisfied with mire and filth.
An occasional upward glance is not
enough. The word in Heb. 12:2 means
a long, intent gaze. Jesus is worthy of
such a gaze. One does not learn to know
Him quickly. The learner must look and
look to sense more completely the nobili-
ty, the purity, the kindness, the wisdom
of His face. To become His true disci-
ple one must learn to interpret the
nuances of His voice, the meaning of ev-
ery glance. Small wonder that artists are
attracted to painting that face. But they
always fail. No brush can exhaust the
content of character which is in His
countenance. To see Jesus we must con-
tinue the study of the Gospels, and we
must enter into that fellowship of spirit
which alone produces acquaintanceship
and understanding.
We must look to Jesus to find our
faith. He is our Leader in faith, not only
as an example, but as the object of our
faith. We believe not only with Him,
but in Him. When He was here, He did
not hesitate to present Himself as the
object of faith. And today Christian be-
lievers are those who accept Jesus Christ
for what He claimed to be: true Son of
God and Son of Man, sent to become our
Saviour, Redeemer, and Lord.
And we must look to Him to learn His
will. Servants do not wait for spoken
commands; they anticipate the needs by
keeping their eyes wide open. A good
helper passes to the mechanic the tool
he just now needs. The nurse watches
the surgeon so closely that she gives him
the instrument he requires without his
asking for it. So keeping his eyes upon
his Lord, the Christian clearly and quick-
ly senses the divine will.
It requires the gaze of faith to counter-
act the pull of this world. Earthly con-
cerns, sinful standards, human customs,
ungodly counsel— all these conspire with
a creature of clay to keep him from be-
ing the image of God. It is only those
who persist in the Godward look who
remember who they are and whom they
are to serve. Creature comfort and flesh-
ly pleasure are lodestones which pull us
downward and away from God. Absorp-
tion with the here and the now blacks
out the call of the heavenly and the
eternal. The person who gets discour-
aged and gives up in the struggle is the
one whose eyes cannot see afar. He has
lost sight of the One who will award the
prize to those who are faithful.
Lift up your eyes to the One who
dwells in the heavens. Fix your gaze on
Him who knows and loves and leads. In-
4
GOSPEL HERALD
January 5, 1954
spired by the prospect, run your race
with patient endurance. The One who
started us on our course will greet us at
the goal.
Experience
By Christian E. Charles
Experience is the sum total of man's
contact with environment. His highest
experience is naturally the product of
his highest contacts. Experience has a
good voice and has something to say
worth hearing. Only those benefited by
the past really minister to the present.
Future experiences of pleasure or pain
come out of the past. Listen to the voice
of experience while you are young
enough to take advantage of its wisdom.
It is worth all that it costs. Experience
gained with years can be heard and will
be heard if it is used at the right time
with courage and wisdom. Speak with
the authority of age and experience. The
school of experience has no graduates.
Experience with knowledge brings un-
derstanding.
Experience is what you have left after
everything else is gone. One without the
ripening of experience has not arrived
at one's greatest usefulness. Where did
you get your good judgment? From
your experience. Where did you get
your experience? From my poor judg-
ment. There is no substitute for experi-
ence. There are lessons of trial and
error we all have to learn over a period
of time and in the hard way. It does take
time to acquire experience and wisdom.
There are always new problems for ev-
ery person and age. There is new unex-
plored work for the man who is not sat-
isfied to do one little thing in a lifetime.
After a life of useful effort such a person
is a delight and an inspiration to all who
fellowship with him. His face reveals
moral and intellectual power, benevo-
lence, and purity of purpose.
Life is made up of many and varied
experiences and all are practical; they
enrich life and can be helpful, provided
we take the right attitudes toward them.
A story is told of the artist Turner,
that one day he invited Charles Kingsley
into his studio to see a picture of a
storm at sea. Kingsley was rapt in ad-
miration. "How did you do it, Turner?"
he exclaimed. Turner answered, *'I
wished to paint a storm at sea; so I went
to the coast of Holland and engaged a
fisherman to take me out in his boat in
the next storm. The storm was brewing,
and 1 went down to his boat and bade
him bind me to its mast. Then he drove
the boat out into the teeth of the storm.
The storm was so furious that I longed
to be down in the bottom of the boat and
allow it to blow over me. Hut I could
not; I was bound to the mast. Not only
did 1 see that storm and leel it, but it
blew itselt into me, till 1 became a part
of the storm. And then I came back and
painted that picture." Turner's experi-
ence is a parable of life. Life is some-
times sunshine, sometimes pleasure,
sometimes pain, sometimes defeat, some-
times victory. Life is a great mingling of
happiness and tragic storm. He who
comes out of it rich in living is he who
dares to accept it all, to face it all, to let
it blow its power and its mystery and its
tragedy into the inmost recesses of his
soul.
God lays clown the limits within which
we must live. Most of us would avoid
certain experiences if possible, but God
speaks to us through experience and
sometimes from the depths of bitter ex-
perience. The laws of man are founded
upon the hard-learned experience of
men who have discovered the laws of
God. Christianity need only be tried to
be proved. Experience and observation
prove the reality of the truth of the
Word of God. My whole environment
today is a magnificent proving ground
for my faith. The English poet John
Keats said, "Nothing is real until it is
experienced." This thought might well
be considered as the Christian con-
templates what must be done in acquir-
ing spiritual growth and knowledge.
Experience teaches a high-priced
school, but fools will learn by no other.
We all learn by experience, but the wise
are willing to learn by the experience of
teachers. Those who will not learn from
history will have to repeat it. Why
couldn't Israel learn from experience?
How about us? Do we profit from the
mistakes of past generations? Don't we
tolerate things around us that we know
are wrong, but which we think will not
touch us personally?
By experience, we find out a short wax-
by a long wandering. Much of the
world's unnecessary sorrow and tragedy
is clue to man's unwillingness to profit
by the experience of others. Years teach
us our limitations.
The Christian Church represents more
than 1900 years of group experience, and
in the Bible we have record of the ex-
perience of countless other generations
of men. We can seek guidance lor lite
in these accumulated experiences.
Salunga, Pa.
Are You a Long-Form Christian?
Whether your income tax is large or
small, you can likely whittle it down by
using long-lorni lUlOA, il \ou are a
tuber, for that lonn lets you deduct
troiu your taxable income e\ery dollar
you have given to your church— up to one
tilth of your net income. The short form,
10 10. however, gives you only 10 per
cent exemption Lor your church giving
and charities, medical exists, etc.. COW-
bincd.
How do your . . . church offering
records look, during this income-tax
It Happened —
SEVENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO
(From Herald of Truth, January, 1SJ9)
Ministers of the gospel will get the
paper at fifty cents a year.
Friend Stokes of the Society of Friends,
in Philadelphia, had an appointment to
preach in the Deep Run Mennonite
Meeting house, in Bucks County, Pa., on
. . . Dec. 1st. We are glad to see such a
liberal spirit manifested between our
people and the Quakers, for . . . nearly
two hundred years ago under the liberal
policy of William Penn, our people
found an asylum of peace, whither diey
could flee from the hand of the oppres-
sor in Europe, and exercise full religious
freedom without molestation.
The brethren at Deep Run Church
. . . had a pleasant Sabbath School dur-
ing the past summer. The Philharmonia
was used as a singing book in their
school. . . . The brethren in all the
churches should endeavor to teach their
voting people such singing as will enable
them to help sing in the church.
computing season? If the size of your
last year's giving to God's work puts vou
in the lone-form class, you are thrice
blest. You'll make a lower payment or
perhaps receive a refund check from
Uncle Sam. You've found the joy of
glorifying God and blessing others with
the Gospel. And you're storing up in
heaven treasures which cannot be
touched bv moth, rust, thieves, nor in-
come tax collectors.— Youth Today.
Our Wonderful Saviour
By S. N. Leitner
He began His ministry hungering, yet
is the Bread of Life.
He ended 1 1 is ministry thirsting, yet
is Himself the living water.
He who was weary is our true rest.
He who paid tribute is King of kings
and Lord of lords.
He Himself prayed, yet hears our
prayers.
He wept, but dries our tears.
He was sold for thirty pieces of silver,
yet is our redeemer.
He was letl as a lamb to the slaughter,
yet is our good shepherd.
He died on the cross of Calvary, and
therein- destroyed death for every child
of God.
Birch Tree, Mo.
January 5, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
The Sacred Jordan Where John Baptized
Our Saviour
Fifteen Minutes in Bible Lands
By Anis Charles Haddad
Many years had passed between Jesus'
visit to Jerusalem at the age of twelve
and His emergence into active ministry.
What happened in that intervening
period we can only conjecture. The Gos-
Dels are silent about it. But we may be
sure that those years of youth and man-
hood brought to Jesus an increasing con-
sciousness of His divine vocation.
Jesus in Nazareth was pondering over
the religious revival in Judea. Had the
time at last arrived when He must give
vent to all that for years had been well-
ing up in His heart? In obedience to an
inner prompting that could not be de-
nied, Jesus joined the band of travelers
to the south, and one day took His place
among the fervent crowds by the banks
of the Jordan.
• • •
A drive of about an hour from Jerusa-
lem through the "growing city" of Jeri-
cho, over tracks of pink and golden sand,
where nothing grows but a small, silver-
gray shrub, brings us to the sacred River
Jordan. Before the river is reached there
is a curious country to pass through,
made up of hillocks and oddly shaped
masses of whitish clay. A drearier river-
side could hardly be conceived. As cer-
tain of these clay heaps are square in
shape, or are molded by the rain into
the outlines of walls, pillars, or tombs,
the whole district looks like the remains
of a cemetery of giants. Curious to say,
there are a number of camels with their
calves grazing in this plain. The vegeta-
tion is as crisp as a cinder and is of any
color but greenl What they find to live
on in this pasture is known only to them-
selves!
While one admires the beautiful song
of the lark, he hears the rush and sees
the bright glitter of waters. The dark
overhanging trees and waving tamarisk
bushes open in a friendly gap and show
between the rapid flowing stream of the
Jordan. The sacred river reveals itself
in a sudden and dramatic fashion, for
there is nothing, even up to the last, to
suggest its whereabouts. The visitor,
almost with curiosity, sees a muddy
stream running between banks of slip-
pery mud. The stream is swift and silent.
Of all rivers in the world it is the most
celebrated and the most honored.
Throughout the Scripture this wondrous
river stands as the type of death; and
may we not say, of death issuing in hell?
Its very name is significant, whether we
accept the etymology which reads "the
descender," "the downward plunger," or
that which seems the better one, of the
"River of Judgment."
The water of the Jordan has always
been believed to be endowed with holy
qualities. In the Bible days the sick used
to bathe in the waters hoping to be
healed. To untold millions of people it
is a sacred river with holy memories.
Many come to it for the holy rite of bap-
tism, believing that its water will surely
wash away their sins.
Does this river look at all as you had
expected it to look? How brown and
muddy is its current? We see the bushes
and part of the trees that it has torn away
from its banks and carried down in its
tide. Vet it is a beautiful river, rich in
vegetation and swift flowing; so swift
that it is thick and cloudy from the
amount of debris carried down. Here
Faithful children will honor
Iheir father and mother, not
only while their parents live,
but as long as they themselves
live. — Selected.
foliage, fresh and green, begins to show
itself. And we hear a sweet nightingale
singing in one of the branches of a pop-
lar tree.
The banks of this river are beautifully
wooded. The green of the thick jungle
of tamarisks, oleanders, young fresh pop-
lars and bending willows, mingled with
the reeds which fringe the banks, is most
grateful to the eyes, while the Mountians
of Moab make an ideal background.
Every schoolboy knows that the Jor-
dan is the principal river in the Holy
Land, that it rises at the foot of Mount
Hermon and flows through the Lake of
Galilee, and then winds tortuously down
the ravine, till it loses itself in the Dead
Sea. And every schoolboy knows, too,
that there is something more than geo-
graphical interest in this river. Who is
there, I wonder, who would not like to
see it for himself? Why and what is the
reason that thousands of way-worn pil-
grims and wealthy tourists from distant
climes come to visit this stream of sweet
water? What is the dynamic attracting
force that draws so many to stand on the
banks and cast a wistful eye?
It is because here a momentous event
transpired, one that fills the mind with
wonder and amazement, one on which
Heaven looked down with approval and
the Holy Ghost endorsed by His visible
Presence, one sanctioned by the Voice of
God Himself! Here was Christ bap-
tized! This event stamps the River Jor-
dan with everlasting pre-eminence over
all the livers in the world. Let us, there-
lore, gaze on this great sight.
Once more imagination ii busy with
a Bible pictuie— a hermit from the wil-
derness, a wild-looking figure standing
by the banks of the Jordan. 1 he people
of Galilee v\ould Hock to him as belore
the people of Judea and Jerusalem had
done. Among the rest, as might natural-
ly be expected, Jesus came. It was
enough lor Him to know that the bap-
tism of John was ol dnine appointment.
He recognized 11 to be His uut) to pie-
sent Himself, as His countrymen in such
laige numbers were doing, to receive
baptism from John. He came, not as it
He were some great peisou demanding
special recognition, but simply and nat-
urally as any ol the rest.
John looked at Christ. He saw some-
thing in Him that drew lorth the hom-
age ol his mind. All the lest had con-
fessed sin. He had no sin ol His own to
conless. Whether it was by His appear-
ance, the clear eye, the calm face, an
open window tor the prophet to look
through into His soul, 01 whether it was
by the words He spoke as He claimed a
share in the baptism, John was taken
aback.
At this point we can see the appropri-
ateness ol His baptism, and also an ele-
ment in common between it and that of
the people. They had come protesting
to be willing to do the will ol God by
turning from sin to righteousness. He
had no need to turn Irom sin to do the
will ol God. But He had to turn from
the quiet and peacelul home lile at Naza-
reth that He might take up the burden
laid upon Him as Messiah. i>o He as
well as they had to leave the old lile and
begin a new one. In this we can see how
luting it was that He as well as they
should be baptized. They came under
a vow ol obedience unto Him; He came
under a vow ol obedience unto death,
even the death of the cross. Who can
understand the love in die heart ol Jesus,
who can measure the sacrifice He makes
as He bends beiore John and is baptized
with the name ol the "Christ," the Sav-
iour ol mankind!
The action of solemn consecration is
over. He comes up out of the water. A
sudden storm breaks, the lightning flash-
es, thunder rolls in the ears of the mul-
titude. What was the precise natural
phenomenon witness, we can only con-
jecture. But whatever it was, it was but
a symbol of the spiritual opening of the
heavens. The heavens should open to
welcome Him, and in welcoming Him,
the sin-bearer, to welcome all whose sins
He came to take away.
But John has keener v ision, more spir-
itual sight. To him a Voice from heaven
declares, "This is my beloved Son, in
whom I am well pleased." He thus rec-
ognizes in Christ, not alone Israel's
promised Messiah, but the One that
"taketh awav the sins of the world."
6
GOSPEL HERALD
January 5, 1954
The Master's heart must have been
both moved and humbled that day when
His Father spoke from heaven. "My son,
I am proud of you," are probably the
happiest words a young man can ever
hear from the lips of a father. For a
son to know that his course of action has
met with the approval of his father is a
knowledge almost too wonderful to be
contained. For a child to know that his
accomplishments have been achieved ac-
cording to his father's ideals is cause for
great joy and humbleness in mind and
heart.
Happier yet are the moments when
the heavenly Father speaks to us and
says, "My child, you are living an up-
right life. I am well pleased in you."
Surely life here and in heaven will hold
no richer reward than the knowledge
that we have borne the Father's name
honorably and have done those things
which please Him.
# # *
The identical spot on Jordan's brink
from which Christ descended into the
stream and where He stood when the
Spirit lighted on Him as a dove is
pointed out. As the baptismal station of
John the Baptist and the scene of our
Lord's baptism, the Christian contemp-
plates this traditional spot with deeper,
sweeter interest. This site presents the
most beautiful scenery that this river af-
fords, the banks being fringed with
tamarisk, willows, the beautiful olean-
ders in abundance, and many other
shrubs in rich luxuriance.
Here on Epiphany crowds of almost
every nation visit the banks of the Jor-
dan. Many centuries ago the Christian
believers began to hold a festival on the
date on which Jesus first revealed Him-
self to the world as the Son of God.
Since such testimony came from heaven
on the date of His baptism, it was on the
baptism date that they held the festival.
I attended the three o'clock morning
service held in a little crude chapel.
There were reading, praying, chanting,
incense-burning, and much ceremony.
Many of the people showed sincerity. No
motion was made by the waiting "re-
ligious visitors." They stood with bated
breath, eyes intent, their mien absorbed,
devout. All seemed emptied of self-con-
sciousness, in order to throw their whole
being into the approaching ceremonial
action. The white-clothed figures then
moved. With one action, as it were, in
the same instant of time, they Hung
themselves into the water. Their heads
quickly emerged, dripping and gasping.
Some of the "devotees" were still in the
water, others were bending for a second
plunge, while others took the anus
tomed three dips rapidly. There were
many clasping the rope, as if struggling
with an unexpected toe encountered in
the icy sting of the rain-swollen Jordan,
into which torrents from snowy northern
heights had poured their freezing waters.
Just before dawn a procession was
formed at the chapel altar, and slowly
moved along the river bank. At a fixed
point, they descended to the water's edge
and a number of the priests entered
waiting boats. A blessing was pro-
nounced on the Jordan waters and the of-
ficiating priest dipped his hands into the
water and sprinkled it over the people.
The boats then withdrew from the shore
and rowed into midstream until but the
candle and torchlights remained visible
in the darkness. The weird chanting by
the priests together with the moving
lights on the river and the waiting, ex-
pectant throng on the banks cast a
strange spell over us all.
Added to this, someone had made
small wooden crosses out of sticks and,
fastening a lighted candle to each point
of the cross, floated them down the
stream. A few moments later the light
of the sun as it slowly climbed into the
sky from behind the Mountains of Moab
drove the darkness away. There was then
a brief benediction and the service was
at an end.
The law does not condemn a
man without being heard. Grace
does not ask to be heard. — G. P.
Showalter.
It was an intensely pathetic sight. The
childlike faith, the simplicity of belief
in the commanding traditions of their
church, were so intense, so profound, so
clear of alloy, that the effect was sublime.
It was a sight for angefs to weep at!
And the sunshine overhead was reflect-
ed in every face. Beaming satisfaction
prevailed in spite of pinched nostrils and
chattering teeth between blue lips. Vis-
itors walked from one spot to the other,
filling bottles with Jordan water, still
buying rosaries, crosses, souvenirs of
cedar-wood and mother-of-pearl and
sticks of the sacred reeds.
# # *
Before World War I the fords of the
Jordan must have presented a remark-
able sight on Epiphany. It must have
added much to the beauty and interest
of the scene that the pilgrims entered
the water at sunrise, and the first golden
rays of day illuminated this Strange
scene. Instantly a rush was made, and
the pilgrims, young and old, rich ami
poor, sick and sound, men, women, and
children, plunged into the stream. Many
of them were aged men and women, to
whom the shock of the cold water might
well have been dangerous, but religious
exaltation hail made them immune from
law.s ol health. All were clad in winding
sheets, or to speak more correctly, -ill
(arried with them, either attached m
some way to the body, or held loosely in
the hand, the piece of cloth with which
they wish to be enveloped alter death.
It was customary lor pilgrims going
down to bathe 111 the River Jordan to
choose some one of their acquantaince
to guard and protect both them and
their clothing. This person was after-
wards regarded as bound to the other
in the closest ties of friendship and in-
timacv. But gone are the opulent days
of the monasteries that are by Jordan's
flowing bank, days of the great proces-
sion of pilgrims from Christian Russia.
May not this modern baptism on
which we are looking recall to our own
thoughts that wonderful scene when the
herald and his long-promised King stood
together beside this very stream, when
the mystic Dove hung in the air, and a
voice was heard from the heavens?
Old City, Jerusalem, Jordan.
The Revelation of Jesus Christ
By J. L. Stauffer
19. The Opening of the Six Seals. Rev. 6
The opening of the seals marks the
first series of divine judgments that arc
coming upon an ungodly world. Here
we enter into the realm of symbolism
and both imagination and speculation
need to be curbed. An interpretation or
understanding needs to be sought from
within the Book of Revelation or from
other books of the Bible. If a divine ex-
planation is not given far a divinely giv-
en symbol or figure, then we do not know
and guessing is useless. May He who is
the illuminator of God's Word, as well as
its author, reveal to us that which will
glorify Jesus Christ and bless His follow-
ers.
The opening of the first seal revealed
a white horse. The horse in Scripture is
a symbol of warfare or militarism. The
kings of Israel were forbidden to multi-
ply horses. Solomon violated here. The
prophets rode donkeys. Jesus rode the
same in His triumphal entry according
to prophecy. When He returns, the Book
of Revelation pictures Him as riding a
white horse and He will judge and make
war and triumph over all of His enemies.
Rev. 19:11-20.
The order given by our Lord in Matt.
24 corresponds with the order found in
the seals. This fact should make the
contents of the seals acceptable to those
who insist upon the Gospels and Epistles
as Eurnishing the keys to Revelation and
the Old Testament prophecies. Our
Lord predicted in Matt. 24 about the
coming of false christs. Verses 4, 5, cf.
Rev. 6:1, 2. The devil mimics the Word
of God and since our Lord is pictured as
returning on a white horse, it atlords no
surprise that the devil presents the false
christ as appearing as a conqueror on a
white horse.
The second seal reveals a red-horse
rider which is described as resulting in
peace being taken from the earth. This
again corresponds with Matt. 21:6, 7a
where "wars and rumours of wars" come
[January 5, 1954
A Prayer for This Week
Our Father,
We come to Thee at the beginning of
this new year, wanting to be your spirit-
ual researchers.
We would know the complete mean-
ing of Christ's mountain sermon, "There-
fore take no thought, saying, What shall
\we eat? or, What shall we drink? or,
[Wherewithal shall we be clothed? . . .
Seek . . . first the kingdom of God, and
liis righteousness . . . ."
We believe that Thy full revelation of
hese words will release us for greater
t pervice, but will also put us often at cross-
purpose with the shackled "proper"
mode of living.
For this we will need courage. Amen.
Maggie Glick.
second in Christ's order of end-time
events.
The third seal shows a black-horse
rider. The description following makes
it clear that famine follows warfare. This
is a familiar order in our own generation
... land observation. Matt. 24:7b confirms
this order and result.
The fourth seal shows a pale-horse
rider. The description reveals that it
refers to pestilence which follows the
destruction of war and famine. The or-
der in Matt. 24:7b, 8 gives the same testi-
mony. Not only is pestilence upon the
earth, but all four of "God's lour sore
judgments" are now manifest and as a
result, one fourth of the population of
the earth is destroyed. Ezek. 14:21, cf.
Rev. 6:7, 8. If this is taken literally and
this judgment were to fall now, it would
mean that approximately five hundred
million people would be destroyed. It is
thought that at least fifty million lost
their lives through the second World
War. God's judgment could easily be ten
times as severe. When the Hood came in
the days of Noe, all outside of the ark
were destroyed.
The opening of the fifth seal reveals
something else that has been occurring.
While these judgments are upon the
earth, there are those wlio are "slain tor
the word of God and the testimony
which they held." The grace and mercy
of God are seen relative to past judg-
ments. God always had some who were
true to Him. The same is true here.
These martyrs wonder how long it will
be until God takes vengeance on their be-
half. They are told that there will be
others to be martyred as they have been.
To these martyrs were given white robes
(Greek, Stolee), which is different from
the white raiment (Greek, Himation).
These martyrs come out of the great
GOSPEL HERALD
tribulation together with those that were
killed later. Rev. G:ll, cf. 7:9-14.
Again, Matt. 24:9-13 confirms the or-
der oJ the seals and the attendant results.
1 he opening of the sixth seal produces
a great earthquake and the sun, moon,
and stars are affected. Great physical up-
heavals and changes take place. The
men of earth recognize the hand of God
at work and want to hide from Him.
Again, the Olivet discourse adds its testi-
mony to the seals as to order and con-
tent. What happens under the sixth seal
is according to Matt. 24:29, 30.
As an illustration of how the figurist
deals with the sixth seal, note the follow-
ing quotation from a prominent pre-
inillcnnialist who figures the sixth &eal:
"It is not a world-wide, literal earth-
quake, but rather the destruction of the
present order— political, social, and ec-
clesiastical—reduced to chaos, the break-
ing down of all authority and breaking
up of established and apparently per-
manent institutions" (Ironsides).
Let the reader check on a dozen fig-
urists of this passage and see how many
agree. Their very disagreement is suf-
ficient to make one question their inter-
pretations.
It is fair to say that the attempt to
make literal language figurative does not
and would not account for the fact that
"every bond man and every free man,
the high and the low, the rich and the
poor" were affected by a political, so-
cial, and religious breakdown. Is not
Matt. 24:29, 30 given in plain, literal lan-
guage?
Prayer Requests
Our Needy World
By Stanley C. Shenk
It is the conviction of large segments
of Christendom today that it is well to-
ward evening in the day of grace. All
over the world we see the shadows
lengthening. The envelopment of halt
the world by a godless communism, the
chilling threat of "absolute" military
weapons, the near-collapse of moral
standards in the "Christian" nations of
the west, and the invasion of Christian
doctrine by a pale, bloodless modernism
—all these seem to point like shadow)
fingers to a forthcoming crisis or climax
in God's dealings with men. The point
is: What are we doing about it? The
days are evil. Are we redeeming the
time? Do we have a Christlike compas-
sion for the teeming multitudes of our
unhappy, latter-day world? If we do not,
may God have mercy on our souls. May
He jolt us out of our smug indifference
and give us a love and a vision.
Dear God, give us the love of Jesus
for our needy neighbors and fellow men.
Help us to truly present ourselves a liv-
ing sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto Thee.
Speak to us through Thy Word and
through Thy servants. Send us where-
soever Thou wilt. Impart to us Thy
(Requests for this column must be signed.)
Pray for Bro. J. D. Graber, that he ma\
have sale journeying, and that he may
be able to bring real blessing to our
foreign mission churches.
Pray tor an Indian girl who, alter gradu
ate work in this country, has returned
to India with faith in neither Chris-
tianity nor Hinduism.
Pray for I-W men. that they may be
faithful witnesses.
Pray lor the blessing of the Lord upon
our winter Bible schools just now be-
ginning.
strength that we may obey Thy call and
Thy leading. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Wrest Liberty, Ohio.
The Master's Call
In the cool of the glad spring morning
The Master came to me,
"My seed of truth must be planted,
Will you help in the work?" asked He.
And I answered, "Wait but a little,
The day is fair — so fair;
When the mornings are less enchanting,
In Thy fields I will do my share."
At the dawn of a summer morning
I heard the Master say,
"My truth must be watched and tended;
Will you work in my fields today?"
But I said, "The days are so dreamy,
And summer has just begun,
I will do my part of Thy labor
When the glory of June is done."
In the dew of an autumn morning
The Master came once more;
"My harvest is white," He whispered,
"And reapers are needed sore."
"But this autumn joy," I pleaded,
"I must quarf of, ere it wane;
Just a few more draughts of sunshine,
And I'll help Thee garner the grain."
In the chill of a winter morning
The Master came to me;
The ice-bound river was silent,
And snow lay white on the lea.
"O Master, I now am ready
To work in Thy fields," I said;
But the Master smiled in pity
And sadly shook His head.
"The harvest is over," He answered,
"And winter comes apace;
But some wheat is all ungarnered
Because of your vacant place;
You have spent the year in pleasure,
I have pleaded all in vain;
But what of your own remorses,
And what of the wasted grain?"
— Selected by Fannie Martin.
GOSPEL HERALD
OUR SCHOOLS
Sectional Meeting of Collegiate
Council
Friday, October 16, 1953
This splendid report of the sectional meeting
of the Collegiate Council during the time of the
General Educational Council meeting at Nap-
panee, Ind., will be of special interest to many
readers. From this can be secured a good idea
of what is being accomplished through united
efforts in our educational work. Similar splen-
did results were attained in the interest of all
other educational areas — elementary, secondary,
seminary, nursing education, and winter Bible
school. — C. F. Yake, Educational Agent.
The meeting was called to order by
Roy D. Roth, President of Hesston Col-
lege and Bible School, and chairman of
the meeting. Following the prayer led
by Silas Hertzler, of Goshen College,
C. K. Lehman, Dean of Eastern Mennon-
ite College, discussed the topic, "Pur-
poses and Values of Accreditation." Bro.
Lehman pointed out that there has been
some opposition to Mennonite colleges
becoming affiliated with crediting agen-
cies, feeling that such affiliation is an un-
equal yoke with world organizations.
Bro. Lehman reviewed carefully the pur-
poses of the North Central Association of
Colleges and Secondary Schools and the
Southern Association of Colleges and
Secondary Schools. Some of the basic
purposes of these two agencies were as
follows: (a) elimination of unsatisfactory
educational institutions; (b) promotion
of co-operation and mutual assistance
among colleges; (c) elevation of scholar-
ship and uniformity of requirements;
(d) recognition of worthy institutions;
(e) provision for guidance to prospective
college students; (f) promotion of inter-
institutional relationships; (g) offering
aid to secondary schools in the selection
of teachers; (h) stimulating the improve-
ment of higher education.
Bro. Lehman carefully pointed out
that these purposes are concerned pri-
marily with the improvement of instruc-
tion and in no way endeavor to limit in-
dividual institutions in setting their own
religious standards. These accrediting
agencies are concerned primarily that
each institution accomplishes what it
sets out to do and they have done noth-
ing to bind any college to a specific reli-
gious commitment. No individual in-
stitution is asked to subscribe to any
specific religious philosophy.
It was pointed out that these accredit-
ing agencies have been valuable to our
institutions in the following ways: (a)
answering questionnaires and making
surveys which tend to stimulate improve-
ments in showing the weak and strong
areas; (b) causing institutions to write
out their philosophy of Christian educa-
tion; (c) clarification of objectives to de-
termine how well our colleges are ac-
complishing their purposes; (d) promo-
tion of sound financial programs; (e) es-
tablishment of clear lines of responsi-
bility in the internal organization of the
college.
The second topic, "Maintaining Ade-
quate Financial Support for a Church
Program of Higher Education," was dis-
cussed by Ernest E. Miller, President of
Goshen College. Bro. Miller prefaced
his taik by pointing out the three major
issues of church colleges, namely, (a) the
question of the liberal arts college enter-
ing the area of professional education;
(b) the question of religion in liberal
arts education; (c) financing the church
college.
Brother Miller gave four reasons why
our contributions to Christian education
are not adequate. First, the purchasing
power of the dollar has decreased and
the contributions are not as high as it
might appear when compared to contri-
butions a decade ago. Second, our church
has launched a variety of programs in
recent years which draw funds from the
constituency, along with Christian edu-
cation. Some of these activities are: radio
programs, summer camps, pastoral sup-
port, increased Sunday-school facilities,
extended mission program, campaign
evangelism, etc. Third, support has been
too spasmodic. In some instances money
was raised to get institutions out of debt
and save face rather than to contribute
toward Christian education because of
its real value. Fourth, the costs of educa-
tion have increased and students pay
only a part of the cost of their education.
The second part of Bro. Miller's talk
was devoted to the problem of adequate-
ly financing our church colleges. Four
possibilities were presented among which
was the approach to industries for mon-
ey. This approach carries with it some
possible dangers. If industry contributes
to church colleges, it is logical to con-
clude that industry could also tell the
colleges what courses should be offered.
If industries have sufficient interest in
church colleges to contribute toward
their support, labor unions likewise have
an interest in higher education. The sec-
ond possibility is enlisting the aid of stu-
dents raising funds through work days,
student solicitation of parents and
friends, and student solicitation of other
students. The third possibility is utiliz-
ing in a Larger way our alumni groups.
1 lie fourth possibility is to make more
clear the responsibility of the church in
meeting the budget for Christian educa-
tion.
In conclusion, Bro. Miller pointed out
that we must know our resources in terms
ol the job to be done. We need to have
clearly in mind what we want to do and
whether or not the resources are avail-
able to do it. The money contributed to
January 5, 1951
Christian education is not money spent
but money invested.
Following this talk a number of ques-
tions were raised and discussed briefly.
Among these questions were the follow-
ing: How can the church be made to
feel more strongly the responsibility to
supply lunds for Christian education?
How can we get the church to see that
as church colleges grow in enrollment
more money is required? Are we as a
small denomination trying too many
things to do a good job in all areas? In
response to these questions a number of
thoughts came from the group, among
which were the following: that the Men-
nonite Church in the past has tolerated
education and that the brotherhood in
general has not yet seen the importance
of education to the total program of the
church; that the church has not yet
looked upon Christian education as a
mission enterprise, and that this should
be one of the objectives of our educa-
tional program; that money contributed
to Christian education pays off, not so
much perhaps in a material way but in
the intangible returns ol investment in
character; that new sources of income
should be discovered to finance these
many recent activities of the church so
as not to draw from the original sources
of educational support; that Christian
education is basic to these other activi-
ties of the church and that their success
is highly dependent upon the success of
Christian education; that loyalty 10 our
own church program should be stressed
in order to draw more heavily from con-
tributions which ha.ve been going to out-
side religious activities; that die philos-
ophy of stewardship of life should affect
more strongly our giving.
The third topic, "Strengthening and
Promoting Effective Faculty-Student Re-
lationships," was discussed from the
viewpoint of a faculty member, a stu-
dent, and a parent. Bro. Leonard Lichti,
speaking from the viewpoint of a faculty
member, pointed out that the attitude of
the student is very frequently reflective'
of the attitude of the teadier. The teach?
er must show a sincere interest in the stu-
dent and that interest must go beyond
the course interest. The teadier must
become acquainted with the student out
side the classroom to fully understand
him and his problems. When a student
conies to a faculty member for help, this
is indicative of confidence the student
has in the teadier and the teacher must
endeavor to help the student if confi
deuce is to be maintained.
f. Forrest Kanagy spoke from the view-
point of a parent and emphasized the
need for closer parent-faculty relation
ships. He mentioned ways in which ilu
parent can be kept better informed ol1
the activities of the college, among which!
was the college calendar. Bro. Kanagyl
also emphasized the importance of ar.l
adequate counseling program in our col
leges in order to make available to stul
dents spiritual help.
-
jj/anuar)) 5, 1954
Tom Diener of Goshen College spoke
from the point of view of a student and
gave four ways of creating a closer rela-
tionship between the faculty and stu-
dents. First, students should be given
more responsibility which might help to
lighten the load of an already over-
worked faculty, and also aid the student
in developing to maximum maturity.
Second, student initiative should be en-
couraged. Students want to help the
school in such activities as raising funds.
Third, the school should have an effec-
tive way to sound out the student group.
When students know the facts leading to
decisions they will be more likely to ac-
(I cept and support those decisions. Third,
policies and actions of the school should
be explained fully to student groups.
On the whole students will be co-opera-
tive toward school policies when they
know the why of such policies.
Following the discussion period, Bro.
Paul Bender presented the findings ol
the study committee appointed to make
a study of Mennonite students in non-
Mennonite institutions. The conclusion
m of this study will be found in the mimeo-
ne graphed forms describing the study. The
se committee was made up of Paul Bender,
so Goshen College; Ira E. Miller, Eastern
:ei Mennonite College, and Daniel D.
an Driver, Hesston College.— Justus G. Hol-
vi- singer,
ear
Rebellion Is Satanic
By Curtis Godshall
The spirit of rebellion is the oldest
and no doubt the most devastating in
its effects of all evils that have blighted
and marred the family of mankind.
It is seen in the home and results in
a most unsavory family life. In the
school the presence of it prevents the
potential benefits of school training. In-
dustrial and labor problems are multi-
plied by its ugly behavior. The world
political problem is assuming monstrous
proportions because of people wanting
the substances and honors of this world
as an end in themselves rather than find-
ing their place in the productive and
beneficial lines of life.
Imagine, for instance, a person inter-
ested in printing going into a printer's
office and rather than asking for a job
which would acquaint him with the
Stinting business, insisting on a top-
ight administrative or editorial office.
On being refused he would go outside
and begin to picket. Ridiculous, you
would say. Not more so than the atti-
tude many people are taking in various
areas of life.
Rebellion was an evil which had its
origin in heaven. Lucifer, dissatisfied
with his apparently high position, would
not rest until he had poisoned and em-
bittered other heavenly personalities in
his determination to be like the Most
High. Consequently he was cast out of
GOSPEL HERALD
heaven, he and his adherents. Ever since
he has been rearing his ugly head of re-
bellion against God and everything that
can possibly glorify God.
This rebellious attitude, which is Sa-
tan-inspired and empowered, leaves in
its wake spiritual havoc, tearing down
the church. The consequence is an im-
poverished generation who have heard
very little of the contributions and bene-
fits of the church but very much of faults,
shortcomings, and failures of church
leaders and church members.
We see in Numbers 16 how God deals
w ith rebellion in the church. God hates
the very smell of it, in that it is satanic
in origin. Korah, Dathan, and Abiram
succeeded in inflaming and instigating
leftist action against Moses, and appar-
ently even the families of these men were
turned against the leader Moses. How-
ever, these men, as is usually the case,
tried to hide their own evil motives and
shortcomings by capitalizing on the lack
in lives of the leaders. God was not
blinded or deceived by the sinister mo-
tives of these rebels and dealt out judg-
ment, swift and sure. Note how even
their families perished with them. What
a tragedy when children are embittered
by the bickering and dark sulking atti-
tude of parents who can't have their
selfish way in the church. Here is seen
the result.
In Numbers 12 another sedition is
noted. Miriam, the sister of Moses, was
given swift judgment by being afflicted
with leprosy. Only repentance saved her.
We have in mind three of the main
causes of rebellion as seen in the majori-
ty of cases: (1) unsatisfactory experience
with Christ; (2) unwillingness to for-
sake sin; (3) an unsanctified zeal and
lust of station.
When folks do not come clean for
God, Satan keeps them dissatisfied. Ev-
ery little thing that comes along bothers
and puzzles them. They are not used to
taking things to the Lord. Satan suc-
ceeds in showing them the "raw deal"
they are getting from everyone. The
hurts they get refuse to heal, and are
open to infection, spiritual blood poison-
ing. When God doesn't satisfy them,
they help the devil's destructive program
along.
Those not willing to forsake sin look
for and get plenty of help from the devil
and his company in pointing out all the
faults of the ministers, bishops, and
church officials, as well as most of the
members. Yes, they are as good as many
others in the church. When self is guilty,
the enemy keeps the bitterness of tin-
spiritual sins feeding the misery.
Those in quest of leadership as an end
in itself, though personally qualified, are
in no position for the same because lead-
ership comes not to those who seek it as
such but to those who are faithful in the
humble tasks of the Christian life. They
do not, as illustrated earlier, apply for a
position of leadership but apply them-
selves to the lowest humble tasks that
the Lord has equipped them for.
One could cite grievous cases where
indi\ iduals who were not willing to deny
themselves, yea, crucify themselves,
woidd sulk and bemoan the way the
church used them, keeping them from
having high positions in the church, and
then using their influence to embitter
others against the church. Not only
were they defeated, but their families
today are reaping the consequences of
hurt feelings. Their portion seems to
be that of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram,
and all theirs.
These actions that proceed from a re-
bellious heart and have their effects on
the life of the church, will not go un-
noticed by God. Whether rebellion goes
under the guise of conservatism or liber-
alism, God who knows the heart is not
deceived lor a moment.
Certainly there are things that need
to be objected to and protested against.
Hut the spirit that exists in a concerned
individual is a spirit far removed from
the one which exists in a hurt, sensitive,
honor-seeking, and oftentimes sinful per-
son. Look at the fruits (families) of
those who are always pulling to the left
or right. They usually tell or will yet
tell the motive behind persons.
Many under the guise of conservatism
or liberalism show the same rebellious
attitude in the wav they voice their opin-
ions. Remember the enemv of God is
not at all particular which side you fall
from, just so you miss the wav of the
cross. God hates self-assertion. That be-
longs to the devil.
Sometimes those who have a chronic
"unappreciated service" complex un-
wittingly become spiritual germ-carriers
for Satan and communicate their sick-
ness to young folks with whom they mav
be serving in the church.
If we could see the end of the far-
reaching results of some of our unholv
ambitions and selfish desires, how we
would change our attitude!
Lord, heal our leprosv of rebellion.
Centereach, N.Y.
The Power of Prayer
The potency of praver hath subdued
the strength of fire: it has bridled the
rage of lions, hushed anarchv to rest, ex-
tinguished wars, appeased the elements,
expelled demons, burst the chains of
death, expanded the gates of heaven, as-
suaged disease, repelled frauds, rescued
cities from destruction, stayed the sun
in its course, and arrested the progress
of the thunderbolt. Prayer is an all-effi-
cient panoply, a treasure undiminished,
a mine which is never exhausted, a skv
unobscured by clouds, a heaven unruffled
by the storm. It is the root, the fountain,
the mother of a thousand blessings.—
Chrvsostom.
10
GOSPEL HERALD
FOR OUR SHUT-INS
By Candlelight
By Lorie C. Gooding
"O Lord," I cried, "the shadows are deep,
And my journey is only begun.
T cannot walk all the way in the dark;
Give me the light of the sun.
Thou canst give me light, for all light is
Thine."
Then I waited in hope, but the sun did not
shine.
"O Lord," I said, "I do not ask
For the golden brightness of noon.
But scatter the shadows and lighten my way
With the silver light of the moon.
Thou canst, for the moon like the sun is
Thine."
Then I waited in hope, but the moon did
not shine.
"O Lord," I said, "Thou art God of Light.
Thy glory no shadow mars.
But I am alone in the darkness here;
Give me the light of the stars.
For the stars, like the sun and the moon, are
Thine."
Then I waited in hope, but the stars did not
shine.
"O Lord," I said, "if it be Thy will
I will walk all the way in the night."
Then He answered, "Impetuous child, be
still;
Thy walk is by faith, not by sight.
Yet I give thee a candle called patience.
Light it, and walk by its light."
Holmesville, Ohio.
Careful for Nothing
Lord, let me never fret; it is a mark of
servitude. To chafe at galling little
chains that one day will be gone is but
to fix their marks upon me. Ten years
from now, a hundred— then the lateness
of an hour, the crying of a child, or other
circumstance will matter not. A nar-
rowed soul will matter.
Fretting is not trust. It cultivates a
puckered, scowling heart that withers
those about me. It makes me think thai
Things, and Time, the plannings of my
own mind dictate the set or rise of next
day's sun. It shackles every foot that
runs with me.
O God, who made the day before the
sundial, who stretched Eternity before
I ever knew, or thought, or hoped, teach
me to stretch my soul beyond the cloe Ic-
ing of this moment, to live beyond my-
self, my unrclaxed possessions. Teach me
to live unbound by tension, fear or fret.
Teach me to live like Thee.— Selected.
This God . . . Our God
The infinitely wise, great, and glorious
Benefactor of the universe has offered to
take men by the hand, lead them through
the journey of life, and conduct them to
His own house in the heavens. The
proof of His sincerity in making this
offer has been already produced. He has
given His own Son to live, and die, and
rise, and reign, and intercede for our
race. "Herein is love," if there ever was
love; "not that we loved God, but that
he loved us."
That He who has done this should not
be sincere is impossible. Paul, therefore,
triumphantly asks what none can an-
swer: "He that spared not his own Son,
but delivered him up for us all, how
shall he not with him also freely give us
all things?" Trust, then, His Word with
undoubting confidence; take His hand
with humble gratitude, and with all the
heart obey His voice, which you will
everywhere hear, saying, "This is the
way, walk ye in it."
In sickness and in health, bv night and
by day, at home and in crowds. He will
watch over you with tenderness inexpres-
sible. He will make you lie down in
green pastures, lead you beside the still
waters, and guide you in paths of right-
eousness, for His name's sake. He will
prepare a table before you in the pres-
ence of your enemies, and cause your
cup to run over with blessings.
When you pass through the waters of
affliction, He will be with you. and
through the rivers, thev shall not over-
flow you. When you walk through the
fire, you shall not be burned: neither
shall the flame kindle upon you. From
their native heavens, He will commission
those charming twin sisters. Goodness
and Mercv, to descend and follow vou
all vour davs.— Timothv Dwight, in Tlic
Burning Bush.
God's Vitamins
By Kathfrinf. Bfvts
It was Alexis Garrcl who said: "We
now possess such a large amount of in-
formation on human beings that its verv
immensity prevents us from using it
properly. Tn order to be of service, our
knowledge must be svnthetic and con-
cise. . . . Humanity's attention must turn
from the machines and the world of
inanimate matter to the bodv and soul
of man. to the organic and mental proc-
esses which have created the machines
and the universe of Newton and Ein-
stein."
January 5, 1954
"The quality of a civilization depends
on a balance of body, mind, and spirit
in its people, measured on a scale less
human than divine. No one of these
elements can be greatly overemphasized
nor neglected without disastrous results.
. . . To survive, we must keep this bal-
ance. . . . Our philosophy must combine
the logic of the mind with the wisdom
of the heart and merge both with the
spirit's intuition." So said Charles A.
Lindbergh.
Socrates said: "Let no one persuade
you to cure him until he has first given
you his soul to be cured, for this is the
great error of our dav in the treatment
of the human body, that physicians sep-
arate the soul from the body."
And so we see that in Socrates' time
as well as in our own day, the body and
the spirit should form a harmonious
whole.
Those engaged in fine intricate work
find that now and then thev must stop-
relax the strain and give their eyes a rest.
A person wearing glasses, after reading
or working intently for a time, finds
much relief in laying aside his glasses
and looking for a while at nothing in
particular.
Just so the soul needs a time of rest
from the strain of everyday living. How
it rests the eyes of the soul, to turn away
from the material things of life for a
while, from the little microscopic things
about us, to a place of quiet meditation
— awav from the problems and cares that
the living each day brings.
God made night's darkness to rest our
eves in: A\hv not. then, the dark hour of
life as a time of rest for our soul? We
have learned a great lesson, and are
readv to receive our degree in "life's liv-
ing" when we learn to "pull off this old
world's spectacles" and give the "eves of
our soul rest."
Soul deficiencies are just as serious as
those of the bodv. and a "hungrv heart."
is as emptv as a "hungrv stomach."
lesus said: "Blessed are thev who do
hunger and thirst after righteousness, for
thev shall be filled."
The mind and bodv are so intimately
related, that a sick soul has its effect
unon the bodv. A fearful mind will
afflict the bodv with many known ills.
Thus, the importance of the "health
of the soul" is something that we should
think about. We should have periodic
cleansing of emotions, and a dailv feed-
ing of the mind on God's Word, and on
worth-while thoughts, in order to have a
henlthv soul.
God's Truth is the bread of life and
>s the only food which actuallv ouickens
the spirit. 'Wherever God's Word touches
man's soul, it heals, strengthens, and sat-
isfies.
Failing to take off the "world's spec-
tacles." for periods of praver and of med-
itation, for a time of waiting upon God.
of looking bevond the working places of
(Continued on page 21)
January 5, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
TO BE NEAR TO GOD
THEME FOR THE WEEK: "LET US GO ON
Sunday, January 10
In Lot*. Read I Cor. 13.
The early Christians loved each other so
much that their pagan neighbors observed
and were moved by their love. Do our neigh-
bors say of our Christian community, "Those
people really love one another"?
Paul spoke of being constrained by the
love of Christ to seek diligently to win the
lost to the Saviour. Has His love so filled us
that we in turn love the lost fervently?
"Cod is love." Unless love is the guiding
principle of our lives and all our motivation,
we do not know God.
Let us go on in love that our "love may
abound yet more and more."
Monday, January 11
In Joy. Road John 15:1-11; 16:23.
"The man worth while
Is the man who can smile
When everything goes dead wrong."
But nothing ever goes wrong for the Chris-
tian! "We know that all things work togeth-
er for good to them that love God." Indeed
there are many experiences that come to us
that seem harsh and unpleasant, but viewed
from God's vantage point — or ours in eterni-
ty_they all work "for us a far more exceed-
ing and eternal weight of glory." Jesus spoke
of rejoicing when we are persecuted — not in
the persecution but in the eternal value and
reward of the truth for which we are per-
secuted. Paul rejoiced in the good result of
the preaching of those who despised him.
Our joy is a deep-seated gift from God
brought about by the assurance that we know
Him whom to know is life eternal. We are
glad we are His. Each day should find us
more joyful than the last, for our confidence
is increasingly in Him who does all things
well.
Tuesday, January 12
In Peace. Read John 20:U-29.
"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace,
whose mind is stayed on thee: because he
trusteth in thee" (Isa. 26:3).
Man was created to live in harmony with
his Creator. Sin brought discord and en-
mity. But when sin is confessed and for-
saken, and our minds are set on God in the
heavenlies, peace fills our hearts because we
have found our rest. Though time's storms
rage about us, our inner calm cannot be dis-
turbed, for its equilibrium is founded upon
eternity's verities. Our human relationships
are affected by this inner peace; what men do
to us can never cause us to become agitated
and retaliatory. Let us go on in letting God
outwork this peace through us.
Wednesday, January 13
In Long-suffering, Meekness. Read Col. 3:12-14.
How often in the recent past have we felt
it necessary to stand firmly for our rights?
"If I don't let them know what's what, they'll
walk all over me." Exactly, "they" may do
just that. Being meek, long-suffering, pa-
tient, is no assurance that one will be handled
with kid gloves. Our Saviour wasn't. They
mocked Him, spit upon Him, accused Him
unjustly, and He didn't even open His
mouth. In the end, His patience in spite of
insults. His humble bearing when taunted
were vindicated, for many of His enemies
found it proof of His righteousness. If the
unkind remarks of others are falsehoods, our
meek attitude will prove them false more
quickly than "righteous indignation." Let us
cultivate these graces anew in 1954.
Thursday, January 14
In Gentleness. Goodness. Read las. 3:17. 18; Rom.
15:13. 14.
Who wants to be a "goody-goody"? In our
attempts to avoid this label, which suggests
a smug self-righteousness, have we gone to
the extreme of being fearful of being called
"good"? "Full of goodness," says Paul re-
garding the Roman brethren. It ought to be
said of us, for this is the will of God for
every child of His in every generation.
There's the story of the little girl who
prayed God to make the bad people good
and the good people nice. Maybe she had
reason for the latter request. Do we tend to
be vehemently, harshly good, critical and
exacting in our demands for our own stand-
ards of goodness in others? Truly God
would have us grow in goodness; He would
also have us become more gentle in our deal-
ings with our fellows.
Friday, January 15
In Faith. Read Gal. 3.
In today's world traditions of generations
are being lightly cast aside, accepted prin-
ciples are being questioned, new ideologies
are replacing the old: that which was thought
to be stable has become unstable. What shall
be our reaction to all of this? "Have faith
in God," for "God is faithful." The Rock of
Ages is an eternal Rock that shall never be
moved. As long as we are founded in Him,
we need have no fear, though the natural
"elements . . . melt with fervent heat."
If our God is thus unchanging and inde-
structible, why should we hesitate to do any-
thing He asks of us5 Though we cannot by
natural means see the end of our obedience
in each instance, we can believe God and
have it accounted to us for richteousness.
With the eye of faith we can see the final end
of obedience.
Father, bring us experiences this year that
will lead us on in developing greater faith
in Thee and less trust in ourselves and our
own works.
(Continued on page 21)
II
JESUS AND NTCODEMUS
Sunday School Lesson for January 17
(John 3)
In this series of lessons we are not study-
ing the life of Jesus, but Jesus Himself.
"What think ye of Christ?" is our great con-
cern. May teacher and pupil sec Jesus anew
in each lesson. Keep ever before you in teach-
ing the purpose for which John wrote his
Gospel. May your teaching lead every sin-
ner in your class to believe in Jesus Christ
as the Son of God and have life. May even
Christians find in Him more of the abun-
dant life He came to bring us. Here are
stores of riches and pleasures as we worship
before Him.
One of those men whom Jesus knew all
about (2:25) came to talk to Him. Who
was Nicodemus? Being a Pharisee he was
nurtured in bitter opposition to Jesus and to
His teachings. His being a ruler designated
him as having a high position as a chief
person among the Jews.
Why did Nicodemus come to Jesus? I;
seems he feared for his reputation. I doubt
if he came as a delegate from the Pharisees.
Perhaps (in keeping with the later attitude
Nicodemus took toward Jesus) he was very
unhappy in his old faith. Surely he knew
many truths concerning the Messiah if he
read the prophets. We take it from Jesus'
answer to Nicodemus that he might have
suspected that he had found the Messiah.
Jesus knew why Nicodemus came and be-
gan explaining the Messiah's kingdom. This
was not a temporal kingdom, not consisting
of the sons of Abraham, but a kingdom into
which no one can enter except by a new
birth. He was speaking straight — not even
Pharisees, Jews, rulers of Jews — no, not any-
one can enter without a new heart. How
one can get this new heart is the great burden
of this wonderful discourse with Nicodemus.
Here is marvelous teaching.
We learn that the new birth is a necessity,
that it is a mystery, that it is wrought by the
Holy Spirit, and that the condition on man's
part is faith in Jesus. Jesus was very kind
to develop all these four points for Nico-
demus and for us. Do we know this mighty
change? John writes them down for us in
his first epistle (I John 5:1; 3:9; 2:29; 3:14;
5:4; 5:18).
It must have been very hard teaching for
the ear of a self-righteous Pharisee. Although
Nicodemus was unhappy in his old faith, not
satisfied with the traditions, yet we know
what a hold traditions can have on one. The
law, which was to be their schoolmaster, had
been used to make slaves of them and to close
their hearts to the truth. Who could say
that Nicodemus was not courageous in seek-
ing out Jesus?
What wonderful truths Jesus spoke to this
man! We call this the heart of the Gospel.
We should be glad Nicodemus called forth
John 3:14-17. Consider carefully what Jesus
said in these verses to the Pharisee and to
us. Look and live. Look and live! Look to
Jesus, the Son of God. sent of God. In Him
you will have everlasting life; you will be
, (Continued on page 21)
12
GOSPEL HERALD
January 5, 1954
FIELD NOTES
Items to appear in this column for any issue of the
following Tuesday must reach Scottdale by Wednes-
day morning.
Five members were received into church
fellowship by water baptism on Dec. 13 at
Four-Mile Creek near Eaglesham, Alta. One
was the son of Bro. and Sister Rollin Yoder.
Three were married women, all sisters-in-
law, and one a widower who decided for
Christ when his wife passed away in peace.
Bro. J. B. Stauffer, Tofield, Alta., officiated.
The St. Jacobs, Ontario, mixed chorus un-
der the direction of Bro. Paul Swarr gave a
program at Waterloo on Dec. 27.
The South Central Mission Board has
appropriated money to buy hay for needy
farmers in south central Missouri. The Men-
nonite Service Organization of Hesston is
sending a truck load of food supplies. This
section has been hard hit by drouth for the
past two years.
The congregation at Winton, Calif., has
adopted a new constitution and also a name
— the Sharon Mennonite Church. Bro.
Leonard Garber is pastor and Bro. Luke
Weaver minister.
Bro. Truman H. Brunk, in reporting to
his home congregation about his recent trip
to Sicily, played a recording of church serv-
ices with singing in English and Italian and
a baptismal service.
Five new members were added to the
church at Meadville, Pa., on Dec. 13, bring-
ing the total membership to 74.
Table of Contents
1 — Praise Him (Poem)
2 — Calling All Laymen
Our Readers Say
3 — Church Business Meeting
The Gaze of Faith
4 — Our Wonderful Saviour
Experience
Are You a Long-Form Christian?
It Happened
5 — The Sacred Jordan Where John Baptized Our
Saviour
6 — The Revelation of Jesus Christ
7 — Prayer for this Week
Our Needy World
Prayer Requests
The Master's Call (Poem)
8 — Sectional Meeting of Collegiate Council
9 — Rebellion Is Satanic
10— By Candlelight (Poem)
Careful for Nothing
This God. . . Our God
God's Vitamins
11 — To Be Near to God
Sunday School Lesson for January 17
12— Field Notes
Calendar
13 — Missions
Treasurer's Report
14 — Our Witness in Belgium
15 — From New York to Jerusalem
16— I- W Work
Diary of MCC Executive Secretary on European
Trip
17 — Other Sheepfolds
Mennonite Hour
18— MRSC Weekly Notes
MCC Weekly Notes
Women's Activities
19 — From Our Churches
21— Births
Marriages
Obituaries
22— Book Shelf
24 — Items and Comments
The Heart-to-Heart radio program for
mothers conducted by Sister Ruth Brunk
Stoltzfus, Denbigh, Va., can now be heard
over the eighth station, KGAL, Lebanon,
Oreg., (930 on the dial) each Saturday at
9:15 a. m.
Sister Barbara Coffman, Vineland, Ont.,
recently addressed the Pennsylvania German
Society at Waterloo.
Bro. Paul N. Kraybill, editor of the Mis-
sionary Messenger, Lancaster, Pa., is taking
college courses at Eastern Baptist College,
Philadelphia.
Bro. Willis Yoder, Smith, Alta., had
charge of a winter Bible School at Four-
Mile Creek, Dec. 6-14. Bro. D. D. Brenne-
man, Creston, Mont., vice-president of the
Alberta-Saskatchewan Mission Board, had
charge of a Bible School at Culp, Alta., Dec.
10-13.
Five applicants were baptized at Elmira,
Ont., on Christmas Day. Another applicant,
absent because of ill health, will be baptized
later.
The Maple Grove Church, Belleville, Pa.,
had an interesting display of Bibles, including
different versions and different types of
Notice
Goshen College Announcement
Continuing and concluding its fiftieth anniversary
celebration Goshen College will commemorate the
dedication of its Administration Building and hold
an open house for the community on January 7, 8,
and 9. The 1903 dedication of the college grounds
was observed last May.
Featured in a program to be held in Assembly
Hall at 8 p.m. on January 7 will be N. E. Byers
and J. E. Hartzler, first and second presidents of the
school. I. W. Royer, former minister at the College
Church and first president of the alumni association,
will also participate in the program, at which S. F.
Coffman, son of the founder of Goshen College, will
preside.
"Adventures in Christian Education" will be the
subject of Paul E. Whitmer, who is to be the chapel
speaker on January 8. Whitmer, a Goshen junior
college graduate of 1905, was on the Goshen faculty
from 1908-16 as instructor of Bible, professor of
English, and dean.
Tours of the campus will be conducted by student
guides every half hour between 2:00 and 8:00 p.m.
on Friday, January 8, and from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. on
Saturday. Light refreshments will be served at the
conclusion of each 40-minute tour.
Over-all planning for the three-day celebration is
being done bv the Fiftieth Anniversary Committee
under the chairmanship of Bro. S. A. Yoder. Acting
Dean Massanari acted as chairman of the open
house committee and Bro. Willard Smith headed the
program committee.
• * •
Camp administrators and other church leaders
have indicated a need in our church for more and
better trained summer camp workers. In an effort
to meet this need Goshen College is planning a
Workshop for Camp Leaders and Counselors at the
Youth Village Camp site In Michigan, June 8-22. The
workshop will be helpful for counselors, directors,
administrators, and leaders of camping activities
in local congregations. Opportunity will be given to
discuss problems of program planning, learn camp-
ing skills, participate in craft activities and engage
in Bible study. The camp is located 20 miles from
the college campus and library materials will be
available on the camp site. Since the actual carry-
ing out of this workshop will depend on the number
of registrants, please indicate your interest in at-
tending by promptly writing to Dean Karl Massanari,
Goshen, Ind.
Planning committee,
Karl Massanari
Roman Gingerich
Edith Horr
printing and binding, in observance of Uni-
versal Bible Sunday on Dec. 13.
Main speakers at the annual Thanksgiving
Bible Conference of the Johnstown district
held at the Thomas Church Nov. 25-29 were
Sanford G. Shetler and John E. Gingrich.
Bro. Daniel Hertzler of the Christian Liv-
ing staff spends two days each week in
pastoral work at Kingview, East Scottdale,
where he is assistant pastor.
Charles Kalasky, a Hebrew teacher in New
York, gave a testimonv at the monthly meet-
ing in the interests of Jewish Evangelism
held in Lancaster, Pa., on Jan. 4. Walter
Kurtz reported on Jewish work in Phila-
delphia and Jacob Thomas reported on work
in New York.
Bro. John C. Wenger spoke at a farewell
service held at the Rockhill Church, Telford,
Pa., on Dec. 27 for Sister Esther Detweiler.
who is leaving soon for foreign mission work.
Instructors in a Bible Conference at Man-
son, Iowa, Dec. 28-30 were John David
Zehr. Los Angeles, Calif., and Richard J.
Yordy, Freeport, HI. The grandfathers of
these two men were the first ministers at
Manson. serving together for more than
30 years.
More than a hundred people attended the
Christmas program at Bluesky. Alta. This
was the largest attendance since the opening
of the work there. Bro. D. D. Brenneman.
Creston, Mont., was the guest speaker. Bro.
Paul Burkholder is the pastor at Bluesky as-
sisted by Bro. Leonard Cressman.
Bro. Milo Kauffman. Hesston. Kans.. serv-
ed as a proxy for J. D. Graber at a Board
Meeting at Culp. Ark., on Dec. 11. On
Dec. 13 he was in Kansas City in the interests
of the work at the Mennonite Gospel Center
and at the Argentine Mennonite Church.
—This Month.
(Continued on page 20)
Calendar
Annual Ministers' Normal, S. W. Pa. Conference,
Johnstown. Pa., Jan. 5-7.
Special Bible Term. Lancaster Mennonite School.
Lancaster, Pa.. Jan. 11 to Feb. 19.
North Central Winter Bible School, Loman, Minn. Jan.
11-29. . ,
Winter Bible School, Goshen College. Goshen, Ind..
Jan. 12-30.
Special Bible Term opens. Eastern Mennonite College,
Harrisonburg. Va.. Jan. 13, 1954.
Missionary Conference, E.M.C.. Harrisonburg. Va..
Jan. 16, 17, 1954.
Maple Grove Winter Bible School, Atglen, Pa.. Jan.
1 8-29.
Annual Meeting Mennonite Publication BoaTd, Plain
Church. Lonsdale, Pa.. Feb. 1718.
Christian Life Conference. E.M.C., Harrisonburg. Va..
Feb. 20, 21. 1954.
Iowa-Nebraska Mission Board midyear meeting at
Manson, Iowa. Feb. 23, 24.
1954 Conrad Grebel Lectures, by G. F. Hershberger.
at E.M.C.. HaTTisonburg. Va., March 17-20.
Spring Missionary Sunda», MaTch 21.
Annual meeting Illinois Mission Board. Pleasant HU1.
East Peoria, 111.. April 22. 23.
Semiannual meeting. Commission for Christian Edu-
cation. St. Jacobs. Ont.. April 30. May 1.
Conference on Christian Community Relations. E.M.C..
Harrisonburg. Va.. May 6, 7.
Home Sunday, May 9.
Annual meeting Mennonite BoaTd of Missions ana
Charities, somewhere In Oregon. June 18-20.
Annual Meeting. Southwestern Pa. Conference, place
undecided. Aug. 1-4.
Annual meeting South Central Conference, Assembly
of God campqround, near Eldon, Mo., August
17-20.
Annual Meeting, Illinois Conference. East Bend.
Fisher. 111.. Aug. 24-26.
January 5, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
13
Go, Preach
MISSIONS
Give. Pray
The General Board Headquarter, for Missions. Relief, and Service: 1711 Prairie Street. Elkhart. Indiana. Telephone. Elkhart 2-2786.
Mission News
The arrival date for the Simeon Hurst fam-
ily, returning on furlough from Tanganyika,
s now Dec. 28 in New York. Several Ontario
brethren are meeting them at the boat.
Friends in the Preston, Ont., area are provid-
ing them with an upstairs apartment consist-
ing of a living room, two bedrooms, and a
kitchen.
Members of the Mexican Mennonite
Church in Chicago are being given the op-
Sportunity to donate two hours of their time
[to the distribution of Spanish Bibles to
Spanish-speaking people in their section of
\ht city.
Bro. Allen Shirk, Bihar, India, in sending
Bn the news from that field writes: 'This
fmonth communion was observed at all our
{(churches here in Bihar. It was a time of
blessed fellowship as we once more remem-
bered the death of our Lord and Master . . .
We also thank God for guiding in several
wedding arrangements for our Christians.
Pray for the young people as they face life
and its problems."
Bro. John Gingrich, pastor of the Johns-
town, Pa., Mennonite Mission was hospitaliz-
ed several days before Christmas because of
a heart attack. Pray for him, his family,
and his church.
The John Friesen and Wilbur Hostetler
families arrived in Genoa, Italy, on Dec. 22
en route home from India for furlough. The
Friesen family planned to go directly to
London for Christmas while the Hostetlers
made several stops at Mennonite centers on
the continent. They are all due to arrive
in New York on Jan. 5.
The Radio Evangelism Committee of the
General Mission Board will meet at Har-
risonburg, Va., beginning Monday afternoon,
Jan. 18.
Bro. Milton Vogt was a patient at the
Mandar hospital, Bihar, India, for a few
days during November with paratyphoid.
Praise God for his recovery.
Bro. and Sister Clifford Slatter, Filer, Idaho,
are serving for six weeks at the Four-Mile
Creek Mission, Eaglesham, Alta., so that the
pastor and his wife, Bro. and Sister R. J.
Yoder, can attend Winter Bible School at
Carstairs, Alta. This is an idea for other
couples for next winter.
Sister Esther Kniss left Bihar, India, on
Nov. 11 for Dhamtari where she submitted
to maior surgery on Dec. 5. She has since
returned to Bihar. Praise God for her
speedy recovery.
Bro. and Sister Loyal Roth, workers in
the Culp, Alta., mission, operate the local
post office in their own house. This is one
way of contacting all of the residents in the
community.
Sister Ada Burkholder, Markham, Ont., is
a new worker in the Culp, Alta., mission.
She also helps in the home of one of the
worker couples, Bro. and Sister Robert Stauf-
fer.
Allen, Elsie, and Sylvia Ann Shirk, Bihar,
India, visited the Brethren in Christ mis-
sionaries in North Bihar during November.
While there they also enjoyed a speedy trip
to Darjeeling.
The second Northern Workers' Fellowship
meeting was held at Culp, Alta., on Nov.
11. Bro. J. B. Stauffer, Tofield, Alta., was
the speaker and conducted a communion
service with the workers. Bro. Linford Hack-
man, mission field superintendent for the
Alberta-Saskatchewan conference writes:
"There is no substitute for a meeting of this
kind where we can freely share our mistakes,
burdens, convictions, and visions, and then
be bound together by the love of Christ which
is so truly brought to us by the Holy Spirit
as we partake of the emblems of His broken
body and His shed blood."
Pray for the new Christians baptized into
the church in the Chandwa area of Bihar,
India, during November.
Sister Noreen Cressman, Guernsey, Sask.,
is serving as a local school teacher and mission
worker in the Four-Mile Creek Community,
Eaglesham, Alta.
Sister Bessie Reist, a mission worker from
Four-Mile Creek Mission, Eaglesham. Aha.,
is attending Ontario Mennonite Bible In-
stitute, Kitchener, Ont., this winter.
The Chaco Mission Council, Argentina,
met Dec. 11-16. Besides the local mission-
aries— the Albert Buckwaltcrs, John Litwil-
lers, and Mabel Cressman — Nelson and Ada
Litwiller, Amos Swartzentruber and B.
Frank Byler were also present. The Nelson
Litwillers planned to stay over Christmas
and then go on to Paraguay.
Bro. and Sister Eugene Blosser, Tokyo,
Japan, announce the arrival of Rachel Ann on
Dec. 22. She will attend the Japan Men-
nonite conference in Tokyo to be held in
her parents' living room the last of December
and the first part of January.
Gregory Miller, son of Bro. and Sister
Daniel Miller, missionaries to Argentina, is
slowly recovering from a sore neck muscle
condition. He and his mother are staying
at the Buenos Aires headquarters until he
attains a more complete recovery.
Bro. Luke Birky. La Plata, Puerto Rico,
spoke regarding the medical program in
Puerto Rico at the Zion Church. Hubbard.
Oreg., on Sunday morning, Jan. 3, and at
the Portland Mission in the evening. He
is scheduled to speak to the Albany con-
gregation, Jan. 8: the Fairview congregation.
Jan. 10; the Sweet Home congregation. Jan.
13; and the Harrisburg congregation. Jan.
15. A printed folder telling about the need
for a new hospital in Puerto Rico is now
Your Treasurer Reports
On several occasions recently the question
has been raised as to whether or not sufficient
loan funds have been received for the I-W
Center and Housing Program. In case there
may be others who would like to have this
information and who can consider making
loans for this purpose, this is to advise that
we are yet in need of funds for this purpose.
To finance the purchasing of property in
which to conduct Centers for men who
are serving under the draft law, we have
found it necessary to advance loan funds
to help meet this need and to assist our young
men in supplying these Centers for religious,
social, and living facilities. We are re-
questing the use of funds without interest,
but all funds loaned to the Mission Board
for this purpose will be secured by a demand
note. This means that the funds will be re-
turned at any time upon request. This will
make it possible for the brotherhood to loan
funds to the Mission Board which can be
used to help in the services being given
to our young men and at the same time
the funds can be had for personal use at
any time that they are needed.
We would like to urce anyone having
funds available which micht be used for
this purpose that thev send them promptly
to us. In case anvone would prefer to make
a contribution toward supplving this need
rather than placinc funds on loan, such con-
tributions would be appreciated and will be
applied toward this special need.
H. Ernest Bennett, Treasurer
Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities
Elkhart, Indiana.
available through the Publicity Office, Men-
nonite Board of Missions and Charities, Elk-
hart, Ind.
Bro. Delbert Erb, secretary of music for
the Argentine Mennonite Conference, has
recently spent a week each in the towns of
Tres Lomas. Trenque Lauquen. and Pehua-
jo. He worked mainly with the young peo-
ple of these congregations, teaching them
new hymns, how to read music, and organ-
izing choruses. Sister Erb accompanied him
to two of these towns.
A midyear report from the treasurer's,
secrctarv's, and publicity offices of the Gen-
eral Mission Board is being mailed to all
Board members, district board treasurers,
and other interested persons.
Bro. Amos Swartzentruber. Bragado, Ar-
gentina, held a week-end series of meetings
at Trenque Lauquen. Dec. 4-6. Each eve-
ning the young people's chorus sang several
numbers.
(Continued on page 20)
14
GOSPEL HERALD
January 5, 1954
Our Witness in Belgium
By David and Wilma Shank
II. The Home of Hope
"Look! There's somebody's mother!"
And with that, the nine older children,
ages 5 to 8, go running toward the gate to
see who the approaching lady is. To these
children, James, Paul, Michelle, and the
others, a woman is "somebody's mother" and
a man is "somebody's father." For most of
these who have fathers and mothers "some-
where" in Belgium do not know them, and
only try to understand what it would be like
to have the care of their own mother or
father. But they live happily in the Home
of Hope that the Mennonite churches support
and operate through the Mennonite Board
of Missions and Charities.
This home is in Ohain, Belgium, in the
province of Brabant, fifteen miles from the
capital city of Brussels, and only ten minutes
from the famous site of the Battle of Water-
loo. It was this home and these children
which many of our people took an eager in-
terest in during the year immediately after
the war. At that time Sister Esther Eby
worked in the home for over a year under
the MRC and in collaboration with the di-
rector of the home. This man, the founder,
was a warmly evangelistic Swiss pastor who,
while taking courses in social psychology
given in a Brussels prison, was struck with
the fact that many of the prisoners were ex
welfare children who had been "brought up"
in institutions. The large number of war
babies contributed to his vision of creating
a home for children who were not wanted by
unwed mothers, or who, for other social
reasons, needed to be "placed."
Institutions of this nature exist in Belgium.
They are run either by the Catholic Church
or by political groups, and have a non- or
anti-religious character. But only two Protes-
tant children's institutions existed in Bel-
gium, and these were not equipped to care
for children from the cradle to maturity.
Thus was born the Home of Hope, created to
fill the need — a real home, which these
abandoned or semi-abandoned children could
call their home, where they would know
personal love and care and family warmth.
The vision was a good one, as was the home,
until the enemy of faith and the church also
began his work, and over a period of years
practically destroyed the vision and the
home.
But that is another story. The most im-
portant thing is that the children have been
saved from their social environment and are
living now in a home where they hear of the
One who can save them and remake them to
witness of His kingdom.
It was to this work that we committed
ourselves in the fall of 1952. We felt that
this home could be a powerful witness for
the Lord in this country with its Catholic-
anti-Catholic struggle — the country that
knows so little of the Gospel and the fruit
of love, joy, peace, long-suffering. And we
rejoice to see what the Lord has accomplished
during this period of a little over a year.
Since the children's home had been located
in an old castle that was too clumsy (and
dirty) for the continuance of the work, we
were obliged to find a new location. As
you can imagine, not everyone wants to lease
a house for a home for twenty-five children.
And not every house that might be available
is suitable. But in the village of Ohain, where
lived the first mayor of New York, was lo-
cated a beautiful property with a large house
and a gardener's house, which we felt could
be adapted to the needs of the home. This
and another small house on the village square
(for the older children going to school) have
been leased and turned into the Home of
Hope.
After we moved into the home with our
own two boys on the first of February, we
anticipated the help of the MCC mobile
service unit. However, it was called to go
on that very date to the flood disaster in the
Netherlands. If you can imagine two people
with two boys doing the work of a service
unit of several men, you can understand your
missionaries' situation. It was not a mere
matter of cleaning the house. It was here a
little repairing, there a little repairing, in-
stalling plumbing for children and babies —
there was all this to supervise and at the
same time move the belongings and children
from the old location to the new in order not
to be separated too long with financial and
administrative details. How we worked!
And personnel! To find consecrated Chris-
tian personnel in a country where there are
so few evangelical Christians is not the easi-
est task. But the Lord, in response to the
prayers of many of you and others of His
children here in Belgium, sent, always at the
right time, just those persons who were
needed.
Can this home be a testimony for the Gos-
pel? One of the Belgian members of the
home committee has a small clothing factory
where some 20 girls are employed. He in-
vited me one day to come and tell his workers
(who were naturally interested in children)
about the work of the home. This occasion
offered also the opportunity for telling about
the source of the problem presented by these
children — the sin in the human soul. The
Lord had opened up through the children's
home a new occasion to witness of the grace
of the Lord Jesus Christ, and that to a group
of girls who had never heard. I finished my
message with the Gospel song, "Let the
Lower Lights Be Burning," and now in a
factory where one heard popular songs and
jazz, one may hear Gospel songs and
choruses. The girls come "en masse" to see
the children and bring a special gift of
clothing for them, or send a gift of money
for the work. And each time they come we
have a Gospel message and Gospel songs.
The opportunity is always there to bring the
message in word and song to the youth where
they work.
Sunday morning always finds the children
and staff and occasional visitors from the
village united in a worship service in the
front room. Again they hear the Gospel mes-
There could be an artist In the group.
The middlers getting ready for bed. Hoine of Hope. Ohain. Belgium.
January 5, /05./ GOSPEL HERALD
IS
The children playing in the back yard of the Home of Hope. Ohain. Helghim.
sage and words of admonition from the liv-
ing Word.
To all who enter the home there is the
opportunity to give a witness — to explain the
'why" of this particular children's home to
salesmen, delivery men, visitors, and inspec-
tors. Numerous times I have sat down for
an hour to talk with these people of Christ
nd what He means in the life of him who
accepts His grace and follows Him. To them
it is news, for they have never seen the living
Lord apart from a dead institutional church
that has left the Christ nailed to a cross, and
re
placed Him with a feminine mediator.
And the twenty-three children themselves?
How we wish you could hear them sing their
Gospel choruses and recite their verses and
watch them listen to the stories from the
summer Bible school books. No, not all of
them, for some are too small. Two are only
babies, one two years and the other five
months old, who sing in their own way.
The one is the second child of a woman
abandoned by her husband. She has found
a place in the home and her baby has found
the necessary care. And so one might con-
tinue the pictures of the origins of these
children — all painted with the sordid brush
of sin. But where sin abounded, grace did
much more abound. Occasionally we have
the joy of seeing a child adopted into a Chris-
tian family where he will have not only a
home, but also a real mother and father, the
God-ordained pattern for the life of all chil-
dren. What a dreadful responsibility this is
in a country where the Gospel is so unknown,
and the enemy so powerful! But the Lord
leads according to His promises and He is
faithful.
How we wish you might see how one little
child, who would make a dear little sister to
any family of boys, has blossomed out since
she has found a daddy and a mother. Her
new mother is the Christian wife of a con-
struction engineer who will "do anything'
for his new daughter. And so he follows
them to church and hears the Gospel. Will
you pray that this little child may be the
means of. converting her new father and
thus answer the prayers of her new mother?
"And a little child shall lead them."
Just last month a family of missionaries
in the Belgian Congo sent a photo of their
child who is "growing so rapidly and is a real
joy to her parents." Another child, the "fruit
of sin" as Belgian society nicknames them,
has found a new home. Through the faith-
fulness of God this can lead to truly "new
life," for one socially condemned, but for
whom there is hope because of the Home of
Hope.
We are without words to describe the
gratefulness we feel for the consecration and
efforts of our Belgian Christian friends and
brethren who have helped to re-establish
the Home. We are very conscious of what
it has cost some of them and what it has
cost our churches, and will continue to cost.
But for such a work and such a witness we
are convinced that no cost is too great.
Will we continue to dedicate ourselves to
the work? We will, but from a distance.
Belgian children need a Belgian home in
the pattern of Belgian life. Not all Ameri-
can things are best. We had prayed that,
at the proper time, the Lord would send the
person necessary to assume a larger part of
the "on the spot" responsibility, and before
we had dreamed of it a dear Christian lady
was led to us and offered herself to the work.
She has already done a life's work in nursing,
in training nurses, in directing a nurses'
school, in creating a children's city, in creat-
ing a school for child welfare workers, and
in writing. But Mademoiselle Revelard is
not yet readv to retire, and so for the first
time in her life is able to use her gifts in a
Christian home which belongs to the Lord
and serves Him. With several of her former
students, specialists in baby care, whom she
has interested in the Gospel, she has created
a real "team" to continue the re-established
vision at the Home of Hope.
Changing diapers, feeding children, peel-
ing potatoes, giving baths, shining shoes,
teaching songs and the Word — all this is
work. But it is a kind of work that changes
an empty house and an unused property in-
to a mission post. In an area where Napo'eon
and his men once tramped with the hope
of imperial victory, little feet now tramp in
the Home of Hope, for the glory of God.
Brussels, Belgium.
From New York to Jerus lem
By J. P>. Martin
When the Queen Mary pulled out of the
New York harbor on September 23, 1953.
Sister Martin and I occupied cabin 167 on
deck C. We met Bro. and Sister Roy Kreide.
on the boat and together we had a pleasant
voyage across the Atlantic Ocean and ar-
rived in London. England, September 28.
We were in London from September 29
to October 8 and had blessed fellowship with
Bro. and Sister Quintus Leatherman and
Bro. and Sister John Coffman. London to
a Canadian has many historical places of in-
terest such as Buckingham Palace, St. Paul's
Cathedral, Wesleyan Chapel, etc. The thing
that hurts one in London is that onlv about
5 per cent of the ten million population at-
tend church. One wonders what has hap
pence] to England spiritually since the days
of the Wesleyan revivals, and the preaching
of Spurgeon, and the teaching of G. Camp-
1 ell Morgan.
Bro. Leatherman and I looked at a number
of houses that are a possible buy for a
center. We attended a fellowship meeting in
the Leatherman home consisting of seven
Americans, six English, three Canadians,
three Poles, three Jews, and one Quaker.
To the average Canadian and American this
may seem a very small audience, but we
thank God for the interesting and inspiring
meeting. Pray for our brethren and sisters
in London. We also looked at a church that
is for sale in Kentish-Town in London uhe e
an interesting summer Bible school was held
Is this an open door for mission work? It
is very necessary to buy property in London
and the church at home should prav to thi'
end. not forgetting to give rome tithes and
offerings for the cause of missions among tbc
millions of indifferent, sinful, unsaved people
in London today.
Our next stop was with Bro. and Sister
Orley Swartzentrubcr in Paris. France. I
wrote in my diary: "Paris, massive buildings,
people goinc to and fro from business to
pleasure. How can one reach this multi-
tude?" We need to pray for our missionaries
in Paris that the Lord mav lead them to a
definite field in this laree citv. May our
brother and sister ever remember that one
MISSIONS SECTION
16
GOSPEL HERALD
January 5, 1954
they do individual witnessing instead of
mass evangelism, we pray that soon a small
Gospel fellowship of saints may witness in
France.
Belgium is a small country with some nine
million people. Bro. and Sister Dave Shank
and the local evangelist and his wife, Bro.
and Sister Lambotte, are giving an effective
witness in Brussels. The people are pre-
dominantly Catholic and the Evangelical
groups are small. We had the privilege of
attending a week-night service at the Gospel
Center where sixty people listened with in-
tense interest to Bro. John Howard Yoder
lecture on "The History of Mennonites."
May God bless the evangelistic efforts in
Brussels and the good work in the Children's
Home.
In Holland the Menno Simons memorial
makes one think of our Mennonite heritage.
In Switzerland as one stands on the banks
of the Limmat River in Zurich and thinks of
the drowning of Felix Manz and then looks
at the plaque in memory of Conrad Grebel,
the challenge again is, "What kind of Chris-
tian conviction do I have?"
We enjoyed our stay with the relief work-
ers in Germany. May God bless all the
workers and the I-W men as they labor in
Germany. As one travels through the Arab
countries, and especially Jordan, one has no
words to describe the want and poverty of
these millions of refugees living in tents.
The Lehmans, the Stoltzfus sisters, and
others are used by God to give an impressive
witness. Their work must go on and God
will surely reward every effort put forth to
help these hapless and poverty-stricken peo-
ple.
On November 5 Sister Martin and I
walked over no man's land to the six-year-
old (or young) state of Israel. The old Jeru-
salem in Jordan has no Jews but all Arabs
within its walls. The new Jerusalem is Israel
and within the state there are Jews and
Arabs.
In Canada and the United States there is
plenty, but here things are rationed. Many
immigrants have come to this country in the
past five years and people face hardships and
difficulties to establish new homes. Israel
has many economic, national, and interna-
tional problems but the Israelis are intensely
interested in their status as a state, in the
development of agriculture, in planting of
citrus fruit groves, in development of irriga-
tion to water the desert and make it blossom.
The study of the people of Israel presents ex-
tremes from the energetic, progressive ma-
terialist with a non-godly belief to the
staunch, unmovable, orthodox follower of an
unchanging Jewish religion.
This is Jerusalem of which Jesus said in
Matt. 23:37: "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou
that killest the prophets, and stonest them
which are sent unto thee, how often would
I have gathered thy children together, even
as a hen gathereth her chickens under her
wings, and ye would not!" Luke records in
19:41: "And when he was come near, he
beheld the city, and wept over it."
MISSIONS SECTION
My friends, the Christians in Israel need
your prayers and the people of Israel need
Christ. Will you remember your representa-
tives and ask God by His Holy Spirit to save
some ?
Box 854, Jerusalem, Israel.
Witness
I-W Service in Earning Units
By Boyd Nelson
Alternative service is the work done by
conscientious objectors in lieu of military
service. This alternative service may be done
in an earning position or as voluntary service.
I-W men in earning units do many differ-
ent types of work in many different states.
The most numerous approved institutions are
general hospitals. Others include mental hos-
pitals, t.b. sanatoria, schools for mental de-
ficients, dairy testing, and agricultural ex-
perimental farms. Within these institutions
the men are employed in nearly all types of
work.
I-W men in earning units are on their own.
They are free to choose their job as individu-
als, and may, if they choose, live as individu-
als. They are paid as other employees doing
the same work, arrange for their own living
facilities, and pay for their own board and
room. Generally institutional wages are not
hieh and some I-W men find it difficult to
live within their wages. Many of the institu-
tions where I-W men are working are in
larpe urban centers where living costs tend
to be high.
A man in an earning position may find
himself in a large city with a large group of
other I-W men working in the same hospital
or in institutions near by. In Cleveland,
Ohio, there are approximately 160 men in
about eight institutions all over the city. In
Denver, Colo., there are 200, plus, men at
work in eight or ten institutions and for the
city. In contrast to this a man in an earning
position may have a job which is removed
from other I-W men as in dairy testing or in
small institutions. Even if the group in a
hospital numbers fifty, the men are limited
in their fellowship since they work on vary-
ing shifts and as few as fifteen or less may
be off from work at any one time.
On first leaving home the men may hesi-
tate to tie themselves to a group program,
which is to be expected. But by the time
they are on the job a few months they appre-
ciate group fellowship and willingly partici-
pate in such programs. These programs may
include prayer meeting, Sunday school, wit-
ness activities, recreation, and week-end con-
ferences.
Men in earning positions do receive serv-
ices from the church which will be reported
in another article in this series.
Office for Relief and Service
Elkhart, Indiana
Diary of MCC Executive
Secretary on European
Trip
By O. O. Miller
London, England — October 30, 1953. The
journey here this time required a bit less
than 11 hours. John Coffman met me at
downtown terminal. Don Jacobs soon joined
us for lunch; then Don and I called at In-
ternational Missionary Council office for the
appointment regarding the call for an Ameri-
can Board to help in Northeast Northern
Rhodesia Mission occupancy. We got more
information and will need to correspond for
still more. For supper Quintus Leathermans,
Don Jacobs, John Coffman, and I were to-
gether in John's Menno Travel Service office.
The Leathermans have made a down pay-
ment for a proposed Gospel Center property,
and hope to have it soon, and better establish
this beginning work. Up to 25 have been in
attendance at the biweekly Saturday p.m.
spiritual fellowship meetings in their pres-
ent quarters. The Don Jacobs are happy
in their London school experience toward
their Tanganyika assignment.
Train En route to Luxembourg-Basel —
November 2, 1953. Clarence Fretz met me
at Luxembourg station at four this morning.
By midforenoon Harvey Millers joined us in
the Fretz home for a leisurely visit on Mis-
sion development and status. The workers
are now at home in the language and slowly
broadening and deepening their outreach
and are happy.
Yesterdav at Heerewegen Center. Holland,
Bro. A. L. Van Gilse was formally installed
as the new director and the new co-operative
arrangement in management and support
between MCC, the Dutch Peace Group, and
ADS was begun. Bro. Gilse's testimony
and sermon and outline of program for
Heerewegen heartened us all. As an Ameri-
can Mennonite home and meeting place in
Europe and the home base for Dutch Men-
nonite Peace and Nonresistance concerns.
Heerewegen continues as before. The Irvin
Horsts are now concentrating on completing
his Holland studies in England-Continent
Sixteenth-century Anabaptist Relationships.
Holland seemed at its autumn loveliest. Some
of the 12 PAX men still attached to Holland
flood relief program were in and out of
Amsterdam Center and Heerewegen meet-
ings over the week end.
Basel, Switzerland, MCC Headquarters-
November 6, 1953. Truman Brunk, Den-
bigh. Va.. called between trains (en route to
Sicily with Lewis Martin') and over tea
time. David Shanks, Brussels, were here
overnight and for breakfast en route home
from two weeks' leave here near by. Son
Johns left Basel yesterday for Akron. Much
is the same here at headquarters from one
visit to the other, and much is different.
Actually, European Area Headquarters^ is
now ;it Frankfurt where C. F. Klassens reside
and work. The Christian Fducational Ma-
terials team of four continues here, also the
Voluntary Service office, the Area Business
office and European Bible school interests.
January 5, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
17
The time seems to have come, however, to
vacate 11 Boecklinstrasse and to move into
more permanent quarters better adapted to
the continuing needs of the program from
here. These few days were spent to this pur-
pose. Yesterday Klassen and I were in
Geneva contacting Refugee Service and Aid
interests, particularly as this has relevance
to our continuing PAX units in Greece. To-
night we leave via Swissair for there. Twelve
folks currently serve here.
Salonika, Greece — November 9, 1953. Ivan
lloldeman and Libert Lsau met me here
Friday noon. It drizzled or rained ever since.
After lunch we drove the eighty miles to
Panayitsa — bad roads part of the way — and
so it was dark before arrival there. Our two
MCC PAX men from Joanina Unit (15
hours driving) arrived as we did. Our unit
of eight was all together over the week end.
We fellowshiped and worshiped and planned
together the expansion of the work to
thirteen workers and an additional sub-unit
30 miles away at Tsakonis, a refugee village
which had been completely evacuated and
destroyed in the guerrilla war and which had
officially requested our coming to help in
their farming rehabilitation. We met the
village Leadership yesterday, and were favor-
ably impressed with their quality and atti-
tude and also impressed with the need and
our unit's opportunity. The Geneva High
Commissioner Refugee office advised last
week that Greece needs high priority in their
judgment. A truly significant, tho' difficult
frontier service. Here in Salonika was
Apostle Paul's second European missionary
venture.
Frankfurt, Germany, MCC Center — No-
vember 11, 1953. Heavy fog between Zurich
and Frankfurt yesterday delayed our arrival
here three hours. The layover in Athens
Monday enabled a half-hour visit to the
Acropolis and Paul's Mars' Hill. J. N. Byler
arrived here last evening from Bonn— his
Germany month's guest tour of Religious
Affairs ended, and we now work together
for the balance of my visit here. The whole
western Europe economic and political pic-
ture has changed radically since last visit,
and largely from Germany's recent, rapid
economic comeback, and all this is of much
significance in MCC and missions' program
in Europe, too.
Backnang, Germany — November 12, 1953.
It was a real thrill to arrive here last evening
at 4:30 and see 22 of the 24-man PAX unit
busy with the seven from the contractors'
staff on outside finishing touches of houses
four and five of the ten-unit project. Fifty-
two Mennonite refugee families have already
moved into the ultimate 18-house, 100-family
colony. The thrill continued through supper
together and subsequent fellowship in prayer
meeting and visit. Unit morale is excellent
and a good witness is being given.
Frankfurt, Germany — November 13, 1953.
By yesterday noon we arrived at Enkenbach
PAX building project from Backnang. Had
lunch and a meeting with the 15-man unit
there and saw them at work on house No. 2
of a 12 four-family house group. Over sup-
per visited at the Bad Duerkheim Children's
Home. This 50-children project is now four
years old. Its place, purpose, and goals in
MCC European program are being reformu-
lated. This morning we met with Kaisers
lautern Obcrgurmeister Miiller who offers
MCC a valuable, well-located site for neigh-
borhood service and center purpose. He
spoke most appreciatively of Mennonite past
help to city and community and hoped we
would stay and assured us of every help and
co-operation the city can give. Stopped at
Ludwigshafen for lunch and counsel with
banker Bro. Fritz Stauffer and arrived back
here about 3:00 p.m., our trip mission
finished except for the next days' leaders'
retreat.
Bad Hamburg Park Sanatorium Hotel —
November 15, 1953. We are spending this
final 48-hour week end here with about 20
of the older, longer term workers in retreat
and sharing of plans and conclusions for
this ongoing European Area Mission. Bro.
C. Wall is leading in a series of studies from
Titus. He and John Shank brought us this
morning's messages. Byler shared his past
month's Germany experiences with the group
last evening. Tomorrow forenoon's business
session will close this get-together and my
trip purpose. About 40 relief worker ap-
pointees and 80 PAX men represent the
American churches in these six European
countries now. They seem a happy group,
giving a good witness and much-needed and
appreciated service and help.
Our Pan-American plane is due to leave
Frankfurt at 5:00 p.m. tomorrow for New
York and home.
Pan-American Plane Nearing New York —
November 17, 1953. It was a good trip across,
and on schedule. The Lord marvelously
undertook again in this assignment in pro-
tection, leading, and enabling, and we thank
Him.
Akron, Pa.
The
r Mennonite
Hour
The 50,000 watt station in Pittsburgh, Pa.,
KDKA, has recently opened its schedule for
paid religious broadcasts. In order to give
better coverage in western Pennsylvania
and eastern Ohio, The Mennonite Hour will
be released over this station each Sunday
from 3:00 to 3:30 p.m. beginning Jan. 17,
1954. KDKA can be found on the dial at
1020 kc on AM and at 92.9 mc on FM.
Education in Israel is compulsory, and the
people are said to read more newspapers
and magazines per capita than any other
people in the world. — The Alliance Weekly.
Missions Editorial
Other Sheepfolds
The Christian accepts without question the
idea proclaimed by Jesus Himself that He
is the one shepherd and there is only one
fold. But the Mohammedan, Buddhist, Con-
fucianist, and Shintoist considers his religion
as the one fold. Furthermore, within the
framework of the Christian Church, the
Methodist, Presbyterian, Baptist, Mennonite,
Catholic, insists that his is the true church.
Is it any wonder that the unbeliever be-
comes confused? Without the intervening
hand of the Holy Spirit to direct him he
can only be expected to choose his religion
according to human convenience and advan-
tage, if he chooses at all. More than likely
he will follow the religion of his forebears
in blind faith. Or, he will turn away from
all religion in disgust.
The Christian cannot admit that other
religions provide a means of personal salva-
tion. He must follow the lead of his Master
in insisting that there is only one fold, only
one way to be saved. It remains then for
men to find that one way.
Confusion has been injected into the situ-
ation by Satan, the master deceiver, who
goes about "as a roaring lion, seeking whom
he may devour." Satan and his followers
have no doubt about the one way. They
know and are convinced that there is only
one fold. However, since they have missed
the way themselves, they strive with all
their cunning to misdirect others. They
care not whether a man holds to a religious
belief or whether he doesn't, so long as he
does not enter "the fold."
Therefore, the forces of evil designedly
throw confusion into the religious world
whenever possible. And not only do they
accomplish this by instigating different re-
ligions, but also by causing divisions they
hope to discredit the Christian Church and
raise a question regarding its claim to being
"the fold."
God has not left men without aides to find-
ing "the fold." The Bible clearly shows the
way for all who will follow its signposts.
Jesus, the Good Shepherd, is revealed to men
through the Word of God. Born-again be-
lievers regardless of denominational label
point the way to lost travelers along life's
road. The Holy Spirit, sent by God to call
His sheep into the fold, works in the hearts
of men convicting them of sin, of righteous-
ness, and of judgment to come.
No religion, however well thought out,
offers so many guideposts to its adherents, so
many proofs that it is "the fold." — L. C. H.
MISSIONS SECTION
18
GOSPEL HERALD
January 5, 1954
Relief and Service News
MRSC Weekly Notes
Voluntary Service
A new folder entitled "You and Voluntary
Service" has been printed and will be mailed
soon to all pastors and other interested indi-
viduals. This folder invites anyone to con-
sider Voluntary Service who is:
Young — and wants to realize his eager vi-
sions of doing things for his Lord.
Older — and wants to realize opportunities to
serve which were not realized in his youth.
Single — and wants to devote a period of
time to God in this type of full-time serv-
ice.
Married — and has no family responsibilities
which might hinder direct, full-time serv-
ice.
This new folder also gives a brief descrip-
tion of present on-going units, several per-
sonal testimonies and an explanation of the
financial arrangements. Any one who wishes
a supply of "You and Voluntary Service"
and doe? not receive any from the regular
mailing should write the Office for Relief
and Service, 1711 Prairie St., Elkhart, Ind.
Personnel
Bro. Lowell Erb, Goshen, Ind., began a
period of Voluntary Service at the Mennon-
ite Hospital and Sanitarium, La Junta, Colo.,
on December 1. He had completed five
months of I-W Service on an Alternative
Service earning basis and volunteered for
a transfer to Voluntary Service.
Bro. Earl Ulrich joined the Voluntary
Service program on December 21. His par-
ticular assignment is indefinite.
I-W Service
Activities reported by the I-W unit at East
Lansing, Mich., include packing Christmas
bundles for the Navaho Migrant Unit and
presenting a program at Clare, Mich., en-
titled "Doing Service for Christ."
The men in the unit in Indianapolis, Ind..
have organized a number of meaningful
activities . for the Christmas season. They
have made use of attractive special bulletins
to announce the programs and related ac-
tivities during this season.
Released December 24
Office for Relief and Service
Elkhart, Ind.
MCC Weekly Notes
Prepare for Prairie View Hospital Opening
Actions indicating that Prairie View Hos-
pital near Newton, Kans., is nearing the be-
ginning of its services to the mentally ill
include the securing of psychiatric personnel,
the acquiring of housing for the staff, and
the planning of the dedication service.
MISSIONS SECTION
Two qualified psychiatrists have been se-
cured to give medical direction to the hos-
pital program. They will be serving on a
half-time basis. Meanwhile efforts will con-
tinue to find a psychiatrist who will reside
in Newton. This psychiatrist will also assist
in the operation of outpatient facilities and
a guidance clinic planned in connection with
Prairie View Hospital. In addition to staff
psychiatrists, Harold Vogt, formerly of Hills-
uoro, Kans., and now compledng graduate
work at the University of Southern Cali-
Lornia, has been secured as the clinical psy-
chologist. Such other personnel as nurses,
aides, and housekeepers are still needed.
A large two-story dwelling known as the
H. E. and John C. Suderman house has been
given to Prairie View hospital by the Bethel
clinic in Newton. It will be moved to a new
site in Newton and will continue to be used
for staff housing. A three-story residence
has been purchased and will be used for staff
housing and will likely be the location of
the M.C.C. regional office in Newton.
A committee has been appointed to plan
the hospital dedicadon. This committee in-
cludes Myron Ebersole, hospital administra-
tor; Elmer Ediger, Waldo Hiebert, Daniel
Kauffman, and Albert Unruh — members of
the hospital steering committee; and H. A.
Fast and P. C. Hiebert, M.C.C. members
living in the central area. It is hoped Prairie
View can be opened by late February.
The interest and enthusiasm of the New-
ton community in Prairie View hospital is
evidenced by a $5,391 contribution from the
Chamber of Commerce. Another group that
is making a significant contribution to
Prairie View are Mennonite and Brethren in
Christ I-W men. At this reporting they have
contributed more than $2,600.
While Prairie View hospital looks forward
to service during the coming years, the two
other M.C.C. mental hospitals have served
many patients during the past year and are
planning additional facilities which will ex-
tend their services and increase their efficien-
cy-
Brook Lane Farm near Hagerstown, Md.,
admitted 224 patients during the past year.
Fifteen per cent of these patients were from
M.C.C. constituent groups. A 10-bed wing
which has been constructed during the past
year will be put into use in February. While
this addition will increase the capacity of
the hospital, its main purpose is to provide
segregating facilities so the hospital will be
able to extend its treatment services to .1
greater variety of mental illnesses. Architec-
tural planning has been initiated to seek to
fill the needs for increased dining room and
staff living facilities at Brook Lane Farm.
The West Coast M.C.C. mental hospital.
Kings View Homes in Reedley, Calif., ad-
mitted 96 patients during the past year — 2?
per cent of them being from M.C.C. constitu
cut groups. Various plans for construction
of a new 40-bed treatment center are under
consideration.
Participates in Radio Program
Discussing U.M.T.
C. N. Hostetter, Jr., chairman of the Men-
nonite Central Committee, participated in
the radio-television program, "American
Forum," on Sunday, Dec. 20, which dis-
cussed universal military training.
The broadcast which stemmed from the re-
cent report to the President of universal
military training by the Nadonal Security
Training Commission was a question and
answer discussion. Questions came from the
participants invited by the National Broad-
casting Company and answers were given
by Sen. Edwin C. Johnson of Colorado, an
opponent of U.M.T., and Sen. George A.
Smathers of Florida, a supporter of U.M.T.
Among the questions raised during the
program was one by Brother Hostetter on
the possible effect of the adoption of U.M.T.
on our basic freedoms. Following the pro-
gram, Senator Johnson made comments in-
dicating deep concern over this issue.
Relief Worker Returns From
Europe
Sara H. Hiebert, Hillsboro, Kans., has re
turned to the United States after nearly three
years of relief service in Germany and Aus-
tria. Her work consisted of clothing distribu-
tions at various centers in these countries.
Most of her period of service was spent at
the Heilbronn community center. Sister
Hiebert served in Paraguay previous to her
service in Europe.
Five Attend December
Voluntary Service School
The five men and women attending the
December Voluntary Service orientation
school held at Akron headquarters have
taken up their assignments.
Edwin and Marjorie Neufeld, Inman.
Kans., are working at Boys Village, Smith-
ville, Ohio, a home for maladjusted and
delinquent boys. Edwin will assist in main-
tenance and construcdon work and Marjorie
will serve as unit matron doing such things
as preparing meals for the other five volun-
teers now at Boys Village.
Milfred and Marilyn Schmidt, Canton,
Kans., have joined the 11 other volunteers in
Portland, Maine. Milfred will be working
as a nurse aid in Maine General hospital
and Marilyn will be assisting in household
duties in the unit house.
Harry Neufeld, Inman, Kans., is working
as an aide at Brook Lane Farm, the M.C.C.
mental hospital near Hagerstown, Md.
There are now 150 young people in 20
M.C.C. Voluntary Service projects in the
United States and Canada. This is the high-
est number of volunteers to participate in the
long-term program.
Released Dec. 24, 1953
MCC Information Service
Akron, Pa.
Women's Activities
Mrs. Daniel Stoltzfus. New Carlisle, Ind.,
writes: "We are just in the process of organ-
izing a women's meeting here at the Hudson
l ake Mennonite Church. Thus far our meet-
ings have been only for juniors. However,
next week we hope to begin with an adult
circle also. Likely the attendance will be
yanuary 5, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
Lcry small, but wc hope and pray that more
Lvill become interested." May we join the
btoltzfuses in prayer tor this new held of
kvork.
• * •
The East Bend sewing circle, Fisher, 111.,
had as their special project for November the
preparation of 211 fruit plates which they
^ave to the shut-ins of their community.
• * *
Mrs. J. D. Graber and Mrs. Guy Hersh-
jcrger were the guest speakers for the an-
lual October Illinois sectional sewing circle
neetmgs. This year the meetings were held
.11 Chicago, Arthur, and Metamora. Mrs.
I lershberger, speaking on "His Name Be
Lilonhed," built her thoughts around the
»vork of the local circle as an auxiliary to
he church in its mission outreach, emphasiz-
,ng that the need is great. Telling about the
iewing circle work in Basel, Switzerland,
lidded interest and color to her talk.
Next Mrs. Hershberger spoke concerning
.he annual sewing circle projects planned by
;he General Committee and of those which
,;ontinue through the years.
Finally she took her listeners into the
lomes of growing children. "It is here,
;aid Mrs. Hershberger, "that foundations
nust be laid if our mission work is to grow
ind our children are to enjoy the blessings
)i Christian service."
Emphasizing the need for sharing good
jooks in the home, Sister Hershberger stated
hat good books help children obey; that the
eading of good books together in the home
s more important than immaculate house-
keeping; and that reading draws the family
;ogether. The importance of not putting
hildren off if we want them to learn to co-
jperate was stressed. As a help to parents
)f growing children, the book Home Builds
Persons by Myers (329 pp., $3.00, Mennonite
Publishing House, Scottdale, Pa.) was rec-
ommended.
J"' Continuing on the subject, "His Name
Be Glorified," Mrs. Graber used as a back-
ground the contrasting pictures of the low
,'" status of non-Christian women in foreign
ands, whose husbands want them to remain
"l jnleamed so that they will obey perfectly,
0 with the beautiful picture of our women
?oing to sewing circle having the full co-
|"2 operation of their husbands in their service
10 others.
In the second and larger part of her talk
• she spoke of the fourteen district sewing
"f :ircle organizations, of the over-all commit-
11 tecs, and of their various interests, emphasiz-
ing always that the purpose of our organiza-
tion is to help others. Stressing the
importance of having all activities exalt
Christ and the necessity of using our time to
accomplish the most good, Sister Graber also
.irought in the challenge of younger leader-
ship.
In closing, Mrs. Graber gave thoughts on
the necessity of good attitudes in the home.
* She contrasted the home without love with
•11V the home where love reigns supreme. She
stated that our hearts must be fixed in trust-
eet' ing the Lord; that we must be careful in
observing Sunday; that the religious life in
the home is the child's foundation for life
(read Charles Sheldon's In His Steps); and
that love, peace, and honest seeking after
God's Word makes a happy home.
On the negative, she gave these points:
Do not air grievances at table; do not accept
church offices to increase prestige. Going on
in her conclusion, Mrs. Graber spoke of the
Christian life as a life of joy, emphasizing
that the home is an excellent place to teach
children about Jesus. Wc must teach love,
and teach that our reason for hating sin is
that it displeases God, her final statement
being that the Lord is the Supreme Help for
the home. — Mrs. C. L. Shank.
From Our Churches
■vet.
ASHLEY. MICHIGAN
(Bethel Congregation)
Dear Herald Readers :
Greetings in Jesus' name. S. M. King and
family, on furlough from India, visited relatives
at this place Saturday night and Sunday, Sept.
2(5, 27. Bro. King brought the Sunday morn-
ing message.
Oct. 11, David Mann, Elkhart, Ind., a Go-
shen College Seminary student, preached for
us both morning and evening.
D. S. Yoder was again able to serve in our
fall communion eerviee, Oct. 25.
Nov. 15-29 we enjoyed a series of meetings
conducted by John M. Landis, Hesston, Kans.
The messages were heart-searching. Faults
were acknowledged and sin confessed. Some
accepted Christ for the first time. Refreshed
and revived, we feel more keenly the need of
continual cleansing and indwelling of the Holy
Spirit. We realize, too, the need of personal
evangelism, for unsaved friends are not easily
persuaded to attend evangelistic services.
On Thanksgiving Day Bro. Landis delivered
an appropriate Gospel message, following an
open meeting of thanksgiving and prayer.
Midweek meetings are being conducted each
Thursday evening under the leadership of Vin-
cent Snvder.
Jan. 17, 1954, is the date set for a public
I-W meeting to be held at Bethel Church. We
ask an interest in your prayers.
Lydia Oyer.
BIRCH TREE. MISSOURI
(Berea Congregation)
Greetings in Jesus' name:
We have much to praise the Lord for,
though we have been and are still in the worst
ilrought known in the history of this part of
the country and many of us have been hauling
water, both for household use and stock, since
midsummer. We are entering the winter with
very little feed for what stock we have not dis-
poned of.
Lee Hershberger and wife of North Dakota
■ isited with his brother and family, Roman
1 lershberger. and brought us the morning mas-
sage April 25, and on June 7 Bro. Fred Ging-
erich, Canby, Oreg., brought us the morning
message.
On May 16, 17, a doctrinal conference was
held here for all the churches of Missouri and
Arkansas. The moderators wore Manasseh
Rontreger and Fred Swartzendruber. Chil-
dren's meeting was conducted by Ruby Hatha-
way, Lydia Driver, and Mary Yoder.
Raymond Hershberger and wife were with
us on May 24 and again on Nov. 15 to hold
communion service.
Our Bible school was held June 8-19. Edward
Kauffman, Hesston, Kans.. and Elizabeth Yoder.
Yoder, Kans., helped as teachers. Patricia Al-
len, Natalie Ilines, and Esther Detwiler of
the home congregation also helped. The aver-
age attendance was 39.
On July 30 the sewing circle of the Berea
Church held a fellowship meeting inviting the
sewing circles from Mountain Yiew, Culp, and
Optimus, Ark., to join us. The theme of the
afternoon program was, "How Can I Be a
Missionary?"
Severul from the Berea congregation went
to the conference at Hutchinson, Kans.. and
also attended the Brunk revival meeting.
Our fall revival was held Sept. 9-17 with
Joseph Neuhouser, Fort Wayne, Ind., as evun-
gelist. Two made the decision for ChrUt.
The new officers for the Sunday hchool elect-
ed Sept. 20 are: Supt., Gene Templeton ; A**t.
Supt., Roman Hershberger; Secy., Esther Det-
wiler ; Asst. Secy., Lydiu De Priest ; Choristers,
Natalie Hines and Alice Detwiler.
Ten of our young people attended the Youth
Institute held at Sycamore Grove Church,
Garden City, Mo., over the Thanksgiving week
end.
.Missionary Sunday was observed Nov. 22
and the offering was sent to Korea.
A group of young people from Hesston Col-
lege had charge of the morning and evening
service on Sunday, Dec. 27.
We have started a building fund for a new
church. The one we now worship in is over 50
years old and a new one is needed badly.
Esther Allen.
GLADYS. VIRGINIA
(Bethel Congregation)
Dear Hlkald Readers :
Christian greetings. We thank our heavenly
Father for supplying all our needs.
Sept. 17 Bro. and Sister Chris Kurtz and
family and Sister Katherine Mast from El-
verson, Pa., visited here. Bro. Kurtz brought
a message in the evening on "The Christian
Life." We thank the Lord for this timely
message.
Bro. and Sister John Gingerich, formerly
from Hartsville, Ohio, spoke to us about the
work at Espelkamp, Germany. We became
more conscious of the needs of our brethren
in other lands.
Our church building is not completed yet
but us soon as the ceiling is in and the base-
ment cemented so that the furnace can be in-
stalled, we plan to use it. During the sum-
mer brethren from Maryland. Pennsylvania.
Delaware, and Yirginia were here to work on
the church building. We want to thank all
those who so kindly donated their time and ef-
fort to help in this work, and also those who
gave gifts.
On. Nov. 1 we had our communion. A num-
ber of visitors from E.M.C. and also from New
port News, Va., were present that day. We
want to welcome all our visitors back again,
and others also.
On Nov. 20 a sisters' sewing circle was or-
ganized for the first time. Sister Gwendolyn
Zehr was elected president and Sister Alice
Schrock, secretary-treasurer.
We desire the prayers of God's people in be-
half of this work.
Alice Schrock.
HICKSYILLE. OHIO
(Lost Creek Congregation)
Dear Hkkai.d Readers:
Greetings in the Master's name. "The Lord
hath done great things for us; whereof we are
glad." Bless His holy name.
We need to call upon God for help so that
souls may be saved and Christians strengthen-
ed. We are glad for the visitors that wor-
shiped with us in the past. Come again.
Archie Graber gave a talk to us telling of
their experiences in Africa. We were also
privileged to hear a talk that Erma Graber
gave at the Pine Grove sewing which was
very interesting.
A group from Lockport rendered the even-
ing program Oct. 25.
Oleu Nofziger from Wauseon. Ohio, wor-
shiped with us on Nov. 22.
"Bless the Lord. O my soul, and all that
is within me. bless his holy name."
Correspondent.
KKNNKTT SQUARE. PENNSYLVANIA
(Kennett Square Mission)
Dear Christian Friends:
"The Lord hath done great things for us;
whereof we are glad."
Approximately four years ago on Saturday
evenings during the summer meetings were
held in the town of Kennett Square. Through
these meetings a family became interested and
Sunday school was held in their home on
Sunday afternoons. Workers came from the
Homeville and Millwood churches. During the
following year other families became interested
20
and the need arose for a permanent place of
worship.
A vacant church was found and purchased
in 1952 and services continued on Sunday after-
noon. Beginning July 5, 1953, services were
held on Sunday mornings. Summer Bible school
has been held the last three summers with a
growing attendance each year. Following Bi-
ble school evangelistic meetings were held, but
this year they were held later when Bro. Jacob
Ititteuhouse, Lansdale, Pa., served as the evan-
gelist in October. During these meetings souis
were stirred and convicted. Thirteen responded
to the invitation for salvation. Ten of tuese
thirteen were mothers and fathers. Pray for
these precious souls that as they go tnrougn
iusLrucuon for baptism, they will be submissive
to the Lord as lie reveals sins in their lives
that need to be crucified. We rejoice with these
souls that have found Christ. We must not
stop working now, for there are many more
who do not know Him.
Pray that the Lord will lead more workers
into this vineyard and that those who have
named His name might remain faithful to Him.
We appreciate the Glenn Miller and Burner
liessler families who moved into this locality
and are helping with the work. Have you feu
the call for service'/ if so, come and worsuip
with us. Sunday school is held each Sunday
morning at 9 :3l) with preaching following.
Yes, the Lord has led into a new field, and
we want to praise Him for it. "This is the
Lords doing; it is marvellous in our eyes"
(Ps. 118:23). fthoda King.
MISSION NEWS (Continued)
Pray that Bro. J. D. Graber may be granted
a visa for India in time to meet his scheduled
visit.
Several Bible School students of the Ar-
gentine church are spending their summer
months in practical work under the direction
of various pastors: Mirta Romano at Bra-
gado, Aladino Scorza at Pehuajo, Juan Carlos
Acosta at Trenque Lauquen, and Heriberto
Palomeque at Arrecifes.
The Goshen College Winter Bible School
scheduled to be in session Tuesday and
Thursday evenings, Jan. 12-28, is offering a
course in Mennonite Missions.
Bro. Vern Miller, pastor of the Gladstone
Mennonite Mission, Cleveland, Ohio, is
scheduled to speak to the Pleasant Hill con-
gregation near Sterling, Ohio, on Sunday
evening, Jan. 10.
The fiftieth annual meeting of the Mennon-
ite Home Association held at the Oreville
Home for the Aged, west of Lancaster, Pa.,
was addressed by Bro. Noah Mack, formerly
a missionary to Tanganyika.
FIELD NOTES (Continued)
Visitors at the Samuel Nafziger home at
Buffalo Head Prairie School, 45 miles south-
west of Ft. Vermilion, Alta., recently were
the Brethren D. D. Brenneman and Willis
Yoder. Bro. Nafziger is teaching school
among the Old Colony Mennonites.
The Clinton Frame congregation, Goshen,
Ind., sponsor of the work at Talcum, Ky.,
has built a new 40 by 28 church house for
that work. First service in the new build-
ing was held Aug. 30. Dedication services
were held on Dec. 6. On July 12 the first
members, a father, mother, and daughter
were received by water baptism. The pastor
is Bro. Sam Hostetler.
The Varsity Chorale under direction of
Paul M. Yoder, Hesston College, gave a
program at Central Kansas Bible Academy,
Hutchinson, Kans., on Dec. 1. On Dec. 6
GOSPEL HERALD
the Collegiate Chorale under direction of
Bro. John Duerksen gave a program at Goes-
sel, Kans.
A Youth Chorus under the direction of
Mrs. Winfield Ruth has been organized in
the Finland congregation, Pennsburg, Pa.
The Watch-Night speaker at Perkasie, Pa.,
was Paul Verghese, Princeton, N. J.
Bro. John E. Lapp, Lansdale, Pa., is con-
ducting a Bible study on The Christian Home
each Tuesday evening during January at
Haycock, Quakertown, Pa. Bro. B. Charles
Hostetter spoke there in a special program
Jan. 1-6.
Bro. Henry L. Ruth, Souderton, Pa., is con-
ducting special services at Easton, Pa. the
second Sunday evening of December, Jan-
uary, and February.
The Johnstown Mennonite School gave a
Christmas program at the First Mennonite
Church in Johnstown the afternoon of Dec.
20.
Sister Irene Slaubaugh spoke at Carstairs,
Alta., Dec. 27 about her work among the
Negroes at Saginaw, Mich.
The MYF Chorus of West Zion, Carstairs,
Alta., accompanied by Bro. Linford Hack-
man gave a combination Christmas and New
Years program in word and song at West-
ward Ho the evening of Dec. 27.
Change of address: Daniel E. Miller
from Route 2 to Route 4, Lancaster, Pa.
The Mt. Zion congregation, Versailles,
Mo., is beginning the remodeling of its
church building.
Baptismal services were held on Dec. 13
at both the Bethel and Sugar Creek Churches
near Wayland, Iowa. Five were received at
Bethel, Bro. Vernon Gerig officiating, and
eight at Sugar Creek, Bro. Simon Gingerich
officiating.
Bro. Ernest Martin, Columbiana, Ohio,
served the Mt. Gilead, Ohio, congregation in
meetings the week end of Nov. 29.
The Mt. Joy church building, which is near-
ing completion near Calico Rock, Ark., is
the first church house this community has
had in 50 years.
Eleven new members were received at
Tiskilwa, 111., on Dec. 30, four by letter and
seven by baptism.
Bro. Harold Boettger, Sunday School field
worker for the Alberta-Saskatchewan Con-
ference spent the day with the Westward
Ho congregation on Dec. 20.
Bro. Lester Hershey brought messages in
the evening public sessions at the Illinois
Christian Workers' Normal held at Flana-
gan, Dec. 30 to Jan. 3.
In the meetings conducted by the minis-
terial committee of the Southwestern Penn-
sylvania Conference in all the congregations
of that district Bro. Paul M. Roth and M. J.
Livcngood spoke at Maple Grove, Belleville,
Pa., on Dec. 27.
Bro. Hess Brubaker was the guest speaker
in the Watch-Night service held by the
Mennonite Youth Fellowship, Belleville, Pa.,
at the Belleville Mennonite School.
On the platform at the Zion Church, Beck-
ersville, Pa., on Dec. 27 were two veteran
ministers with their two missionary sons:
Bro. E. S. Hallman and son William, mis-
sionary to Argentina, and Bro. T. K. Her-
January 5, 1954
shey and son Lester, missionary to Puerto
Rico. On that day Bro. and Sister Hershey
celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary. ,
Out-of-the-district speakers in the Sunday
school meeting held in Elizabethtown, Pa.,
on Jan. 1 were: Lloyd Eby, J. L. Rutt
Harvey Bauman, Ralph Miller, and Howard
Witmer.
Bro. Stanley C. Shenk addressed I-W men
and Mennonite medical students at Indian-
apolis, Ind., on Dec. 29. He spoke at a
Watch-Night service at Orrville, Ohio.
A conference on Christian schools was held
at the Stahl church, Johnstown, Pa., on Dec.
27.
Announcements
Votes will be taken Jan. 10 for a minister
at the Zion Church, Beckersville, Pa.
Word of Life program at Allentown, Pa.,
with Myron Augsburger and Norman Der-
stine speaking, Jan. 16, 17.
Norman Kraus, Princeton, N. J., speaking
on Christian Life topics, and Gerald Studer,
Smithville, Ohio, on Science in the Bible, at
Perkasie, Pa., Jan. 23, 24.
Farewell service for the Abncr Miller fami-
ly, who are moving to have charge of the
work at Cumberland, Md., at Congregational
Mennonite Church, Marietta, Pa., Jan. 9.
A J. Metzler, Scottdale, Pa., at Salem,
Elida, Ohio, Jan. 10.
Evangelism conference at E.M.C. with
Ralph Palmer, George R. Brunk, Daniel
Smucker, Mahlon Blosser, B. Charles Hos-
tetter, and Silas Brydge speaking, Jan. 16, 17.
Instructors in Ministers' Week, E.M.C.
Feb. 1-5: George R. Brunk, Aaron Mast,
Homer Bomberger, Silas Graybill, Claude
Shisler, Myron Augsburger, Ernest G. Geh-
man, Daniel W. Lehman. Paul Peachey, G.
Irvin Lehman, Chester K. Lehman, J. W.
Shank, J. L. Stauffer, Moses Slabaugh, Harold
H. Lehman, John H. Shenk, C. Nevin Mil-
ler, Andrew Hartzler, Daniel Smucker, Sam-
uel Miller, Ray Emswiler, Ward Shank, Silas
Brydge, Truman H. Brunk.
Henry Frank speaks on Consistent Living
at the Hess Y.P.M. Lititz. Pa., Jan. 10.
Noah Hershey speaks to Landis Valley
Workers' Band, Jan. 7, 7:30 P. M.
Visiting Speakers
Dec. 25. Byard Shank, Mt. Crawford, Va.,
at Warwick River, Denbigh, Va.
Dec. 27. Marcus I. ind, Salem, Oreg., at
Thomas, Hollsopple, Pa. Glen Whitaker, La
Junta, Colo., at Crystal Springs, Kans. Leland
Bachman, Goshen, Ind., at Hopedale, 111.
J. N. Byler, Akron, Pa., at Hesston, Kans.
Milton Brackbill, Paoli, Pa., at Monterey,
Bird-in-Hand, Pa. I. E. Burkhart, Goshen,
Ind., at Scottdale, Pa.
Ian. 3. Ruth Lederach. recently returned
from Jordan, at Frazer, Pa. George Miller, on
furlough from Honduras, at Zion, Beckers-
ville, Pa. I. Mark Ross, Hesston, Kans., at
Wooster, Ohio.
Evangelistic Meetings
M. D. Stutzman, Kingman, Alta., at
Carstairs. Alta., Dec. 28 to Jan. 3. J. F.
Garber, Alma, Ont., at Yellow Creek, Go-
shen, Ind., Dec. 27 to Jan. 3.
January % 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
21
TO BE NEAR TO GOD (Continued)
Saturday, January 16
In Temperance. Head II Pel. 1:2-8; I Cor. 8.
It is noteworthy that the Spirit has Peter
suggest adding temperance to knowledge.
Knowledge tends to make one conceited,
puffed up; but knowledge can and should
be tempered by self-control. Because of my
knowledge I know that this tabooed article
will really not hurt me. But 1 practice self-
control and refrain from what is harmless be-
cause he who has not my knowledge would
be offended and perhaps would stumble into
a multitude of sins. Knowledge would give
me the right to act, but love leads me to prac-
tice self-control for the sake of my brother.
Father, teach me that self-control comes
only by being controlled of Thee.
— J. Lester Brubaker.
SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON (Continued)
saved; you will be a new man, such as you
must be to belong to His kingdom. See the
serpent on the pole. From the great camp of
Israel, all who looked were healed. See Jesus
Christ lifted up on the cross. All from the
world who look and believe can be healed
of the dreadful disease of sin. This is God's
plan in Christ Jesus.
—Aha Mae Erb.
Lesson based on "International Sunday School Los-
sons- the "International Bible Lessons ior Christian
Teaching," copyrighted 1951 by the Division of Chris-
tian Education National Council of the Churches of
Christ in the U.S.A.
SHUT-INS (Continued)
earth, to the hills of God, will cause our
soul to starve.
Remember, food can be no better than
the soil in which it growsl
It has been said, "A feeble body well
cared lor may last for eighty years; a
strong one ill used may fail at forty."
We may apply this to our soul. We
read in His Word: "To him that know-
eth to do good, and doeth it not, to him
it is sin."
We know that it is good to feed our
soul. We know that our soul can leel
the pangs of hunger, that a soul can be
sick, and Jesus said one soul is worth
more than the wealth of this world.
How necessary it is that we remove
those "spectacles of the world" at times
and feed our souls on the Living Bread,
God's Holy Word.
Wise men of all ages have taught that
wisdom is merely a drawing out of the
truth that is dwelling within. God speaks
to us in a "still, small Voice," calling our
attention to the "complete, wholesome,
food supply" that we shall find for our
soul. He has provided every needed
I vitamin.
This divine source must be recognized
before it can be used.
It was Elizabeth Barrett Browning
who said: "Earth's crammed with Heav-
en, and every common bush afire with
God, but only he who sees takes off his
shoes; the rest sit 'round it and pluck
blackberries."
In the fifth century, Augustine realized
the provision our heavenly Father made
for every soul when he wrote: "Deus est
maximus in minimis— The power of God
shines forth most clearly in the smallest
things."
Spiritual realization is the topmost
peak in bringing to pass healing of mind,
body, and soul. We necil discipline to
reach this peak, the discipline of a deep
desire to do so and the necessary practice
to make progress in our life sure. And
meditation and prayer, and the reading
of God's Holy Word, are the stepping-
stones to this realization.
While there can be no hard and fast
laws, there is one fundamental Truth
that will always remain— as we feed our
soul and nourish it, it must always be
with "Thy will be done."
God continually invites us to enter in
and "dine with Him." He keeps the feast
prepared, and the invitation open and
as we feed our soul on His Goodness and
Mercy, as we learn more of Him, the
desire within grows to know Him better.
Truly He is the Bread of Life and the
Living Water.
Let us renew our life with all these
Vitamins that He has so richly provided.
Houston, Texas.
May the blessings of God be upon the homes
established by the marriages here listed. A year's
subscription to the GOSPEL HERALD is given to those
whese address is supplied by the officiating minister.
Yoder — Brenneman. — John Edward Yoder
and Mildred Fnye Brennemnn, Kalona. Iowa,
bv Elmer O. Swartzendruber at the Fairview
Conservative Amisli Mennonite Church near
Kalonn. Iowa. Oct. 11. 1053.
Yo«Vr — Morris. — Jacob Yoder, Mcadville, Pn..
and Donna Mart* Morris, Franklin, Pa., both
members of the First Mennonite Church. Mead-
ville Pa., by Rnvmond L. Kramer nt the
church. Not. 20, 1053.
BIRTHS
"Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord" (Ps. 127:3a).
Aesehlimnn. Kenneth and Violet (Frey),
Archbold. Ohio, fourth child, first son. Jay
Daniel, Dec. 17. 1958.
Cordell. Merle G. and Beulah (Martin ).
Greencnstle. Pa., third child, first son, David
Eugene. Nov. .'SO. 1953.
Crider. Abram D. and Louie Mae (Martin).
Sbippensbartr. Pa., first child, Lavonda Sue.
Nov. 13. 1053. _
Horkman. Roland and Mildred (Freed). Hat-
field Pa., second son, Uoland Lamar, Nov. 0.
1953.
HnsUins, Charley and Kathryn (Mass). Han-
nibal. Mo., sixth child, fourth son, Stephen
Howard. Oct. 11. 1053.
Knepp. Noah and Rachel (Gingerich). Mark
Center, Ohio, seventh child. Esther. Dec. 9,
1053.
Martin. Weaver R. and Esther (Yoder),
Elizah. I blown. Pa., first child, Di lores Jean.
Dec. *_». IU33.
Kobrrr. Jamb Q. find Wrna (Weaver). Ea«t
Berlin, Pa., sixth child. Rachel Ann, Dec. 13.
1053.
Saner. Roy L. ami Esther (Book!. Jersey
Sh re. Pa., third son, Gary Lester, Dec. 5.
1!'53.
Tennis. Jacob and Mable (Hertr.lerl. Camp
Hill. Pa., a wmi. Nelson Hiv. Nov. 27. 1053.
Winner. Karl II. and Uulh E. (Hoffman).
East Earl. Pa., second son, Daryl Lynn.
Nov. 25. 1053.
Y'der. Chris E. find Katie Ann (Kuhnx).
Anh'T. HI., a daughter, Joyce Elaine. Nov.
9. 1053.
Ynder. Ivan E. ami Mary C. (Yoder). Belle-
ville. IV. see-nd child, a daughter, Darlis Ar-
lene, Nov. G 1053.
OBITUARIES
May the sustaining grace and coaifort of our Lord
bless these who are bereaved.
BiECS. Margaret McCoy, daughter of Mr. and
Mrs. Jam^s McCoy, was born at Trenton. N.
JH FiJi. 23. lSCS; passed awav at the Pnrdy
Con* a'csrciit Hone. It •ckwell Oil v. Iowa Dee.
4. 1053: need S5 y. 0 m. 11 d. In ISO." she
was united in marriage to Robert Smiib,
Manson. Iowa, who passed away in 1021. To
this union six children were born, (wo drwg in
infancy and Dewey, an oilier son. in 1!M<1. In
1030 she was married to Thomas liiggs of
Oxford. Iowa, where she lived until his denth
in 1017. She then came to Manson. making her
home wilh her daughter. Her last years were
spent in a nnrsiif home. Surviving her are her
daughter (Mrs. Ilnxel Miller, Manson. Iowa).
2 eons (Robert. lioirlder City. Nevada, and Eu-
gene. Inglewood. Calif *. (5 •_'randcbildren. and a
number of great-grandchild-en. On Dec. 15.
1050. she united with Ihe Manson Mennonite
congregation. Although she was not aide to at-
tend church services because of arthritis, from
which she suffered much, she never complained
ami always enjoyed I lie fellowship in the rend-
ing of Cod's Word and prayer wilh her. Funer-
al services were held at the Larson Funeral
Home. Manson, Iowa. Dee. 7. in charge of
Edward Pirky anil Nick Stoltzfus, with inter-
ment in Rose Hill Cemetery.
Dorhterman. Lizzie K.. daughter of Levi and
Amanda (Kreiderl Wearer, was born near
Brownstown. Pa.. June 24. 1SS2; peacefully fell
asleep at the home of lu r daughter. Mrs. Henry
B C.ravbill. Lancaster. Pa.. Nov. 14. 1053: aged
71 y. 4 m. 21 d. On Oct. 20. 1005. she was
united in marriage to John M Pocluerman,
who preceded her in death Jan. 30 1953. She
is survived by one son (Clavton W.. R dirers-
town. Pn.) and one daughter (Mary — Mrs.
Henry B. Grnybill. wilh whom sh" resided since
her husband passed away), also 2 granddaugh-
ters. 2 brothers (Clayton K. and Rn«ene K >.
and 2 sisters (Edna K. and Sadie K ) all of
Lancaster. Pa. She united wilh Mellinger's
Mennonite Church nt IS years of age and served
the Lord faithfully until Me called her home.
Funeral servii-es were conducted Nov. 17. nt
the Mellinger's Church, in charge of David
Ijmdis nnd Harry 1^-fever. Burial was made
in I he adjoining cemetery.
Gingerich. Ivalie. daughter of Daniel and
Barbara (Hoi In Uuetitv. was horn Nov. 111.
1JS79. near Noble. Intra : died l><c. 3. 1953,
near Cnnby, Oreg. ; aged 74 y. 10 d. Death was
due to a coronary artery disease. She accepted
Christ as her Saviour in her JroUth. united
wilh the Sugar Creek congregation near Way-
land, Iowa, and remained faithful in Ihe
faith unlil death. She united in marriage with
Fred J. Cingerieb. Dec. 22. 1001. One Bun was
born to them (D. L. Gingerich. Oanhv. Oreg.).
Two girls were also taken into ihe home later
(Marie and Frances Johnson, who are now Mrs.
Lotii Hamilton. Sheridan. Oreg.. ami Mr« I.. D.
Nofziger, Molalla. Orcg.i. The husband, (be 3
children. Id grandchildren. 13 great-grand-
children, one brother (Nicholas), and one
sister (Mrs. Dan Sleekly) of near Albany,
Oreg.. and nephews, nieces, and other relatives
nnd friends will miss her much. Her parents
ami 3 brothers and one sister preceded her
in death. She was quite confident ihat her
departure was near uud expressed herself lb.ua
MARRIAGES
22
before quietly nnd peacefully falling nsleep.
Funeral services were held at the Zion Church,
in charge of N. A. Lind. O. D. Shenk, and C. I.
Kropf, with interment in the cemetery near
by.
Good, Otto Joseph, son of Isaac and Mary
Ashenfelter Good, was burn Aug. 12, 1892,
near Harrisonburg, Va.; was called home Nov.
10, 1953; aged 01 y. 2 m. 20 d. On Jan. 10,
1918, he was united in marriage to Anna M,
Weaver. An infant son preceded him in death.
Besides his wife he is survived by 4 children
(Mildred— Mrs. Wm. Watkins, West New
York, New Jersey; Cathalene — Mrs. David
Barnhart, Keezletown. Va.; Janice D., Har-
risonburg, Va., and Ethan J., Millersville, Pa.),
7 grandchildren, 3 sisters, and 3 brothers. He
accepted Christ in early youth and remained
faithful and active in the work of the church.
On March 11, 1015, he was ordained as deacon,
lie devoted much of his time, effort, and study
to the mission work of the church. On Nov.
4 he was anointed by the brethren D. W. Leh-
man nnd S. II. Rhodes. This was a very im-
pressive service which shall be remembered by
the family. He expressed his desire to depart
and be with God. Funeral services were held
at Weaver's Church. Nov. 13. conducted by
Harold Lehman. D. W. Lehman, and Harold
Eshleman. Interment was made in the church
cemetery.
Horst. Mary Elizabeth, daughter of Martin
and Fannie Knoll Cauffman, was born Dee. 7,
1873; passed away at the Chambersburg Hos-
pital Dec. 9. 1953; aged SO y. 2 d. She was the
widow of William Horst. Surviving are 2
daughters (Mrs. Paul E. Keener, Shippensburg,
Pa., with whom she made her home: and Mrs.
Amos D. Shank, Hanover, Pa.). 7 brothers
and sisters. 8 grandchildren, and one great-
grandchild. She was a member of the Rowe
Mennonite Church. Funeral services were held
at the Rowe Church Dec. 12. conducted by
Amos E. Martin and Paul C. Martin, with in-
terment in the Rowe Cemetery.
Miller. Dr. Orden B.. son of the late Bishop
Noah E. Miller and Hannah Miller Otto, was
born Oct. 7, 1910, at Springs. Pa.; died Nov.
30 1953, at the York Hospital, York, Pa.;
aged 43 y. 1 m. 23 d. He leaves to mourn
bis sudden departure his wife (Ima Hanson
Miller). 3 sons (Arthur Eugene, James Emer-
son, and Glenn Orden), his mother, 2 brothers
(Chester E., York, Pa., and Elnm, Meyersdale,
Pa.), and 2 sisters (Kathryn — Mrs. John Buch-
holrz. York, Pa., and Alvina — Mrs. Willard
Livengood, Springs. Pa.). Dr. Miller was
a member of the York County Medical Society
and the York County Medical Association. A
World War veteran, he served as flight surgeon
with the IJ. S. Air Force overseas. Paul L.
Rpnser, pastor of Union Lutheran Church,
officiated at the funeral services at the Edward
W. Banmeister Colonial Mortuary. Interment
wns made in Prospect Hill Cemetery.
Moyer. Lehly Ralph, son of Geidon and
Clara' (Heckler) Mover, wns horn in Hilltnwn,
Pa.. May 3. 1910; passed away Nov. 30, 1953;
aged 43' y. 0 m. 27 d. Ralph with 3 of his
brothers and 2 nephews was on a hunting trip.
They left home Nov. 29 for Potter County, nnd
started out early the next morning to hunt
deer. Soon after they went out. he took sick.
With the help of his brother Dwight he got
back to their boarding house nnd to a doctor,
who told him there was nothing to he alarmed
about, but to rest for the day. Ralph told
Dwight to go on hunting, as he would be
all right. But in about fiftten minutes Dwight
wns called back nnd Rnlph was soon gone.
He had a heart atlack about three years ago
nnd was under a doctor's care for some time,
but for the last two yours seemed to be in good
health. He accepted Christ when a young mnn,
and united with the Mennonite Church, where
he remained a faithful member until the end.
He wns united in marriage to Esther Franken-
fleld on April 11, 1930. To this union were born
3 daughters and one son. One (In lighter pre-
ceded him in death. He will be sadly missed
by his wife. 2 daughters (Eileen and Elaine)
and son (Donald), his nged father, and his
brothers nnd s'stors (Bvron, Oooporsburr. Pa.;
Stanley nnd Winfield. SilverdaK Pa.: Dwight.
Dublin. Pn.: Mrs. Samuel Miller. Hilltnwn.
Pa.: Mrs. Fred Bnumnster. Neshmniny, Pa.;
Geidon. Jr., ronersville. Pa.; nnd Amnion.
Haycock, Pa.). Funeral services were held nt
the' Deep Run Mennonite Church (where be
bad been caretaker for a number of years)
on Dec. 4. in charge of Wilson Overholt, Abram
Yothers. nnd Erwin Nnee. Interment wns mnde
In ndioining cometerv.
Mnllenlx. Elsie May. dnugbter or Mr. and
Mrs. Charles White, was born May 24, 1SS0,
GOSPEL HERALD
near Clearspring, Md. : departed this life Dec.
5. 1953, at the Chambersburg Hospital : aged
73 y. 0 m. 11 d. She is survived by 2 sons
(Blaine Ilornbaker and Elmer Mullenix). 5
grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchiMren. She
was a faithful member of the Williamson
Mennonite Church. She had been unable to
walk for the past 19 years and spent most of
her time on her rocking chair. She bore ber
affliction very patiently and welcomed the call
of her Maker. Funeral services were held at
the Mil pic Grove Church of God in charge of
Norman II. Martin and Mahlon Eshleman.
Burial was made in the adjoining cemetery.
Noll. Grant H.. son of the late Grant W. and
Sara (llarnish) Noll, was born Oct. 14. 1901;
passed away very suddenly Oct. 19. 1953. while
walking in the field; aged 52 y. 5 d. lie had
a heart ailment, but death came as a shock
to all. He is survived by his wife (Fannie
Groff Noll). 3 children (James G., Lancaster,
Pa. ; Mrs. Witmer Sherer, Manheim. Pa., and
Grant, Jr.. nt home), and 4 grandchildren. He
was a faithful member of the Rohrerstown Men-
nonite Church and taught in the Sunday
school for over 23 years; two of these he was
teacher at the Oreville Home. For the past
four years he conducted summer Bible school
at Wheelerville, Pa., and for many years he
taught in the local Bible schools. Funeral
services were held Oct. 22. at the Rohrerstown
Mennonite Church with Christian Lehman and
Jacob Hess officiating. Burial was made in the
Millersville Cemetery.
Potts, Margaret Edna, was born Jan. 2. 1870.
at Anada, Mo.; passed away Dec. 15 1953, at
the Mark Twain Rest Home in Hannibal;
aged 83 y. 11 m. 13 d. She is survived by
one son (Leslie Lindell, Chicago. 111.). She was
received into the Mennonite Church in May,
194G, and was a faithful member until death.
Funeral services were in charge of Harold
Kreider, assistant pastor of the Mennonite
Mission Church in Hannibal. Interment was
made in the Mt. Olivet Cemptery.
Weaver, Sarah Jane (Martin), was born in
Elkhart Co., Ind., March 2. 1S72 : passed away
at Wakarusa. Ind., Dec. 11, 1953; aged 81 y.
9 m. 9 d. The last two years she had made
her home with her daughter, Mrs. Arthur Leh-
man, where she passed away. On May 13, 1S94,
she was united in marriage to Christian Peter
Weaver, who preceded her in death about 1G
years. She is survived bv 5 children (Oscar M.,
Nora E. — Mrs. Arthur Lehman, and J. Albert,
of near Wakarusa. Ind., nnd Norman nnd
Paul of Gulliver, Mich.). 2 brothers (Reuben
S., Go6hen. Ind., and Jacob A., Wooster, Ohio),
19 grandchildren, nnd 12 great-grandchildren.
One brother (John) preceded her in death.
From her youth she had been a faithful member
of the Yellow Creek Mennonite Church, Goshen.
Ind. Her death, which was caused by a stroke,
was sudden and unexpected, as she was in good
health for one her age. We praise God for
His goodness in calling her home without suffer-
ing or illness, which was always her prayer.
Funeral services were held nt the Yellow
Creek Mennonite Church, Dec. 13, with Clar-
ence Shank and Peter B. Wiebe in charge.
Burial was made in the adjoining cemetery.
THE BOOK SHELF
Books reviewed in these columns may be ordered
from the Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale, Pa.
Sexual Behavior in the Human Female, by
Kinsey, Pomeroy, Martin, Gebbard; W. B.
Saunders; 1953; 842 pp.; $8.00.
The avalanche of articles which accom-
panied the appearance of this second "Kinsey
Report" has about subsided, but its effect on
the thinking and behavior of the American
people, young and old, is not yet determined.
The raucous reaction to a sober, carefully
documented study is evidence of the pro-
found lack of information concerning a sig-
nificant and well-nieh universal human ac-
tivity. It was as though a plumber had
chosen to document the number of spider
webs and cockroaches he sees in people's
January 5, 1954
cellars, while our opinion of our neighbors
was formed by what we see in the parlor.
The angry outcry of much of the religious
press and pulpit appears to carry the sug-
gestion that so long as we feel comfortable
in the parlor, let us not believe what the
plumber says he has found.
One might conclude from the sensational
reports that the authors are deliberate pub-
licity seekers. Actually, they are a team of
sober, hard-working scientists who "do not
believe that the happiness of individual men,
and the good of the social organization, is
ever furthered by the perpetuation of igno-
rance." I first knew Professor Kinsey as a
zoologist at Indiana University nearly twenty
years ago. In the summer of 1952 I attended
an informal tea in his workshop and person-
ally talked with all the authors. The leader,
Dr. Alfred Kinsey, impresses one as being
personally approachable, and answers ques-
tions directly and without sensationalism.
His slightly stooped shoulders suggest his
reputation for working long hours. There
is nothing about the place that suggests any-
thing but a laboratory where facts are fer-
reted out for the sake of learning the truth.
Indeed, the Institute for Sex Research is a
well-recognized part of the University. It is
financially supported by the National Re-
search Council's Committee for Research on
Problems of Sex, composed of nationally
known scientists from all parts of the United
States, and by the Rockefeller Foundation.
Research has been under way for over fifteen
years and the Institute has a trained staff
of sixteen persons. Its library on sex be-
havior consists of fifteen thousand volumes,
making it, next to the collection in the Vati-
can at Rome, the largest in the world on this
subiect.
While the present volume lists perhaps 900
references in its bibliography, the chief source
of information lies in the personal inter-
view. Altogether over 16,009 persons have
answered the questions, averaging about 300,
which constitutes a "history." Those of the
males were summarized in the first report in
1948. The present volume summarizes the
history as given by 5,940 of the nearly 8,000
females interviewed. Not all histories are
included. For example, those serving prison
sentences on sex charges are not included
because it is not expected that their history is
typical.
An important question to ask is whether
the women told the truth. There is no good
reason to suppose they did not, in so far as
their memory was clear. Certainly no one
has ever gone to greater pains to make it
easy for anyone to tell the truth, or had so
many cross checks to find out if the answers
were dependable. In the first place, it was
made clear that all answers were to be com-
pletely confidential. To this end, all replies
are recorded in a code that appears to be un-
breakable because it does not represent any
written language. It represents behavior.
The code is not written down anywhere, and
is known only to the four authors. So im-
portant is the code in deciphering the an-
wcrs that the authors are said not to travel
together, for if thev should all die at once,
the work of the Institute would have to stop.
anuary 5, 1954
COSPEL HERALD
23
With confidence rated so highly, Professor
Cinsey has interviewed many underworld
haracters, has many a coniession locked up
vhich would send tne contessor 10 the prison
r the gallows if its contents were revealed.
Linsey has every reason to believe people
peaK the truth it they don't have to ta*.c tne
onsequenccs.
II Furthermore, there are many ways of
hecking on answers. For example, it his-
ories are taken of all persons in a tactory, a
uy block, a rural township, a church, and
ompared with otner groups of similar back-
round, one can tell whether the pattern runs
ue to lorm. Also, many histories were
iken on the same person years later. It
/ould take a wondertul memory to give the
ame answers to 300 questions at an intern-
al of some years if one "just made them up."
f the two sets correspond, one assumes the
ruth has been told. Likewise, one expects
fair correspondence in the stories told by
usband and wile.
Supposing the women told the truth, there
i still another problem. Are the women
vho talked typical of American woman-
ood? Perhaps not. Light thousand is only
fraction of one per cent of the lemale popu-
ition of this country. On the other hand,
ight thousand is eight thousand, and if
tiey are representative, this is significant.
I dairy tester does not have to extract all
ric butter fat from the milk to determine
;s amount. A small sample will do — pro-
ided it is a well-mixed sample. Is KUnsey's
imple representative?
1 he simple answer is that it is not. Work-
ig on a university campus he got too big
proportion of college people. '1 he ratio or
ity-bred to rural population is too high. The
roportion of Protestants to Catholics is too
reat. It is not that the professor did not
ry, but the problems are simply too great.
Nevertheless, there is no man living who
as asked more personal questions ot more
teople from all walks of lite, all major areas
f the country, under circumstances better
lesigned to get at the truth, than Professor
tkjkinsey. While the information is by no
% Ineans the final word, those who criticize his
anUccuracy may well be asked, "Do you have a
iolvider fund of information? If so, let us hear
lei t-"
»ii It is unnecessary to summarize the 450
oages tabulating the results of the interviews,
u f he two figures that are especially significant
j 10 those interested in morals are that nearly
alf0 per cent have at some time engaged in
' Premarital coitus, and that one in four at
j, (ome time was unfaithful to her husband. It
, s pointed out that both of these activities are
-ijnore common among the city women than
kmong the country folks, and that the one
hing found most significant in determining
|j6 uch activity was whether the woman was
Religiously devout or not. Compared to men,
women showed much less interest in sex as
,• j ;uch, and there was a much greater difference
^pf activity in women. In spite of the much
• publicized lapses of the minority, the report
( itself soberly concludes that "our data indi-
cates that the average female marries to es-
n({ ablish a home, to establish a long-time affec-
ional relationship with a single spouse, and
to have children whose welfare may become
the prime business ot her lite." Men arc not
credited with sucn an ideal attitude toward
marriage.
Ihc section on physiology is seldom com-
mented on, yet h may turn out to be the
most signmcant in the long run. An inter-
esting parallel is lound between the giaphs
ot sca activity ol the Human maic and iciwaie
ot all ages and tne enanges in me content ot
tne puunary giand ol tne rooster and hen in
their lifetimes. It investigation ot this paral-
lelism snouid give us a ucitcr understanding
01 tne bioiogy ot sex Lehavior we shall have
ims study to thank.
It the Look, were only a tabulation of
statistics, it would not have raided the turor
it did. Scientists will read it critically, 't hey
are used to pointing up each other s faults
and errors, ihey can Lie counted on to de-
bate the scientific aspects ot the book.
the real controversy lies in the interpreta-
tions which are woven into the text. By
devoting tne entire attention to the physical
and bio.ogical, the authors manage to maKe
tacts speaK the untruth. Por tacts, accurate
in themselves, do not speak the truth except
when they are in proper relation to the whole
truth. 1 his one-Sided view ot sex is a
monstrosity, a distortion, a perversion. Is it
possible to be so absorbed in tiowers that one
lorgets that there are plants, and soil, and
rainr1 A materialistic zoology may apply to
gad wasps, but it is inadequate to explain
human behavior. It pictures a subhuman
monster with no interest except to follow that
which is immediately p.easurable. Look
where you will in the book, you find no
evidence that sex activity has any bearing on,
or is related to, love and parenthood, 1 here
is no hint that at times inhibition and control
are needed to establish satisfying family liv-
ing and a high degree of civilization. Yet
sex behavor in the human must take all of
this into account. The old theory that sex
activity is but the slaking of a genital ap-
petite with no more relation to morals than
taking a drink of water was fully exploited
by the communists, but even they have
changed their point of view. They had to,
after seeing what it did to family life, and
what that, in turn, did to the nation.
If there is one thing careful students of hu-
man behavior have learned it is that the hu-
man cannot live happily on the animal plane.
Yet the authors try to point out that what
are usually called perversions might be quite
normal because animals have been observed
to have similar behavior. It is not at all clear
from the text that animals practice any
"perversions" under normal conditions. It is
clear that at least most of the observations
on animals were made on those in captivity —
certainly an abnormal situation. Even grant-
ing that animals act in certain ways, is that
any reason why we should act as they do?
Shall we learn from the lion and tiger to
eat fresh entrails, from the weasel to suck
blood, or from the sow, recently farrowed,
to devour membranes? Somehow the argu-
ment that something is all right because
observation shows it to be natural for infra-
human animals is not very convincing.
Indeed, the authors know that human psy-
chological factors are important to us. But
their training is not in this held and they
prctcr to Iook on man as " the human mam-
mal that he is." The distinctions between
physiology and psychology, they say, "'prob-
ably do not repicsciu reality*" ihc key to
their attitude is expressed uy the statement
that "those aspects ot behavior whicn we
identity as psychologic can be nothing but
certain aspects ot mat same basic anatomy
and physiology. " 1 his appears to be the
basis tor their blindness.
I he lact is, there is a difference between
humans and animals. 1 he human longing
for love and friendship has a wider ba>c man
mere genual appetite. Kinsey's own hgurcs
show that noming so atlccts sex behavior
as religion. Can he show that religion has
any clicct on intrahuman animals.' An)onc
who has worked with people knows that
folks lie awake with an uneasy conscience,
or worry about the clfect ot their deeds on
their children. Has any farmer yet reported
that his animals lose appetite or tail to sleep
while weeping for their sins? Every open-
minded person will agree that these distinc-
tions do represent reality.
We must also object to a second grave er-
ror. This is, that it any considerable number
of people do something, that makes it "nor-
mal." It is true that in science the word
"normal" often means average. Clearly,
average docs not necessarily mean the best.
While I was working in Puerto Rico we
learned that the average man there weighed
about 120 pounds and the woman 100. Does
this make those weights "normal"? Civcn a
good diet, what would the normal be? Clear-
ly it does not follow that whatever is, is
best. Does one learn what is moral by con-
ducting activity polls?
As evidence that certain forms of activity
are not so bad, it is stated that many women
who had premarital coital experience had
"no regrets." How dependable as a moral
judgment this is may be gathered from the
figures. The most promiscuous had the least
regrets, percentagewise. Those who con-
tracted venereal disease or who became preg-
nant expressed "no regrets" as often as those
who got into less difficulties. Just what does
all this prove, if not that the more promiscu-
ous, the greater the moral blindness? Alter
all, supposing one should ask the head hunt-
ers of the South American jungles whether
they have any regrets, what reply could one
expect, and what would be the moral signifi-
cance of that?
It does not take a great deal of spiritual
insight to know that morals arc not derived
from the status quo but from a "Thus saith
the Lord."
There arc times when the authors seem
to be actively anti-Christian. They would
blame moral restraint on premarital hetero-
sexual activity as the chief cause of homo-
sexuality. This in spite of the fact that their
figures show that the lowest amount of
homosexual activity is reported by the more
devout females. There are several other
hints of antagonism to religions as "intoler-
ant," and in one instance the rejection of
stories considered indecent and immoral is
called a "perverse attitude" (p. 671). In one
24
GOSPEL HERALD
January 5,
Pause a moment —
Already 1954 is gathering speed.
But pause a moment. Before the del-
uge of 1954 literature swamps you,
take a backward look. Excellent ma-
terials were published last year by
your publishing house. Some of these
you meant to buy, but for various
reasons you did not get them pur-
chased. Now is a good time to add
them to your bookshelves.
Circle the titles of those you want. Clip
this ad and mail it with your check or money
order to the . . .
Books, 1953
We Tried to Stay
Dorothy S. McCammon 2.75
Bernese Anabaptists
Delbert Gratz 2.75
Meditations for the
New Mother
Helen Good Brenneman .... 1.25
Pilgrims in Paraguay
J. Winfield Fretz 2.75
Ten of a Kind
Edna Beiler 1.50
Songs of the Church
Walter E. Yoder, editor, 1.00
• > MENNONITE PUBLISHING
Booklets, 1953
Youth and Nonresistance
Stanley Shenk 30c a copy,
25c for five or more
Selections from Church Hymnal
25c
The RSV: An Examination
and Evaluation
60c
Prophecy Conference Report
1.50
Revised Editions
Assurance of Salvation
John R. Mumaw 1.75
War, Peace, and Nonresistance
Guy F. Hershberger, 3.50
HOUSE, SCOTTDALE, PENNSYLVANIA
footnote, too (p. 482), Baal worship is con-
fused with the ""Jewish religion."
A third major objection to the book is that
in this atmosphere of acceptance of any
kind of activity, there is an abundance of
erotic activity suggesting experimentation,
with no hint whatever tnat serious personal
and social consequences may result. These
scientists would like to disclaim all respon-
sibility for results, claiming only a respon-
sibility to make the truth known, this
claim to tell the whole truth has a hollow
ring when one considers the great volume
of information withheld— lor example, the
information gathered from criminals who
are hiJing out from the law. If there is an
obligation to protect them, is there not also
an obligation to protect our children?
One might also criticize the book for its
omissions. If it is significant to record the
sexual activity of inlrahuman animals and
criminals, would it not be enlightening to
record also the sexual activities ot the saints
and great men of the ages? Would it not be
signiheant to discover that the great souls
that loved mankind most deeply and most
effectively had very limited sexual experi-
ences? There is a record of the activities of
divorcees and widows, but no distinction is
made between the two. Would not such a
distinction be informative? There is some
data on the effects of the movies and litera-
ture, but no mention of the effect of alcohol.
As a serious but very narrow report on
certain aspects of sexual behavior of a limited
segment of the American population, this
book is a valuable source of information for
scientists and other critical readers interested
in human behavior. It has no business on
the best-seller list, though it is there. Re-
ligious leaders have been confronted with a
challenge. They have now been informed of
the strength of the biological drives in the
human. They have been informed by the
book and the popular press of the extent to
which the American public are devotees of a
sterile sex cult. They are also informed of
the strength of religious teaching, as for
example in the passage, "The active inci-
dences of extramarital coitus have been more
affected by the religious backgrounds ... in
the sample than by any other factor we have
examined." If religious leaders supply the
parts that are so shockingly missing in this
report, develop a wholesome attitude toward
this biologically rooted drive, to include love,
parenthood, a sense of responsibility under
God to carry out His purposes through us,
then the information gathered here can be
useful. But only then will it be good. —
H. Clair Amstutz, M.D., Goshen, Ind.
ITEMS and COMMENTS
The feeling of the Indian government that
evangelization should be done by Indians
rather than by foreign missionaries can be
better understood in the light of Indianiza-
tion trends in business. From 1947 to 1952
foreign employees in the upper-income brack-
et declined from 92 to 75 per cent, and in
the middle-income bracket from 42 to 15 per
cent. India is seeking more jobs for its peo-
pie.
• • *
According to Quick magazine, there are
three times as many suicides among divorced
persons as there arc among married people,
and there are far more delinquent children in
homes broken by divorce than in homes brok-
en by death. Whenever God's laws arc
broken someone has to pay. — D. Carl Yoder,
• * •
At heavy sacrifices to themselves, West Ger-
man Lutherans have decided that all U.S
aid from Lutherans will hereafter be chan
neled to Christians in East Germany. — WP
• » *
King Paul of Greece visited American Bi-
ble Society headquarters to convey his per
sonal thanks for its contributions of Bibles to
the Greek people.
• • •
Brazil has decided to authorize the immi-
gration of 9,000 Japanese families before the
end of 1956. Such moves help the popuUv
tion pressures et Japan.
• • •
A total of 113 countries arc expected to
participate in the World Day of Prayer this
year.
• • •
Agricultural surpluses purchased by the
end of this year total $6,000,000,000. And
hundreds of millions of people in Asia and
elsewhere are chronically underfed. It
hard to believe that, if there were sufficient
good will, a solution to this problem of dis-
tribution could not be found.
• • *
More than a million of the estimated world
total of 7,000,000 leprosy cases are in India,
and only about 15,000 cases are receiving
medical care in the country's approximately
100 institutions, three fifths of which are mis-
sion colonies.
HDX3
A*JVN l H3S
111 £ i orvoino
"JAV NA'ViaCCM t-L9t
NllN3XcJVA\ V %
"1 V 0 i ~1 r 1 r 21 1 v ~ v ' ; r l\'
GOSPEL HERALD
In the defence and confirmation of the gospel' "How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the
L Si'
olumexlvii —TUESDAY, JANUARY 12. 1954
gospel o
f peace'
NUMBER 2
Angels Do God's Bidding
By Ralph E. Buckwalter
Murillo has a picture called "Angels
n the Kitchen." "What an unusual
ilace to find angels!" comments Walter
^avert, and then goes on to emphasize
le glory of humble service in Christ's
lame. The application is uniquely ap-
>ropriate; but let's use this exclamation
is a springboard. Maybe we too have
orgotten that angels belong in the kitch-
n and not merely in the imagination,
lave we given as much as a casual
lought to angels today, yesterday, or
ven during the last month? Surely we
now, as all primary Sunday-school grad-
lates should, that angels flit through the
>ages of the Bible from cover to cover.
Ve have read Christ's words, "See that
ou do not despise one of these little
►nes; for I tell you that in heaven their
ngels always behold the face of my Fa-
her who is in heaven" (Matt. 18:10).
Uid we know that the writer to the He
irews declares, "Are they not all minis-
ering spirits sent forth to serve, for the
ake of those who are to obtain salva-
ion" (Heb. 1:14)?
The Book Says . . .
Neither can we forget these stirring
cenes: Jacob wrestling with "a man"
ill the breaking of the day and testify-
ng, "For I have seen God face to face,
nd yet my life is preserved." Elijah who,
iscouraged in his seemingly fruitless de-
ense of the Lord's cause, cried, "It is
nough; now, O Lord, take away my life
. . ." And as he slept under a juniper
ree an angel touched him and urged
dm to "arise and eat" a first and a sec-
>nd time, and he went in the strength ol
hat angel-prepared nourishment for for-
jl, y days and forty nights to Horeb, the
nount of God. Daniel, the uncompro-
nising disciple, whom King Darius and
he lions couldn't liquidate, and his con-
ident reply, "My God sent his angel,
ind shut the lions' mouths, and they
lave not hurt me; because I was found
' dameless before him. . . ." Mary, the
favored virgin foretold by Isaiah, who,
being troubled by the sudden appear-
ince of the heavenly messenger, Gabriel,
vhen reassured replied to the wondrous
vords, "Behold ... let it be to me accord-
ng to your word." The shepherds who
reeded the angel's song saying to one
mother, "Let us go over to Bethlehem
mi:
and see this thing that has happened,
which the Lord has made known to us."
Peter, imprisoned for the name of Christ,
miraculously freed by the angel of the
Lord, declaring when he had recovered
his senses out on the open street, "Now I
am sure that the Lord has sent his angel
and rescued me from the hand of Herod
. . . ." Paul, Rome-bound for the sake of
the Gospel, declaring to the terrified
crew of the storm-tossed Alexandrian
ship, "I now bid you take heart. . . . For
this very night there stood by me an an-
gel of the God to whom I belong and
whom I worship. . . ."
The angels— have we forgotten them?
Who are they? Where are they? What
are they doing? What should our rela-
tion to them be? We don't need to waste
time in pathetic speculation as some
would-be theologians of an earlier gen-
eration who tried to compute the num-
ber of angels who could stand on the
point of a needle. Let's see what the
Book has to say.
They Are.
The writers of Scripture take angels
for granted. They do not consider it
essential to explain their origin, but the
clear hints which they give indicate that
God has created them lor a special pur-
pose even as He has created all things
"in heaven and on earth, visible and in-
visible, whether thrones or dominions or
principalities or authorities. . . ."
They are spiritual beings with intelli-
gence superior to man but inferior to
God, for Jesus says concerning the day
of His return, "no one knows, not even
the angels of heaven. . . ." And there are
things, Peter declares, which have been
revealed to man, "things into which an-
gels long to look."
They excel in strength within their
God-assigned limits, being "greater in
might and power" than man. Witness
such spectacles as the terrible punish-
ment of Sennacherib's hosts by the angel
of the Lord, the fire and brimstone of
Sodom and Gomorrah, the opening ol
the sealed tomb and the fatal confusion
of the Roman guards when up from the
grave Christ arose.
There have been writers who would
have the saints believe that the rending
of the veil of clay increases the angel
population. But this is only poetic lane).
The Word says, according to Luke,
"those who attain ... to the resurrection
Irom the dead . . . are equal to angels and
are sons of God." Mark adds, "when they
rise from the dead, they . . . arc like an-
gels in heaven." John, in his vision on
Patmos, beheld the redeemed Iroin ever)
nation praising God with song, and all
the angels standing around the throne
worshiping God. 1 ruly there is a close
association between the glorified saints
and the angels. Both serve Him day and
night in His temple, but they are never
identical.
It is true of angels as of man that in
heaven "they neither marry nor are giv-
en in marriage." Contrary to the usual
representation of angels in an, the Bible
indicates only the masculine gender. For
example, Daniel speaks ol "the man Ga-
briel [who J came to me in swift llight
at the time ol the evening sacrifice." And
Luke quotes Gabriel's message to Zacha-
rias, "I am Gabriel, who stand in the
presence ol God." Daniel, Jude, and
John are also acquainted with Michael,
the archangel. 1 hese relerences do not
mean that sex in any way enters into the
life ol angels, but they point out the
truth that angels have individuality and
differences in rank and assignment.
Heavenly Aid
From "The f aery Queen"
And is there care in heaven? and is there love
In heavenly spirits to these creatures base.
That may compassion of their evils move?
There is : else much more wretched were
the case
Of men tlian beasts. But oh! th' exceeding
grace
Ui highest God that loves Mis creatures so,
And all His works with mercy doth embrace.
That blessed angels He sends to and fro,
To serve to wicked men, to serve His wicked
foe.
How oft do they their silver bowers leave.
To come to succour us that succour w ant I
How oft do they with golden pinions cleave
The flitting skies, like flying pursuivant.
Against foul fiends to aid us militant !
They for us light, they watch and duly ward,
And their bright squadrons round about us
plant ;
And all for love, and nothing for reward.
O! why should heavenly God to men have
such regard?
—Edmund Spenser, 1552 1-99.
*
26
GOSPEL HERALD
January 12, 1954 1
The personality of these created spirit-
ual beings is further illustrated by the
fact that
They Choose.
Their worship of God and their serv-
ice for Him presuppose freedom of
choice. Even as man, they can choose to
obey or disobey. And like man, after
whose creation "God saw everything that
it was very good . . . ," they were also cre-
ated to be "holy ones" and good. But
there was one who seemed to aspire to
greater glory and power than God had
given him. Ezekiel and Isaiah give us
reason to believe that pride and disobedi-
ence was the sin of that "angel of light"
who became "that old serpent, the Dev-
il" and along with his partners in revolt
was banished from the presence of the
glory of the Lord.
Let us not try to build a house, how-
ever, where the Scriptures only give us
a few windows. We know from the in-
spired writings of Peter and Jude that
the angels who now oppose God's plan
for the ages, and execute the will of the
Wicked One in deceiving God's children
and frustrating their growth in grace,
have brought upon themselves the eter-
nal judgment of God by their sin. "For
if God did not spare the angels when
they sinned but cast them into hell. . ."
(II Peter 2:4). "And the angels that did
not keep their own position but left
their proper dwelling have been kept by
him in eternal chains in the nether
gloom until the judgment of the great
day" (Jude 6).
As the day breathes light against the
background of black night, so also
against this dark cloud of fallen angels
the glory of the other angelic hosts is
magnified, for
They Serve.
They are messengers, envoys, sent
ones. They are bearers of tidings which
may be either good— Gabriel to Zacha-
rias, "I was sent ... to bring you this
good news"— or bad— the angel to Lot,
"Flee for your life . . . lest you be con-
sumed." The important element, how-
ever, is not the message but the obedi-
ence of the message bearer to the Mes-
sage Giver.
They serve by ministering to the needs
of "the least of these." They protect and
guard the believer, for as David sings,
"the angel of the Lord encamps around
those who fear him, and delivers them."
And Isaiah testifies of the grace of God
toward Israel, "In all their affliction he
was afflicted, and the angel of his pres-
ence saved them."
They serve by executing God's judg-
ment upon sin as Herod's swift death il-
lustrates, when "an angel of the Lord
smote him because he did not give God
the glory," and as we noticed earlier in
the destruction of the twin cities of the
plain and the Assyrian army.
They served as mediators of the Mo-
saic law, as Stephen and Paul testify.
Notice particularly the teaching of He-
brews 2 where the necessity of response
to the fuller revelation in Christ, who is
"so much better than the angels," is em-
phasized by reasoning that "if the mes-
sage declared by angels was valid and
every transgression or disobedience re-
ceived a just retribution, how shall we
escape if we neglect such a great salva-
tion?"
They will serve as reapers in the har-
vest which Jesus pictures as the end of
the world, "when the Son of man comes
in his glory, and all the angels with him
I would rather be a faithful
watchdog than an indifferent
shepherd. — Noah K. Mack.
. . ." "and he will send out his angels
with a loud trumpet call, and they will
gather his elect from the four winds,
from one end of heaven to the other."
They serve by rejoicing in the fulfill-
ment of God's plan of salvation in the
world today. You will recall the words
of Jesus as quoted by Luke, "I tell you,
there will be more joy in heaven over
one sinner who repents . . . ." Paul also
indicates the interest and concern of an-
gels in the life and activity of the visible
church in his letters to the Ephesian and
Corinthian Christians and to Timothy.
The "wisdom of God" is made known to
them "through the church" as she bears
testimony to her risen Lord by trans-
formed living and Spirit-empowered
preaching. And the woman who observes
God's order in the congregation "shows
reverence for the angels . . . and [does]
not displease them" (Lightfoot).
They serve God to the praise of His
glory by their free worship and adora-
tion. In that soul-shattering hour when
Isaiah "saw the Lord sitting upon a
throne, high and lifted up," the sera-
phim called to one another saying,
"Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of
hosts; the whole earth is full of
his glory."
And at that glory-filled moment when in
the fullness of time God sent His Son
Our Readers Say-
. . . We are glad for all the field notes
visiting ministers and mission news. We receive
lots of letters, but they don't always think to
tell us where their pastor is holding meetings,
or who took his place. And we are glad for the
visiting minister, not only because of some one
different, but for the fellowship, for we our-
selves need spiritual food. Not too many of the
home ministers have three or four messages to
bring each week. ... So we ask that you con-
tinue your paper nearly the same. . . . — Alta
Smoker, Fig, N.C.
* * *
... I read the church papers for 60 years.
And there always were field notes, I think, and
I appreciated them as much as any other part
of the paper. I would be very sorry if they
were discontinued. [The discussion was on
only one part of the field notes — the collection
of visiting speakers. The field notes will cer-
tainly continue.]
. . . Make the papers as plain and as simple
as you can. It is so much easier and, for me,
better that way. Matthew 5, 6, and 7 are strik-
ing examples of simplicity. — John R. Hess,
Cochranville, Pa.
* * *
. . . Mission News is the first page to which
I turn to read the latest news about the mission-
aries for whom we are praying, and so we can
intelligently pray for them all, and know what
is going on in missions of our church. — Mrs.
Orvie Horst, Kitchener, Out.
to be the Saviour of the world, "a mul-
titude of the heavenly host" appeared
to the startled shepherds on the Judean
hills, "praising God and saying,
'Glory to God in the highest
and on earth peace among men
with whom he is pleased.' "
But the vision of John on the isle of
Patmos defies our imagination as the
angelic choir sings, far surpassing "the
music of the spheres,"
"Amen! Blessing and glory and
wisdom and thanksgiving and
honor and power and might be
to our God for ever and ever!
Amen."
Truly, angels do God's bidding with
"joy unspeakable and full of glory."
But what do we do about them? W'e
should appreciate them for their share
in God's redemptive plan for the human
race. We should learn from them how
we are to go forth, "bearing the seed for
sowing." that with them we might "come
again with shouts of joy, bringing [our]
sheaves with [us]."
Rush ho, Japan.
GOSPEL HERALD
ESTABLISHED 1908 AS SUCCESSOR TO GOSPEL WITNESS (l»OS) AND HERALD OF TRUTH (I8S4)
PAUL ERB, EDITOR JOHN L. HORST. MILLARD C. LIND. CONSULTING EDITORS LEVI C. HARTZLER. MISSIONS EDITOR
THE GOSPEL HERALD 18 A RCLIC.OU. WEEKLY PUBLISHED IN THE INTEREST. OF THE HENNOKI T E CHURCH BY THE MENNONITE PUBLICATION BOARD, SCOTTDALE. PA.
ENTERED A. SECOND CLASS MATTER IN 1 000 AT THE POST OFFICE AT SCOTT DALE, PA., UNDER ACT OF MARCH S. 1ST.. SUBSCRIPTION PRICE, S»O0 PER YEAR. THREE YEARS
IN ADVANCE , •>.«, FIVE YEAR. IN ADVANCE. .12. SO. .AMPLE COPIE. SENT FREE ON REQUEST . (END ALL MATERIAL FOR PUBLICATION TO OO.PEL HERALD. .COTTDALE. PA.
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
Vanuary 12, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
27
EDITORIAL
Editorial Plans for 1954
Your editor has accepted an invitation
o write the Conrad Grebel lectures for
955. His subject will be some phase of
le Christian hope, a theme very promi-
lent in current discussions and, we be-
ieve, very important in the life and
lought of the church.
Study and writing will take from one
alf to two thirds of his time during
954, according to present plans. To give
im this amount of time free from Gos-
el Herald duties, Bro. J. L. Horst, one
f our consulting editors and a man of
lany years' experience in editing, will
irry a good deal of responsibility in
le Herald office during the year. He
as just concluded a twenty-four-year as-
gnment as editor of the Christian Mon-
or. He was assistant editor of the Gos-
el Herald during the editorship of Bro.
aniel Kauffman, and at times when
ro. Kauffman was ill he carried major
fsponsibilities. So he brings to his year's
sk proved abilities for it.
The editor will continue to have gen-
al oversight of the magazine, directing
s policies, helping to select its materials,
id carrying certain writing responsibil-
ies. He will write editorials so far as
s time permits. After this issue all edi-
>rials will be initialed so that readers
ill know with whom to register any
-sagreements or suggestions. The editor
ill also continue the Items and Cont-
ents feature.
Bro. Horst will make the weekly
loice of materials for that particular
sue, edit articles, take care of routine
>rrespondence, and write most of the
ield Notes. He will write some of the
|J litorials and will solicit articles as need-
We appreciate very much his will-
^gness to help out in this way.
Mail for the Herald may be addressed
the Gospel Herald, and will be
aced on the proper desk when it is
)ened by the office assistant. Personal
ail may be addressed to us by name.
We solicit your continued support in
terest, in prayers, and in contribution
materials. We promise you continued
gh standards in bringing you a weekly
mion of articles, poems, news, and oth-
regular features.
Your editor also requests the prayers
of the church as he works on his assign-
ment. He wants to familiarize himself
with the best literature on the subject.
But he also wants to have an open ear to
the Spirit as He interprets the truth of
the Word of God.
God Plus Man
In some people's thinking God is
everything and man is practically noth-
ing. God made man, but He also made
the great world, the solar system, and
the incomprehensibly vast multiplica-
tion of that system in the universe. In
his vast surroundings man is only an in-
significant bit of biological tissue. In so
far as man may be important to God, it
is only as a finite creature subject to the
arbitrary will of an infinite and sover-
eign God. There is little that man can
do to direct his way and to control his
fate. History is the foreordained out-
working of the purposes of God. This
is God's world.
For some other thinkers man is all-im-
portant. God is dismissed as a pristine
Creator who set up a universe which is
now operating by fixed laws. It is man's
business to study these laws and to im-
prove his status in accordance with them.
He is left largely to his own resources.
He can have a better world if he cares
enough and if he knows how to make it
so. But whatever is done, he must do.
God may be in His heaven, but if all is
to be right in the world, man must make
it so. This is man's world.
Each of these views is extreme because
it is partial. A good case may be made
for each view because there is so much
truth in both. But truth cannot be con-
tradictory, although it may be paradox-
ical. The true view is often found by
putting together things that seem to be
contradictory, and finding that they are
complementary. Truth is usually not a
flat surface, but is a full-orbed thing with
depth and many sides and aspects. Para-
doxes come from our inability to see all
sides of a question at once.
Who is running this world, man or
God? It is both God and man. So far
as the earth and its elements are con-
cerned, God alone is the Creator. Man
cannot create anything in the sense of
making it from nothing. He can merely
manipulate, arrange, and use. Slowlv he
has been discovering the laws of nature
and has been turning the materials of the
creation— soil, air, electricity, water, coal,
oil, the various ores, the atoms-into
means for better living and, alas! for de-
struction. God has put the material here,
but He expects man by study, experi-
mentation, research to find out how to
use it. God's sun and wind take the wa-
ter of the seven seas to the highlands and
changes in temperature drop it there a*
rain or snow. His law of gravitation
makes it flow toward the sea again. But
man had to invent water wheels and tur-
bines to make this process do his work.
God hid His iron and coal away; man
had to find it and learn how to make
steel to construct his buildings and
means of transportation. God put the oil
in great underground reservoirs; man
had to bring it up, refine it. and invent
engines which could whisk him about
the world.
Likewise God created man's body, a
marvelous machine that is practically
automatic. But He expects our men of
medicine to remedy lacks in nutrition
and to make little corrections by surgery
which appreciably lengthen our life
span.
God has created a nervous system of
marvelous possibilities: it is educable.
But He has ordained parents and teach-
ers to arrange the means and the experi-
ence which will make the educating im-
pressions. Always one sees this pattern:
something from God to work with, but
something to be done by man.
This pattern prevails in the spiritual
realm. Under the creative hand of God
man became a living soul. But he is not
an automaton. Created in the image of
God. he has a will. Within the limits of
his potentialities, he can be anything he
will be. He can be a believer or he can
refuse to believe; he can bear witness to
God or he can ignore Him. He can open
his heart and life to the limitless power
of the Holy Spirit, or he can live within
the limits of his own powers. He can be
a man of God, or he can make Man
his god.
This is the way things work. And it
seems to us verv good. God respects our
personalities bv giving us free ran<ie and
bv expecting great things of us. He al-
lows us to be co-workers with Him. But
to begin with He has uiven everv advan-
tage to us: a great varietv of capabilities.
28
GOSPEL HERALD
January 12, 1954
a tremendous terrestrial laboratory, a
practically unlimited storeroom of sup-
plies, a promise of wisdom and strength
beyond our own. God always does His
part; will man do his?
Bible Study and Christian Action
God's Word is the only sure founda-
tion for the life of men and nations.
The supreme tragedy of this world is
the failure of men to follow the revela-
tion of truth which God has given us in
the Holy Scriptures.
All our mistakes, sorrow, and misery
are the direct result of our ignorance
of God's Word or our refusal to obey it.
It stands to reason that if there is a
God of mercy, love, and justice, He
would not create man and then leave
him blindly to grope his way through
such an evil world, with the chances ten
to one against him. It stands to reason
that God would give him direction for
his life— not that he might become an
automaton, but that he might have an
intelligent fighting chance to come out
victorious. This is exactly what God has
done in the Holy Scriptures.
And yet, the critics and the philoso-
phers, the economists and the scientists
have tossed the Word of God aside,
laughed at it, and substituted their own
wisdom for it. Many good, so-called
Christians have been led astray by these
blind leaders. Even ministers in the
churches have rejected the Bible and are
prattling about the need for new pro-
phets, mystical guidance, inner con-
sciousness, spiritual techniques, and the
new psychology.
This human hodgepodge is leading us
deeper and deeper into despair. Our
only hope lies in the discovery of God's
will as revealed in His Word. We need
to come to the Bible, not as to other
books, but as to God speaking! God's
Word is not a dry, abstract statement of
theology, but it is divine guidance here
and now. Ignorance of a single truth
it contains or refusal to apply it will
deprive us, to that extent, of the victory,
joy, and peace God intended we should
have in this life. God's Word is the sure
foundation which has stood and will
stand all the storms and stresses of life.
With Goethe in Baynard Taylor's
beautiful translation of "Faust," let us
say—
I call the supernatural to guide me,
I pine with thirst for revelation.
Which nowhere worthier is, more nobly sent
Than here, in our New Testament.
I feel impelled its meaning to determine,
With honest purpose, once for all.
We need to beware lest we come to
the Old Book with preconceived notions
and prejudices determined to make it
conform to some ancient human dogma.
We must not be guilty of twisting and
wresting the Scriptures to conform to our
own philosophies of life. We must throw
off every evil restraint and give ourselves
with abandon to be led of the Holy
Spirit and to descern the light of heaven
shining between the sacred sentences.
There is in the Sermon on the Mount
enough spiritual dynamite to blast us
out of our self-satisfaction and cause us
to cry out again and again, "God have
mercy on me!" And should all those
who claim to be followers of Christ ac-
tually live the principles revealed here,
a new Utopia would exist on earth.
Our Lord Jesus Christ teaches us,
for instance: "Do not resist a wicked
man, but if any one strike you on the
right cheek, turn the other to him as
well." The average Christian does not
believe that. He believes in the age-old
law of resistance and revenge. If some-
one were to strike him a physical blow,
he would retaliate with a physical blow.
If he was done a wrong, he would de-
liberately plan to "get even."
What would happen if we would ac-
tually take Christ at His word? Suppose
It is human to want to do great
things, but it is divine to be will-
ing to do the little things. — Simon
G. Bucher.
we would forgive our enemies and do
good to those who despitefully use us.
Suppose we would give a soft answer to
every wrathful imprecation hurled
against us. Suppose we would actively
resist evil by an offensive of love. What
would happen? Well, in the first place,
the other fellow would be put at a de-
cided disadvantage, inasmuch as this
divine strategy would be so new and
strange as to be completely disconcert-
ing. In the next place, it would confer
a bounty on the aggressor to make him
under obligation to us. In short, the
follower of Christ would become the
immediate master of the situation. The
universal practice of this one principle
by so-called Christians would revolution-
ize human society.
Some years ago we heard Bishop
Hughes chide the critics of the church
who said that world debacle was directly
attributable to Christianity. Said the
bishop, "Christianity cannot be blamed.
Christianity has never been tried." He
was right. But we have been quoting the
bishop and going right on in our failure
to follow the teachings of God's Word.
We have really lived as though we be-
lieved Christ's way was impractical— per-
haps a lie!
We need to say, "God, I am going to
read the Bible daily to discover Thy
holy will and then I am going to start
living it and get others to live it. I re-
fuse ^o be any longer bound by things
as they are, by what others say, by what
others think, and by my own fears. From
this time forth, take me and use me ac-
cording to Thy holy will."
It Happened —
SEVENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO
(From Herald of Truth, February, 1879)
Pre. John Snyder, of Jewell County,
Kansas, writes us that the Central
Branch Railroad is now completed to
Beloit, from which place they live 8
miles north and 3£ miles west. The
land in that vicinity is said to be of good
quality and can be purchased at low
figures. Wheat brings from 35 to 55
cents a bushel, rye and corn are worth
15 cents. . . .
There are now living here [Adams
Co., Nebr.] eight families of our denom-
ination . . . , among whom is Pre. A.
Scruffier, who lately moved here from
Tazewell County, 111. . . . We have com-
menced to hold meetings every three
weeks. . . .
The object of this Anglo-American
enterprise [revision of the English trans-
lation] is to bring King James' version
up to the present state of the English
language, without changing the idiom
and the vocabulary, and to the present
standard of Biblical scholarship, which
has made very great advances since
1611
If Christians would make this great
decision and get this magnificant obses-
sion they would recapture the courage
which the apostolic church so gloriously
demonstrated despite all the odds which
were against them 2.000 years ago.
We would feel as though we could
build a highway through the jungles
and morasses and mountains of our day,
because we possess the divine blueprints,
have the pulsing power of the Holy
Spirit within, and know the sense oi
partnership with the living God.
In witnessing to individuals about
Jesus Christ and His transforming pow-
er; in helping anxious souls find peace
in Him; in working for social justice; in
breaking down sectarian prejudice; ir
practicing Christian unity; in minister
ing to the unfortunate; in resisting anti-
christs; in working for a better world-
in all these experiences of life— we would
have a most vivid sense of God's pres
sence with us because we had heard Hin
speak in His Word and knew, bevontfr
the peradventure of a doubt, that W*
were in His will and walking in His way
So let us turn to the Book and learr
by experience that it is God's Word-
trie only sure foundation for the life o>
men and nation s.— James DeFores'
Murch. Editorial in United Evangelic*
Action.
\nuary 12, 1954 GOSPEL HERALD
A Summer's Service
By Ina Ruth Krabill
One of the happiest, most valuable
mmers of my life was the one spent at
mp Paivika, a camp for crippled chil-
en sponsored by the Crippled Cbil-
en's Society of Los Angeles, California,
his camp is hid away high in the San
rnardino mountains where the air is
; clearest, the sky is the bluest, and
e summers are the coolest of any place
ve ever been.
When I cbose to give a summer in
rvice at Camp Paivika I thought I
lew what was in store. My work would
with physically handicapped children
d I would try to help give them a
ppy, wholesome, and nearly normal
tnping experience in a beautiful and
tural mountain setting. But looking
ck on the experience I realize that I
ceived more than I gave, for being a
rt of the Voluntary Service unit at
ivika involved far more than pushing
leel chairs, fastening braces, steadying
tches, or wrapping splints.
I was continually drawn close to God
the midst of some of His most gor-
ous creation, the mountains. To me
ere is something almost sacred about
e beauty of a hidden mountain trail or
e grandeur of a huge clump of rocks,
lere is something peaceful and awe-
ipiring about sitting alone on a rock
erhanging a cliff, gazing at the valley
low and the mountain peaks hundreds
miles away, and realizing that the
eator of it all is also the Father of us
. In such a setting Psalm 121 took on
w meaning, for there it seemed so nat-
al and right to say,
"I will lift up mine eyes unto
the hills, from whence cometh
my help.
My help cometh from the Lord,
which made heaven and earth."
Paivika afforded me the opportunity
learning to know, appreciate, and be-
end a great many physically handi-
)ped children and young people,
me of these people had seemingly in-
mountable problems, but also un-
passed courage and determination,
lere was Kay, who had won the fight
ainst bitterness. An athlete before her
ident, she was now confined to life in
vheel chair, yet she could thank God
these circumstances because she now
d time to notice little things she had
ver seen or thought about before.
Norma was a victim of cerebral palsy
d you would call her unfortunate, for
things which become second nature
- most seven-year-olds were difficult for
r— things like swallowing, holding a
Don, talking, or petting a kitten. Yet
r dancing eyes, mischievous smile, and
uny disposition made her the sweet-
art of the camp. She was thoughtful of
ers and she sensed immediately if
ting or caring for her had made me
tired. At those times she was sure to
reward me by throwing her arms around
me and saying, "I love you." She was
also very sensitive to the beauties of
nature, and to her life was a wonderful
thing.
It was a thrill to see tiny, limping Bar-
bara bravely conquer homesickness, to
notice Sue respond to love with more and
more smiles and a less frightened atti-
tude, and to watch blind Mimi lovingly
weave a pine needle mat for her mother's
birthday present. It was heartbreaking
when, day by day and piece by piece,
Janet confided her story— the all too
typical story of an unloved, unwanted
crippled child. But Janet was a child
who had learned to love Christ as her
We have commilted Ihe golden
rule to memory; let us now corn-
mil ii to life. — Edwin Markham.
Saviour and with His help was trying to
live above the unkind treatment received
from her own mother. There were three
sisters from one family, beautiful girls
16, 18, and 19 years old, who were dying
a little each day as a result of the dread
disease called muscular dystrophy. These
girls, as well as all the other campers,
claimed the right to happiness and had a
desire as strong and natural as yours or
mine to live a useful life.
For all these children those two weeks
at camp meant eveiylfiing. It meant two
weeks of vacation from the staring pub-
lic and from the feeling of being an odd-
ity. There, in their own wav and at their
own speed, they could enjoy swimming,
horseback riding, crafts, campfire sing-
ing, ceramics, camp-outs, and other activ-
ities. There they were totally accepted,
with or without arms ami lees, with or
without sight or hearing, and they could
be happier than anywhere else in the
world. Each camper was a challenge,
because, in spite of a warped body and
many pitiful problems, each one had a
life to be lived, a personality to be de-
veloped, and a soid to be saved.
I had been warned that a disadvantage
of the unit at Paivika was the fact that
we would have no opportunity to teach
any religion. Our campers came from
every type of religious background-
Christian Science, Seventh-Day Adven-
tist, Catholic, Jewish, and many others
—consequently even in our Sunday serv-
ices we were requested to omit any ref-
erence to the name of Christ. Being un-
able to talk about Christ made it still
more important to live as a Christian.
Serving "in the name of Christ" became
a reality to me as I lived, worked, and
29
played with my campers, and represent-
ing Christ to them became a full-time
job. It meant making a special elfort to
remain calm and unruffled when in the
morning, for the filth time, Beverly's
foot involuntarily jerked out of her shoe.
Serving in Christ's name I dared not
refuse Helen the thrill of a nature hike
e\en though pushing her wheel chair up
and around the winding trails would add
moie aching muscles to an already tired
back. Nor could I show impatience
while cleaning up after Carol Ann had
tipped her glass of milk for the third
tune during the same meal. Only Christ's
example helped me to feel as much love
for those children with aggravating per-
sonalities as for those with winsome
ways. It compelled me to try to perform
the most menial, least glamorous tasks
in the most Christlike way.
I am most thankful for my summer at
Paivika because of the way in which it
helped ine to grow spiritually. For the
first time in my life I was part of a small
Christian minority representing Christ
in the midst of a basically non-Christian
society. The first Sunday at Paivika will
always be a vivid memory for our group.
It had been a day of orientation meet-
ings just like the Friday and Saturda)
betore it; we felt strange in our new
surroundings, and all of us were desper-
ately lonesome for the fellowship of
Christian friends in a church service. As
the day wore on, it continued to be re-
garded as only another day on the cal-
endar, and we became depressed. Our
unit consisted of ten young people rep-
resenting Presbyterians, Baptists, Inter-
denominational, and several branches of
Mennonites, but late that night as we
met on a hillside lor devotions we were
simply ten Christians discouraged in the
face of a challenge we felt incapable of
meeting successfully. It took just such
an experience to draw us together in a
common purpose and to make us realize
our complete dependence upon God for
help. I believe it was this unity of pur-
pose, with service our mutual motive and
Christ our mutual friend, which strength-
ened our witness throughout the sum-
mer.
Our co-workers, all college students or
graduates, fell into three classes. Some
were fine people with a passive interest
in religion. Others were morally good,
though they had never bothered with
religion. And there were those who
made no pretense of high standards and
violently opposed religion. All of them
watched our lives with eagle eyes, and
rightfully so, for we were working on an
equal basis with them— under the same
administration and serving the same
children— yet we claimed to be different.
The opportunities to be different pre-
sented themselves often and in a host of
little things— in an attitude of real love
and respect for our campers, in the type
of discipline we expected of them, in the
kind of stories we told them at bedtime,
in the conscientiousness with which we
1
30
GOSPEL HERALD
January 12, 1954
did our work, and in the way we spent
our nights off.
We had chance after chance to expiain
just what our motive was in coming to
Paivika, and of telling what we believed
and why. The intolerant few tried con-
stantly to argue us out of our "nonsensi-
cal notions'* by telling us that no intel-
ligent person could believe the Bible to
be more than a lot of fairy tales; that of
course there is no God; that through the
process of evolution man has been get-
ting better and better and will continue
to do so until someday he himself will
be the god; that man is basically good
and there is no such thing as sin. We
were asked by those genuinely interested
to give our reasons for not dancing,
drinking, smoking, or playing cards. We
were challenged to explain just how and
why we think the principle of nonresist-
ance will work. In all of our dealings
with these friends we tried to demon-
strate tolerance for their differing view-
points, or love and understanding in face
of their taunts and sarcasm. Our efforts
were rewarded by the genuine respect
and consideration we received from the
administration and staff as a whole, and
we thanked God when one after another
of them told us, "You are the first people
I've ever known who actually try to live
what they believe."
I can never measure the worth of this
past summer's experience. Becoming ac-
quainted with the needs and problems
of the handicapped has been an educa-
tion I could have secured in no other
way. Time and time again I have real-
ized how fortunate I am, how much I
have, and how responsible I am to serve
God' well with my healthy body and
mind.
The life of each member of our unit
has been an inspiration and a help to
my own. Association with the non-
Christian counselors was a means of
forcing me to re examine my beliefs and
put my convictions into words. The ex-
perience gave me a keen insight into the
severe unrest and dissatisfaction of peo-
ple outside of Christ, and a new appre-
ciation for my own Christian heritage.
Most of all, it convinced me that the
Christian life lived quietly but consist-
ently, and with God's help, can be a very
positive influence in any and every
society.
Louisville, Ohio.
Knee Power for the Daily Jobs
He picked them out on His knees.
Slowly, thoughtfully, through the night,
He sifted back and forth, taking account
of weaknesses and drawbacks, till at last
the list of twelve men stood clear. A
great night's work, that, getting fisher-
men ready to be apostles. No wonder
Peter came back, and John's fire burned
out in love. That night's knee work did
it. Nothing human can resist quiet,
steady, confident knee work. Try it on
your daily job.-Selected.
The Revelation of Jesus Christ
By J. L. Stauffer
20. The Two Companies, Rev. 7.
(First parenthesis or inset between the
6th and jth Seal)
This chapter is an interruption in the
opening ot the seventh seal and this de-
scription of two companies of people
comes in between the sixth and tne sev-
entn seals. The Book of Kevelation ap-
pears cnronologicai as far as the opening
of the seals, the blowing of the trumpets,
and the outpouring ot the vials are con-
cerned.
In verses 1-8 we have a description of
a sealed company from the twelve tribes
of Israel, 12,u00 from each tribe. Is the
number a literal figure, or is it a symbol-
ical number representing complete gov-
ernment? It is a scene on earth. Here
expositors disagree. The writer favors
taKing the numoer literally because it is
within the realm of possibility. God has
had an elect number in the past and 1
know of no law to prevent Hun having a
selected number in the future. There
were 7,000 in the days of Elijah when he
did not know that any existed. I Kings
19:18. In the New Testament we are
informed that there is now a remnant of
Jews according to the election of grace,
out the numDer is not given. Rom.
11:4,5.
The sealing of these people is done by
an angel and not by tne rioly Spirit as
it is now during the church period, be-
fore the tribulation. The seal will evi-
dently be visible as the seal of the beast
will be that is described later on.
Why are these people sealed? What is
their work? What becomes of them?
There is a reference to 144,000 in chap-
ter 14:1-5 and here it is said they were
"redeemed from the earth." The ex-
planation has been given that the pur-
pose of their sealing was that they might
be witnesses of God unto the people dur-
ing the time of tribulation, until they
were all martyred. This is certainly with-
in the realm of possibility. If God chose
Jeremiah and Saul of Tarsus before they
were born to be witnesses for Him, He
could certainly choose a multitude in
time if He chose to do so. God has al-
ways had His witnesses or representatives
preceding a visitation of judgment. As
illustrations we have Enoch and Noah
preceding the Hood, the angels in Sodom
before it was consumed, the prophets
before the overthrow of Israel and Ju-
dah, Daniel in Babylon, and Jonah in
Nineveh.
The second company is a "great multi-
tude" from the nations of the earth.
While the great tribulation is not yet
completed, the Lord gives us a preview
of what He gets out of it. This multi-
tude is seen in heaven. They are re-
deemed from the earth, just as the
1 11,000, a scene on earth, are seen in
Rev. 14:1-5 in heaven. They are the
fruits of witnessing for God during the
tribulation period. Like the martyred
ones in 6:11, these likewise have uhitt
robes. Are they the ones that were to tx
killed as predicted in 6:11, and the ful
fillment of it here disclosed? 7:9. Ob
serve that the 144,000 are nowhere in
eluded in this group, neither are thi
saints of Rev. 2 and 3 who are seen ii
glory as the 24 elders. Rev. 7:11.
When John is asked as to the identic
of this great multitude, he does not knon
who they are, nor from where they ha»
come. One of the elders then tells hin
who they are and how they have com
out of great tribulation.
As truth-lovers we can accept the ar
swer even though it leaves unamwere
some questions in our mind. Certainl
God receives great glory from this whol
seventh chapter.
Observations
By Bernard B. Kaltz
Toward the northern end, at the u;.l
per reaches of the long, extended, ar
historical Chesapeake Bay, is the coi
mercial and industrial city of Baltimor
Md. Within its borders are the horn
of nearly a million souls. To many v
itors it is known as the "town with d
white steps," as nearly every residen
in the center of the city has white mi
ble or wooden steps irom the front do
to the pavement. About a mile west ai
a little south of the main business s(
tion is 223 Pulaski Street, the place
the newly started Baltimore Mennon
Mission. It is a three-story, gra>, bri
corner building about 15 by 70 feet, ai
was formerly a store building but m
remodeled to accommodate about o
hundred people in the main room,
southern exposure makes it light a,
cheerful. 1 he rooms above serve I
Sunday-school rooms and as living qu.
ters lor the otherwise sell-supporti
workers, members of the Mellinger a
gregation near Lancaster, Pa. 1 he stre •
in this old residential district are s 1
lighted by the old-lashioned gas ligl .
augmented by powertul electric hg >
at the corners.
It was early on a Sunday morn!
when we left our homes to drive the ;
proximately eighty miles to worship ii
to fellowship with this little band j<
young Christian workers, formerly «jtj
neighbors and friends. As we drove al<|
the way, we couldn't help noticing G(S
wonderiul handiwork in the tall tolit
on the trees. The wooded hills werli
riot of colors: green, yellow, red, broa
tinted in thousands of shades and blejl
ing into indescribable beauty. We cro:H
many bridges and culverts, for southjl
Lancaster County has many various-sJ
creeks which How through lush mead*
that furnish grazing for the large d r>
herds and other cattle. The larl
bridge to cross was the one built on M
crest of the Conowingo Electric Pee:
Dam, over a mile long, across the mij I
Uanuary 12, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
31
]A Prayer for This Week
Oh, loving Shepherd, who gave your
I life to redeem us, your unwonny sheep,
ive come 111 tins our daily need. As under-
.hepherds leading tenderer lambs, we
.oilow closely in ihy iooisieps through
he labyrinths ol daily care. May we
dways be conscious ol J. hy guiding
/oice. May Ihy spirit ol expenuabiluy
:nable us to lay down our lives daily
or those we mean to serve. Give us
;ourage to walk in the presence ol dan-
ger, conhdent ol Thy protecting stall.
^Ve thank Thee lor the green ol lamiliar
pastures and peaceful streams. But help
is to dare to lollow Thee to unsealed
leights and untried streams that new
'ision and perspective may bless Thy
lock. Yet let us not iorget that loving
leeds are better understood by weaker
i Lies than lolty thought. So help us,
a rather Shepherd, to discern Thy will
j |tnd to trust in Thy protecting care.
Vmen. —Margaret Kau{jman.
JvSi
usquehanna River. While on this bridge
ve looked to the north and saw the vast,
leep, artificial lake with small waves
lihowing on it. As we looked the other
vay over the bulwark-like high cement
vail, we realized the great heiglit ol this
lam. We saw the dry, wide, locky river-
lor miles toward the
outh. At the west end ol this bridge we
aw the specially constructed bunding
hat houses the large hydroelectric gen-
rators which convert the water power
nto electricity. We marveled at the maze
)1 wiring on the roof ol this building
nd the nuge steel towers which support
he heavy cables needed to transport
his current to the near-by industrial
enters— Philadelphia, New Vork, Wash-
ington, Baltimore, and others. Follow-
ng the lamous U.S. Route No. 1, we
rossed the historic Mason-Dixon line
md soon were in the suburbs ol sprawl-
ng Baltimore, Md.
Due to local conditions, Sunday school
lidn't start until 10:30. In the absence
)1 Bio. Ralph Weaver, the Sunday-school
uperintenuent, the pastor, Bro. Lloy
Uiiss, directed the meeting. He called
)n Bro. Melvin Delp, one ol the workers
tere irom the River Corner congrega-
ion, to lead the singing. The writer,
rom the Andrews Bridge congregation,
ead Matt. 5:3-12 for the devotion and
ed in prayer, after which the classes
vent to their respective places. A class
applicants met lor special instructions
)rior to baptism. About fifty were pres-
nt.
Following the Sunday-school period,
Jro. John Buckwalter, deacon from the
Mellingcr congregation, escorted two ol
the applicants lor membership to their
places in readiness lor water baptism.
Bro. Lloy Kmss had the sermon on the
theme ol water baptism. Basing his re-
marks on Acts 8:3/, he directed 111s mes-
sage to us all, wiin special meaning to
the applicants. He stressed the saued-
ness and the importance ol tins Bible
ordinance. He said, "The decision to
align ourselves With the people ol God,
to live as Christians tot ennst and His
church is the most important ol ah reso-
lutions 111 hie because 11 reaches even
into eternity. . . . I he only way to be
truly happy is by wholly yielding in obe-
dience. . . . Full ol laiui means implicit
obedience to God's Word. ... We are
saved from the guilt ol sin, the power of
sin, and also liom hell, the wages (pen-
alty) ol sin. . . . We are to be dead to the
WOrid and alive unto God."
Bro. Elmer G. Martin, bishop of the
Mellinger and Mumptowu distnct, gave
additional encouragement, teaching, and
testimony. He said, "Every Clmstian
soul win want to aoide by all tne ordi-
nances ol God. . . . The doctrines ol
Christ are ol L»od the Father." All ol us
present at tins service were encouraged
and strengthened spiritually. VVe were
reminded ol the vows we made when we
were baptized, some ol us many years
ago. Alt ol us resolved to be more nnnd-
iui and obedient, also more loyal and
zealous lor Christ and His church.
Baltimore, like many odier large cities
in our land, is a needy field, spiritually.
There is a great deal ol lormal religion
accompanied by commercialism, incon-
sistencies, superstitions, and idolatry and
"although there be ten thousand instruc-
tors, yet are there tew lathers." There
is much indifference, ignorance, and a
great lack ol interest toward God and
His Word. Many children are growing
up without any Bible teaching. These
)oung, mission-minded workers ol ours
are to be commended lor their zeal and
efforts in bringing the light ol the Gos-
pel into these spiritually darkened cor-
ners. They are worthy ol our prayers,
encouragement, and support. May the
Lord abundantly bless them in their
efforts and for the self-denial and sacri-
fices they are making so that others may
learn to know the love of God through
our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Lancaster, Pa.
1111
No Substitute for Praying
We have to come face to face with the
fact that no techniques of prayer, no fa-
miliarity with books about prayer, can
ever take the place of prayer itself. There
is only one way in which we can ever
make prayer real to ourselves, and that
is by taking time at any cost each day
for prayer.— Lynn J. Radclitfe.
Prayer Requests —
(Requests for this column must be signed.)
Pray for Bro. J. D. Graber, that he may
have safe journeying, and that he may
be able to bring real blessing to our
foreign mission churches.
Pray lor an Indian girl who, after gradu-
ate work in this country, fias returned
to India with faith in neither Chris-
tianity nor Hinduism.
Pray for the blessing of the Lord upon
our winter Bible schools just now be-
ginning.
Pray for healing for a sister suffering
more than a year from a nervous
breakdown.
Pray again drat the way may be opened
for the Haddad family to migrate from
Jerusalem to America.
Pray for the first converts at two new
mission stations: the Gingerich School,
four miles north of Hershey, Pa., and
Texter Mountain, near Cocalico,
where there were confessions in recent
meetings held by John S. Hess. Pray
for the workers there.
Pray for the Lord's healing hand and
His sustaining grace upon John E.
Gingrich, who is recuperating in a
Johnstown, Pa., hospital from heart
attacks on Dec. 22 and 26.
Pray for a father who has allowed him-
self to be drawn away from his wife
by another woman. Pray that he may
have no rest until he has re-established
himself in his home.
That $32,000 Deficit
By a Brother
ft haunts me. t try to study my Sun-
day-school lesson but my mind wanders.
$32,000! That's a lot of money— or is it?
Why should our Mission Board have a
deficit? Always asking lor money. Vet I
have an uneasy leeling. I spent $5.00 for
Christmas cards and then it will cost a
few dollars' postage. But what has that
to do with a Mission Board deficit?
That's my business. After all, I must
remember my friends. What will they
think if I fail to send them a card? But
that deficit— it comes before me again. I
refer to the Mennonite Yearbook: 61.811
members of the Mennonite Church in
the U.S. Five members an average family
— 12,362 families. Two boxes of Christ-
mas cards and the postage. The deficit
gone. Lord, have mercy!
I There are, in fact, only three church
members per family. There are about
22.000 families. That much easier to
wipe out this deficit, if each family
would send a check, as this brother did.
-Ed.]
32
GOSPEL HERALD
January 12, 1954
OUR SCHOOLS
Rural Life Conference
Hesston College and Bible School
February 5-7, 1954
0:30 p.m. — College Dining Hall
Chili Supper
Cbairmau — Lester Gulp
Panel Discussion — "Our Attitude Toward Com-
munity Organizations"
— J. P. Duerksen, Evelyn Rouner, Clifford
Stutziuau, Sauforu King, aud Lester
Gulp „
Talk— "Attitude Toward Other Church Groups
— Alilo Kauffinau
Saturday, February 6, 1954
7:30 p.m. Hess Hall
Chairman — Al Weave*
Film — "Sage of the Soil" ,
"Land Tenure and Community Stability
— J. Wiufield Fretz
Sunday, February 7, 1954
11:00 a.m. Sermon
"Teaching Stewardship in the Rural Commu-
nity"— Roy Roth
7:30 p.m.
Chairman — G. G. Yodcr
Song Service — Special music by College
fa u „ Choruses
"Christianizing the Local Community" —
D. Lowell isissley
Consecrated Christian Living in
Grade School
By Judy Kauffman (10 years old)
You may think that it would be easy
lor a child in grade school to get along
without very much trouble, but this is
not the case. There are many, many
temptations in my daily school life, and
I must watch all the time so that my
conduct will be Christian. I must ask
mysell many times, "What would Jesus
do?" I will mention a lew examples ol
what any Christian child might meet in
school. First, I meet many other boys
and girls. Some are older; some are
younger; some are rich; some are poor;
some are gentle; some are rough and
rude; some are easy to get along with;
some are not so easy to get along with;
some are Christians; others are not. Yes,
there are all kinds ol children. How can
I show them that I am a Christian and
that I am trying to live as Jesus did?
I try to be kind to everyone. This is
hard sometimes, because not everyone
is kind to me. Then, too, some are poor
and perhaps not very tidy and no one
wants to play with them. 1 see that they
are lonely; so I smile at them and ask
them to play. This makes both ol us
happy. I try to play fair and take my
turn, even if things do not go my way.
Sometimes it is hard not to strike bac k
or answer in a cross word, or play unfair,
but I must remember that a Christian
does not do these things.
In the classroom what should I do?
I respect the teacher and try to follow
his instructions and obey his rules of
conduct. I do my best to prepare each
assignment, and try in every way to be
honest. I can not cheat or do my work
carelessly, for I remember that not only
the teacher but Jesus too looks over my
shoulder and examines my work. I want
my classmates and my teacher to believe
in me and trust me and I want to be
faithful to them. I want to be cheerful
and helpiul and forgiving, so I will make
it easier for someone else to be a Chris-
tian.
Some of my classmates may not be
Christians. They may not even go to
Sunday school. I can tell them how
happy I am because I am a Christian
and invite them to Sunday school and
pray for them too. I can show them that
the way of kindness and love is the hap
piest way.
All these things that have been men-
tioned are the things I want to do. I
can not do these things all by myself.
Since I have given my life to Jesus I
know He can help me every day. I want
to honor Him every day. I want to be
faithful to my Sunday school and to my
parents, who I know pray each day that
I should be a faithful Christian child.
For these I am thankful and as I go to
school day by day I want to remember
that I am God's child and I want to be
His faithful witness.
Goshen, Ind.
The Gospel of Christ
By Stanley Shenk
Paul did not exhaust his subject when
he ,said that the Gospel was the power
of God unto salvation. It has been pre-
eminently that, but it has also been
more. It has also been the power of God
unto the building of new civilizations,
unto the creation of great social reforms
in many lands and times, and in creating
fruitful by-products in the realms of art,
music, poetry, literature, and sculpture.
Yes, the Gospel built a new civilization
in the ancient world, and it is build-
ing them in missionary lands today.
When the barbarians of northern Eu-
rope surged across the Roman frontiers
in the fourth and fifth centuries and the
great Roman Empire fell, it looked like
the end of the world. But no, it was
merely the end of the old Greek and
Roman civilization, and the beginning
of a new one, the Latin-German civiliza-
tion. And Christianity was the force that
sustained the Latin peoples in those cen-
turies of crisis and that went out and
converted the barbarians, the Germanic
peoples, to the cause of the Cross.
The mortar that then held together the
new Latin-German civilization was the
church of Christ. We ourselves are liv-
ing today in the historical aftermath ol
that blending of Latin and German.
The Gospel of Christ is primarily the
power of God unto salvation, but it is ,
also a mighty power in relorming society.
Dr. Samuel Zwemer, who saw the Gospel
at work for forty years as a missionary,
has written on this point as follows:
"And the Gospel not only converts the
individual; it cUanges society. On every
mission field, from the days of William
Carey, the missionaries have carried a j
real, social gospel. They promoted tern- ^
perance, opposed tire opium traffic,
checked ganiDiing, establisiied standards
of hygiene and purity, promoted indus-
try, elevated womanhood, restrained
antisocial customs, abolished cannibal-
ism, human sacrifice, and cruelty, organ-
ized lamine rebel, checked tribal wars,
and changed the social structure of soil
ciety. Paul's Gospel did the same in the
first century for those who became the
Early Church."
Last ol all, the Gospel ol Christ has
produced so prodigal an outpouring ol
beauty and trudr in die fields of die arts ,
that the imagination practically staggers |
at trying to conceive of it. If all the lit- 1
erature, painting, music, and sculpture
that Christianity has inspired were to j
vanish overnight from the world of man,
vast and ragged gaps would appear in!
every library, music collection, and art
gallery on eardi. There would no longer
be a Pilgrim's Progress or a Messiah.
There would no longer be any of the
great paintings of Mary and the Babe,1
of the boy Jesus in the temple, ol Christ
in Gethsemane, beiore Pilate, and on!
the Cross. The hymns would all be gone. I
We would be infinitely more poor in the1
beautiful and the good. Yes, the Gospel:
of Christ is powerful even to the produc-j
tion of great art and enriching beauty. •
"I am not ashamed of the gospel of |
Christ ... it is the power of God."
West Liberty, Ohio.
Some Things We Should Not
Forget
By S. N. Leitner
That we can be sound in doctrine, and
yet not be all sound.
That only what we give awav while we
live is what we keep; the rest we lose al
death.
That if one prefers to serve sin and
Satan, he should be prepared to accept
the wages of sin.
That circumstances can make us pool
in pocket, but we alone are to blame il
we are not rich in thought.
That a minute of strengthening prayo
in the morning is better than an houi
of regret over weakness at night.
That when we magnify Christ to thl
lost we also rest and have joyous re
freshing for ourselves.
Birch Tree, Mo.
January 12, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
33
TEACHING THE WORD
So You Want to Work at a
Summer Camp?
By Jess Kauffman
It will take several hundred people to
tafT the summer camps throughout the
vlennonite Church next summer. Some
f you will work only a day, others a
veek, and still others will spend all sura-
ner at one of our church camps. If you
ire giving any thought to offering your
ervices to one or more of our camps,
here are some things that we ought to
onfidentially discuss. Maybe you have
lever been at a camp— or perhaps you
lave been a camper, and now you would
ike to be on the stafF as a counselor,
eachcr, kitchen helper, secretary, book-
keeper, or any of the other places where
)ersonnel is badly needed to operate our
ummer camps. Maybe you are going
)ack after having had previous experi-
nce on the staff! Whatever your situa-
ion, it might be good for us to think
hrough this thing of being part of a
amp staff.
Camp directors have always been con-
erned about their staff. They know that
10 ramp situation can be stronger than
ts staff. Down through the history of
he camping movement camp directors
lave voiced and written their opinion of
he qualifications of a staff member— and
hey are high, but nbt too high for many
f you to reach. There are perhaps few
obs that require such a variety of skills,
>ersonal traits, specialized training;, nat-
iral ability, and a general knowledge of
field, as does camping.
It is evident that no one person could
>ossibly possess all the favorable rharac-
eristics that are recommended, or need-
d. Camp directors are on the lookout
or those persons who possess the most
f them, or who are especially trained or
tted for some specific area. Leadership
f a superior quality is needed in our
amps. A weak member on the staff
weakens the entire structure, whether he
s in the kitchen, office, counseling, teach-
ng, or directing.
This is all true because of the nature
>f camping. One of our arguments in
avor of camping is that a group of camp-
rs can be taken into a camp setting, and
here one's own little world can be cre-
ited with the kind of atmosphere that
s desired. Camping together throws us
nto close quarters. It is an experience
f living and working together that lasts
und the clock. That condition makes
ypocrisy impossible. One turns out to
e his real self. Insinceritv is quicklv de-
ected. Tf you become a part of a camp
taff for next summer, go into it with
incerity and the conviction that God has
called you to serve Him through the
church camping program.
Following are seven qualifications
treated in a general manner. They may
suggest others to you. These qualifica-
tions are high— but also the kind of
qualifications that will challenge the
best in our men and women who will be
serving in our church summer camps.
Any of us will experience the feeling
that we are not qualified— but that is
quite natural for any of us in any phase
of service. Probably that is the way we
should feel. It will cause us to trust
Christ for our strength and wisdom. It
will keep us from going forth in our
own strength and meeting with failure.
Whether you plan to help in the kitchen
or as director, you will want to face up
to these suggested qualifications, and
then pray about your place in this pro-
gram of church camping.
"Talk to God about your neiqh-
bor, and talk to your neighbor
about God."
In the first place, do you qualifv spir-
itually? Church camping has made some
big claims for itself. We have told the
churrli that we can do thus and thus in
our camping program. We have said
that we ran do things that can not be
done in anv other teaching or learning
situation. We know that the opportu-
nity to exert influence is tremendous at
ramp. We have told the church that.
Thev are coming bark to us and saving,
"Then who is going to exert that influ-
ence on our children and voung people
that attend our camps each summer? Ts
the influence going to be good or bad?
Let's see vou produce the goods." Church
camping is a spiritual ministry. Tt is not
a glorified vacation without a spiritual
emnhasis. Tr is not merelv a place where
children and voung people get together
for exercise as some would think. Our
job is to produce spiritually. We need
a staff that is spiritual! It is going to
take more than the natural beauties of
our camp sites, our recreational pro-
grams, and other vacation aspects to keep
our camners coming bark vear after venr.
Tf thev do not receive sniritual blessings,
thev will not return. Campers and sup-
porting constituency will support the
total rhurrh ramping program as thev
are convinced of spiritual blessings. Tt
is not the obiertive or the work of the
church camping program to compete
with commercial resorts. Ours is a
spiritual ministry. Everv member of the
staff must shire in this conviction. The
best compliment that any one could give
our camps is that they appreciated the
friendly and spiritual atmosphere of the
place. If the staff does not produce this
atmosphere, then there is no one else
left to do it. As vou further contemplate
this thing of being a part of a camp staff,
ask yourself questions like this: Do I
have a living Christian testimony that is
contagious? Have I experienced victorv
in my own soul that will give me the
poise, restraint, and self-discipline that
will make me a valuable part of a camp
staff? Do I have victory over mental and
emotional complexes? Do I have a vision
of the bigness of the task? There is no
place on any camp staff for those persons
who think it is a vacation, and who
come without a vision for service and no
sense of call from God. Camp directors
are the victims of some of this kind each
summer, but as much as possible thev
will be culled out. Thev weaken the
staff and hinder the program. Remem-
ber, ours is a spiritual ministry, a job
that can only be done to the glory of
God when people answer a divine rail
to serve on a camp staff.
Previous camp experience is very de-
sirable. Your experience as a camper
will make you a better staff member, be-
cause vou will have a knowledge of the
objectives of camping, and will be in a
position to understand the camper and
his needs. Previous experience on a staff
of some camp will equip vou for more
valuable service. You can profit from
vour mistakes of the past. During the
intervals between camping seasons vou
will be reading material that will make
vou a better camp leader each summer.
Every camp needs both new recruits and
those who have had experience. Each
has his distinctive contribution to make.
No director will want an improper bal-
ance of either. In a growing camp the
staff will want to know the past proce-
dures and traditions of the camp and
respect them. Tf you have been able in
the past to make a contribution to the
staff of one of our church camps, do not
hesitate to offer vour services again. Tf
vou think vou would like to trv it for the
first time, then listen carefully for a call
from God to serve through rhurrh ramp-
ing.
Desirable personality traits are also
neressarv qualifications. This might dis-
qualify some who are not exerrising the
fruit of the Spirit in their lives. Camp
directors are going to be interested in
knowing what personality traits vou
have developed. Whether or not vou
are emotionallv and spiritually mature
is going to be a big factor. Do you like
people? Tt is people that vou will be
working with. Do vou have a sense of
humor? You aren't expected to be the
camp's funnv man— but are vou able to
change unnleasant situations into pleas-
ant ones? Can von take a ioke and lau^h
about it? Are vou inclined to be moodv
and depressed when things don't go
right? Tf the butter is forgotten on a
cook-out. do you prefer drv bread on
(Continued on page 45)
34
GOSPEL HERALD
January 12, 1954
FAMILY CIRCLE
Morning Miracle
By Miriam Sieber Lind
The child is born
And there is no saying
How fair the morn;
There is only praying.
There is only praying —
The child is born!
Fear's grip is torn,
Pain's memory fraying ;
There is no saying
How sweet the morn.
The child is born —
There is only praying.
Scottdale, Pa.
Mental Illness Tops the List
Mental illness, striking in various
ways, is America's No. 1 disease. It does
not attack its victims without warning,
just as other illnesses announce their
coming by varied symptoms.
Mental illness can come at any age.
The disease is tragic, yes, but relatives
and friends must be helped to look upon
this sickness like any other disease. We,
as Christians, can do much for the cure
of mentally afflicted individuals by our
co-opera tiveness.
What can one do to help combat this
disease ?
I would suggest that we have intelli-
gent attitudes first of all. In order to do
this, learn all you can about mental ill-
ness. Go to a public library to read about
the subject. Discussion of this illness is
kept quiet often because of ignorance.
Do not blame an individual for his
acts if he is mentally ill. God only under-
stands why one is afflicted and others not.
Then, too, if the stricken individual
heretofore had wanted God's will in his
life and now suddenly shuns His Word,
do not judge the individual by this
stand. A mentally ill person should not
be blamed for his conduct any more
than a sleepwalker should be condemned
for his nightly excursions.
An individual, ill in this way, will
often turn against those he loves best.
So if a relative or friend becomes ill in
this way and talks unreasonably to you,
try to forget all that is said. To remem-
ber may only bring heartaches and dis-
couragement.
Relatives and friends can help the
family of a stricken individual by asking
about their welfare. Inquire about them
as you would of anyone who is ill. Do
not be afraid of hurting feelings just by
asking. Inquiring about n patient en-
ables one to pray more intelligently.
When the most intricate part of God's
creation in man becomes afflicted one
should not consider it a disgrace or
something to be hid. Do not feel that a
person is receiving punishment for past
sin if he is stricken in this way. Be as-
sured God has a purpose in allowing this
illness as He allows other sickness.
We can truly praise our loving Lord
for the way in which the Mennonite
Church is becoming much more alert to
the needs of the mentally ill. Two hos-
pitals, Kings View Homes, located in
California, and Brook Lane Farm, in
Maryland, are doing much to rehabili-
tate the mentally ill. A third hospital,
the Prairie View Hospital, near Newton,
Kansas, is nearing completion. Let us
give toward this cause.
A few rules which we can all observe
in visiting the mentally ill:
DO:
Heed all rules of the hospital or insti-
tution.
Wear a smile.
Be natural.
Take the doctor's advice when con-
sulting him.
Show much love.
DON'T:
Burden the patient with details.
Argue with him.
Oversympathize.
Give up thinking the patient will re-
cover.
Stop praying.
A dear one of mine has been afflicted
in this way. It means forgetting much,
putting aside many hopes and desires,
but when God permits mental illness,
who are we to question our heavenly
Father's dealings? He who knows our
willingness to follow can also heal those
afflicted. God grant that we will never
cease in intercessory prayer for those in
this need. —Anonymous.
Wanted
A Carrie Nation to Lead a Crusade on
Television
By Mrs. Richard Cross
I am sorry Carrie Nation isn't around
today. I'd like to line up behind her and
her hatchet and go to work on television
sets.
After watching people being laid on
railroad tracks for trains to run over, a
closet full of dead people, an insane
murderer who specialized in pretty girls,
a knifing, a choking, and numerous other
bloody masses on after-school TV pro-
grams, I'm mad enough to start a little
mayhem myself.
Why bother with good books, good
records, or even a good example or good
thoughts— with kindness, patience, or
thoughtfulness in the home, if then the
child is going to be exposed to direct
contradictions of all such teaching?
Why tell the little ones, "We don't hit
people," and then turn on the TV
where the hero is the one that hits the
hardest?
Why send them to Sunday school
where they learn about good for one
hour a week and then set them in front
of TV where they learn about evil for
20 hours?
The radio, crime comic books, and
crime shows are no better, but perhaps a
little easier to control.
Overprotection of young ones' tender
minds is no preparation for life's mam
rigors, but why lead them deliberately
into the valley where the shadows are
darkest and there's a murderer, a thief,
a drunkard, or a prostitute behind even'
shadow?
Let it hereby be known that this is
one mother in the audience who main-
tains that if the TV show isn't ?ood
enough for consumption by children,
then the product it advertises isn't good
enough for consumption by the family.
We refuse to contribute to the finan-
cial growth of any company which is not
willing to contribute to the mental
growth of little children watching it.—
Reprinted from Hutchinson News Her-
ald by permission of the author at the
request of Levi Headings, Hutchinson,
Kans.
How Television Opposes the
Christian Atmosphere in the
Home
Sfxected by J. D. Grabfr
(From a tract by C. U. Widmer.
Los Angeles. Calif.)
1. It is a proved fact that some persons
who purchased a TV set while thev were
in an unregenerated state, after conver-
sion were convicted of its evil influence
and disposed of same. A minister's un-
saved son. who was in possession of a
TV set. told his father that he was con-
vinced that in order to become a genuine
Christian he would have to dispose of
TV from his life. IT Cor. 5:17.
2. The beer, whiskev. wine, and to-
bacco advertisements, improperly dressed
dancers. Hollvwood divorce evil, murder
pictures, and lustful love scenes are a
long wav from qjarin? a Christian home.
,S. Television will warp and twist the
mind of our youth. When there are so
manv crime and murder programs shown
on TV. I am inclined to believe the storv
of the little boy who. when informed
that Grandpa passed away in the night,
asked, "Who shot him?"
(Continued on page 45)
January 12, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
55
TO BE NEAR TO GOD
THE GREATEST SERMON EVER PREACHED
Sunday, January 17
Read Matt. 5:1-12.
The qualities of life idealized in this Scrip-
ture are contrary to the ideals of the world.
The world honors the one who is strong-
willed and aggressive, the one who pushes
himself forward to success. Yet how often it
is true that those who have achieved, accord-
ing to men's standards, are utterly unhappy
and disillusioned when they reap thc fruits
of their attainments.
This is God's recipe for happiness. We be-
come happy by walking the road of humility,
by giving ourselves to God, by showing
mercy to fellow travelers, by bringing the es-
tranged into fellowship again. If those who
misunderstand or who arc jealous of our
inner joy persecute us, our happiness is mere-
ly increased, for we are doing the will of
God, and even in this are pointing men to
God.
Monday, January 18
Read Matt. 5:13-16.
Christians are salt in the world. As salt is
of no value unless it has an effect upon the
food with which it is used, so Christians are
of no value unless they influence the com-
munity into which they have been placed.
Salt Christians make the world a more
"tasty" place in which to live by their influ-
ence on civil, moral, and social standards.
Salt Christians act as a preservative upon the
world by winning the lost, thus staying God's
judgment.
Christians arc light in the world. Amid
the darkness all about him, the light of the
Christian shines forth as a beacon to point
wandering wayfarers to the path that leads
to endless day.
Let thc light of the Son of God within
shine forth, that men may find God and live
lives that glorify Him.
Tuesday, January 19
Read Malt. 5:17-20.
To live a life of rebellion toward God and
then to die and go to hell is serious. But to
lead others to rebel against God to their
eternal destruction is immeasurably more
serious. To break a least commandment of
the Scriptures and to lead others to do like-
wise is to sow seeds of rebellion toward the
word of the Lord and will bring upon one
the displeasure of a just God.
Father, enable me to be faithful in living
and teaching everv command of Thv Holv
Word.
Wednesday, January 20
Read Matt. 5:21-26.
The teaching of Christ goes deeper than
the law of Sinai in that it deals not with
acts but with attitudes. Though men cannot
deal with attitudes, God can and will. He
will punish a man who hates his fellow man
just as He will punish one who kills another.
The standard is even higher: it is my obli-
gation to seek reconciliation with my es-
tranged brother if anything in my life has
been or has seemed to be a hindrance to him.
Only after I have thus humbled myself in
loving concern will my worship be acceptable
to God.
Thursday, January 21
Read Matt. 5:27-32.
The standards of the Gospel are high, so
high that it is a common human tendency to
seek to soften their requirements. Without
Christ we are frustrated in trying to live up
to kingdom ideals; with Christ we are daily
being changed more completely into His
holy likeness.
The thought of impurity is sin. To have
noble thoughts the desires of the flesh must
be cut off. To be pure one needs to avoid put-
ting himself in the place of strong tempta-
tion. Thank God for victory through Christ
Jesus: wc bring "into captivity every thought
to the obedience of Christ," and by positive
action think on things that are true, honest,
just, pure, lovely, and of good report.
Friday, January 22
Read Matt. 5:33-37.
How small and insignificant I am! There
are so many of my plans that come to noth-
ing because of circumstances I had not fore-
seen and could not control. James writes
that we ought to say, "If the Lord wills, I
shall do this." And so it is futile for me to
swear to carry out a plan, for it may well
be that God, by intervening, will show me
up a fool. But shall I not swear to thc truth
of certain facts that are in question? No,
(1) for what I with my imperfect knowledge
think to be a fact may in reality be none, and
(2) as a Christian honesty and truthfulness
are my constant characteristics; whenever I
speak, I speak the truth, and so I say "Yes"
or "No," and ray word is never doubted.
Father, forgive me for my failure to be
always fully truthful. Forgive me for giving
those about me cause to doubt my word.
Purify my speech.
Saturday, January 23
Read Matt. 5:38-48.
God loves those who love Him and those
who hate Him. He sends natural blessings
upon all alike, for God is love. Have I be-
come partaker of the nature of God to the
extent that I, too, treat with equal grace and
courtesy those who love me and those who
despise me?
How often has the name of Christ been
reproached by the clannishness of Christians!
Have I given my neighbors opportunity to
blame the church for being a clique into
which their presence would be considered
an intrusion?
(Continued on page 45)
JESUS AND THE SAMARITANS
Sunday School Lesson for January 24
(John 4)
We behold Jesus as He marvelously deals
with a soul, a careless Samaritan sinner.
What "must" took Him over the road that
led through Samaria? Was it just to see an
ignorant, carnal-minded woman? Yes, it
was to meet this woman for whom He had
divine compassion, as He has for all. He
had come to earth with this inner sense of
mission. This was His "Father's business"
that He must be about. Evangelism is cen-
tral in His kingdom.
When we understand the background of
thc "no dealings of the Jews with the Samar-
itans," we sec Jesus breaking down a barrier
which His religion, Christianity, does not
have. In Christ there arc no despised Samar-
itans, or despised peoples of any kind. We
also sec in His unrestrained conversation
with a woman that this sex barrier does not
exist with Him. Woman is not lower than
man. The Gospel is for all peoples, and both
sexes. Crossing these barriers was shocking
to the Jewish disciples, but we know they
were learning the way of the new kingdom.
They marveled but asked no questions. Thc
Gospel knows no barriers. "There is more
segregation at eleven o'clock in our Sunday
services when wc stand to sing, 'In Christ
there is no east or west' than at any time in
the week in thc market place, the sports
arena, or the gambling casino . . . ," a friend
told Gardner C. Taylor.
Who was Christ? To this woman He
revealed Himself. "I that speak unto thee
am he." Why did Christ make this clear
confession of His Messiahship to this sinner
rather than to the Jewish leaders? Is it pos-
sible that she could comprehend what thc
rulers could not? She recognized herself a
sinner and in need of everlasting life. Christ
cannot reveal Himself to any one that is
self-righteous.
And sec the courtesy with which Jesus
approached thc sinner. He took thc initiative
and asked for her services. She had some-
thing to give Him. He made it easy for her
to confess her sin. She felt free to ask Him
about thc place of worship. What wonderful
words He told her! He must quickly have
convinced her that she could enter His king-
dom. What greater kindness could any sin-
ner meet than Christ's gracious willingness
to reveal Himself to thc sinner? We notice
Christ used no miracle on this occasion, just
His word. Christ began with the outward
and physical and led to the inward and spirit
ual. From the racial problem He led to the
personal. This was the more satisfying.
We see the great satisfaction of Jesus in
saving souls. He was so thrilled that He
couldn't eat. although He was subject to
human hunger. Gathering fruit for life
eternal amongst the Samaritans was indeed
food for our Lord. To be rejected by His
own must have been depressing, but to be
received by despised ones was most encour-
aging. Do we know the thrill of presenting
Jesus to our Samaritans?
(Continued on page 45)
3G
GOSPEL HERALD
January 12, 1954
FIELD NOTES
Items to appear In this column for any issue of (he
following Tuesday must reach Scottdale by Wednes-
day morning.
A children's story written by Ruth King
Duerksen, Hesston, Kans., was published
recently in Presbyterian Life, one of the
leading Protestant magazines. A poem by
Elaine Sommers Rich was recendy published
in the Christian Century.
Five Sunday school rooms have been com-
pleted at the church at Peasville, Vt. — Voice
of Youth.
The Plainview C. A. congregation, Hutch-
inson, Kans., is planning to take over the
work at West Richwoods in Arkansas. Bro.
Lee Mast has been ordained and will have
charge of the work there.
The Pine Grove congregation near Strykcr,
Ohio, is now fully organized with 80 mem-
bers. The averaee attendance for the past
year was 113. Bro. D. Wyse Graber has
been installed as pastor. Bro. Walter Stuckey
serves as bishop.
Correction: The name of the daughter of
Lafe and Ruth Stewart is Joya Dawn instead
of Joyce Dawn as we reported in our Oct. 30
issue.
The East Goshen, Ind., congregation held
a New Year Family Fellowship supper, at
Table of Contents
25 — Angels Do Gid's Bidding
Heav*>nlv Aid (Poem)
?» — 0>ir Hinders Say
27— Editorial Plrrn for 1954
God P'us Man
28— Rih'» Studv and Christian Action
It Happened
29 — H S"TTimpr's Service
T-o Reflation of Jesus Christ
30 — Observations
31 — A Prayer For This Week
Praver R^rruosts
That S32.000 P'firlt
32 — Consecrated Christian living in Grade School
Rural life Cmference
The BooV Shell
33 — So You Want to Work at Summer Camp
34 — ivfornina Miracle (Po»m)
Montrrl Illness Tops the List
Wanted
How Television Opposes the Christian Atmos-
phere in the Home
35 — To Be Noct to God
Sundav School Lesson for January 24
36— Fiold Notes
Calendar
37 — Missions
Your Treasurer Reports
38 — And Now Africa
39 — Our Relief Program in Korea
A Visit to a Korean Refugee Camn
40 — An Open Letter to Minister and Christian Work-
ers of the Mennon'te Church
I-W For I-O Men — An Earning Position or VS —
Which?
41— ErViopf, from the Fiold
PAX Man Report* from Egypt
The M*»nnon'*« Hour
Cilor-blind Christians
42— MRSC Weekly Notes
MCC Weeklv Notes
Women's Activities
From Our Churches
43 — The Single Eye
44 — Maintaining a Christian Spirit Toward Others
45 — Expressions of Appreciation
46— Births
Marriages
47— Obituaries
48 — Items and Comments
which time Dr. H. Clair Amstutz gave an
illustrated lecture on Family Life.
A Christian Workers' Course is being of-
fered at Souderton, Pa., each evening, Mon-
day through Saturday, Jan. 4-16. Instructors
are Winficld Ruth, Omar Shovvalter, John E.
Lapp, Elmer Moyer, Paul Clemens, and
Mary Lederach.
The Wellman, Iowa, church invited neigh-
boring churches to attend a singspiration
after evening services on Dec. 20.
A committee which is working on a re-
vision of the constitution of the Ohio Con-
ference met at the Martins Church, Orrville,
Ohio, Dec. 29-31.
A prophecy and doctrinal conference was
held Jan. 2, 3, at the Zion Church, Broadway,
Va., with Elmer Moyer, M. T. Brackbill,
Lloyd Horst, and John L. Stauffer as speakers.
A Christmas gift of an eleven-foot deep
freeze was presented to the Iowa City Mis-
sion Home by two Sunday-school classes of
the Sugar Creek Church, Wayland, Iowa.
Bro. Howard S. Bauman, Elmira, Ont., is
substituting for Bro. J. B. Martin on the
faculty of the Ontario Mennonite Bible
School.
Teachers of Juniors and Intermediates are
urged to send in their reports for the Words
of Cheer honor roll immediately.
Sister Mary Groh of the Missions Publicity
Office at Elkhart is spending two weeks at
Scottdale studying matters of common in-
terest to the two publicity centers.
Dr. Norman Loux, Providence, R.I., spoke
at Springs and Scottdale, Pa., on Jan. 3. On
Jan. 4 he addressed the workers at the Pub-
lishing House. The following three days he
gave appreciated addresses to the ministers
of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Confer-
ence in the ministers' meeting held at the
Johnstown Bible School. Bro. Loux is a
psychiatrist and is doing his I-W service as
assistant superintendent of the Butler Hos-
pital, a private, nonprofit mental hospital.
The I-W unit at Brattleboro, Vt., is spon-
soring the Mennonite Hour each Saturday
evening over Station WTSA. Various local
people have expressed enjoyment of the pro-
gram.
Bro. Paul Peachcy, Harrisonburg, Va., ad-
dressed the Mennonite Student's Fellowship
on Jan. 9. This group will enjoy a week end
with Bro. Norman L. Loux sometime in Feb-
ruary. In May Bro. J. D. Graber will spend
three days interviewing students there and
participating in a banquet. Anvone desiring
information concerning the activities of this
group write Emery Swartzendrubcr. Secre-
tary, 226 F.irragutt St.. Philadelphia, Pa.
Instructors in the Quarterly Bible Instruc-
tion Meeting, Coatesvillc, Pa., were John S.
Hess and Lloyd Eby.
The congregations from Manson, Iowa,
and Bccmer, Nebr., furnished and served a
Christmas dinner at the Sioux City, Iowa,
mission.
The Zion congregation at Hubbard, Oreg.,
is making plans for the erection of a new
church. Through the next three years an
offering will be taken once a month for this
purpose.
The Zion chorus gave a program at the
Pordand, Oreg., mission on Sunday evening,
Dec. 27.
Bro. E. E. Miller, Goshen, Ind., participat-
ed on Jan. 4, 5 in a conference called at Har-
risburg, Pa., to study the higher education
program in the Brethren in Christ Church.
Change of address: Ross D. Metzler, from
Lewistown, Pa., to R. 2, McVeytown, Pa.
Bro. Ralph Palmer, Denbigh, Va., would
like to send free, postpaid, to those who re-
ceived his highway Gospel signs, one small
sign (16" x 24") to go with each of the other
signs sent. These signs with the words, Go
to Church, are to be fastened to the post un-
derneath the other sign. They are made of
outdoor marine plywood with letters of silver
Scotchlite. Write Bro. Palmer, stating num-
ber of signs desired, and giving name and
postal address. There are also 600 more of
the 2' x 3' size available to anyone desiring
them.
The Pennsylvania congregation, Hesston,
Kans., has decided to redecorate the audi-
torium and to install a public address system.
Bro. Nelson Kanagy, West Liberty, Ohio,
is among those attending the refresher course
for ministers at Goshen College, Jan. 12-29.
One hundred fifty friends and relatives
called at the home of Bro. and Sister T. K.
Hershey on Dec. 27 to congratulate them on
their forty-ninth wedding anniversary.
Eighteen persons responded to the invita-
tion in the meetings held by Bro. D. D. Mil-
ler at Kokomo. Ind., in November.
(Continued on page 44)
Calendar
North C»ntral Winter Bible School, Loman, Minn. Jan.
11-29.
Winter Bible School, Goshen College, Goshen. Ind..
Jan. 12-30.
Special Bible Term opens. Eastern Mennonite College,
Harrisonburg, Va.. Jan. 13, 1954.
Missionary Conference. E.M.C., Harrisonburg, Va.,
Jan. 16, 17. 1954.
Maple Grove Winter Bible School, Atglen. Pa., Jan.
18-29.
Annual Meeting Mennonite Publication Board, Plain
Church. Lonsdale, Pa., Feb. 17-18.
Christian life Con'erence. E.M.C., Harrisonburg, Va..
Feb. 20. 21. 1954.
Iowa-Nebraska Mission Board midyear meeting at
Manson. Iowa. Feb. 23, 24.
1954 Conrad Grebel Lectures, by G. F. Hershberger.
at E.M.C., Harrisonburg, Va.. March 17-20.
Spring Missionary Sunda", March 21.
Annual meeting Illinois Mission Board,' Pleasant Hill.
East Peoria, 111.. Aorll 22. 23.
Semiannual meetina. Commission for Christian Edu-
cation. St. Jacobs, Ont., April 30. May 1.
Conference on Christian Community Relations, E.M.C.,
Harrisonburg. Va., May 6, 7.
Home Sunday. May 9.
Annual meeting Mennonite Board of Missions and
Charities, somewhere in Oregon. June 18-20.
Annual Meoting. Southwestern Pa. Conference, place
undecided, Aug. 1-4.
Annual meeting South Central Conference. Assembly
ol God campground, near Eldon, Mo., August
17 20.
Annual Meeting. Illinois Conference, East Bend,
Fish.r. 111.. »ua. J4 26.
Fall Meetina, Commission lor Christian Education,
Laurelville Mennonite Camp, Laurelville, Pa.,
Sept. 27. 28.
Study Conference of Child Evangelism. Laurelville
Mennonite Camp. Sept. 29, 30.
Fall Meeting, General Council ol Mennonite General
Conference, LauielvUle Mennonite Camp, Oct.
1, 2.
January 12, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
57
Go, Preach • MISSIONS ' Give' ? ay
The General Board Headquarters for Mission*. Relief, and Service: 1711 Prairie Street. Elkhart. Indiana. Telephone. Elkhart 2-2786.
Mission News
Rainy River Mission, International Falls,
Minn., was happy host to a Gospel team from
Goshen College Biblical Seminary, Goshen,
Ind., on the week end of Dec. 20. The team,
composed of Merle Springer, Allen Kanagy,
Don Buschert, Paul Fry, Donald Yoder, and
|)avid Mann, paid their own expenses for the
rip and gave programs at Loman and In-
ernational Falls, Minn.
Bro. and Sister Clyde Shenk and their three
hildren and Sister Elsie Cressman, R.N., left
^lew York City on Dec. 23 on the QUEEN
MARY en route to Tanganyika. They arc
due to arrive in Mombasa, Jan. 22.
Bro. T. H. Brenneman, Sarasota, Fla., bish-
sp for our churches in Puerto Rico, spent
Dec. 7-9 in the Pulguillas community. On
Dec. 8 he conducted communion and baptism
services. Four persons were baptized and
:wo received by letter.
The Betania Mennonite Church, Pulguil-
as, Puerto Rico, enjoyed a record attendance
30th morning and evening on Dec. 27 with
3ro. Elvin Snyder as visiting speaker: morn-
ing, 174; evening 147.
Communion services were held with the
5myrna congregation, Coamo Arriba, Puerto
*ico, on Dec. 9 with Bro. T. H. Brenneman
)fficiating, assisted by Bro. Lawrence Greaser,
he local pastor.
The beginning of a Navaho Mennonite
Church was inaugurated in the home of Bro.
Vlelvin Ruth, Phoenix, Ariz., on Dec. 26,
ivhen Sister Betty Gruber was baptized. Pray
or her that God will bless her witness to her
people.
Pray that final permission for locating our
mission to the Navaho Indians at Black
Mountain, Ariz., may be given at the next
meeting of the Tribal Council on Jan. 12.
On Sunday morning, Dec. 27, Bro. M. L.
Troyer, local bishop, conducted a very im-
aressive baptism and communion service at
:he Lima, Ohio, Mission. Three people were
eccived by baptism. Pray for these new
Christians that they may remain true and
"aithful and grow in the grace and knowl-
edge of our Lord Jesus Christ,
j Change in address: Sister Mary M. Good,
returned missionary from India, 3738 Chapel
Dr., Sarasota, Fla.
Christmas season at the Home for the
\ged, Eureka, 111., was an exciting, happy
(rxperience for all. Interested friends, Sun-
nay-school classes, and MYF groups from
Imany states joined local church and civic
I groups in helping all to enjoy the holidays.
Sister Stella Miller, R.N., joined the staff
jpf the Mennonite Home for the Aged, Eure-
|ka, 111., on Dec. 31. This brings the Home
IHne step nearer to meeting Illinois state re-
quirements for rest homes for old people.
At the recent meeting of the Chaco Mis-
sion Council, Argentina, decisions were made
to develop the mission program along two
particular lines: training Indian leadership
and developing the medical program through
nursing service and health instruction. The
former decision was made because the mis-
sionaries do not have the immediate facili-
ties for mastering the Toba language and
thereby reaching the Indian masses. The
latter decision provides the Indians with a
much needed service and opens the door for
evangelism.
Sunaire San was ordained to the Christian
ministry at Obihiro, Japan, on Sunday, Dec.
27, by Bro. J. D. Graber, assisted by the
brethren Carl Beck and Ralph Buckwalter.
He was chosen by the local congregation to
assist Bro. Carl Beck; he is a university grad-
uate, and has some training in theology. He
and his wife, who is a medical doctor, joined
the Mennonite church last year because they
believe this is the way the Gospel should be
lived. Bro. Sunaire is a high school teacher.
Four new members were baptized at
Kushiro, Japan, on Dec. 20, and five at Obi-
hiro, on Dec. 27, during Bro. J. D. Graber's
visit to those two churches.
Mission Board secretary rides Japanese fire
truck. The people of Kiritappu, a Japanese
fishing village on Hokkaido struck by a
tidal wave several years ago, appreciated the
relief given by the Mennonite missionary
from Kushiro so much that when Bro. J. D.
Graber visited the village recently with Bro.
Buckwalter and his helper, Tanase San, and
the local bus left too late to catch the last
train from the nearest station 10 miles away,
they called out the fire wagon in zero weather
to take their visitors to the train.
Moses Gitlin, a Hebrew Christian working
with the Ukrainian. Russian, and Jewish
people, spoke on "The Divine Forecast of
Israel's Attitude Toward the Messiah" at a
vesper service at the Mennonite Home Mis-
sion, Chicago, 111., on Sunday, Jan. 3.
The MYF group from Gladstone Mennon-
ite Church, Cleveland, Ohio, enjoyed a fel-
lowship supper and program at the Orrville
Mennonite Church on Sunday evening,
Dec. 13.
Sister Lclia McDorman, Paoli, Pa., is join-
ing the staff of the Mennonite Children's
Home, Kansas Citv, Kans., this month.
Bro. and Sister T. K. Hershev. retired mis-
sionaries from Argentina, celebrated their
49th wedding anniversary in advance on Dec.
27 so that their children who will both he re-
turning to the mission field, the William
Hallmans in March and the Lester Hershevs
by August, could be with them.
Bro. Ezra Good, Teges, Kv., served as
evangelist at the Mennonite Gosnel Chapel.
Youngstown. Ohio. Dec. 27-Tan. 3. Pray for
Your Treasurer Reports
Several weeks ago I announced that the
Froh Bros. Homestead is in operation and
guests are now being received. At a recent
meeting of the Board of Directors of the
Froh Bros. Homestead, the question was
raised as to whether or not this opening has
been sufficiently announced so that our con-
stituency knows that applications are now
being received. In order to further announce
the opening of the Home, I would like to
call to the attention of all of our ministers,
particularly in the Indiana-Michigan-Ohio
area, that the Mennonite Home for the Aged
rear Sturgis, Michigan, is now open for op-
eration and applications can be placed im-
mediately. Application forms are being sent
out by Bro. Ben J. Yoder, Supt., Sturgis.
Mich. Anyone interested in applying for ad-
mittance to the Home should send for an ap-
plication form and request anv detailed in-
formation which he would like to have re-
garding the arrangements which are offered.
I would also like to further announce that
sufficient funds have been received during
the past several weeks to purchase part of the
laundry equipment which is needed. How-
ever, considerable contributions are yet need-
ed to purchase other needed laundry equip-
ment. In addition to funds for this purpose,
contributions are also desired for the elevator
fund. When the elevator can he installed it
will facilitate better use of the second floor
of the Home. All contributions for the Froh
Rms. Homestead should be sent to this office
or to vour District Conference treasurer.
H. Ernest Bennett, Treasurer
Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities
ElkhaTl. Indiana.
the mission program in Youngstown and the
workers, Bro. and Sister Fred Augsburger.
Bro. Luke Birky, La Plata. Puerto Rico, is
continuing his deputation work in behalf of
the medical program in Puerto Rico on the
west coast: Jan. 14, Tangent. Oree.: Jan. 17,
Sheridan. Oreg.: Jan. 27. Los Angeles. Calif.:
Jan. 28. Upland, Calif.: Feb. 3. Phoenix.
Ariz. He spoke at the Hopewell Church.
Hubbard. Oree.. on Jan. 7.
Bro. Vern Miller, pastor of the Gladstone
Mennonite Church. Cleveland, Ohio, will
snend Sundav. Tan. 17. in the churches of the
West Liberty. Ohio, communitv in the inter-
ests of the Cleveland mission program and
particularly the new church building.
Bro. John Beachy, who will soon he leav-
ing for another term of sen-ice in India, the
Lord wOIin?. spoke at Millersburg and Mar-
tins Creek. Ohio, on Dec. 27.
38
GOSPEL HERALD
January 12, 1954
And Now Africa
It couldn't happen in Russia— but it did!
It couldn't happen in Poland, in Czechoslo-
vakia—but it did! It couldn't happen in
China— but it did!
We thought that Communism would not
spread, would not take root, would not bear
fruit, but we were wrong; sadly, tragically
wrong. For godless, pagan Communism has
blighted the mind, warped the soul, and en-
slaved the body of millions of men and wom-
en. Now their countries are closed to the
Gospel, Christian missionaries are banished,
and any worship must be done in secret and
by stealth.
And now Africa stands in the path of this
vile thing. Africa, with newly awakened
minds and national awareness, is being
mesmerized by Communism. Literature, en-
ticing and subversive, is flooding the coun-
try. First-generation literates are grasping
feverishly at anything printed, are lending
attentive ears to broadcasts that incite rebel-
lion and create unrest.
This is the dark Africa of Missions. This
is the last continent to show signs of awaken-
ing— it can be the lost continent if the Chris-
tian Missions are hampered or go too slowly.
Flooding the African cities are magazines
and papers sent from Prague, China, Russia.
Beautifully printed and illustrated in two,
three, and four colors, they appeal to the eye,
and plant seeds in the mind. Sold far below
cost, they are within the reach of all who
can read, and are made available for one pur-
pose only: PROPAGANDA.
The president of a college in Africa said
his teachers go to bed early, setting alarm
clocks for 1:00 a.m., when they can get Radio
Moscow with clearest reception. Forsaking
sleep, they listen, and in listening they can
fall into the snare of Communism.
What can we do? Those who have fled
tyranny, darkness, and death of Communism
know that only the Gospel of the Lord Jesus
Christ can save and hold off this iniquitous
tide. But we must meet the enemy on his
own ground.
In Liberia, the Sudan Interior Mission has
begun the building and erecting of a radio
station, ELWA. This will beam Gospel
programs into homes and hearts in many
countries of Africa. We cannot take funds
by force for propaganda, as is true in the
Communist state. But we do cry to God
and His stewards for the means to RUSH
the completion of ELWA that we might thus
preach the Gospel and save some.
But it is in the field of literature that we
stand committed to fight the enemy. Com-
munism boasts that China was won through
the pen. The same tactics are being used
now in Africa, the plum that Communism
seeks. The unbelievable wealth in men and
material is the prize for which Communism
is striving.
But IT IS THEIR SOULS WE SEEK,
and this is the greatest prize of all.
What can we do? Expand the publishing
of our publication. The African Challenge,
Africa's leading monthly and the only Chris-
tian newspaper in Africa. At present we can
only print 35,000 copies, whereas hundreds
of thousands are needed. There seems to be
no limit to the demand for The Challenge.
But there is a limit to our resources in print-
ing it. With equipment, funds, and men, we
could well see The African Challenge as the
Gospel standard raised against the enemy.
It is with a sense of URGENCY that we
write this. Things are happening in Africa,
and to paraphrase Phil. 1:12, we would that
the things which are happening would fall
out rather unto the furtherance of the Gospel.
We say again, Africa is no longer awaken-
ing—IT IS AWAKE. Awake to the benefits
of education and industry. Awake to the in-
calculable value of its vast continent. Awake
to the pride of national autonomy. AWAKE
TO EVERYTHING BUT THE DANGER
WHICH CONFRONTS IT.
The vast wealth of Africa is being sought
by subversive, soul-enslaving powers. To an
awakened people the blandishments and
overtures of Communism are appealing. To
an ignorant people thev are captivating.
THE PEOPLE OF AFRICA MUST
KNOW OF THE DANGERS CON
FRONTING THEM. THEY MUST HEAR
THE GOSPEL NOW, WHILE THEIR
COUNTRY IS STILL OPEN, AND FREE-
DOM TO PREACH IS STILL POSSIBLE.
This twofold task has been accepted as
from the Lord by the S.I.M. Our first re-
sponse is with a Christian newspaper, The
African Challenge. The new-found desire to
read has given The Challenge a wide ac-
ceptance, mosdy in West Africa, but also in
many other parts of the continent. Here are
statements from Africans themselves:
Anglo-Egyptian Sudan: "It would be good
if The Challenge had a wider circulation
here."
French West Africa: "We are thoroughly
enjoying the paper, and only wish that such (
delightful Christian reading material were
available for our French-speaking con-
stituency."
Northern Nigeria: "Since I have been a
reader of The Challenge I have turned from
serving other gods."
Ethiopia: "Kindly arrange to have ten sub-
scriptions in my name. I will distribute
them to friends here."
Sierra Leone: "I wish to express my ap-
preciation for the paper you are publishing.
It is of spiritual benefit to any who read it."
Cameroons: "We are delighted with The
African Challenge. So is everyone else here."
Tanganyika: "We are happy to hear of
The Challenge. May it be the means of
bringing many to know Christ."
Northern Rhodesia: "I thank you for the
benefit I have gained through reading The
Challenge."
South Africa: "We have no doubt that we
will before very long be needing 200 or 300
copies a month."
Our aim is the African continent for
Christ. This is possible through agencies
such as The Challenge.
Our General Director, Rev. G. W. Play-
fair, wrote us, saying: "We have received
more letters from Nigeria impressing upon
us the seriousness of the situation because of
vast amounts of Russian literature entering
the country. We know of nothing else, hu-
manly speaking, that will meet the Com-
Shall Qiey read Communist literature?
Or Christian literature?
'i January 12, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
munist deluge, than to meet it with the plan
of salvation and Christian instruction, to-
gether with the best articles exposing Com-
munism. This The African Challenge is do-
» — »
ing.
We cry to our God and appeal to His peo-
ple in this day of urgency, to thwart the
devices of wicked men, save Africa from
:he fate of China, and to make Christ known
:o millions of men and women for whom
Christ died.
Read this prayerfully and carefully, then
CO what Cod would have YOU do.
J Above all — P RAY ! — Courtesy Sudan
Interior Mission.
[We share this information with our readers
hat they may better understand some of the
treat missionary needs of our day and be-
ause our own church has an expanding mis-
ion program in Africa which merits our
upport.— Ed.)
Our Relief Program in Korea
I The Mennonite Central Committee pro-
tram in Korea consists of the distribution of
Ilothing and food, a vocational training
Jchool for orphan boys, and the rehabilitation
Services of PAX men.
I This activity is centered in the area around
faegu — one of the largest cities in Korea,
faeeu, an inland city about 60 miles north
If Pusan, is in the heart of a large concentra-
ion of refugees and destitutes.
8 MCC has a house in Taegu, but most of
Its activity stems from a former agricultural
tolleec plant near Kyong San. This property
lonsists of a 67-acre tract of land and some
10 buildings. Rice was raised here during the
past summer and harvested in October. This
■pricultural college farm is expected to be
elf-supporting in several years.
Houses made from boxes, Seoul, Korea.
A Christian vocational training school for
orphan boys is being operated at the Kyong
San agricultural college plant. It has the
capacity of training 300 orphan boys at ore
time. The orphans in the school now are
assisting MCC workers to repair the build-
ings and operate the rice farm.
Early in November there were eight work-
ers in Korea. With the sailing of three re-
lief workers and two PAX men during late
October and early November, the total num-
ber of MCC workers in Korea is 13.
The director of the Korean program is
Dale Weaver of New Paris, Ind. He and
Ernest Raber of Sugarcreek, Ohio, were the
first two MCC workers to enter Korea. They
arrived in March, 1953. and made preparation
for the workers to follow. Ernest Raber is
headquartered in the Pusan office which
serves as a center to contact the Korean
government and church and relief organiza-
tions.
Other relief workers include Katherine
Dyck, R.N., Rosthern, Sask.; Adam Ewert,
Bingham Lake, Minn.: Mrs. Eva Harshbar-
per, North Newton, Kans.; Mr. and Mrs.
Verne Kohls, Grimes, Iowa: Lois Kuhns, R.
N., La Junta, Colo.: Robert Lee, Portland.
Oreg.; and Mr. and Mrs. J. Harold Yoder,
Columbiana, Ohio. The PAX men are
Howard Rurkholder. White Cloud, Mich.,
and Eldon H. Warkentin. Mountain Lake,
Minn.
MCC is considered to be the first voluntary
relief agency to enter Korea, secure its own
housing, and get its own program under
way. — MCC Services Bulletin.
A Visit to a Korean Refugee
Camp
Last week I visited one of Taegu's 35
refupee camps. Half of the camp, some 200
families (1.000 persons), were living in 40
tents erected temporarily last May after a fire
had partially destroyed the wooden-shack
camp. Now that the chilly winter weather
was fast approaching and still no funds were
available for better housing, the city was
deeply concerned for the welfare of these
people.
One glance as T stepped inside a tent to
interview one of the families brought quicV
appreciation for the city official's grave con-
cern, for one needed verv little imarina
tion to understand the plea for warm bed
dine. An average of 25 persons or five fami-
lies were living en masse in a sinele tent
room with a row of pots and pans as dividers
between family plots. No furniture was
seen, but there was no room for any in a
family snace of 9 bv 6 feet. The thin straw
mats which covered the cold, hard eround
on which the people slept again expressed
urgency for winter beddine.
The first familv T interviewed was Mr*.
Pak and her three small children. Such a
charming vounp woman she was. She stood
up from the floor with her year-old son
strapped to her back as we entered the tent
and greeted us with a big smile and a deep
Children suffer severely in war. Korea has
thousands of war orphans.
bow. We returned her bow and greeted her:
"An nyong ha simnikka?" ("Arc you in
peace?") the usual Korean greeting. I dis-
covered that her husband was missing in ac-
tion and that her former home was in North
Korea, they having fled to Taegu in the
mass flight during the latter part of 1950.
She had lost almost everything during her
flight and again the second time during the
camp fire. Now she was living with six
other families (26 persons) in one corner of
the tent. Only thin straw mats covered the
hard ground, but I also noticed that she had
built a mud siding about V/i feet high
around her corner of the tent. Upon ques
tioning she explained that the little mud wall
was to prevent the cold drafts at night.
1 asked if there were any special provisions
or assistance for war widows. She sadly re-
plied in the negative and said she received the
regular refugee grain ration of three hops
(half pint) of grain, either rice or barley, 10 to
15 times a month, which is less than half a
person's daily requirement of five hops per
day. When asked what she needed most,
she quickly emphasized bedding and bed-
ding. Since her name was on the list for
clothing distribution. I asked what else
she needed besides bedding. She pointed to
her thinly clad children and suggested
warm underwear for the smallest two. When
pressed about the other members of the
familv, she requested shoes for her bare
foot children.
With three small children, work seemed
out of the question for this widow, yet she
appeared cheerful and graceful, and she kept
her barren mat area very spick-and-span and
clean compared to her ncichbors. Her up-
permost concern seemed to be the welfare of
her three little children.
I visited a number of other families in the
MISSIONS SECTION
40
GOSPEL HERALD
January 12, 1954
camp, and later, in checking my interview
sheets, I was surprised to find more than
half the interviewed families were widow
families. The only men family heads were
those who were injured, handicapped, or
with large families such as 12 persons. The
camp leader explained that only the poorest
refugee families remained here since those
who could afford to travel returned to Seoul
where employment was better.
I also met the pastor of the little refugee
church in the camp. A young, energetic man,
this pastor told that about half the families
(200) in the camp were Christians — a very
high percentage since only 5 per cent of Ko-
rea is Christian. There was a Bible club, a
mission-sponsored morning day school for
the camp children who could not afford to
pay the small fees for regular public school.
There was also a mission-sponsored day
nursery where more than 100 children be-
tween the ages of four and seven attended.
A visit here showed a typical scene as some
of the Bible clubs I had visited earlier.
The children sat cross-legged on the floor
around the barren room of 12 by 15 feet,
and two young teachers were keeping order
and directing the singing. How these chil-
dren sing earnestly, with fevor and loudly,
their little songs of prayer!
Since the mission gave these children a
milk lunch each day, I suggested to the camp
leader and the pastor to expand the milk
feeding to all children (760) in the camp.
Both men showed great interest in the pro-
posal, but even though I assured them a
supply of powdered milk, they wondered
where they could secure kitchen equipment
and the heating fuel. Nevertheless, they de-
cided to present the idea to the people of the
camp and hoped to find a solution to their
problems.
Then after many bows and many ex-
pressions of gratitude and farewell such as:
"Ko mop simnida" ("Thank you very
much"), "Chon man we mal sumimnida
("A thousand ten thousands times not at
all"), "Su ko ha simnida" ("Many thanks
for the trouble you have undergone"), "An
nyong hi kyaesipsiyo" ("May you remain in
peace"), and "An nyong hi kasipsiyo" ("May
you go in peace") we left, wanting very much
to help these people.
This week we had our first distribution
a special bedding distribution, to the camp
refugees living in tents. Some 700 pieces
(415 comforters and blankets, 215 quilts,
and 70 pieces of baby bedding) were given
to the 200 families (1,600 persons). Each
family also received a specially prepared
Gospel of John, courtesy of the Pocket Testa-
ment League.
The camp leader, who helped us in the
distribution, announced that all the people
in the camp were extremely anxious for a
milk-feeding kitchen for their children. They
had collected among themselves more than
2,000 Hwan ($10) to buy the kitchen equip-
ment and would contribute more monev for
the necessarv firewood. We delivered the
powdered milk the next day and found the
MISSIONS SECTION
mud stove completed and the big kettle
bought. With our milk this milk-feeding
program was ready to begin and our seventh
milk kitchen was started. — Robert Lee, in
MCC Services Bulletin.
An Open Letter to Ministers and
Christian Workers of the
Mennonite Church
Dear Brethren:
A prominent Negro educator and public
speaker uses as the subject of his well-known
lecture: "Footprints of God in Race Rela-
tions." He feels we are making rapid prog-
ress in the matter of putting away dis-
crimination and according equal human
rights to all people regardless of race. He
emphasizes, however, that the church, es-
pecially the Protestant Church, is lagging
behind in this matter. Another writer has
reminded us that 11:00 a.m. on Sunday is
the hour of greatest discrimination, the hour
when Negroes and white people worship in
segregated meeting houses.
The Mennonite Church is also making
progress in its racial attitudes. We actually
do have a few churches that were predomi-
nantly white now becoming truly interracial,
but I fear that in most of our churches a
Negro would still not be welcomed as a
member. A number of our city missions are
adopting the "Parish Approach," which
means they endeavor to minister to everyone
living in the area surrounding the mission
regardless of race, and they invite them all
to attend Sunday school, church, and other
functions and actively try to lead them into
full church membership.
Another area of race relations in which
we are developing a conscience is the mat-
ter of stories, jokes, slang remarks, etc., that
cast reflection on the Negro race. Everyone
has heard numerous stories about the "colored
preacher" or "darkey" which makes him the
butt of a thoughtless and sometimes cruel
humor. It is the attitude of discrimination
against the Negro and the feeling of race
superiority of the white man that has given
birth to these stories and that has perpetuated
them. Let us be very thoughtful and kind
when next we are tempted to tell a story,
especially in sermon or public address, that
casts reflection on the Negro. The story will
have just as much point and will be just as
true to begin merely by saying: "There was
once a preacher . . ." without specifying that
he was a colored preacher.
We are so in the habit of making disparag-
ing remarks about Negroes that we fall into
the trap of perpetuating libels and insults
unwittingly. Let us weis:h our words and
watch our speech. It is the frail human being
and not a particular race that qualifies as
a subject for humor, and it is the unrecener-
ate man who has all manner of evil and
undesirable traits. The Negro has by no
means a monopoly on these.
The subcommittee on Negro Evangelism
of the Urban Evangelism Committee of the
General Mission Board has called our atten-
tion to the subject of this open letter and they
want every minister and church worker to
be conscious of this area of race relations that
is so often overlooked. Racial attitudes are
undergoing a rapid change and discrimina-
tion is under attack everywhere. The Men-
nonite Church should not lag behind in this
matter which involves Christian principles
and is not merely a harmless social custom.
J. D. Graber, Secretary
Mennonite Board of Missions
and Charities.
I-W,
ORK
ORSHIP
ITNESS
For I-O Men — An Earning
Position or VS— Which?
When the Selective Service law was first
discussed, the historic peace churches, in-
cluding our own Mennonite Church, made
strong representation to Congress concern-
ing wages for alternative service. The
churches felt that after spending millions of
dollars to support a program of unpaid work
during World War II such an expenditure
again would be insupportable. It was also
felt that wages for alternative service would
eliminate the charges of "slave labor" level-
ed at the CPS program during and after
World War II.
Now, some fifteen months later, things
look a bit different. Some men in earning
units find that such work is hardly sacrificial
enough to be the moral equivalent of serv-
ice in the armed forces. Pastors and inter-
ested people visiting both earning and
voluntary service units report that voluntary
service folks are happier on the whole with
their service and feel that they arc growing
in a spiritual way. This is not happening to
the same degree or in the same way in the
earning units.
While there are growth experiences for
every I-W man who grasps the challenges of
his situation, these experiences come in less
pointed ways for the men in earning units.
No adequate method has vet been devised to
interpret the meaning and challenge of alter-
native senice in earning units to the 1-0
men before they get into service while I-O
men who enter voluntary service receive
orientation before beginning their work.
There are I-O men with financial and
familv responsibilities who need to be in
earning service. Many, however, find in the
lonsj run that voluntary service is more re-
warding spiritually and personally, while
not nearly so sacrificial financially as it ap-
pears on the surface. — Boyd Nelson.
Office for Relief and Service
Elkhart, Indiana
z:.
i::
i E
ir
l(
\c
j :.
3i
f>
■p
Z:
x:
zl
in
•<ti
x:
We are only one-half century old in ex-
perience in operating church institutions on
any major scale. — A. J. Metzler.
anuary 12, 1954
Echoes from the Field
Box H, Mathis, Texas
Nov. 1, 1953
Dear folks:
Preaching is over and Dennis and Jay arc
ucked in for the night; so Lorene and I
lave settled down to letter writing. Believe
t or not, it is almost cool enough to light
le little gas heater. It has been much cooler
he past week and we have had a number
f fine rains recendy. So Texas is much
leasanter than it has been for some months.
The rains also give bright prospects for a
vinter vegetable crop. More work, more
>eople in town, more opportunity to reach
ouls with the Gospel, should be the happy
esults.
We are praising the Lord for the increase
attendance at services. The first fall we
vere here, when we averaged the Sunday-
chool attendance for the year, the figure
ounded off at 20; the second showed an
verage of 32; this past year an average of
6, and the month of October an average
f 65. I am sorry to say we were back to
0 today, but we trust it will be up again
ext week.
We have just begun two new services
irhich I feel sure will mean a real blessing
our members. Last month we had the
irst of what will be a monthly young peo-
le's meeting with the Latin members par-
cipating. Since there are a number of mem-
:rs who do not read we will be starting
imorrow, the Lord willing, with a Bible
eading program in which a number of the
oung people of the congregation and several
f the VS workers will be helping. We plan
0 go into these homes at least five times a
veek reading a chapter of the New Testa-
ent each time, thus covering the whole
vithin the coming year.
The latest development in the area of VS
the beginning of a medical program. At
iresent this seems to be shaping up in the
orm of a maternity home — a service which
s badly needed. This is witnessed by the
lumber of babies dying of tetanus caused by
insterile techniques of midwives or even
loctors. We have heard of a number of cases
ecently where the navels were tied with
>lack shoe string or store cord salvaged from
he floor. We are soliciting community help
in this project and finding a great deal of in-
erest. It is hoped that the community will
mild the home and permit the Mission
ioard to operate it, a plan which is working
uccessfully in a number of hospitals at the
present time.
We would like to share with you a prayer
equest which has come to us from one of
ur Mexican friends. The subject of the re-
quest is a young man who is serving a term
n the Texas State Penitentiary for a car theft
md forgery. From what we can learn he is
orry for his wrongs and has a desire to go
traight. Let us pray that he might meet
he Lord and have a real conversion experi-
;nce.
In His service,
J. Weldon and Lorene Martin.
GOSPEL HERALD
PAX Man Reports from Egypt
By Kenneth Imhoff
Our first stop was in the city of Tanta lo-
cated between Cairo and Alexandria where
the American Mission has its largest hospital
and more schools. Here we attended a young
men's conference held in one of the schools
for the young Christian men of Egypt.
American and Egyptian ministers were in
charge and all of the services were in Arabic
save the showing of Moody Bible Institute
pictures. We were unable to understand any
of the conference but we were glad for the
fellowship and making of friends. The ma-
jority of them were educated and able to
speak English.
Toward the end of the week's conference
Otis Rowe and I were asked to speak briefly
about our background, former experiences in
Europe, and the reason for coming to Egypt.
Unfortunately, many Egyptians believe that
if you have any sort of education you are so
important that doing any kind of work is a
terrible disgrace and the rate of your impor-
tance is determined by the scholastic degrees
you have achieved^ When they learned about
our voluntary organizations and what they
are doing to relieve needy people and develop
needy areas, it struck them as being unnatural
that anyone could ever volunteer to leave the
comforts of his home and country and serve
for the benefit of others. Oftentimes it is the
practice here to take all you can from others
even if it takes a drastic gesture to accom-
plish it. It was here that we gained the knowl-
edge of some of the greatest needs of this
country — honesty, equality, the true value of
work, and the ability to realize the advantage
of helping others.
Often we are asked to repeat our reasons
for being here and the majority of those
listening can't fathom our simple explana-
tion; so it is our sincere hope that we can
prove ourselves by being living examples.
Assiut, Egypt.
41
The
Mennonite
Hour
The Westinghouse Stations have recently
decided to allow a few religious broadcasts
on their stations at their regular commercial
rates. THE MENNONITE HOUR has been
approved by them, so we now plan to go on
two of their 50,000 watt stations: KDKA,
Pittsburgh, Pa., announced last week, and
WBZ, Boston, Mass.
WBZ, Boston, Mass., will begin broadcast-
ing our program on and after January 17.
The program will be released at 10:30 every
Sunday night and can be found at 1030 on
the dial for AM and 92.9 for FM.
Since we would like to know the actual
coverage of these stations we would appreci-
ate hearing from you if you can pick up these
stations. State also if the reception is good,
fair, or poor. Our address: THE MEN-
NONITE HOUR, Box 22, Harrisonburg,
Va.
Missions Editorial
Color-blind Christians
A candidate lor membership on the police
lorce ol any of our cities is disqualified im-
mediately it he has any trace ot color blind-
ness. However, color blindness can be a
virtue to a Christian when it applies to the
color ot his brother's skin.
Recently an American Negro spoke lorth-
rightly to a discussion group ot mission board
officials, missionaries, and members ot the
younger churches at a loreign missions meet-
ing when they were discussing the problem
ot strengthening the church, baid he, "How
can you expect people of other countries and
races to take seriously the preaching ot the
Gospel by your missionaries when you have
segregation of races in your own country?"
A woman student from India visiting one
ot our American cities just betore returning
to her country was contronted by the iollow-
mg sign on a restaurant: "Tor Whites Only."
She discovered that the proprietor ot the
restaurant was a trustee in a leading church
of that city. Going to the pastor of the church
she asked, "How can you allow a member ot
your church to defy the true spirit of Chris-
tianity by putting such a sign on his place
of business?"
How would you answer either ot the above
questions? Perhaps you think this spirit is
not present in your life. But before you pass
by the above examples, should you not test
your attitudes?
A young Negro joined a voluntary service
orientation group to prepare for a year ot
service. One Sunday morning one of the in-
structors took a number of the VS's, includ-
ing the young Negro, to a near-by church of
the denomination sponsoring the voluntary
service program. They arrived early and
quietly took seats toward the rear of the
church.
Suddenly the instructor was aware of eyes
from the rear and of the absence of other
worshipers in the chapel, although quite a
few were standing outside in the anterooms.
He excused himself and went out to inquire
about the situation only to discover that local
congregation members were refusing to come
in to worship while a Negro was silting in
their church.
Christians of all races will deplore the
above situations. Those who are guilty of
practicing racial prejudice will need to pray
for forgiveness and for true blindness to the
skin color of other Christians. Those who
have suffered from prejudice will need to
pray for grace to forgive their weak brethren
and for God's power to overcome all racial
prejudice. In any case, blindness to the color
of another's skin must be practiced by sin-
cere Christians of all races, by those who have
suffered from prejudice as well as those who
have shown prejudice. — L. C. Hartzler.
MISSIONS SECTION
42
GOSPEL HERALD
January 12, 1954
Relief and Service News
MRSC Weekly Notes
Voluntary Service
The present (Jan. 6-19) orientation school
is made up of twelve young people. They
are Mary Bowman, Preston, Ont.; Lowell
Erb, Goshen, Ind.; Gertrude Huber, Zu-
rich, Ont.; Noah Lee, Farnhurst, Del.; Sa-
milda Leichty, Greensburg, Kans.; Mr. and
Mrs. Norman Lyndaker, Croghan, New
York; Ruth Miller, Fairview, Mich.; Dolores
Roth, Deer Creek, 111.; Earl Ulrich, Roa-
noke, 111.; Elvin Hoover, Goshen, Ind.; and
Doris Detweiler, Pocomoke City, Md.
Several short work projects have been ar-
ranged for these young people during their
stay in Elkhart, Ind. Their work projects are
in the form of voluntary service to several
local community centers and a children's
home.
Mary Histand and Ruth Gross, both of
Doylestown, Pa., began a term of service on
Jan. 4 at the Mennonite Home for the Aged,
Rittman, Ohio, where they will be cheering
the lives of our older friends there.
Instead of taking their regular vacation in
the South, Bro. and Sister Forest King, West
Liberty, O., have moved their house trailer
to Mathis, Texas, where they are giving
themselves in voluntary service in the unit
located at Mathis.
I-W Services
The I-W chorus of Cleveland, Ohio, gave
a program at the Gladstone Mennonite
Church in Cleveland on Dec. 20. This chorus
is directed by Bro. Elam Kurtz, a medical
student.
The Harrisburg, Pa., I-W Unit participated
in Christmas caroling and the distribution of
food baskets to needy homes during the holi-
day season.
A group of about sixty young folks from
Midland, Mich., visited the East Lansing
group on Dec. 10 and enjoyed a program
given by the I-W men and a social hour
following the program.
Recently the I-W group at Ft. Wayne fin-
ished a study of the book of Romans during
their mid week meeting. They also are spon-
soring the film, "God of Creation," a Moody
Bible Institute production, for the patients
at the Irene Byron Sanitarium.
Released December 31, 1953
Office for Relief and Service
Elkhart, Indiana
MCC Weekly Notes
Carload of Flour to Mexico
A railroad car containing 60,003 pounds
of white flour is on its way to Cuauhtemoc,
Mexico, where it will be distributed to needy
Mennonite settlers.
Another growing season and a limited
"harvest" have not made any marked eco-
nomic improvement among Mennonites in
Mexico who are suffering as a result of inade-
quate rainfall during the past several years.
According to David Karber, director of the
MCC assistance program to Mennonites in
Mexico, a feeling persists that next spring and
summer may prove to be more difficult than
this past year.
Requests for food relief assistance have be-
gun earlier and have been more numerous
than anticipated. It was expected that during
the period from the harvest to about March 1
there would be few requests for such assis-
tance.
The flour on its way to Mexico was milled
from wheat contributed by Kansas Mennon-
ites during the combined MCC-CROP last
summer.
The MCC relief program in Mexico dur-
ing the past year has centered largely around
the distribution of seed and food plus short-,
term rehabilitation loans.
Released Dec. 31, 1953
MCC Information Service
Akron, Pa.
I ought to pray before seeing anyone. I
feel it is far better to begin with God — to see
His face first, to get my soul near Him before
it is near another.— Robert M. McCheyne.
MISSIONS SECTION
Women's Activities
Soon many of you will be reading the
suggested program for our Women's Day
of Prayer. We trust you will plan to help
promote this program with good attendance
for your church group.
When returning from one of his travels
in Asia, Dr. Mott reported that he was
charged by men who have penetrated most
deeply into the problem of spiritual strength
for our workers on the field, to press upon
the missionary societies the imperative need
of more intercession — above all, of united in-
tercession. "We can in no way better serve
the deepest interest of the churches than by
multiplying the number of real intercessors
. . . ," says Dr. Mott. "Far more important
and vital than any other service we can
render to missions is that of helping to release
the superhuman energy of prayer. . . ."
Dr. Mott goes on to say that through
uniting true intercessors of all lands, we
may help to usher in a new era abounding in
signs and wonders characteristic of the work-
ing of the living Christ.
Our missionaries ask continually that we
pray for them. They long for the experience
of Christ's abiding presence and the strength
that His presence brings. They need this
blessing; they need our united prayers. May
we be faithful in giving them our united
prayer support.
• • •
Letters of appreciation for the Daily Prayer
Guide have been coming in from our I-W
centers. They are also asking for our prayers
that they may give a faithtul witness ot the
church of Jesus Christ. One group writes
that they would appreciate any Christian
literature we would care to send. This gives
us another opportunity. Now is the time
to give our I-W men our most faithful sup-
port.
• • •
Though we have fourteen centers for our
I-W men, this does not mean that they can
gather regularly as entire unit groups of
Christian men for study and fellowship.
Many of them work on different shifts; some
have other plans; some go home occasional-
ly. All of these circumstances enter into the
problem of creating a feeling of unity in the
group. Let us pray earnestly for the leaders
of these units that they may be used mightily
of God to bring each young man into such
close communion with God that he may
fully consecrate his life to Christian service.
• • •
Praise God for one young man who chang-
ed his place of I-W service from an earning
unit to a VS unit so that he could be with
a group of Christian young people; also that
he might give a more definite witness of his
nonresistant faith. May there be others!
• * •
Does this mean you? The McCammons
write from Japan: "As we labor in places
of spiritual darkness our concerns turn first
to our own church at home — to those who
must answer God's call to serve in His vast
vineyard where needs are not being met."
Pray that we all might be faithful in answer-
ing His call.
' • • •
Just as there has been a united effort to put
Christ back into Christmas, may there be a
united effort to witness of His love to all the
world, to all people— Mrs. C. L. Shank.
From Our Churches
GREENSBURG. KANSAS
(Calvary Mennonite Church)
Sunday, Dec. 13, 1933. was n great day of
rejoicing for the Greensburg Mennonite con-
gregation when dedication services were held
for the remodeled church.
The church was an old brick schoolhouse,
located north of the railroad tracks in Greens-
burg, Kans. It was purchased by the congre-
gation and remodeled for the church auditori-
um. Hut members of the church had a vision
that someday they would completely remodel
the building. It was many years before this
vision finally became a reality. Through much
planning and praying the Lord opened the wayr
and In August, 1933, the men went to work.
Long hours and months of hard work followed,
but the work was not in vain, for their reward
is a beautiful church, with a seating capacity
of 200. three classrooms, and a kitchen in th*
basement. , . „„_., . _
The church was first started in 1932 by Bra
E. M. Yost, with 10 charter members. Thl
first revival was conducted by C F. Uerstine
Other brethren that have served the churcl
nre 1'. A. Friesen, Hesston, Kans., and thl
present pastor. Samuel Janzen, who has servet
since 1043. Bishops who have served are E. M
Yost Ilarrv Diener, 1*. A. Friesen. and tin
present bishop. Earl Buckwalter, liesston
Kans.
January 12, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
The dedication services began in the morning
with Bro. Earl Buckwalter bringing the morn-
ing message. A basket dinner was served at
I noon in the church basement.
At the afternoon dedicatory service. Pro.
Samuel Janzen served as moderator. The pro-
gram began with a song service led by Ralph
Martin, followed by devotions conducted by
P. A. Friesen, who read from Psalm 118. A
short history of the church was given by Wal-
lace Jantz, and this was followed by the dedi-
catory sermon delivered by Bro. E. M. tfost,
using as his sermon subject, "The 11 mse of
Prayer," and taking bis text from Malt. 21:12,
13. The service was closed with the dedicatory
prayer and benediction.
MATHIAS, WEST VIRGINIA
(Mt. Hermon Congregation)
Greetings to the readers of Gospel Herald.
Another year has passed into history. As
we look back we realize that we owe our
heavenly Father thanks for the blessings which
have been ours.
Summer Bible school was held from June 20
to July 10, with both local and visiting teachers
assisting. Enrollment was 80, a slight increase
over last year and the highest to late.
The annual tent meeting held at Mathias
and sponsored by the Mennonite church of this
area was in charge of Bro. Andrew Jantzi.
Since our attendance had outgrown the .small
tent used in former years, we were very hap-
py to have Bro. Jantzi bring his larger tent
and band of workers to labor with us in this
evangelistic effort. From July 12 to Aug. 2
large numbers of people came to enjoy the
Christian fellowship and hear the earnest mes-
sages of Bro. Jantzi. We rejoice over the Dum-
ber of confessions and reconsecrations which
resulted from these meetings.
On Oct. 10 and 11. we had our fall Bible
Conference at Mt. llermon. Bro. and Sister
Earl Grove lectured on Palestine and showed
us pictures of the land. Other speakers were
Bro. Daniel Lehman and Bro. Teddy Rollins.
Our Missionary Day speakers were Bro. and
Sister J. W. Shank, Harrisonburg, Va.
Our Sunday-school organization for the com-
ing year is as follows: Supt., William Weaver;
Secy., Edith Ualterman ; Treas., Merritt Havi-
land.
We covet your prayers for the work at Mi.
Hermon and extend a hearty invitation to all
to visit with us in our worship services.
Linden M. Wenger, Pastor.
MATT AW ANA, PENNSYLVANIA
(Mattawana Congregation)
Dear Christian Friends:
We greet you in the name of the One who
has promised to be with us always, even unto
the end of the world. We are thankful to God
for His many promises to us and for faithful
ministers who proclaim the Gospel of Christ.
Our bishop, Bro. Raymond Peaehey. eon-
j ducted our evangelistic services this fall. Sever-
al accepted Christ and many souls were blessed
spiritually during his ministry with us.
We were also privileged to have Bro. and
• Sister James Bucher with us for one service
recently, and Bro. Byron Shank and a group
of young people from West Virginia to partici-
pate in our Youth Services one week end.
On Dec. 10. 20 we had our fall missionary
conference. Bro. and Sister Lloyd Weaver,
Newport News, Va., were our guest speakers.
Many souls were blessed and our hearts chal-
lenged as we listened to the messages concern-
ing the Jewish work. Truly the harvest is
great.
Many of our members attended the Brunk
Brothers evangelistic campaign in July.
M Several young men from our congregation
M are now in I-W service, one sister is serving in
M mission work in Kentucky, and another sister
is in voluntary service at Elkhart, Ind. Pray
with us that these young people may fill their
place in the Master's service.
Not selfishly, but for the cause of Christ, we
desire an interest in the prayers of God's peo-
ple that the work at this place may grow.
Correspondent.
PRYOR. OKLAHOMA
(Zion Congregation)
Greetings in our dear Master's name:
' "The Lord hath done great things for us ;
whereof we are glad."
We were richly blessed from Nov. 2E) to
Dec. C when Bro. John Yoder from Millers-
hurg, Ohio, was here to hold revival meetings.
There wns one confession, four consecration*
and seven dedications. Our congregation ><• not
very large, wilh an average attendance of 11").
Four families have moved away but two other
families were received into our church, and
two girls by baptism.
Two of our boys are in I-W service.
On Oct. 25 Bro. Myron Ebersole was here
in the interest of the Prairie View Hospital,
and on Nov. 10 Bro. Marcus Bishop was here
in the interest of the Pueblo Mission in
Colorado. Both of these brethren gave us
inspiring messages. May we do all we can in
the spreading of the Gospel and in winning
souls for Him.
Nov. 2!) Rro. Roy Ilartzler from Kansas City
gave us a good sermon. We always appreciate
visitors at our church and invite all who can
to stop and worship with us.
Our Christian Workers' Band made some
small chairs and tables for the Kansas City
Children's Home, and three of our young men
took them to the Home.
Mrs. Baldwin Miller.
SOUTH ENGLISH. IOWA
(Liberty Congregation)
"Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts:
for the coining of the Lord draweth nigh"
(James 2:8).
Our revival meetings were held in September
with Bro. Homer North, Nnppanee, _ Ind., as
evangelist. Six young souls took Christ as
their Saviour. Sunday morning, Oct. 2o, Henry
Kuhns of Wellman preached for us, and on
Nov. 8, Alviu Blough of I. M.S. led our cougre-
gation in group singing and a quartet from the
school gave several numbers in song. Eli Yutzy
of Wellman brought to us a message on
Thanksgiving morning, and in the afternoon
Roman Yutzy of Wellman and Dale Nebel of
Wayland, a former relief worker, spoke to us.
Leda Grove.
STURGIS MICHIGAN
(Locust Grove Congregation)
Dear Heuald Readers :
Greetings in the Master's name. "The Lord
hath done great things for us; whereof we are
glad." The week of Nov. S Bro. Vernon Bon-
treger of Goshen, Ind., held revival meetings
here. His sermons were helpful and instructive.
We had a number of converts and there were
also those who had drifted away who again
found the Lord.
Every two weeks our young people take a
message in song to the homes of the sick. This
service seems to be appreciated, and the young
people also receive a blessing.
Our sewings are quite well attended ; all
seem to enjoy the Christian fellowship as we
sew in the name of our Lord. We have pot-
luck dinners, which also add interest. At our
last meeting we made four Christmas boxes.
The Junior sewing filled 7G Christmas bags
with cookies, candy, nuts, and oranges. Foriy
of these bags were sent to Battle Creek Mis-
sion, and the rest were used locally.
We are looking forward to starting a teach-
ers' meeting. Our Sunday-school superintend-
ents for this year are Menuo Cuupp and
Samuel Ilostctler.
Mrs. Ruby Ledermau.
WILLOW STREET, PENNSYLVANIA
(Byerland Congregation)
Dear Herald Readers :
During the past summer we as a congre-
gation could realize how the people felt in
Neh. 4 :l> when they had a mind to work in
rebuilding the Jerusalem walls. On Thanks-
giving Day we had the dedication of our re-
modeled church. On April 12 our last services
were held in the old building. We enjoyed the
opportunity of visiting other churches while
ours was being remodeled, but we are all re-
joicing to come back to our own meetinghouse.
The dedication program on Thanksgiving Day
was opened by our pastor. Maris Hess. Other
speakers were James lies*. Howard Eshleman.
Elmer Kennell, Ira D. Landis. Mahlon Witmer,
and Jacob Harnish. Henry Lutz gave the dedi-
cation sermon. Our bishop, Henry Nauman,
wns in charge of the dedicatory ceremony and
prayer.
During the summer the returned mission-
aries in our district were Clyde Shenks, Daniel
Sensenigs, George Millers, and Lloy Kniss.
Those under appointment were Don Jacobs,
Robert Keeners, Paul Gingrichs. Jeau Garber
of the New Danville, Pa., district has been
appointed as nurse to British Honduras.
Since the last letter various revivals wer*
held in our dittrict. The number of confesMuii*
were eight. We pray that more may heed the
call of the Spirit.
Martha Jane Mylin.
The Single Eye
Few know the blessedness of living
with a single eye to God s gloiy. It re-
duces life to a great simplicity. It lifts
the soul far above the petty wranglings
and groveling desires ot the world and
secures a cjuiethess and peace that is like
a river and joy like the wa\es ol the sea.
The idea contained in the familiar
words, "1 hough in the world, live above
the world," is not the mere hallucination
ol an excited imagination; it is a ble-odl
possibility of grace.
He who has given himselt over to God
in a consecration thai is complete and
everlasting, who has slain every thought
of ever taking anything oil the altar, who
regards himself— with all the tenacity ol
purpose and power of will that he pos-
sesses—as forever the Lord's, soon will
realize very consciously that the chains
are broken in his lile and that he is an
overcoiner through the blood of the
Lamb.
He now keeps the eye ot faith singly
and steadily fixed upon the cross. To do
the Father's will engrosses every energy
and power of his soul. So absolute is his
renunciation ol self and the world that
every thought and leeling, every word
and act, is a continual ollering unto the
Lord— something done lor Jesus.
The desire to please man no longer
enslaves or annoys him. So long as he
hears the voice ol the Redeemer ringing
through his soul and claiming him in
ownership, he can sing and rejoice, and
rise above the praise or dispraise of earth,
the misrepresentations or misunderstand-
ings ol his brethren.
II therefore thine eye be single, thy
whole body shall be full of light.'' How
differently things appear to us when we
enter into this stale. That which hither-
to has seemed of great importance sinks
into insignificance because the light ol
eternity now streams upon it. We reckon
the value ol objects not as it appears to-
day but as it will when we gain those
"cliffs of immortality."
Lile becomes very simple and childlike
as we lean every moment upon the bos-
om of our Beloved, asking, "What wilt
Thou, Lord?" And a heaven ol love fills
our souls as we hear the reply, "Follow
me."
Oh. it will be glorious to be safe in
heaven where temptation cannot come
or sin touch us. But what a blessedness
there is in being saved here, in the very
midst of a wicked world— delivered from
the power of sin, raised up to commun-
ion and fellowship with God, filled with
a pure and single purpose to follow in
the footsteps of Jesus.
Surely, if we live in this blessed state
while on earth, we may learn here and
44
GOSPEL HERALD
January 12, 1954
now to sing the heavenly song, "Unto
him that loved us, and washed us from
our sins in his own blood, and hath made
us kings and priests unto God and his
Father; to him be glory and dominion
for ever and ever. Amen."— Guide to
Holiness.
FIELD NOTES (Continued)
Bro. Howard Hammer and family are
moving to Hartford, Conn., on Jan. 25 to
take up language study in preparation for
the work they plan to enter in Brazil.
Instructors in the Kishacoquilas Bible
School at Allensville, Pa., are Ross Metzler,
McVeytown, Pa., and Orie Kauffman, Vas-
sar, Mich.
The Conservative Amish Mennonites are
building a new church house at Pinecraft,
Sarasota, Fla., and if plans carried used it for
the first time on Jan. 3.
Bro. Henry Hernley was honored in a spe-
cial convocation of Publishing House work-
ers on Jan. 4 on the occasion of his retirement
after forty-seven years of service in the Pub-
lishing House. He was given a certificate of
appreciation and a cash gift of one dollar for
each year he was here. The composing room
workers also gave a dinner to Bro. and Sister
Hernley. They have gone to Florida for the
winter.
Change of address: Bro. Harold Brenne-
man from 104 Washington Ave., to R. 1,
Ephrata, Pa.
Announcements
Third annual meeting of superintendents
of Homes for the Aged at the United Zion
Home, one mile north of Lititz, Pa., on Jan.
16. Speakers include Galen Hostetter, J. D.
and Florence Mellinger, Curtis Mininger, and
Lester Wenger.
Special course for ministers at Eastern
Mennonite College with the following in-
structors: C. Nevin Miller, George R. Brunk,
John R. Mumaw, J. L. Stauffer, Elmer G.
Kolb, Samuel E. Miller, Jan. 13 to Feb. 2.
Bro. James Bucher, Hubbard, Oreg., at Mt.
Vernon, Oxford, Pa., Jan. 17.
Dedication for new mission in Harlem,
New York City, 25267 Ave., on Jan. 17,
2:30 P.M.
Study Conference on local and area service
program sponsored by the Committee of Co-
ordination of Church Program at Bethel and
Sugar Creek, Wayland, Iowa, Feb. 12, 13.
Bible Instruction meeting with Paul M.
Miller, Goshen, Ind., as instructor, at Para-
dise, Pa., Jan. 16, 17.
J. L. Rutt, formerly of Argentina, at Steel-
ton, Pa., Jan. 24.
Visiting Speakers
Dec. 13. Boyd Nelson, Elkhart, Ind., at La
Junta, Colo.
Dec. 20. Elmer Hershberger, Detroit
Lakes, Minn., at Garden City, Mo. George R.
Brunk, Denbigh, Va., at Mellinger's, Lancas-
ter, Pa.
Christmas Day. Max Yoder, Wellman,
Iowa, at East Fairview, Milford, Nebr. Al-
bert Wyse, Midland, Mich., Eli K. Zook,
Belleville, Pa., Harry Stutzman, Berlin, Ohio,
and Nolan Zehr, Middlebury, Ind., at Pine-
craft, Sarasota, Fla.
Dec. 27. J. L. Horst, Scottdale, Pa., at
Pinecraft, Sarasota, Fla. Clayton Beyler,
Louisville, Ky., at Goshen College, Goshen,
Ind. Wayne J. Wenger, Jackson, Ky., at
Holdeman, Wakarusa, Ind. Charles Neff,
Street, Md., and G. F. Hershberger, Goshen,
Ind., at Orrville, Ohio. J. L. Rutt, former
missionary to Argentina, at Mellinger's, Lan-
caster, Pa.
Jan. 3. I. Mark Ross, Hesston, Kans., and
Urie A. Bender, Baden, Ont., at Orrville,
Ohio. Lester Hershey, on furlough from
Puerto Rico, at Flanagan, 111. George T.
Miller, Honduras, at Zion, Beckersville, Pa.
Maintaining a Christian Spirit
Toward Others
By Edna Keener
The unregenerated person will have a
cultivated manner that is pleasing to
those he contacts until something crosses
his path. Then he acts according to im-
pulse and strife may begin.
As we yield ourselves to Christ, He
gives us the Holy Spirit which enables
us to live above the carnal nature. We
can, by the grace of God, meet situations
with our fellow men that we could not
have met in a Christian spirit at all if
this Divine Spirit were not in the place
of leadership.
Fruit is the test of character and the
purpose of fruit is not to adorn the tree
or vine, but to feed hunger. Gal. 5:22,
23 lists the fruit of the Spirit— love, joy,
peace, long-suffering, gentleness, good-
ness, faith, meekness, temperance, which
is to be used to feed the hunger ot others.
The example of Jesus in dealing with
others teaches us that we owe love that
thinketh no evil, that seeketh not its
own, that beareth all things, endureth
all things, and never faileth to those who
may not be beautiful in character or
congenial in habits, manners, modes of
life, or disposition.
Gal. 5:13 tells us to serve one another
in love— that is, without a thought of
receiving in return. Service goes with
loving. The parable of the good Samari-
tan explains who our neighbor is that
we must love as ourselves. When we are
not sure whether or not we should do
something, let us ask ourselves the ques-
tion, "Will it help or hinder the charac-
ter of others?"
Romans 14 admonishes us not to be
a stumbling block or hindrance to a
brother who is not mature in the faith.
We are to follow alter the things which
make for peace and which edify another.
At the judgment God will ask us how
we treated our fellow man.
The transformed person is clothed
with tenderness of heart, kindness, hu-
mility, gentleness, patience, forbearance,
and forgiveness, with love over all. Col.
3:12-14.
When we are partially overlooked or
altogether ignored, how fierce is the
temptation to envy and slander and ill
will! Vast crowds enrolled themselves in
John the Baptist's discipleship, and then
Jesus came and the popularity of John
began to wane. John did not show envy
but joyfully said, "He must increase but
I must decrease." John loved Jesus with
a great and passionate love, and with
love there can be no envy.
The only safe thing to do with envious
thoughts is to crush them at once. To
overcome evil with good, we should com-
pel ourselves to do some kindness to the
person of whom we are disposed to be
envious.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus
teaches importance of the heart mothe,
rather than the outward action. Our
attitudes or feelings are expressive many
times, "for out of the abundance of the
heart the mouth speaketh."
We need to confess every wrong atti-
tude to have peace with God and man
and so that others will learn good atti-
tudes from us.
The body of Christ is made up of
many members, but not all have the
same office. When each member exer-
cises his gift, the church functions well.
To have good relationships with others,
we need certain requirements whether
it is in particular church duties or in
weekday business, such as:
Humble devotion to the Lord and
our task.
Willingness to serve unrecognized.
Young people recognizing the ideas of
older people.
Old people recognizing new ideas.
Sharing the work.
Speaking well of fellow workers.
Examining self instead of others.
O
Putting others on your prayer list.
The home is our proving ground; here
we practice obedience to our parents, we
learn to co-operate with others, to see
others' viewpoint, and to use courtesy
when differences arise. We owe to our
parents credit, consideration, and cheer-
fulness.
Praise and thankfulness will always be
constructive. Misunderstandings can be
treated in a peaceful way.
We have a tremendous debt to God;
because He forgave us so much, we
should forgive others. Matt. 18 gives the
correct way to deal with offense— that is,
go directly to the person involved.
To maintain this Christian spirit, we
need to lav hold of the means of grace
which God has promised. He is faithful
to us, but we must do our part to be
faithful to Him until death or until the
return of Christ.
Faith and our devotional life should
not be neglected. We need daily to look
unto the Lord of truth to learn of our
duty as well as our opportunities to make
progress in the divine life and to live as
a light to those about us. Ma\ we draw
close to God in prayer since the way we
get along with others is indicative of our
relationship to Him.
Lititz, Pa.
\fanuary 12, 1954
GOSPEL
HERALD
(5
FAMILY CIRCLE (Continued)
4. Crime programs such as pictured on
television screens won't make better boys
[and girls, but thieves, murderers, gang-
sters, prostitutes, and bowery bums.
Luke 17:1, 2.
5. I have three children whom I want
, 0 see make it through to heaven. I re-
use to throw dangers in their way. They
believe as I do that TV is wrong. I feel
lure they have confidence in my life. I
[vill never betray the confidence they
have in me. I would rather lift up the
Bible standard, keep their confidence,
tnd pray for them how with a clear con-
fcience than to let down the Bible stand-
ards and weep later because I failed
[hem. II Tim. 3:15; II Tim. 4.
6. I Cor. 10: 31 -"Whether therefore ye
Kit, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do
111 to the glory of God." God does not
fet glory out of lust pictures, prize fights,
nude dancers, wrestling bouts, liquor or
Tobacco advertisements, crime promo-
lion, Hollywood divorce evil, etc.
I 7. It robs any individual of his spirit-
Lai strength. I am convinced no one
[(without exception) can look upon TV
lor long and be deeply spiritual or carrv
L burden for lost souls. Anyone who
lelieves the Bible from cover to cover
lannot approve of TV. I Cor. 9:27;
|fJ:12.
I Other characteristics could be men-
tioned, but the above are sufficient to
lonvince any sincere servant of God that
TV as at present promulgated is not con-
ducive to the highest attainment of
Christian living.
We all know that there are many good
eatures in the marvelous invention of
rV, such as scientific and educational
xplorations, and the religious programs
)ffer a stupendous opportunity in Gos-
>el presentation, but we observe with
orrow that the enemy has, as in manv
>ther noble inventions, also brought cor-
upt uses of the same.
EXPRESSIONS OF APPRECIATION
I wish to express my sincere thanks nnd
ppreeintion to nil who so kindlv remembered
he with prayers, corn's, sifts, nnd flowers dnr-
nR my stny nt Gr.nnd View Hospitnl nnd while
'■onvnieseine nt home. Mny the I^ord richly
less you all. — Mrs. Howard Detweiler. Rouder-
on. Pa.
• • •
We wish to express our sincere thanks nnd
ppreeintion to all who remembered us with
)rnyers, cards, gifts, flowers, nnd visits in our
•ecent bereavement in the sudden denth of our
lenr husband nnd father. May God bless you
; ill. — Mrs. Elizabeth Nissly, Esther, nnd Lloyd.
• * •
I wish to express my sincere thanks to all
vho sent us sifts and cards over the Christmas
eason, and the carolers too. I enjoy the sing-
ng. I wish you all God's blessings and hap-
, u'ness through the new year. — Mrs. Peter S.
1 Jartin.
There are always two sides, and some-
imes three — your side, my side, and the
ight side. — J. L. Stauffer.
TO BE NEAR TO GOD (Continued)
Father, I know so little of the way of
love. Show me opportunities for loving those
outside my usual circle. Then, dear God,
iove them through me.
— J. Lester Brubakcr.
SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON (Continued)
He is able to save all who call upon Him
in spirit and in truth as this woman sinner
did, and as all Samaritans who were saved
did.
— Aha Mae Erb
tesson based on "International Sunday School Les-
sons: the International Bible Lessons for Christian
Teaching." copyriqhted 1951 by the Division of Chris-
tian Education Nctiona! Council of the Churches of
Christ in the U.S. A
TEACHING THE WORD (Continued)
that particular occasion? Are you will-
ing to confine yourself to the same regu-
lations that are given to your campers—
or do you feel you should raid the ice-
box after your campers have gone to bed?
The nature of staff members must be
cheerful, optimistic, always looking at
the bright side of things, smiling in the
face of trouble, possessing a warm heart,
and resourcefulness and initiative with
originality and imagination. Lest we
describe a person who does not exist, we
will stop on this point, with this sum-
mary: He must possess certain personal-
ity traits that are desirable in a camp
setting, or he should not be assigned to
a camp stafF.
A love for camping; is a definite re-
quirement. If you have had previous
experience ns a camper or stafF member,
then you know whether or not vou really
like camping and have a definite inter-
est in and love for it. If this is your first
experience at camping, then you will
need to sincerely consider this qualifica-
tion. You must love the outdoors, na-
ture, and be able to actuallv enjov the
inconveniences often experienced in a
camp setting. If vou must be surrounded
with push buttons to be happv, then do
not offer your help to any camp director,
for most camp situations emphasize the
simple life, and many of the conven-
iences of ordinary life are not present.
This love for camping must be genuine.
It is a qualification that cannot be faked.
It is either sincere or it does not exist.
Camping experiences have been spoiled
for manv campers just because some
counselor or other staff member helped
out in a camping program out of a sense
of obligation to the program rather than
from a love for the work. If vou do not
possess this quality, then you will not be
able to adjust vourself to the spirit of
camping and to the new conditions that
vou will suddenly face. As a staff mem-
ber vou are responsible for the morale
of the campers. Camp morale can break
quickly with tragic effects to the campers
and the program. Often it does not take
a big thing to cause this to happen. If
vou do not possess a genuine love and
interest for camping, you will not be
able to exercise other personality traits
that you might ordinarily have.
A knowledge of some camping skills
and nature is desirable for every member
on the staff. You should have it as vour
goal to excel in some camp craft, and to
be acquainted with some phase of out-
door life. It might be primitive ramp-
ing, bird lore, flowers, rocks, stars, insects
—just so that you can be considered
authority in some area. Mavbe vou will
be the one in camp who can tell stories
the best. Cultivate anv talent that vou
have that can make its contribution to
a total camping program. Tf vou meet
the spiritual oualifirations neressnrv.
then vou will also be able to associate
nature with God in the camper's life.
Tf vou are planning; to heln in one of
our church camps, whv not brush up on
one or more of these details that appeal
to you the most? Better vet. explore
some new areas and study up on those
that will give vou that extra value as a
member of some staff.
Academic training is a qualification
that must not be overlooked. Tt is not
possible for manv of vou to meet the
qualification of a colleee education. In
ramping;, as in manv other things, the
person with some training has the ad-
vantaees, and can often make his better
contribution. Some of vou who are in-
terested in the camping program mav
have an opportunity to take a course in
one of our colleges or elsewhere that will
give vou specialized training as a camp
leader. Do not overlook such an oppor-
tunity if you have one. Where this is
impossible, secure some books on ramp-
ing, and read them. There is a magazine
on Camping that is published bv the
American Camping Association that con-
tains some good articles in the field of
camping. Acquaint vourself with some
good teaching techniques, as well as
some knowledge of psychology. You
might be interested to know that some
of our colleges are offering work in the
field of camping. Goshen College is con-
sidering a two weeks' course earlv in
June in 1954. This is your chance to
earn two college hours of credit and at
the same time receive academic training
in the field of camping. As our camping
program continues to grow it will be
necessary for many of you who are inter-
ested in this work to avail yourselves of
opportunities like this.
Good health is the last requirement
that we will discuss. Are vou phvsicallv
able to stand the rugged experiences of
camping? The davs get long with little
or no time off. To do your best vou
must be alert every moment of the day.
In fact, it is necessary to keep just a little
ahead of the campers in their ideas,
pranks, and program. This takes fast
and unusual thinking in many instances.
Tired bodies and frayed nerves do not
46
GOSPEL HERALD
January 12, 1954
respond correctly to these camping situa-
tions. If you do not feel that your physi-
cal constitution is equal to camping,
then you had hetter consider getting into
some type of Christian service that re-
quires less physical energy. This is not
only necessary because of your own
health, but also for the good of the entire
staff. If a staff member is continually
below par physically, he is also affected
in other ways. His jittery nerves, down-
in-the-dumps attitude, and other factors
coming out of that kind of situation,
will usually start a chain of reactions
that is soon reflected in the entire staff
and then in the atmosphere of the camp
itself. Most camp directors agree that
persons doin? their best work as coun-
selors should be at least twenty-one years
of age. However, do not let this dis-
courage you in applying at a younger
ae;e. Some of our best counselors have
been younger. Most camp directors will
give preference to those who are older
and more mature in experience. Some
of you who have been eood campers and
who have a vision for being on the staff
of one of our camps someday mav need
to grow up a while. In the meantime,
be preparing yourself in every way pos-
sible for Christian service in whatever
area the Lord may lead you. Someday
you will have an opportunity to give
yourself in service to one of the camps.
These qualifications apply to any
member of the staff in varying degrees,
whether one is working in the kitchen
or directing the program. A kitchen
helper can break the morale of the group
just as surely as the director can— maybe
not as quickly, but as surely. On the
other hand, the person working in the
most remote part of the program can
lend a lot of strength to the group and
the camp as a whole. Wherever you
work— whether you are conspicuous or
unnoticed— you should meet these quali-
fications to be a good staff member. If
our camping program continues to grow
and to be used of the Lord as a teaching
and evangelizing agency of the church,
then we must have personnel that meets
the high and challenging qualifications
that are called for in the camping pro-
gram.
Colorado Springs, Colo.
BIRTHS
"Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord" (Pa. 127:3a).
Amstutz, Clifford and Lois (Blosser), Woos-
ter, Ohio, first child, Wendell Blosjsor, Dee. 7.
1953.
lilosser, Eugene nnd Louelln (Gingerich),
Tokyo, Japan, second child, first daughter,
Rachel Ann, Dec. 22. 10,"):?.
Beldler, Stanley and Ethel (Landls), Qnnker-
town, L'a., a tin tighter, Jewel, Dee. 1.'?, r.i."):?.
Detwller, Italpli nnd Miriam (Uodshall), no
address, first child, Ralph Ulaiae, Bept 23,
1!).'):!.
Detwllcr, John nnd Lois (Murk), Buda, 111.,
fifth child, Jerry E., Dec. 20. 11)53.
Diller, Ray II, and Mary Jane (Martin),
Greenenstle, Pa., second child, Galen Leo, Nor.
20. 1933.
Fisher. Dnle and M.ireella (Good). Losnn,
Ohio, fifth child, Richard Gale. Dee. lo. 1053.
Garher. Leonard and Viva (Ilorshbcr-'er),
Wiuton, Calif., fourth daughter, Yvonne Kay,
Dee. 12. 1053.
Gingericll, Tburlowe and Joyce (Kropf),
Canh.v, Dreg., second Bon, Dennis Daniel,
Dee. 10, 10.13.
Glick. Wesley nnd Rosalie (Zehr). Rust-
on re, Va., first child, Lois Rosalie, Dec. 10,
1053.
Ilcatwole, Franklyn nnd Esther (Bixler),
La Junta, Colo., firet child, Steven Jay, Dec.
18. 1053.
Hoslrtler, Norman, Jr., and Delories (Peb-
Ipy), Smokotown, Pa., first child, Gloria Dawn,
Nov. 28, 1053.
Iiitzi, Roy nnd Mildred (Zehr), P>adpn. Ont.,
second child, Kathleen Sue, Nov. 21. 1053.
KautTman, Archie nnd Bern ice (Beck). Aroh-
bold, Ohio, second child, Twila Mae, Dec. 22,
1053.
Kener. Walter L. and Martha (DTernley),
Mount Jov. Pa., sixth child, third eon, Lamar,
Dec. 0. 1053.
King. John C. and Edith (Birky), Goshen,
Tnrl . first child, a son, Arlan Ray, Dec. 11,
1053.
Kinsinger, John and Elizabeth (Zook),
Meyersdalo. Pa., fifth child, first daughter, Re-
becca J.. Dec. 12. 1953.
Landis. John N. and Louise (TTess), Lan-
caster. Pa., second son, Marvin Eugene. Dec.
0, 1053.
Martin, TVeldon nnd Lorene (Troyer). Math-
is. Texas, third child, Carol Yvonne, Dec. 19,
1953.
Metzler, Richard K. nnd Reba (Bnchen),
Manheim, Pa., first child. Nelson, Dec. 13. 1053.
Michel, Kav and Marv Etta (Replosle),
Sehellsburg, Pa., firet child, Eldon Ray, Dec.
15. 1053.
Miller, Charles E. and Doris (Risser), Har-
risonburg. Va., second child, Kathleen Ann,
Dee. 20, 1953.
Miller. Flovd J. and Fannie (Bender),
Grants ville. Md., a daughter, Alice Rebekah.
Dec. 12, 1953.
Miller, Leo J. and Dorothy (Gingerich),
Wichita, Kans., first child, a daughter, Jenell
Maxine, Dec. 7, 1053.
Ours, Harold nnd Doris (Livengood). Pinto,
Md.. first child, Glenna Dene, Dec. 18, 1053.
Plank, Irwin nnd Bertha (Albrecht). Dixon,
111., first child, Michael Curtis. Dec. 25, 1053.
Richer, Ora W. nnd Marjorie (Brenneman),
Arehbold, Ohio, second son, Brooks Wendell,
Dec. 12, 1953.
Riegsecker, Orval L. nnd Lois (Miller). Wan-
seon, Ohio, second child, Delvin Leroy, Nov. 2,
1953.
Sander. Aaron and Edna (Risser), Lititz, Pa.,
a son, Nelson, Dec. 20. 1053.
Schrnek, Herman nnd Elsie (Yoder), Orants-
ville, Md.. second child, a son. Glen Howard,
Nov. 24. 1053.
Shank. Norman R. and Marie (Rhodes), Har-
risonburg, Va., second child, Lois Marie, Dec.
18. 1053.
Shantz, Rov nnd Bertha (Bixler), Goshen,
Ind., third child, Margaret Ellen. Dec. 17. 1953.
Slio waiter, Kenneth L. and Joan (Weaver),
Millersburg, Ohio, second child, Eli Jay, Dec.
2, 1053.
Sommers, Sanford and Alta Marie (Yoder),
Amboy, Iud., fourth child, Liuford Moses, Dec.
22, 1953.
Sprtinger. Eugene nnd Gladys (Zimmerman),
Goshen, Ind., first child, a daughter, Dianne
Kay, Dec. IS. 1053.
Stulzman, Merle and Leila (Stutzmnn), Al-
bany, Oreg., fifth child, third son, Stanley Jo-
seph, Dec. 1, 1953.
Tice, Simon and Ruth (nershberger), Grnnts-
ville, Md.. second daughter, Kathryn Joyce,
July IS, 1953.
Weaver, Winston nnd Phyllis (Livengood).
Harrisonburg, Yn., third child, third son, Myron
Gregory, Dec. 10, 1953,
Wenger, Lester B. and Lydin M. (Hurst).
Litita, Pa., a daughter, Deborah Lynn, Doe.
20. 1053.
Wiand, Robert P. nnd Mary (Baker), Spring
City, l'a., second child, a son, Robert Patrick.
Dee. Hi. 1053.
Yoder, Martin and Ltiella (Smueker), Roee-
burg, Oreg., first child, Donald Loo, Nov. 20.
1053.
Voder, Paul nnd Velma (Ryan), Ft. Wnyne,
Ind.. first child. Cheryl Jean. Nov. 2. 1053.
MARRIAGES
May the blessings of God be upon the homes
established by the marriages here listed. A year's
subscripiion to the GOSPEL HERALD is given to those
whese address Is supplied by the officiating minister.
Blough — Dawson. — Paul D. Bloiigh. Blough
congregation. Ilcdlsopple, Pa., nnd Joyce L.
Dawson. Walsall congrezation. Johnstown. Pa.,
by the groom's father. Harry C. Blough. at the
Blough Mennonite Church. Nov. 7. 1953.
Ehv— Sell.— Loren J Ehv. Elkhart. Ind..
and Roberta M. Sell. Bradford. Ohio, both of
the Olive congregation, by J. C. Wenger at the
home of the bride, Bradford, Ohio, Dec. 13.
1053.
Fenton — Kanagy. — WaUer Fenfnn. Philadel-
phia, Mo., and Lois Knnarr. Bellefontaine.
Ohio, by Daniel KnufTman. Leonard, M«., at
the Hesstnn College Chapel, Hesston, Kane..
Dec. 15. 1953.
Gahnian — Alderfer. — Edwnrd Gahman. Deep
Run congregation, nnd Miriam AhWfer. Bloom-
ing Glen congregation, by David Derstine. Jr.,
at the Blooming Glen Mennonite Church,
Bloomin? Glen. Pa.. Nor. 14, 1053.
Herrzler — Kuhns. — Robert Allen nerhder,
Warwick River, Va., congregation, and Marie
Kuhns. Lindale congregation, Harrisonburg,
Va., by Truman II. Brunk at the Lindale
Church. Oct. 24. 1053.
Huber — Gingerich.— George Huber. Alma,
Ont., and Erlene Gingerich, New Hamburg,
Ont.. by Moses II. R^h at the Geiger Mennon-
ite Church. Oct. 2. 1953.
Jutzi — Gerber. — David Jntzi nnd Frieda
Gerber. both of Ponle A.M. congregation, Poole,
Ont., by Moses H. Roth at the Poole A.M.
Church. June 20. 1053.
Kerr — Moyer. — Lloyd Kerr. Skippack con-
gregation, and Blanche Mnyer, Blooming Glen
congregation, by David Derstine. Jr.. at the
Blooming Glen Mennonite Church. Nov. 14.
1953.
Kratz — Delp. — Nevin n. Kratz, Franconia,
Pa., congregation, and Doris N. Delp, Wor-
cester congregation. Worcester. Pa., at the
Worcester Church Doc. 24. 1053.
Mast — Brunk. — Isaac S. Mast. Maple Grove
congregation, Pa., and Emily M. Brunk. Cot-
tage City, Md.. congregation, bv Noah W.
Risser at the Cottage City Church Dec. 2G.
Miller— Yoder.— Olen A. Miller, Howard-
Miami Mennonite Church. Kokomo, Ind.. nnd
Ruth Arlene Yoder. Yoder Mennonite Church.
Hutchinson. Kans.. by Andrew A. Bonlraser at
the Yoder Mennonite Church. Dec. 17, 1953.
Miller— Shetler — Willis Miller. Midland,
Mich., and Edna Shetler, Pigeon. Mich., both
members of the Midland congregation, by
Donald Kins at the Pigeon Mennonite Church,
Nov. 21. 1053.
Miisseltnan — Shank. — Glenn E. Mnsselman,
pastor of Bethel congregation, Mtinitnasbiirg,
Pa., and Lois Christine Shank. Goshen College
congregation, Goshen, Ind., by Earl Buck-
waiter, uncle of the bride in the College Chapel.
Nov. 23, 1953.
Sclirock — Beachey. — Yost J. Schrock. Jr.. and
Ella Mae Beachey. both of the Arthur congre-
gation. Arthur, 111., bv II. J. Kiug at the
Arthur Church. Dec. 22. 1053.
Steckley — Leis. — Stanley Sieckley, Millhank.
Out., anil Doris Leis, Milverton, Out., bv Moses
II. Roth at the 1'oole A.M. Church, Sept. 5,
1053.
Wader — Conrad. — Allen R. Wagler and Lu-
cille Marie Conrad at the R,-thel Mennonite
Church. Wnylaml, Iowa, by Simon Ciugerich,
DeC. I'D. 1953,
Weller — Martin. — .7. Mervin Weiler. Church-
town congregation, Narvon, Pa., and Edith V.
Martin, Lichty's congregation, East Earl. Pa.,
bv J. Paul (1 ray bill at the home of the bride,
Nov. 28. 105;!.
Voder — Griffith. — Clarence A. Yoder nnd
Doris Griffith, both of the Arthur congregation,
Arthur, III., by II. J. Kiug at the church.
Nov. 11. 1953.
If thou knowest Christ well, thou
knowest enough though thou know no
more.— Chrysostoni.
.January 12, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
47
OBITUARIES
May the sustaining grace and comfort oi our Lord
blest these who are bereaved.
Drenneman, Ora Roswell, son of the late Ja-
<ob C. and Annie (Miller) Drenneman. was
iorn Feb. 24, 1807, near Kalona, Iowa ; passed
o bis eternal reward at the home of his (laugh-
er, Mrs. John Erb, Dec. 20, 11)53. aged 50 y.
10 m. 2 d. At the age of 10 years, he accepted
lis Saviour, was baptized, and received into
ellowship with the Dower Dpcr Creek conte-
ntion, lie remained a faithful member until
ieutb. On July 27, 1010, he was married to
Jorn Hochstctlcr, who passed away Feb. 12,
922. On Nov. 27, 1023. be was united in mar-
i:i~'e with (intrude Mac Yoder, who preceded
im Oct. 10, 10-12. To this union were born
daughters and 2 sons (Nita — Mrs. John Erb
fnd Audrey — Mrs. Wayne Miller, both of Well-
lan, Iowa ; Lowell, Kalona, Iowa, and Clair,
t home). He also leaves 4 grandchildren (Ken-
in and Donny Miller, Robert Don Erb. and
Lonnie Drenneman), a stepmother (Mrs. Lydia
Irenneman, Iowa City, Iowa), one brother
Lloyd, Kalona, Iowa), 3 halt' brothers (Noah
nd Homer, Kalona, Iowa, and Delmar. Rich-
llld, Iowa), and 3 half sisters (Ola and Freda,
iiwa City, Iowa, and Mis. Hilda King, Ilar-
isonburg, Va.). Funeral services were held
lec. 2S at the Dower Deer Creek Church in
linrge of J. V. Swartzeudruber and Robert K.
odcr. _ _
Homing Harton G., son of the late Joseph
. and Elizabeth (Good) Horning, was born
[ay 24, 1SS4, in Lancaster Co., IV; departed
lis life Dec. 20, 10."i3. at his home in Pow-
mnsville, Pa.; aged 00 y. G m. 20 d. On Sept.
>, 1000, he was united in marriage to Jennie
[. Good, who passed away Jan. 12, 1037. On
ppt. 29, 103S. be was married to Elizabeth
I'enger. To the first union were born these
ins and daughters (Iluth — Mrs. Sylvester
urst and Anna — Mrs. John G. Weber, both
' Howmansville, Da.; Lewis, Ephrata, Pa.;
lorence — Mrs. Lester Risser. Sheridan, Pa.;
vlvan, Ephrata, Pa.: Jennie — Mrs. D. Wilmer
[artin. East Earl, Pa.; Miriam, Sarah, and
aithleen at home). One brother and 3 sisters
Iso survive. He was a member of the Bow-
ansville Mennonite Church. Funeral services
ere held at the Dowtnansville Church in
large of Ben j. F. Weaver, Moses Gehmnn,
Jul Wilmer Eby. Interment was made in the
Doming cemetery.
Jefferson. Sylvanus, was born in Chatham,
'nt.. in 1003, and passed away suddenly at
le Hopedale Mission Farm, Ailsa Craig, Nov.
, 1053. lie accepted Christ in bis youth and
■nited with the Baptist Church, was ordained
Iji the ministry, and served that church for
(lime time. Later, however, he backslid until
I e found himself on Skid Row but finally wan-
lered into Goodwill Rescue Mission, London,
1 put., where he confessed his sin and expressed
is desire to be restored to Christian fellowship.
Be then went to Hopedale Mission Farm,
Irhere he lived a rather up-and-down life. He
xpressed a desire to he received into church
(lembership at the Nairn A.M. Church, but
rhile under instruction confessed that be held
| grudge against his own brother who had done
im a great wrong. After much prayer, his
riends took him to Chatham, where he and
is brother were reconciled. This made a great
hprcssion on his unconverted brother. After
lis experience he had a ringing testimony,
■ith the love of God radiating from his very
res. He was received into church fellowship,
ut three weeks later he had a heart attack
nd the Lord called him home. He is survived
y 5 children and 3 brothers, all of Chatham,
•"lie funeral was an impressive one, with Wil-
red Schlagel nnd Alvin N. Roth in charge,
turinl was made in the Nairn A.M. cemetery.
Layman, John, son of the late Simon and
Elizabeth (Kaufman) Layman, was born in
omerset Co. Pa., Dee. 8. 1S79; died Dec. 4,
033, in the home of Wesley Yoder; aged 73 y.
1 m. 20 d. He is survived by one brother
Calvin. Davidsville, Pa.) and 2 sisters (Mrs.
idda Yoder. Hollsnpplp, Pa., and Mrs Maggie
Veaver. Davidsville. Pa.). He was a member
f the Plough Mennonite Church since Jan.
I 0. 1S0S. where funeral services were held Dec.
in charge of Harry C. Blougb and John A.
.ichman. Interment was made in the church
emctery.
Leu, Amanda, daughter of John C. and Lydia
Short, was born near Archbold, Ohio, Jan. 21,
1884, and on the morning of Dec. 25, 1053, after
only oue night of Mini— went to her eternal
reward; aged 00 y. 11 w. 1 d. On May 4, 1013,
she was united in marriage to Clarence Leu,
sharing the joys and borrows of life with him
for o\er 4U years. Five sons and one daughter
came to bless this home. She is survived by
her husband, 0 children (John, Jacob, Cliutou,
and Treva of West L'uity, Ohio; Milo, Siryker,
Ohio, and Doyle, Archbold, Ohio). 0 grandchil-
dren, one sister (Mrs. Nellie Urieser, Stryker,
Ohio), 2 brothers (Eddie, Union City, Pa., and
Clinton, Siryker, Ohio), and many nieces, neph-
ews, friends, and other relatives. 1'receding
her in death were her parents, 2 brothers, and
5 sisters. She accepted Christ as her personal
Saviour in youth, united with the Mennonite
Church, and was a faithful member of the
Dockport Congregation at her death. Funeral
services were held ut the Lockporl Church on
Dec. 27, conducted by Simon Stuckcy, E. B.
Frey, and Walter Sluckey. Burial was made
in the I^ockport Cemetery.
McDowell, Oliver E., son of Oliver E. Mc-
Dowell and Magdalena Cult) (Dickel). was born
iu Elkhart Co. Did., April 13, 1885; passed
away Dec. IS, 1053; aged 08 y. S DO. 5 d. Be
was the great-grandson of the well-known bish-
op Jacob Wisler (1808-80) of the Yellow Creek
congregation. On Oct. 25. 101)5. Oliver was
united in marriage with liable Fields, who sur-
vives. To this union 4 children were born
(Grace — Mrs. Calvin Fletcher of Goshen; Al-
bert V. and Charles D., both of Elkhart; and
Faye, who preceded him iu death). He made
the good decision to accept Christ eleven months
before his passing, and both he and his compan-
ion were baptized into the fellowship of the Ol-
ive Mennonite Church on Jan. 0, 1053. His con-
version made a deep impression on the com-
munity, and he was a faithful brother in Christ
during the last year of his life, lie often re-
quested his wife to read to him of (he Father's
house with its many mansions. John 14. lie
was in poor health during the last year of his
life, but whenever his strength permitted be
attended church services. His end came quite
unexpectedly as he quietly fell asleep Dec. IS.
It was his testimony that he believed be was
safe in Christ, although he had deep regret for
his pre-COn version life. During his active life
he was a contractor of unusual skill and ability.
He made violins as a hobby. His three surviv-
ing children and six grandchildren, as well as
his sorrowing wife, have many happy memories
of Brother McDowell, especially in the period
of life in which he was living for Christ. Fu-
neral services were conducted at the Yellow
Creek Church by J. C. Wenger and C. A.
Shank, with burial in adjoining cemetery.
Nissly, Levi II., son of Christian and Bar-
bara (llerr) Nissly. was born in Lancaster Co.
Pa., near Mountville. April 25. 1000; while
driving his car, he suffered a heart attack and
passed away within a few minutes on the eve-
ning of Dec. 22, 1053; aged 53 y. 7 m. 27 d.
On Nov. 10, 1021, he was united in marriage
with Elizabeth II. Harnish. They were permit-
ted to share the joys and sorrows of life togeth-
er for 32 years. Besides bis wife he is survived
bv 2 children (Esther II.— Mrs. Walter B.
Groff, Willow Street. Pa., and Lloyd II., Eliza-
bethtown. Pa.). 0 grandchildren, 7 brothers and
sisters (Christian II.. Lititz, Pa.; Mrs. Clarence
Keener, and Harry II., both of Lancaster. Pa.;
Roy II.. Lititz, Pa.; Ralph II.. Washington
Boro ; Mrs. Titus Horning. New Holland. Pa.;
and Barbara. Mountville. Pa.), and a number
of other relatives and friends. His parents, 3
brothers, nnd one sister preceded him in death.
In his youth he accepted Christ as his Saviour
and remained faithful until death. Funeral serv-
ices were held at the Mount Joy Mennonite
Church Dec. 20, in charge of Henry I.utz,
Henry Garber. nnd Henry Frank. Interment
was made in the Krayhill Cemetery.
Rnpp. Menno B., son of the late John nnd
Annie (Bellnr) Ropp, was born in Perth Co.
Out., April 10, 1SS0; passed away suddenly
of a heart attack, Nov. 12, 1053. while on his
way to Kitchener, Out., to visit his sister who
was a patient at the K and W Hospital; aged
G4 y. 0 m. 27 d. He confessed Christ ns his
personal Saviour in his youth and united with
the A.M. congregation at Poole, later transfer-
ring his membership to the East Zorra Church
where be served faithfully for many J earn. Li
1014 he was united in marriage to Annie
Schlegel (nee Ynntzi) who survives him. Also
surviving him are the following children (Annie
Mae — Mrs. Almon Roth and Frieda — Mrs. Wil-
mer Baechler. both of South East hope; Floyd.
Ailsa Craig, Ont. ; Neil, Wilniot, Ont. ; Irma —
Mrs Stunley Lichti and Ada — Mrs. Christ Ben-
der, bum of East Zona), 5 steix. Inldren (Svl-na
— Mrs. Ed. Breuueniau ; Dai bur a — Mrs. Joe
Zehr, Edua — .Mrs. Henry Sell u urn, nuil Omer
uud Ezra Scblegel. all of Ea*t Z»rra). 4 broth-
ers and 4 sisters (Sam. Peler, Chris. William.
Sarah — Mrs. Peter Drunk. Anua — Mr*. John
Brook, Emma — Mrs. Noah Sieckley. aud Susan-
na— .Mrs. J. Johnson), uud a host of other rel-
atives and friends. The fuueral was held Nov.
10 at the Sixteenth Line A.M. Church with
Joel Scb war tzeii ( ruber uud Willred Schlegel of-
ficiating, luleimeui look place in the adjoining
Cemetery.
Sliumz, Richard Martin, son of Mr. and Mrs.
Lome M. Siiauiz, was born iu Kitchener, Out.,
Aug. 11, 1053; died at the home of his pareuts
on Dec. 12, 1053; aged 4 in. 1 d. He was born
with a malformed beart but seemed to be a
healthy baby until the day before his death.
After u few hours of discomfort aud pain he
pawed away peacefully in his mother's arms.
He is survived by his parents. 3 sisters, aud
3 brothers (Esther, Eileen, Keuuetb, Roland,
Yvoune, aud Frederick, all at home). One in-
fant brother preceded him iu death. Fuueral
services were held at the St. Jacobs Mennonite
Church. Dec. 14. iu charge of Roy S. Koch,
assisted by Paul Swarr. Interment was made
in the cemetery at Three Bridges.
Slitter, Helene, daughter of the late Joe and
Christine (Yordy) Nofzinger, was born Sept. 3,
1808, near Baden, Germany ; passed to her
eternal reward ut the home of her daughter.
Mrs. L J. llartzler, near Pryor. Okla.. Dec. 18,
1053; aged 85 y. 3 m. 15 iL She came to this
country with her parents in 1881, locating iu
FultOB County, Ohio. The family moved to
Stuttgart, Ark., iu 1885 where her father
passed away that same year. She accepted
Christ as her Saviour at the age of 15 aud
united with the Amish Mennonite Church,
where she was a faithful member until death.
She was married to Rudolph Sutter Jan. 23,
1800. To this union were born 10 children. In
1012 the family moved to Pryor. Okla., where
she resided until her death. She leaves to mourn
her departure 3 sons (Jake, Adair. Okla.; John,
Portland, Oreg. ; and Rudy, Claremore, Okla.),
4 daughters (Susie — Mrs. 1. J. Harizler; Lizzie
— Mrs. Jake SchelTel ; Katie — Mrs. Levi Eicbel-
berger; and Louise, at home, all residents of
Pryor, Okla.), 2 sisters (Mrs. Katie Cox. nnd
Mrs. Christina Crutcher. both of Stuttgart,
Ark.), 2 brothers (John Nofzinger, Hubbard.
Oreg., aud Joe. Dartlesville, Okla.), 25 grand-
children, and 35 great-grandchildren. Funeral
services were held at the Zion Church near
Pryor, Okla.. Dec. 20. iu charge of Nelson
Uistand and Alva Swartzendruber, with inter-
ment in the cemetery near by.
Troyer. Levi E.. son of the late Emanuel S.
and Sarah (Miller) Troyer, was boru near Go-
shen. Did.. Feb. 1, 1804; met his death accident-
ally while at work at his borne near Harper,
Kans., Dec. 10. 1053: aged 50 y. 10 in. 'J d.
In his youth he accepted Christ as bis Saviour,
and united with the Mennonite Church nt Fair-
view. Mich., in which faith he remained until
death. He lived his early life in Indiana, moved
to Kansas, and married Viola King of Harper,
Kansas., ou Feb. 28, 1020. To this union were
born 2 sous and one daughter. His wife pre-
ceded him in death just seven weeks, Oct. 21,
1053. One son died iu infancy. He leaves to
mourn bis passing one son ( I^e Edward! and
one daughter (Margaret Ruth I at home; also
4 brothers and 5 sisters (Emanuel. Portsmouth,
Va. ; Henry, Ora, and Seth, Fairview, Mich.;
Mary — Mrs. Mose Yoder. nnd Barbara of Mid-
dlebury. Did.; Clara— Mrs. Dan Miller. Elk-
hart. Did.; Sarah— Mrs. J. B. Mullet. Il.izelton.
I<>wa ; Finny — Mrs. Lev] Ilershberser. Kansas
City. Kans.). His parents ami 2 brothers pre-
ceded him in death. Services were held on Dec.
12. at tin; Pleasant Valley Mennonite Church.
Harper, Kans. Ministers in charge were Waldo
Miller and G. G. Yoder. Interment was made
in the Pleasant Valley Cemetery.
Yoder. Neta Faye. stillborn daughter of Mel-
vin and Cleo (Miller) Yoder was born Nov.
18, 1953, nt Hutchinson, Kans. Surviving are
her parents, one brother (Arlan), and her
grandparents (Mr. and Mrs. S. J. Yoder and
Mr. and Mrs. N. K. Miller). Services were
held at the grave on Nov. 10 in charge of Harry
A. Diener.
Pilate could wash his hands of Jesus, but
Jesus could not wash His hands of Pilate.
— Selected
48
GOSPEL HERALD
January 12, 1954
Recent new books for young and old
Ten of a Kind
Edna Beiler
A series of eventful stories about an en-
thusiastic gang of boys and their beloved
Uncle Al, preacher and Sunday-school
teacher.
They weren't ten of a kind to begin with.
Poor Eddie had a rough time belonging all
because of a print patch on his Sunday
trousers. But the boys
learned. All kinds of
exciting adventures
happened through
which they discovered
Christian attitudes
and actions. For 8-
12-year-olds. $1.50.
Eastward to the Sun
Sanford C. Yoder
A trip abroad is possible for only a few.
Yet you can enjoy it for the price of this
book. The author loves people. He is inter-
ested in their environment. He knows his-
tory and literature. And he knows how to
write.
He takes you to visit the Mennonite Cen-
tral Committee's European relief program.
The trip climaxes in a visit to India for the
Mennonite mission's 50th anniversary cele-
bration. $2.85.
Songs of the Church
ed. by Walter E. Yoder
Music lovers! Don't miss this worth-while
new collection of songs old and new. Selec-
tions span four centuries— from the Reforma-
tion Church to the present. They are chosen
from many sources including the Harmonia
Sacra, the Church and Sunday School Hym-
nal, and other old and new hymnals.
Choral groups, win-
ter Bible schools,
youth groups, infor-
mal singing groups
will find a wide
variety of inspiring
music.
The new book is
planned to supple-
ment but never take
the place of the
Church Hymnal.
$1.00; $10.85 a doz.;
$80.00 a hundred, not
prepaid.
MENNONITE PUBLISHING HOUSE, SCOTTDALE, PENNSYLVANIA
ITEMS and COMMENTS
The New York Times reports an increase
in East German refugees. In a recent week
600 people a day entered West Germany
from the Soviet Zone.
• • •
The president of the American Medical
Association recently declared that religion is
as important to the physician as is a knowl-
edge of physiology and therapies. Physicians
must be concerned not only with the body
but also the soul, he said. No one without
sound moral principles has any place in medi-
cine. He thought one cannot practice medi-
cine long without becoming more convinced
that there is a God and He rules the universe.
• • •
A six-year drive aimed at doubling Protes-
tant membership in Japan has been launched
by the National Christian Council of Japan.
Speakers engaged for the next year include
Toyohiko Kagawa, Emil Brunner, and E.
Stanley Jones.
• • •
One of China's leading Christian colleges,
the University of West China at Chcngtu,
has "ceased to exist," according to Chinese
Communist newspapers received in Hong
Kong. The reorganization of the institution,
according to a former faculty member, is
"aimed at reducing its academic standards to
facilitate the production of so-called 'China
technicians.' "
Each local congregation in the Church of
the Brethren has been urged to provide for
the relocation of at least one refugee family
to be admitted to the United States under the
Refugee Relief Act of 1953.
• • •
A Protestant race relations conference held
in South Africa heard some Dutch Reformed
clergymen speak against racial segregation,
contrary to the long-standing attitude of that
church.
• • •
Ole Christian Hallesby, noted Norwegian
lay leader, author of many excellent theo-
logical and devotional books, and active in
the fight against liberal theology in Norwe-
gian Lutheranism, has admitted publicly that
he had given incorrect information about his
income tax declarations for the last ten years.
He has resigned the chairmanship of the
Lutheran Inner Mission Society.
• • •
The Board of Education at Youngstown,
Ohio, has refused the Gideon Society permis-
sion to distribute New Testaments to pupils
of the public school.
• • •
Horse-drawn buggies will be subject to
vehicle tax under a new state law in Indiana
which is effective January 1, 1954. The new
tax set at fifteen dollars per buggy will main-
ly affect Amish residents of the state.
• • •
Vatican Press Service has disclosed that
Catholic population in the state of Israel has
dwindled from 40,000 to 8,000. Most of the
Catholics there are Arabs. Fifty Catholic
teaching institutions in Israel have been
closed. — Christian Action.
• • •
Police recently closed a Baptist chapel in a
Madrid, Spain, suburb. The reason given
was that the chapel had never received writ-
ten permission from the Minister of the
Interior to function as a place of worship,
and that its pastor had been fined three
times. Worship services had been conducted
at the chapel reportedly with verbal authori-
zation, on the understanding that the pro-
ceedings would be discreet. What a privilege
it is to live in a country where worship need
not be licensed!
• • •
"The churches of America have won tre-
mendous good will by their food and cloth-
ing gifts to Europe's hungry and needy," says
a CROP visitor to Europe. "Everywhere I
went a grateful people reminded me time
and time again to thank Christians of Amer-
ica for their great generosity."
H3X3 "HI $1 OCVDIHO
•jav nMMnaoo* ti9*
NliN3McJVM V %
All VN I W3S lYOnCIf 3 1 I N r N M 3 W
GOSPEL HE
> the defence and confirmation of the gospel' "How heautiful are the feet of them t^at preach the gospel of peace
TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 1954—
VOLUME XLVII ■
The Story of Demas
By Joe Richards
Throughout the pages of the Bible
various men and women stand out as
bold testimonies to the power of God.
Yet I suppose that no book has ever been
written that contains such a variation
of personalities, backgrounds, experi-
ences, and destinations in the human
character as does the Bible. Our blood
runs red to hear the stories of Esther and
Gideon, of Isaiah and John the Baptist.
And our hearts feel weak to recall the
fate of Cain and Samson, of Absalom and
Judas. And then there are those charac-
ters to whom we have no marked reac-
tions—perhaps because we do not know
them. Such, no doubt, is the New Testa-
ment character Demas. His name is not
boldly printed with 3,000 Pentecost con-
versions like Peter. He was not struck
down by a bright light like Paul. His
missionary journeys are never studied by
Sunday-school children. In short, Demas
is a backstage character. His name ap-
pears on the pages of Holy Writ only
three times. While Paul was in prison in
Rome he wrote a letter to the church at
Colossae. This great fetter on the central-
ity of Christ concludes with a greeting
from Demas. At the same time Paul
wrote that highly personal letter to
Philemon concerning his runaway slave,
Onesimus. This letter also contains a
greeting from Demas, a fellow worker of
Paul.
What a comfort it must have been to
the aging preacher to have his fellow
workers near him. Paul was in prison
and yet through Marcus, Luke, and
Demas, Paul was able to enlarge the
borders of his ministry through faithful
fellow workers. Paul doesn't bother to
tell us who Demas was-his background,
journeys, conversion are left for us to
speculate upon. But he was a fellow
worker with Paul. This tells us several
things-important things-about him.
Paul was dedicated to the will and
work of Christ; so we are, no doubt, cor-
rect to assume that Demas was also dedi-
cated to this same person and task. And
what did it mean to Demas to be a fel-
low worker in the Gospel? First, it meant
that Demas had met the Christ. It meant
he had given himself to Christ and recog-
nized in Him the risen Saviour and Re-
deemer. Demas possessed a faith in the
person and work of Christ. So dedicated
was he to this faith that the great Apostle
Paul found him a source of encourage-
ment and personal joy.
In the second place, being a fellow-
worker meant self-sacrifice. It is no easy
thing to be a Christian in any age or
place. And how hard it was for the
Christians of the first century of our era!
Now Demas did not share his faith in
some out-of-the-way place. He was a fel-
low worker in Rome-that huge and
powerful city of the Roman world, that
city where sin flaunted itself from the
palace to the narrow city streets, the
market place and the arena. Here Demas
was a Christian fellow worker, a highly-
unpopular thing. But Demas forgot him-
self in his work in the kingdom. He, no
doubt, knew what it was to be laughed
at, to be frowned upon, and to be called
a fool. But Demas had a great faith and
a great work. And so dedicated was he to
it that he literally gave himself-placing
secondary his personal comfort, position,
and self-esteem.
In the third place, being a fellow-
worker meant hard work. It meant that
Demas had to minister to the needs of
the other Christians in Rome. He prob-
ably spent most of his daylight hours
telling the story over and over again to
all who would hear, that story of the
Messiah-the risen Messiah. Besides this
Demas had to have some source of in-
come-he had to work with his hands.
He was a busy man.
And last of all, being a fellow worker
meant a life of love and service. Demas
placed the needs of his fellow Chiistians,
the small Christian fellowship in Rome,
above his own personal needs. It meant
that Demas had no place in his life for
laziness, hatred, gossip, and selfishness.
Instead he loved his neighbors and min-
istered to the needs of the sick and suf-
fering, the lonely and needy.
What a great thing it was for Demas
to be called a fellow worker in the Gos-
pel 1 What a great thing it is for a person
to be called a fellow worker in the Gos-
pel 1 And the demands are always the
same-dedication to Christ, self-sacrificial
living, hard work, and a life of love and
service. But our story of Demas does not
end here. How much we wish it would,
for most of us still prefer the stories
where "they all lived happily ever after."
NUMBER 3
But there is the third and last reference
to Demas. It is found in II Timothy, the
last writing of the Apostle Paul. Paul
had been released Irom prison and trav-
eled some throughout Asia Minor. 1 hen
he was again placed in prison. He knew
that his days were numbered. He was
lonely; thus he wrote to the faithful
young minister, Timothy. He made
several requests in this letter. He asked
Timothy to come and visit him, bring-
ing Mark along with him. He also
asked lor the cloak that he left in Troas,
and for his books, especially the parch-
ments. And then he su\s that only Luke
is with him.
Only Luke? What happened to De-
mas? Well, we don't have to speculate.
Paul tells us, "Dumas has forsaken me,
having loved this present world."
Demas, how could you do this? Don't
you leiiieinber your long hours of fellow-
ship with Paul in the Roman prison?
Don't you recall the freedom you gained
when believing on Christ? Have you for-
gotten how olien and with what persua-
sion you told the stoiy of the Uospel?
And now you have lorsaken Paul when
he needed you most, lorsaken Christ
when the whole Roman world stood in
need of His peace. And all this you did
lor the present world— the Roman world,
the city ol Rome that was soon burned to
ashes. The gladiators, the arena, the
emperors, the wealth, even the law ol
Rome are only history. But Demas loved
these more than he did the Christian
lellowship, the church w hich has stood as
a beacon of light during the darkest
Reality
By Leah C. Kauffman
"Pray tor a woman who has gone
Back into sin."
I wonder why she went back
Into sin?
What made her leave the clean,
Shining whiteness
Of the Way,
For the smudged pleasures
Of sin?
Could it be — (forgive me)—
That she saw more reality,
More honest enjoyment among revelers
In sin,
Then she saw among Christians in their
Walk with God?
Lancaster, Pa.
50
GOSPEL HERALD
January 19, 1954
nights of the Middle Ages, and burst
forth again and again in out-of-the-way
places among all kinds of people wher-
ever there were those, however few, who
were fellow workers in the Gospel. And
the church of Christ, the fellow workers
in the Gospel, stand as a shining light in
the twentieth century while the Latin
language of Rome has been a dead lan-
guage for centuries.
But Demas cast his lot with the present
world. Perhaps the persecutions were be-
coming too strong; perhaps he was get-
ting tired of receiving no personal gain
or recognition; perhaps he wanted to
take life easy and enjoy some of the joys
of pleasure-mad Rome. Perhaps a dozen
other things, but we really don't know.
Our story ends here. And where Demas
goes is blank history to us. His story is a
sad one, and it can be repeated again and
again in the lives of those who have for-
saken the Gospel for the present world.
Dear Christian friends, let not the
story of Demas become our own auto-
biography. Let us remain and become
stronger fellow workers in the Gospel of
Jesus Christ.
Goshen, Ind.
"In God We Trust"
By Paul Peachey
The religious character of our fore-
fathers has been recorded on our pennies
in the simple motto, "In God We
Trust." There is something refreshing
about coming home from abroad to a
coin bearing these words. Admittedly,
the claim of our pennies that Americans
trust God is hardly true to fact, for it
appears that as a nation we trust more
in copper and silver than in God. But
some Americans do trust God, and trust
in God is still a powerful factor in Amer-
ican life. And because trust in God is a
vital force, Americans still trust one
another.
This is not to say that Europeans don't
trust God, for many have learned to trust
Him more realistically than Americans
have learned. And it is not to say that
they don't trust one another. But sec-
ularization, wars, secret police, and
crowded living conditions have de-
stroyed, inevitably so, the uninhibited
confidence that man has in his fellow
creatures. Suffering always brings refine-
ment to a minority of people, but for
society in general it is more likely to be
coarsening. And so today the average
European must maintain for his own
safety a wall, a mask of reserve that can
be penetrated only after long acquaint-
ance. Furthermore, in this area of rela-
tionships, standards of honesty are, out
of the same necessity, relative.
Americans still trust one another, al-
though there always have been spots in
big cities where utmost caution is need-
ed. But some European observers tell us
that a cloud of fear and distrust has come
over America during the last few years.
They find that the fear of Communist
infiltration has grown out of bounds and
take the McCarthy investigations as a
negative symptom far more seriously
than we do. Robert Jungk, a German
journalist who has spent the past few
years in America, has published maga-
zine articles and a book about the rise
of fear in the American atmosphere. It
seems to me that we should sit up and
listen to what Europeans have to say on
this development, because they know
from experience the first symptoms of
the psychosis which led to European dic-
tatorships. Too many Americans try to
shrug it off. Of course, we have good rea-
son to hope that America will regain her
stability, but we dare not take it for
granted. These days are, therefore, a
great challenge to all Christians to resist
the spirit of mass distrust that is making
itself felt. As Mennonites, let us be cer-
tain that our nonresistance rings true.
It may yet be called into question. Let
every Christian user of the penny truly
trust God and, so trusting, also trust his
fellow men.— The Journal.
Devotional Meditation
By Maurice A. Yoder
Last summer while I was serving the
Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp,
someone handed out mimeographed
sheets entitled "Seven Whatsoever
Checks on the Bank of God.". . .
Suppose your banker would tell you
as you step to the window to draw out
some ready cash: "Mr. or Mrs. ,
I know your needs and desires; draw as
much money as you care to; all the assets
of this bank are at your disposal." Your
first reaction, no doubt, would be to dis-
believe your banker. And is that not our
first reaction to the "What things soever"
check in Mark 11:24?— "Therefore I say
unto you, What things soever ye desire,
when ye pray, believe that ye receive
them, and ye shall have them." Has any-
one, to your knowledge, cashed in on the
total amount of this check? Has anyone
claimed the full benefits of this duly
signed legal tender?
Jesus stands at the cashier's window of
heaven, ready to hand out to any of His
saints "What things soever ye desire."
"He [Abraham] staggered not at the
Our Readers Say-
... I do believe . . . the Scriptural plan is
elders in every church. The plan of having
supervising bishops is one step toward episco-
pacy or ecclesiasticism. This, I think, must be
prevented . . . not to develop anything that
would eventually run into a centrally controlled
church. We need better co-ordination and co-
operation in our church, but not a central con-
trol. . . . — Allen H. Erb, Lebanon, Oreg.
promise of God through unbelief; but
was strong in faith, giving glory to God"
(Rom. 4:20).
Are we staggering and hesitating to
write our name in the correct place that
the cashier may know to whom to credit
this open check?
Pay to the order of 'What
things soever" he desires, for he does be-
lieve that he will receive them.
"I pray for Thy Spirit to enter me and
fill me completely. In the name of Jesus
Christ our Lord."— From This Month.
Waiting
By Lorje C. Gooding
We can learn a lot from children.
Four-year-old Christie gave me a new-
slant on waiting the otner day. Daddy
was late. Baby and little bister were
asleep already, and Christie was anxious
that Daddy should come before her bed-
time. She was driving me to distraction
with her constant question, "When will
Daddy come?" So 1 gave her some ears
of corn to shell for the chickens, telling
her that she was helping and pleasing
Daddy by shelling the corn while we
waited for him. She set to work dili-
gently, but soon again came the cry,
"Why doesn't Daddy come?" Then I
explained again that Daddy would be
late, and said, "We will just have to be
patient and wait for him." Very serious-
ly the tiny girl replied, "But, Mommy, I
am waiting as fast as I canl"
I know how Christie felt, for I am
waiting for Someone, too. 1 am waiting
for the Lord from heaven. I know there
are things I can and should do for Him,
and I will do them as well as I can while
I am waiting. There are times I grow
anxious and say, "When is He coming?"
but my Bible reassures me on this point.
Jesus will come! I am expecting Him
momentarily. And 1 will just have to be
patient and wait for Him. But I am
waiting as fast as I canl
Holmesville, Ohio.
GOSPEL. HERALD
ESTABLISHED 1BOO AS SUCCESSOR TO GOSPEL WITNESS (IBOSt AND HERALD OF TRUTH (1864)
PAUL ERB, EDITOR JOHN L. HOR ST, MILLARD C. LIND, CONSULTING EDITORS LEVI C. HARTZLER. MISSIONS EDITOR
THE OOSPEL HERALD 19 A RELIC.IOUS WEEKLY PUBLISHED IN THE I NTIRIITI OP THE MENNONITE CHURCH BY THE MENNONITE PUBLICATION BOARD. ICOTTDALE, PA.
ENTERED AS SECOND-CLASS MATTER IN 1«OS AT THE POST OFFICE AT SCOTTOALE, PA., UNDER ACT OP MARCH >, ISTS. SUBSCRIPTION PRICEi U » PER YEAR. THREE YEARS
IN ADVANCE, SS.OO, FIVE YEARS IN ADVANCE , Ell. so. SAMPLE COPIES SENT FREE ON REOUEST. SEND ALL MATERIAL FOR PUBLICATION TO GOSPEL HERALD, SCOTTDALE, PA.
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
January 19, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
EDITORIAL
Shouts and Whispers
In an exchange we have read this
quotation: "Pay not so much attention
to what the days are shouting, but rather
pay attention to what the centuries are
whispering." It is easiest to hear that
which we are closest to. The happenings,
the voices of today are insistent on claim-
ing our attention. The morning paper,
the hourly broadcast seem extremely
relevant.
But a month-old newspaper no longer
seems to be worth the nickel it cost you.
The fact that history is dull to so many
people shows how much their attention
is limited to the current items, howso-
ever gossipy and trivial they may be.
We bend our ears to today's chatter, and
close our eyes to the summary, sifting,
and interpretation of yesterday's hap-
penings. Things are important in direct
proportion to their currency.
Even the future we can easily ignore.
We follow today's course without asking
too many questions about where the
course leads. It is easy to put off the
evil day. "After us the deluge." Just so
there will be "peace in our time"; we will
leave future problems with the next gen-
eration. We insist on freedom to do
as we please, and do not want to shoul-
der any responsibility for what the his-
torical outcomes of that action may be.
We came from we care not where, and
we are going to we care not where. Only
the present matters. Give us fair
weather, good health, every creature com-
fort, and every recreative gadget of to-
day; we will let tomorrow take care of
itself, as yesterday probably did. Is it not
true? We have contemporary minds,
without historical memory or vision. We
are listening to the hue and cry which
is dinning at our ears from statehouse
and schoolroom, from lecture platform
and from ephemeral literature, from
radio and television. We rush from one
voice to another without listening for
even the first rebound of echo.
The whispers of the centuries are
harder to hear. Only those catch their
words who listen desperately for them.
One must shut his ears to the shouts;
one must close the door of the prayer
closet, or retreat into the wilderness of
meditation if he would hear the still,
small voice. But it is there for those
who want to listen. History has its les-
sons for those who will profit by them.
The voices of the wise are preserved
for us in great literature. (When did
you last read a book one hundred years
old?) Especially does the Word of God
give us the light of the ages by which to
understand and interpret the life of to-
day. If we would know the future we
can go to the prophetic Scriptures, and
we can project the present into the fu-
ture according to the precedents of the
past. Only the wise will do this, but
thank God, there are some wise men
still.
We should listen to the whisper rather
than the shout when we incline to think
that proud, hateful, licentious ways have
no consequences; when we give the com-
mandments of God lip-service instead of
actual obedience; when material inter-
ests of bread and coat and house begin to
crowd out spiritual concerns; when plav
intrudes upon worship; when our fami-
lies and congregations suffer because we
are giving our hearts to club and arena
and auction; when the world is so much
with us that God's voice grows ever more
dim; when we open the gates for new
things brought to us by modern inven-
tion: radio, television, recordings, rapid
transportation, push-button living: when
we shut or when we open our hearts
to those of other races and cultures and
creeds; when we reach out in evangelism
and service, or when we withdraw into
isolationist selfishness. The question
must always be: Where is this course
leading us? If it is leading in a direction
we should go, then full speed ahead. But
if it is more likely to lead us where we
don't want to go, then we should stop
now, or proceed with such caution as will
help us dodge the hazards.
How can we know where it will lead
us? Apply the eternal principles of God's
Word. Learn from historv. Listen to the
warnings of experience. Use sanctified
common sense. Follow the guidance of
the Holy Spirit. Cultivate and obev a
sincere conscience. And shun that pro-
vincialism of spirit that gives attention
only to the here and now. Listen rather
to the there and then.— E.
51
A Danger in Which We
Stand
A Minnesota reader has sent us an
unsigned letter which we cannot print
in the Our Readers Say column because
it is anonymous. We see no reason why
it should not have been signed. Is it not
correct that we should be willing to stand
up and be counted when our influence
should tell for or against something?
But the matter he writes of is of such
importance that we quote his letter in
part:
I just read . . . "Mennonites in the News"
in the December 29 issue of the Herald.
I wonder if we are not a little too anxious
to talk about the praises of men heaped on
us at times. The statement that "Mennon-
ites are the salt of the earth" is from the
lips of one who considers what we have
done in farming, in relief, and in building
up community life. No reference is made to
our love for the Lord in this article ....
When the Lord looks at our wealth that is
stored up. and when He sees how little we
are actually doinc to brine others to the
Lord, I wonder if He would sav we are the
salt of the earth. I feel we need more
humility, more love for each other and the
lost souls about us, more consecration of
time and talent, more love for those of other
denominations who also love the Lord, and
more earnestness to please Him rather than
being so anxious for the praise of men.
We reprinted those statements of an
editor and a senator because it is of
importance for us to know how we look
to other people. If we never did any-
thing of enough unusual character to
win the notice and comment of our fel-
low men, or worse yet, if they were dis-
gusted by our evident lack of desirable
qualities, it certainly would not be a
Christian testimony. Men should recog-
nize that we have something which finds
expression in honesty, integritv. and good
stewardship, as well as in deeds of
kindness and mercy. All of us recognize
that we fall far short of what we ought
to be, even in these matters. It should do
us no harm to have outside testimonv
that we succeeded in some small way in
demonstrating Christian virtues. For it
must be very clear to us that the quali-
ties these testimonies pointed out are
good, and it would be a shame if we did
not have them. We should rather in-
crease our application of Christian prin-
ciples to daily living, and the sharing of
our goods and services with those who
have need. On Feb. 12. 13 a conference
is being held at Wavland. Iowa, spon-
sored bv the General Council's Com-
mittee on Co-ordination of Church Pro-
gram, which will give encouragement
52
GOSPEL HERALD
January 19, 1954
and direction to the service organizations
which are being formed in various com-
munities. We ought to be organized so
that we can leap into action when emer-
gencies of storm, flood, and accident
arise. Christian love must do no less.
But still, the warning of our brother
(or sister) is very much in place. Even
though these good deeds get most of a
secular world's notice, we must be aware
in our own hearts that they may be done
merely to be seen of men, and so have
no reward at all from the God who wants
the spiritual worship of our inner beings.
We must be aware that what we do for
the souls of men is infinitely more im-
portant than what we do for their bodies.
We must see that giving merely out of
our surplus does not satisfy a Father who
wants us to give Him our very selves.
An evangelistic motive must be intrinsic
in our whole program, or it will become
only a humanitarian thing. We must
guard most carefully against pride and
self-satisfaction. We must shun like the
plague any Pharisaism which talks and
feels and acts as if we are better than
others. We must always strive for the
divine approval which is much harder to
secure than is the praise of men. We
do need to demand of ourselves and of
each one in the brotherhood more love,
more interest in eternal souls, more
worship and praise to God.
Both self-depreciation and self-praise
are unworthy of a balanced Christian.
Let us recognize and praise God for what
He has been able to do and say through
us. But let us also give ourselves to be
brighter lights in a dark world, more re-
freshing spirits in the human wilderness,
more positive islands of sanity and sense
in a tossing sea of madness. The world
needs what we can do and say.— E.
Does Your Testimony Ring Clear
and True
By Walter L. Eberly
Do you have peace with God? What
does it mean to be saved? "If thou shalt
confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus,
and shalt believe in thine heart that
God hath raised him from the dead,
thou shalt be saved." It requires a word
of mouth testimony, but our testimony is
dead if it is merely a word of mouth con-
fession. It must come from the heart and
be proved by deed and actions. We
should not keep it a secret what God
can do and has done for us. We should
tell others what God will do for them if
thev will accept Christ as their Saviour
and Lord. Every Christian should be a
missionary for Christ to the people about
him.
If salvation means supernal joy and
bliss to us, forever, we will want to tell
our friends about it. If those who reject
God's provision for eternal salvation
through Christ's atonement are doomed
to eternal pain and torment, we will not
wish our enemies to go there.
We should be ever busy winning souls
for Jesus. If we are saved, it will be our
keenest delight to see others become
saved too.
"Go ye therefore and teach all na-
tions." But the place to start is at home,
in the home community, in our own
state, in our nation, then to the utter-
most part of the earth. The foreign field
needs many missionaries for Christ, but
if we don't have a ringing testimony on
the home front, it is very doubtful if it
will ring very clearly on the foreign field.
It is the devil's desire to keep our testi-
mony as feeble as he can.
Let us strive to make our testimonies
distinct and clear whenever we find op-
portunity to witness and wherever we
chance to be. Today is the day of salva-
tion. Tomorrow is not promised.
Tell Someone About It
If Jesus has pardoned your sins, my friend,
And saved you from death at your journey's
end,
You'll tell somebody about it.
If salvation means anything to you,
If you're trusting Jesus to carry you through,
You'll tell somebody about it.
Your good works alone can never suffice;
Tis only Jesus who could pay the price,
So tell somebody about it.
If heaven's a place of joy and bliss,
If in hell you will burn if heaven you miss,
Then tell poor sinners about it.
Orrville, Ohio
Counsel to Those Who Would Be All
Devoted to God
Guard early against the temptations
and dangers which might one day weak-
en you. Few continue as they have be-
gun; fewer advance in virtue. There are,
even in the most holy retreats, things
that are almost certain means of en-
feebling the soul; and it is a great mis-
fortune, either not to know them, or
when one does know them, not to guard
against them.
It is impossible to set down here every-
thing which may slacken the soul. A
thousand imperceptible ways, a thou-
sand insensible declensions, a thousand
slight losses, a thousand secret snares
mav occasion this.
Natural inconsistency and fickleness,
lukevvarmness in prayer, union with per-
sons that are not fervent in spirit, at-
tachment to anything wrong, the slight-
ing of little duties, of little faults, of the
checks of an enlightened conscience; the
forgetting of the reasons and motives
which induced us to choose the state
wherein we are; a secret disgust at our
It Happened —
FIFTY YEARS AGO
(From Herald of Truth, January 1, 1904)
Bro. I. B. Good of Weaverland, the
newly ordained minister, was with us to-
day [Bowmansville] . . . Bro. Good spoke
in the English language and Bro. Wit-
mer in the German.
(From Herald of Truth, January 7, 1904)
The recent holocaust in the Iroquois
theater [Chicago], in which from 600 to
700 men, women, and children were
sacrificed to the great idol of human
vanity, is certainly one of the most shock-
ing events of modern times.
Bro. Noah H. Mack of New Holland,
Pa., . . . has been holding meetings with
the Salem congregation in Elkhart Co.,
Ind. . . . Jan. 3d he expects to begin meet-
ings in the Yellow Creek congregation.
Sister Clara Hiltv gave each of the six
pupils in her S. S. class 15 cents last
spring to see what they can make out of
it. One raised popcorn, all the others
chickens, and the result is an offering of
S16.05 for the Orphans' Home.
(From Herald of Truth, January 14,
1904)
The main building of the Goshen Col-
lege was formallv opened for use . . .
Jan. 8, an address bv a professor from
Northwestern University . . . being the
principal feature. . . .
A reader desires to know what the
"Douav Version" is. It ... is an English
version sanctioned bv the Roman Catho-
lic church. . . . Yes. the Publishing House
can supply the Douay Version of the
Scriptures.
Bro. J. D. Brunk. director of music.
Bridgewater College. . . . has been with
us TScottdale. Pa.l since Dec. 23. We
had three classes dailv. . . .
superiors: too quick a sense of some
slight or refusal: too great liberty in
examining the defects of our brethren:
listening to murmurers; any secret un-
faithfulness not acknowledged: anything
done with a doubting conscience: anv
temptation on which we have not had
the humility to ask advice: anv fear of
raillery in doing our dutv: anv slight
dissipation: but above all. anv secret
nride: for it is this which almost always
leads to the rest.
One cannot recommend too much to
those who would be all devoted to God
a humilitv proportioned to the eraces
thev have need of. in order to advance in
virtue and persevere to the end.
—Charles Wesley.
January 19, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
Scofield's "Helps
By Barney Ovensen
The Scofield Reference Bible is one of
the most popular modern editions of the
King James Version "with helps." It is
advertised in such a manner that the
average reader would suppose these
"helps" to be noncontroversial, ortho-
dox, Christian.
Is the Scofield Reference Bible edited
from an orthodox Christian viewpoint?
The notes in this Bible are written in
such a way that they give aid and com-
fort to some who do not hold to the
teaching of Christ but say there is an-
other teaching in the epistles of Paul.
Paul wrote to Timothy that teachers
who do not agree with the sound words
of our Lord Jesus Christ know nothing
about true religion.
Paul wrote to the Galatians that there
is only one true Gospel. Anyone teaching
"another gospel" is damned.
According to Scofield's notes under
Revelation 14, there are "four forms" of
the Gospel. It is true that the Christian
Church accepts four forms of the Gospel
-Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. But
this is not the "gospel" of Scofield's notes.
His "four forms of the gospel" are actu-
ally four different "gospels," not the one
and only Gospel message which Chris-
tians have always received and believed.
Jesus taught us to pray: "Forgive us
our debts, as we forgive our debtors." He
said that God does not forgive us unless
we forgive others. But Scofield's notes
make void this word of Christ. Scofield
believed that Jesus' teaching is not true
for our day and age, and that we do not
need to forgive in order to be forgiven.
Christ said that the Gospel He taught
us, the Gospel of the kingdom, should be
preached to all nations. What Scofield
calls the Gospel of the kingdom is not
the Gospel Jesus preached.
Jesus said, on the night before His
passion, that those who love Him keep
His words but those who do not love
Him do not keep His word.
The whole Sermon on the Mount, ac-
cording to Scofield's "helps," does not
need to be obeyed by the (lunch of
Christ. Is this helpful to Christians who
have been sent by Jesus to make disciples
of all nations and to teach them to ob-
serve all of His commandments? Is this
helpful to those who warn against false
schemes of salvation and teach the nar-
row way of Christ? Is this helpful to
confused moderns who need to know-
that they are building on sand as long
as they are not hearing Jesus' teaching
and doing what He said?
Scofield called Jesus' teaching "legal,"
using that word in an antinomian sense.
He did not keep Jesus' words but came
with another doctrine which he called
"grace." And the "grace" he came with
is not the true grace of God. For the
truth is that the law was given by Moses;
grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
Compare Scofield's notes on the first
chapter of Galatians with his notes on
the Lord's Prayer in Matthew and Luke.
Do such notes help people who believe
in Christ's Gospel? Do they not rather
undermine our confidence in the con-
ditional promises of our Lord and Sav-
iour and one Teacher?
Scofield did not hold to the law of
Christ, the New Testament "law of lib-
erty." According to his note on the
second epistle of John, Scofield imagined
that there is a contrast between Moses'
commandments— to love the Lord with
our whole heart and soul and mind and
our neighbor as ourselves— and the new
law of Christ. These commandments are
no longer binding on God's people, ac-
cording to Scofield's notes, and are not
even needed. Scofield imagined that God
works such wonders in the hearts of
Christians that they keep these com-
mandments without trying. But Jesus
quoted these very commandments and
made them the first and greatest com-
mandments of His law. And anyone who
understands Christianity knows that the
commandments of Christ need to be kept
by Christians. The "great commission"
of Jesus is to teach Christians to observe
all that He commanded.
Did Scofield believe in Jesus as the
one Teacher of the Christian Church?
He did not. He followed the ideas of
those who "made progress" away from
Jesus' teaching.
In his introduction to the four Gos-
pels, Scofield admitted that his system of
interpretation contradicts orthodox doc-
trines of the post-Apostolic Christian
Church. His system was not taught until
the nineteenth Christian century! Dur-
ing all that time, all believers in Christ
taught that Christians are the true Israel
of God. Scofield said it is necessary to
believe the opposite in order to under-
stand and believe his system.
The amazing thing is that moderns
accept this new teaching without any
evidence at all that it is true. Scofield's
introductory notes warn us not to assume
that orthodox Christian views are true.
But Scofield did not prove that God's
church was in darkness from the time of
the apostles until he and his fellow
students of prophecy came along to
guide us into all this "truth
The Gospel the apostles preached by
word of mouth was written down by
Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. This
is the Gospel that all Christians have
believed and taught during these nine-
teen Christian centuries since the time of
Christ and the apostles. There is one
true Gospel and no more.
Jesus condemns all "Christian" teach-
ers who do not keep His words, saying,
53
"Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and
not do what I tell you?" Some-Id's
Reference Bible "helps" people to im-
agine that they can be Christians with-
out keeping Christ's commandments,
and that they can have His promises
without keeping His conditions.
Paul said that teachers who argue
about words only ruin their hearers.
Scofield's Bible is full of teachings based
upon words.
Paul warned us against teachings that
"minister questions," which is a good
description of Scofield's "helps." He
raised all sorts of foolish questions which
have nothing to do with training Chris-
tians in godliness. For instance, he made
a big point out of Matthew's use of the
term "kingdom ol heaven." He did not
understand that the term is merely a
translator's choice and equivalent to the
term "kingdom of God." Anyone who
doubts this has only to compare the re-
ports of Matthew, Mark, and Luke
where they record the same incident in
Jesus' ministry.
I he early Christians who still had the
Gospel by oral tradition used the terms
"kingdom of God" and "kingdom of
heaven" interchangeably. Justin, writing
in the middle of the second century,
quoted Jesus as saying, "Unless a man is
born again he cannot see the kingdom of
heaven." John used the term "kingdom
of God" in recording the same Baying.
This confirms the orthodox view. Sco-
field was wrong in leaching that the king-
dom of heaven is an earthly kingdom,
which is the foundation for his whole
svstem of prophecy. His notes "help" his
followers to twist all prophetic passages
to conform to this idea.
Scofield imagined that he was quali-
fied to teach Christianity because he had
studied the Bible for 30 years. But the
scribes who opposed Jesus were great
Bible students also. Jesus told us to be-
ware of them and ol their teaching.
Is it right to use a Scofield Bible? It
has the words of the king James Version
in it, which is an acceptable translation.
And it is, of course, possible to ignoie
the notes. But if a Christian uses this
Bible in the presence of other people,
he mav give the impression that he ac-
cepts Scofield as a Christian teacher.
If a teacher comes in the name of
Christ but does not come with His teach
ing, we are not to receive him. according
to the word of the apostles. Anyone wh >
receives such a teacher is helping him to
do his wicked work. If anyone thinks it
right to use a Scofield Reference Bible,
he must be careful to avoid giving the
impression that he accepts the doctrine
of Scofield, lest some ignorant Christian
should be deceived.
Christians who have been using this
Bible, not knowing the true nature of
Scofield's "helps," will, we trust, appreci-
ate a warning word.
Staten Island. N.Y.
He has a right to criticize who has the
heart to help.— Lincoln.
GOSPEL HERALD
January ip, 1954
The Revelation of Jesus Christ
By J. L. Stauffer
21. The Seventh Seal and the Four
Trumpets. Rev. 8.
The seventh seal was opened and there
was a hush in heaven. John sees the
seven angels who have seven trumpets.
With the opening of the seventh seal,
and the casting of lire from oft the altar,
there are "voices, thunderings, light-
nings, and an earthquake" upon earth.
Great and terrible judgments are about
to be ushered in by the blowing ol the
trumpets. Tribulation and wrath that
evil men through the centuries have
brought upon God's saints, will now
come upon evil men from God. Another
angel, not one of the seven trumpet-
blowing angels, intercedes on behalf of
suffering saints upon earth.
The seal judgments did not affect
vegetation, rivers, and seas, but the trum-
pet judgments do.
The first angel sounded his trumpet
and hail and fire mingled with blood
were cast upon the earth. The third part
of trees were burnt up and all green
grass. Many commentators say that this
cannot mean literally what it says, but
they cannot agree among themselves as
to what it does mean. This net result is
enough to cause the suspicion that de-
parting from the literal, they thereby set
themselves afloat in the sea of specula-
tion and more or less disqualify them-
selves to be helpf ul to sincere students of
the Word of God.
Those who believe that the seventh
plague of Egypt was an actual occur-
rence should have no difficulty in believ-
ing that God could duplicate that plague
in the end time. See Ex. 9:22-26.
The second angel (8:8, 9) sounded and
"as it were a great mountain burning
with fire was cast into the sea." We can
be sure that it was not a mountain be-
cause it says "as it were," but to John it
had the appearance of a burning moun-
tain. We cannot say what it was with
certainty, but it could have been a great
flaming meteor, such as fell in Arizona in
the unknown past, the terrible results
still remaining in evidence until this day.
The sea becomes blood and creatures die
as a result. Again I would call your at-
tention to the blood plague ol Egypt
(Ex. 7:19-21) which made the water unlit
to drink and caused the death of marine
liie. God can do so again.
The third angel (8:10, 11) sounded
and there fell a great star Irom heaven.
It was burning as a lamp. We are famil-
iar with burning or falling stars and we
know that they are meteors that have en-
tered into the atmosphere oi earth and
therefore become luminous. Whatever it
was, it affected the rivers and fountains
of water, making the water poisonous
and fatal to those who drank it. We have
no past miracle that corresponds to this
one, but its description is not materially
different from the preceding ones and
the results are easily within the realm of
possibility if accepted literally. Enough
natural phenomena has already occurred,
that no one should have trouble with
supernatural phenomena.
The fourth angel (8:12, 13) sounded
and the third part of the sun, moon, and
stars were smitten so that one third of
the day was dark. Again, we have had
phenomena like this in past history.
There was a three-hour period over the
world at the death of Jesus Ghrist on
Calvary. There was a plague ot darkness
in Egypt that couid be felt. Ex. 10:21.
Jesus predicted in the Olivet discourse
that there would come a time when the
sun and moon should be darkened and
the stars would fall from heaven. Matt.
24:29. While this is likely not the specif-
ic event mentioned in Matt. 24, it is sim-
ilar in kind and description.
This chapter closes with an angel an-
nouncement to the inhabiters of the
earth as he flies through the heaven an-
nouncing that more terrible things are
in store for the wicked earth inhabiters
or earth dwellers.
Strangers
By Bartram M. Leaman
/ was a stranger, and ye took me in.—
Matt. 25:35.
Be not forgetful to entertain strangers.
—Heb. 13:2.
This is a blessing Irom which we are
fast falling away, more so in our large
congregations than in smaller ones. Per-
haps one reason is that some will think,
"Oh, someone else will talk to them."
Or, "I am not gifted to talk with stran-
gers" A handshake and a smile of wel-
come will mean much to a stranger. Tell
them we are glad to have them with us
in our services. We never know what a
handshake will do to a stranger in our
midst. Or, better still, invite them along
lor dinner. Someone will say, "1 am not
prepared to serve a meal for company."
We think we must invite our friends
three or lour weeks ahead, and then
some will stay at home from services to
serve a big meal.
Listen! It is not the big meal that
counts; it is the fellowship and the hos-
pitality that we show toward the stranger
to make him feel at home as one of our
own.
Some time ago we entertained a young
man that is working in a mental institu-
tion in another state in I-W service. He
came to our place of worship; we invited
him to our home. My wife had noodle
soup on the menu lor dinner, and this
young brothel said: "This is the best
soup I ate since 1 left home three months
ago." He also said it was the best Sunday
afternoon he spent since he was away
from home.
1 am not saying this to bring honor to
myself. No, may God have all the glory!
Nut oh, what blessing we miss manv
times in not talking to strangers!
As we live near a youth hostel where
many people from all parts ot our nation
and from other nations, many from New
York City, stop over for the night and
hear about the Mennonites, they come
to our services. They come from all de-
nominations. Many Jews are in these
groups. What impressions do they get as
they worship with us? Do we as a bunday-
school teacher, superintendent, or minis-
ter make them teel welcome, or do we
ignore them? We entertain many ot these
in our home and receive many letters of
appreciation. Here are a few excerpts:
One boy alter being in our services
said, "Such big windows, where the light
can come in, not like our city churcnes
where they have stained glass and it
seems dark and gloomy inside."
"I read the pamphlets \ou gave me on
the Mennonite religion; I want to dis-
cuss them with my riebrew teacher."
A doctor from Connecticut said, We
hope to see you again some day and learn
more about your community lite. It was
a spiritual uplift to us."
One made this remark: "I was deeph
impressed with your church services and
your people; they were the most sincere
and friendly I ever met."
Still another said, "We'll never forget
that Sunday morning in your church and
the wonderful sinking."
Another, "Our visit to your church
was the high point of our trip. This dem-
onstration ol a living faith was most in-
spiring."
These are just a few of the many let-
ters of gratitude we receive. So 1 want
to encourage every one to take time to
talk to the stranger who comes in to our
service.
Denver, Pa.
A Command
Matt. 21 :28
"Go work in my vineyard,
There's plenty to do,
The harvest is great
And the lab'rers are few.
There's weeding and fencing
And clearing of roots
And plowing and sowing
And gath'ring the fruits,
There are foxes to take,
There are wolves to destroy,
All ages and ranks
I can fully employ.
I've sheep to be tended
And lambs to be fed.
The lost must be gathered,
The weary ones led.
Go work in my vineyard,
There's plenty to do,
The harvest is great
And the lab'rers are few."
— Contributed.
Januaiy 19, 1954
A Prayer for This Week
Our dear heavenly Father, we are so
thankful we can come before Thee and
call Thee "Father." "Like as a father
pitieth his children," so Thou seest our
need, even belore we realize it ourselves,
and suppliest it.
We thank Thee, dear Father, for our
children and our young people. We pray
that in our endeavor to teach them how
to choose the right from the wrong we
might be worthy examples to them in
our words and in our deeds. Help us, we
pray, that our lives might be constant
reminders to them of Thy goodness and
Thy love.
The countless blessings we receive,
materially and spiritually, are so far
above that which we deserve, that in our
humility, as we bow before Thee, all we
can ask for is more opportunities to be
of service to our fellow men, thereby
serving Thee. Open our eyes, we pray,
to the needs of our fellow men. Give us
a greater burden for lost souls. Help us
that we might become so like Thee that
our lives will reflect the love which Thou
hast shown us, in that Christ died for us,
and that we might hold up the risen
Christ to those around us who do not
know Thee. Amen.
Mrs. Clarence Graber
Walking with Christ
By Juanita Stauffer
Forasmuch then as Christ hath suf-
fered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves
likewise ivith the same mind: for he that
hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased
from sin; that he no longer should live
the rest of his time in the flesh to the
lusts of men, but to the will of God.— I
Peter 4:1, 2.
Certainly if we study the life of our
Lord, we can see that it was one of hard-
ship and suffering. Our pathway may not
be pleasant either, but we have the prom-
ise that God's grace is sufficient and we
know that One went before us who suf-
fered all things that He might do the
will of His Father.
As we follow the Lord, we have work
to do. Some of our work may seem small,
but it can be great if the blessing of God
is upon it. When Peter was disturbed as
to what another disciple should do, Jesus
said, "What is that to thee? Follow thou
me." Don't be concerned with what or
how someone else is living; rather do
your own work as a devout follower seek-
ing more and more blessing upon it.
Christ said, "Let your light so shine be-
fore men, that they may see your good
works, and glorify your Father which is
GOSPEL HERALD
in heaven." There are some who seem
to be shining lights in the church or in
the presence of believers and then at
home there are times when a little love
of pleasure, a bit of hatred, or a little
self-will covers that light until it becomes
so dim that others have to wonder whom
they are following, and this may cause
others to miss the true way. Someone
has said, "Not every one can be a bril-
liant beacon in the world, but the hum-
blest person can keep himself from being
a stumbling block." Let's remember to
keep our lights burning brightly at all
times so that our lives will not have a
question mark after them and that some
lost friend may be won by the warmth of
our light.
Christ's concern from the beginning to
to the end was lor others. Even before
His birth it was known that this child
would bring peace and joy to the world.
So today we must give up self so that the
Guide of our life can be seen. He gave
His very life that we might live. Why
can't we give up a few of the so-called
comforts of life for the sake of others
and the Gospel? ft the Lord has led us
to the city and we have children, what
right have we to say that it is cruel to
rear them in such environment and so
we will just move away? Do we ever stop
to think that we may be putting them
belore the Lord? How true the saying is,
"If He is not Lord of all, He is not Lord
at all."
In our contact with others, do we deal
with them as the Lord did? The very
nature and being of Christ is love. When
Christ came down from heaven, He came
as the Son of God's love. He lived a life
of love here on earth with His disciples,
in compassion for the poor, in love even
to His enemies, and later died the death
oJ love. When He spoke to those fisher-
men, who were sell-centered and full of
pi ide, He told them to learn to love each
other as He had loved them. Christ loved
those that spat upon Him, pierced His
side, and even slapped Him in the lace.
Are we following the Lord when we give
our tongues so much liberty to speak
cruelly of our neighbors and speak un-
lovely words about our brothers and sis
ters in the Lord? Christ used His for
giving glory to His heaveni) l ather and
to bring comfort and cheer to the sad.
Listen to the last words of His prayer 111
John 17:26, "And I have declared unto
them thy name, and will declare it: thai
the love wherewith thou hast loved me
may be in them, and I in them."
It is told that an Indian missionary
was awakened at three o'clock in the
morning to go through a desert and pass
a buried city of ancient date. The morn-
ing was very dark and his dark-skinned
guide said to him. "Keep close to me."
As they went through the darkness, the
guide first and the missionary Eollowing,
they talked. Finally looking down at
his feet, the missionary could see no
road. They seemed to be turning this
way and that and he feared the way was
55
Prayer Requests —
(Requests for this column must be signed.)
Pray for liro. J. D. Graber, that he may
have safe journeying, and that he may
be able to bring real blessing to our
foreign mission churches.
Pray again that the way may be opened
for the Haddad family to migrate from
Jerusalem to America.
Pray for a young husband who has re-
cently returned home after two years
of military service, that he and his w ife
may see their mistake and come back
to the church.
Pray for a mother that she mav have vic-
tory over an evil thought habit, and
be more of a blessing to her family and
church.
missed. In anxiety of heart he cried.
"Where is the way?" The guide turned
and said. "I am the way. There is no way
to be seen but here with me. Follow
stej) by step with me and the end ol th<-'
journey will come." We need to think
less and less upon the road ahead and
more upon our guide. Christ wants us
to walk close to Him, always looking
ahead, since the way is very strait and
narrow. Satan has so many ways to pull
us oil the road, but just reach out a huic.
Christ's hand is near to help.
"He thou faithful unto death and I
will give thee a crown of life." We have
this wonderful promise; so let us search
God's Word and live thereby so that we
will be worthy of walking with Him in
white and spending an eternity with
stub an Holy One.
knoxvillc. Tenn.
With Father
A little boy was traveling by train. A
fellow passenger asked him where he was
going. He replied, "I am going with l a
ther." He did not worry about the out-
come of his journey because he had im-
plicit confidence in the loving oversight
ol his father. How much I retting and
worrying we could save ourselves, how
much joy and peace would be ours, if,
being God's children through faith in
His Son, we would always remember and
trust in the divine promise— Christian
Cynosure.
There are always two classes of people
in the world: those who live to get-
thev are those who cause wars and pover-
ty; and those who live to give— they are
those who bring peace and prosperity.-
Selected.
56
GOSPEL HERALD
January 19, 19,4
OUR SCHOOLS
HESSTON COLLEGE NEWS
Adult night classes will again be offered at
Hesston Second Semester for the local and
surrounding communities. The four courses
to be given are: Christian Education of
Youth, G. G. Yoder; Dairy Management,
Lester Culp; First Aid, Evan Oswald; and
Christian Life, Milo Kauffman.
Twenty-eight students have registered for
the 1954 Winter Bible Term at Hesston. The
geographical representation is as follows: Il-
linois 8; Indiana 3; Iowa 4; Kansas 3; Minne-
sota 1; Nebraska 2; North Dakota 1; and
Ohio 3.
Bro. John I. Byler is this year's guest in-
structor for Winter Bible Term. Bro. Byler
was formerly pastor of the Chicago Home
Mission. Twelve regular faculty members
are also teaching Winter Bible Term courses.
Bro. Leonard L. Lichti, Dean of Student
Personnel, met with Voluntary Service and
Alternative Service fellows in Kansas City on
January 4 to discuss GED tests, correspond-
ence courses, and other means of getting
high school credit while in I-W service.
The annual Nonconformity Week was
observed on the campus January 4 to 8. Bro.
John P. Duerksen was the Chapel speaker
each day.
On January 12, Merle L. Bender, Director
of Public Relations, attended a meeting of
the Council of Mennonite and Affiliated Col-
leges in Cincinnati, Ohio. On January 13
and 14 he attended the annual meeting of the
American Association of Colleges, also in
Cincinnati, Ohio.
Student DP's
By Ruth Peachey
We've heard of DP's of about every va-
riety and from about every country but
probably most of us have never thought
much about the "student DP's" who are
rapidly increasing in number every year.
At least they are increasing in Philadel-
phia, Pennsylvania, where within three
years the mailing list has grown from 30
to more than 80, with a total family pop-
ulation of about 100. However, ths en-
tire group cannot attend any one meeting
because of irregular schedules, examina-
tions, duty in hospitals, or other respon-
sibilities. The first meeting of the 1953-
54 school term was attended by about
60 persons. We met in the Klahr Audi
torium at Hahnemann Medical College
on October 10, at 7:80 p.m. Bro. Law-
rence Burkholder spoke on "Higher Ed-
ucation and the Christian Faith."
"Fifty years ago," said Bro. Burkhol-
der, "going to college was almost u u
thinkable for Mennonites." Now there
has been a change of attitudes, particu-
larly in the last 10-15 years, and we feel
the need of at least some formal educa-
tion. We need Christian day school
teachers, ministers, doctors, nurses, writ-
ers, and other specially trained persons
for work in the Publishing House, men-
tal hospitals, etc., etc. We need even
more education today (formal or other-
wise) to be intelligent Christians and
citizens than we did fifty years ago. We
need training for so many kinds of work
that it is impossible and impractical for
the church to have schools, colleges, and
universities to prepare all these young
people for their work.
The problem is, "Can Mennonite
young people go into non-Christian or at
best 'neutral' institutions and retain
their faith in God?" In today's religion
we do not usually find open opposition
but a "tolerance which takes no position
and tends to neutrality." Indifference
is more deadly and more difficult to ap-
proach than is antagonism. Therefore
we must understand the reason for this
indifference and relative (vs. absolute)
sense of values. This requires "listening
to the other man's argument." It tends
to produce a "battle of faith and doubt."
Bro. Burkholder said, "The person who
never had doubts has never really be-
lieved. The Christian is a person who
has had doubts and is victorious over
them."
Bro. Burkholder gave several sugges-
tions on how to approach this "battle of
faith and unbelief."
1. Do not be "overly-jarred" by new ideas.
2. Do not come to hasty conclusions. Face
up to the problem, then carry it along
(in faith) and take time before making
decisions.
3. Be careful of oversimplification. Most
non-Christian philosophies are attractive
because they are simple. But they are
too simple to take care of the problems
life raises.
4. When you run into the various philoso-
phies, admit that there may be some truth
diere. Many of their observations may
be correct, but be careful of their presup-
positions.
5. Do not expect faith to answer all ques-
tions. We must go through fife on the
basis of faith. Faith does not arise sim-
ply out of the superior use of our intel-
lect but out of a warm, personal relation-
ship with Christ, as evidenced by prayer
and Bible reading, wnich are protective
devices. If the relationship to Cnrist is
established it gives you a tramework on
which to build. Faith is "a gift of God
by which you look at life and still believe
in God as a good God."
What can the church expect of us after
our faith has been subjected to this ana-
lytical treatment? 'What would be the
point in going to school if we finished
exactly as we began? It is not right nor
honest to expect anyone to be subjected
to an alien atmosphere and not be
changed. We will have changed, but not
disastrously so. We should be able to
go back and work." On some tilings we
all come out at different places because
we start from different places. The "en-
forcement of ABSOLUTE UNITY
makes for ABSOLUTE STERILITY."
However, there is always tire central
"core of truth," literally "the teaching"
of Scripture, on which we can build as
a church in the kingdom oi God.
Bro. Burkholder s talk deepened my
conviction that for this ideal to be
reached, it is going to require more work
and efiort on the part both of the stu-
dents and the church constituency than
has heretoiore been exerted. Because it
is difficult for students to bridge the gap
between their everyday cultural and spir-
itual environment, and the cultural and
spiritual environment in the church as a
whole, we tend sometimes to give it up
as impossible. However, too often the
church does not build her half of the
bridge across the gap of misunderstand-
ing. Consequently, the gap remains. The
person who has had opportunities for
educational and cultural development
which have been denied others, also has
Bro. J. 1). G ruber addressing Mennonite young people who attend various schools in 1'hiladelphia.
January ip, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
57
the responsibility to share the benefits
received from such opportunities with
those denied them. But the Christian
life can not be lived alone on that sense
of responsibility, nor on the patient hope
of someday receiving necessary spiritual
guidance from the church.
A Mennonite Student Fellowship
House, such as has been proposed by the
Mennonite Student Fellowship of Phil-
adelphia, and which is in the process of
being established by the Mennonite
Board of Education, should be an im-
portant factor in helping the church con-
stituency and the students to understand
each other better. It should serve as a
constant token of the interest one has in
the other as well as the bond of fellow-
ship between them. Were the concern of
better understanding to become wide-
spread in the church, and students would
not meet raised eyebrows or shocked
looks when they discuss their problems,
they would no longer be "DP's" but
'TP's" (placed persons)— placed in the
task ol carrying out the commission of
the church among professional people.
Philadelphia, Pa.
PEACE AND WAR
The Fourteenth Annual
CHRISTIAN DAY SCHOOL MEETING
Erisman's Mennonite Meeting House
(10 miles northwest of Lancaster, Pa-
midway between Mt. Joy and Manheim)
Saturday. Felmrary 20, 1954
Theme: ". . . earnestly contend for the faith."
9: SO A. M. The Faith
. . .Once Delivered to the Saints. Jude 3.
Clarence Lutz, Elizabethtown, Pa.
. . .In Past Generations. John C. Wenger,
Goshen, Ind.
. . .For Today. Paul E. Bender, Grantsville,
Md.
1:00 P.M. Perpetuating the Faith
. . .Through Home Nurture. II Tim. 8:15.
John C. Wenger
. . .Throueh the Christian Day School. Lloy
Knise, Witmer, Pa.
. . .Through Succeeding Generations. II Tim.
1:15. Daniel Wert, Annville. Pa.
7::?0 P..M. Contending for the Faith
. . .The Responsibility of each Generation.
John ('. Wenger
. . .The Faith Triumphant. Paul E. Bender
Moderator: Homer Bomberger
Chorister: Mervin Hess, Sr.
BACK TO GOD IN EDUCATION!
"There are two fundamental views of life.
All other views are a compromise of these two.
The one view is God-centered; the other view
is Man-centered. The proposed Christian Day
school is God-centered — it presents all subject
matter as being of God, through God, and
unto God. This is the plain teaching of Scrip-
ture (Rom. 11:3(5). The view commonly held
by public instruction is Man-centered — it
knows no higher objective than Man. On the
basis of Scripture we hold that all education
which is not God-centered is Off-center"
(Mark Fakkema).
Are you familiar with "THE CHRISTIAN
SCHOOL?" This is a monthly illustrated
periodical published in the interests of YOUR
CHILDREN. If not, write THE CHRISTIAN
SCHOOL, Scottdale. Pa., asking for sample
copies and subscription rates. THE CHRIS-
TIAN SCHOOL SHOULD BE IN EVERY
HOME.
As we consecrate ourselves unreserved-
ly to Him, He makes us to become that
which He meant we should be.
—J. N. Smucker.
The Fourth Point to the Trinity
By Ford Berg
A recent book, The Politics of Repent-
ance, by Andre Trocme, Frenchman,
points out graphically the confusion of
a large part of Christianity in worshiping
the government. Fundamentalists and
Modernists alike try in various ways to
follow the guidance of the Trinity— plus
the state. Thus they worship:
God
Christ
Holy Spirit
State
The net result is a wrecked Christian-
ity. The paradox is that those who place
the state in such a place of importance
do not determine their attitude "toward
regimes according to their virtues or
their crimes, but according to the favors
or disfavors received from them" (pp.
61, 62). Thus they protect the church
(themselves) instead of defending the
Word of God. And when the State calls
for support, they are there with full zeal,
jettisonning the real spiritual Trinity.
Trocme presents a fine view on wheth-
er Christians should enter politics, a
perennial question.
Politics are not the church's business.
That is to say, it is not for the church to
adopt such and such an attitude in order to
obtain such and such a result. It has not
even to practice pacifism, that is, reject arms
with the object of stopping war. No, God
expects one thing only of it: that it should
walk in obedience to the Gospel, in total
faith, refusing war because of that obedi-
ence, without concerning itself with the con-
sequences, good or bad, that such refusal
may involve. It is not the Church's business
to establish peace between the nations. But
it is its business to bear a witness to the
love of God which cannot but imply refusal
to kill.
Such simplicity will light up the state and
oblige it to put its house to order. We are
not told that this order will bring universal
peace. Peace belongs to God, and He has
not promised us that. Jesus prophesied wars
and rumors of wars. But what matter? All
along the path there have been astounding
miracles of God's reaction to His people's
suffering and faith. Let us take care then
not to render such miracles impossible
through our lack of faith. (Page 95)
In emphasizing how the church today
seldom defends human life by the estab-
lishment of places of refuge or hospitals
to shelter the fleeing multitudes, or
places to free slaves, he says that:
Men die today for a country, or a political
party, on a battlefield, in an airplane, a
tank, a concentration camp, a prison cell,
under torture, but only rarely for God, at the
stake, or on the gallows, only martyrs
mocked by the crowd, with the smile of
Faith on their lips greeting from afar the
final triumph of love. (Page 15)
The state has taken precedence, where-
as the Bible says that God is to be our
King, that our action in life is to be
founded on His Word, not on what an
organized society says. Granted that
much of that which a state does is good,
support by the Christian should stop
when the state's actions become unscrip-
tural.
Trocme also has an engaging view on
the conscientious objector:
The Christian objector to military service
is not a purist who, on the day he receives
the order to kill his neighbor, wakes from
his dream to say "No." He is a servant with
experienced hands who is so busy helping
his neighbor, that to interrupt his activity
to undertake the task of murder is unthink-
able to him. (Page 110)
In reading Politics of Repentance ■ I
am reminded of The Dagger and the
Cross, by Culbert G. Rutenber, which
although a different type of book brings
to attention quite a number of views
with which we are in harmonv and
which is said by someone outside our
denomination. Each thinking pastor and
every earnest student of the Word should
lead this book to note the unique place
which our denomination can play and is
playing in Christendom. It is a startling
message to come out of fighting Europe.
•Politics ol Repentance by Andre Tiorme: Fellow-
ship Publications; 19S3; 111 pp.: $2.00. Available
Irom the Mennonite Publishing House.
Scottdale, Pa.
CO
By Mary Alice Holden
While the crowds scoffs
And calls them slacker.
They fight for democracy, too.
They win again the liberty
Their fathers traveled far to gain.
And why not —
Here in this land they were promised peace —
Peace, that will do all good,
Will suffer and die for his neighbor.
But raise no hand against a foe.
They only ask to help the weak and home-
less,
To fight beneath the bombs —
Not to kill, but to make alive.
To fan back the spark of life that war has
put out.
To bring food to the hungry.
To raise a shelter for the destitute.
So would they prove their creed,
That love— God's love — will conquer all;
And liberty to follow light
Is true democracy.
Cimarron, Kans.
58
GOSPEL HERALD
January ip, 1954
FAMILY CIRCLE
Snowflakes Fall to Earth
By a Sister
"For where two or three are gathered
together in my name, there am I in the
midst of them" (Matt. 18:20).
Oh, for midwinter's moonlite nights
And cheerful Christian hearth
When floating through God's starlight
Snowflakes fall to earth.
Oh, for its evening firesides
When burns the crackling pine,
Where peace sublime and love abide
At family worship time.
Oh, for its sparkling ember's glow
Upon a curly head
When drooping sleepy eyelids show
'Tis time they were a-bed.
Mother's needles cease their click;
Sister lays her sewing by;
Father's hands the pages flick —
The dear old Bible open lies.
Soon all is silent in that room
And reverence paints it fair;
A blessing breathes through all the home,
We feel God's presence there.
And as in evening prayer we kneel,
True worship in our hearts,
The peace of God we deeply feel
Which Christ the Lord imparts.
'Tis ever the same sweet lovely scene,
Be it poor or wealthy Christian hearth,
When floating through God's starlight
Snowflakes fall to earth.
The New Glasses
By Mrs. Edna Hull Miller
The hospital nurse noticed the glow
on old Mary Grant's face. She smiled
sympathetically as Mrs. Grant turned
bandaged eyes toward her and said, "My
dear, I've only one more day to wait! Just
one more till the doctor takes these band-
ages off! And fits my new glasses."
Her voice was awed to almost a sacred
tone as she went on: "Only twenty-four
hours till I can see my three wonderful
daughters— just like them to come! They
all intend to come so far and be here in
the morning— to see the new glasses fit-
ted! Such good girls foolishly fond of an
old woman like me. I'm not worthy."
There was a happy trembling sigh.
The look on Mary Grant's classical old
face stabbed in the nurse's heart. Oh,
what, she thought, what if blindness?
This kind— the patient, intelligent, anil
sensitive— would feel it the deepest! The
nurse herself sighed as she lifted the foot-
rest of Mrs. Grant's wheel chair. A great
wave of tenderness swept over her as she
paused to look long at Mary Grant's ap-
pealing face; the tapestry of well-lived
years where wrinkles seemed arranged in-
to a pleasing design; the sweet old lips
molded from the loving murmurs over
sleeping babies.
Yet the square determined chin made
the face strong and purposeful.
"There you are, Mother Grant. I've
tucked your robe in and we'll go on
down to the sunroom. Get a good sun-
ning today and you'll sleep well to-
night," and the nurse patted the thin
shoulder.
"Thank you, dear, I'm going to miss
you— you and the good doctors."
Wheeling the chair down the hall the
nurse thought: "Love has been the gov-
ernor of her life alwavs; and all within
her rose to meet it; oh, how I do hope
when the bandages are taken off that she
can see!" But the nurse shook her head
with a wrinkle in her brow.
"You know, nurse," Mary Grant said
softly, "just one minute of looking at
my girls and one evening of reading will
repay me for all the pain of the two eye
operations— yes, and the agonv of the in-
fection and blood clots that followed."
They had reached the sun parlor. The
nurse stopped the chair in a warm wel-
come of sunshine by a window.
"Mother Grant, I'm leaving you here
for an hour and right beside you is a
soldier boy in his wheel chair!"
"A soldier boy! Wheel chair? Is he
sick?" Mary Grant's voice trembled.
"No, but he has been; he's getting well
and fine now," smiled the nurse. She
felt somehow that these two patients of
hers would stimulate each other. As she
turned to leave she heard Mrs. Grant say,
"How do you do, Sir," as she reached out
an old uncertain hand. She saw the
strong one of the soldier's close over it.
When she returned an hour later to
take Mrs. Grant to her room she noticed
a tremulous smile about her mouth and
she was talking of the soldier, not her-
self, as they went back to the room.
"My, the spirit of him! the brave spirit
of him! Not complaining though the two
legs of him are both buried in Okinawa
—and him that voting— " Marv Grant's
Irish burrs trembled on: "Him with life
all before him, too! My! I ought to be so
grateful, me with over eighty years of
eyesight and so healthy."
She paused.
The nurse said nothing: so Mrs. Grant
went on.
"And me to see again tomorrow— to
read and see all the grandchildren soon
and—"
"Let's hope so. Mother," the nurse cut
in. Mary Grant seemed to forget the
nurse's presence. Her voice fell low into
an audible petition: "Dear Lord, I do
hope I'll see; do make it possible! Do— do
—please, Lord."
As the nurse left, Mary Grant called
after her, "I'll be very quiet and rest well
tonight, nurse, ready for tomorrow
morning. Good night."
Next morning the nurse wheeled Mary
Grant into the doctor's office where he
sat waiting. The three daughters stood
quiet and tense. The nurse brushed soft
white tendrils of hair back from Mrs.
Grant's forehead. It was damp with
perspiration. Her hands clutched a
magazine.
"There, Mother Grant," she said,
reaching for the magazine. "Let me lay
this paper over on the table for you."
"Oh, no, no, ma'am, please. I'll just
hold it; I'll have it ready. It's the War
Cry. I got it at the door last night from
the little Salvation Army lassie. With
the new glasses I'll read it while the girls
do a bit of shopping. I'll just hold it if
you don't mind."
The nurse tried to smile reassuringly
as she saw near-agony on the faces of
Marv Grant's daughters. It's the un-
certaintv they feel, she thought. It's
hurting those women terribly.
The doctor began removing bandages.
"You're lucky, Mother Grant, to have
such fine children: a great help to you
when you're eighty-six."
"Oh, yes, and I thank God for it everv
day, for them, and when I get the new
glasses I'm not going to be foolish again
and read e\ery book I lay hands on: it's
careful I'll be. I'm going first to read the
New Testament through again and
parts of the Old Testament. But I'd not
read the BEGATS again for anyone."
The daughters chuckled. But immedi-
atelv again the animated old face grew
tense as the bandages came off. The doc-
tor prepared charts and sorted lenses.
Clicking sounds were very loud in the
quiet room. Convulsively Marv Grant
gripped the War Cry in her hands.
The doctor adjusted lights. He peered
into her eyes. He looked serious. Then
there was the sound again of glass slip-
ping into steel.
"Mv. but vou children are all quiet."
Marv Grant said nervously. "Not much
like your mother!" She laughed a short
little laugh, a laugh to relieve tension,
the nurse thought.
Awkward metal frames were fitted
across her nose.
Then the doctor spoke: "Mother
Grant, what do you see?"
"Why— why— " her warm Irish tones
rolled out— "there's a nice nurse standing
here right bv mv side." And her shaking
hand reached out to locate her.
'Acs." the doctor said, "but what has
the nurse in her hand?"
"Why — er — er— nothing!"
A sinister something seemed to clutch
the nurse's heart. She felt hot tears sting
her eves. Glancing, she knew the daugh-
ters felt the same.
(Continued on page 69)
January 19, 1954
COS PEL HERALD
TO BE NEAR TO GOD
THE GREATEST SERMON EVER PREACHED
Sunday, January 24
Read Matt. 6:1-18.
Almsgiving, praying, and fasting— three
aspects of worshiping God. Why should
Jesus deem it necessary to warn His disciples
to "take heed" how they worship? It is as a
minister brother has repeatedly said: "It is
possible to do a right thing in a wrong way."
"To be seen of men." What a subtle and
ever-present temptation! Do we ever put on
a show of piety for the sake of men's approv-
al? Do we ever drop a dollar into the offer-
ing plate from outer compulsion rather than
inner? Do we ever attend prayer meeting
just because the brethren expect us to be
there? If we refrain from food and legiti-
mate pleasure out of concern for God's king-
dom, do we "humbly" announce our actions
to others?
Cod, deliver us from fear of men and from
the shackles of bondage to the approval of
men— even good men. Grant us grace to
seek only Thy favor, humbly and alone.
Monday, January 25
Read Matt. 6:19-23.
The tangible seems real; the intangible,
unreal. Yet we are likely more deeply frus-
trated by a lack of love (security) than by a
lack of material possessions. Modern man
of the Western world has done well in sup-
plying his material needs, but the statesmen
of our day are continually underscoring
man's spiritual poverty. In a careful analysis
intangible freedoms are seen as pre-eminently
more real and important than any tangible
goods.
According to Christ and all the Scriptures
the true real is the eternal. Upon what have
we set our hearts? Where is our treasure?
If "earning a living" takes precedence over a
spiritual ministry, we have emphasized the
unreal, that which may be taken away from
us. If doing the will of God is our only pur-
pose in living, we are amassing eternal coin
that shall never lose its value.
Father, we have spent too much time col-
lecting trifles that rust and tarnish. We give
them up; we give ourselves to Thee that we
may seek only the unseen real and eternal.
Tuesday, January 26
Read Matt. 6:24-34.
What a dilemma is ours so often! We seek
to serve God at the same time we are serving
Riches. And do we not end by serving both
unsatisfactorily? If any were so foolish as to
try to work for two incompatible bosses in a
business such as farming, he would soon be
fired by both. Naturally speaking, we cannot
have two full-time masters; spiritually, it is
the same.
Yet we want the spiritual blessings of the
Eternal One while reveling in material pros-
perity. It cannot be, if our hearts arc set on
both. The only way out of the dilemma is
to put God first, last, and always. It will
reasonably follow that He who cares for in-
significant sparrows will care for the man
He created in His own likeness, especially
when it is remembered that all the universe
is His and at His disposal. Many of us will
never become materially rich, but God will
assuredly supply all our needs if we keep
Him central in our lives.
Father, forgive our worrying about
"things." Enable us to put our trust com-
pletely in Thee, for Thou art trustworthy.
Wednesday, January 27
Read Matt. 7:1-5.
"I'm not judging; I'm just a fruit inspec-
tor." It is true that "by their fruits ... [we
can] know them" (note the context of Matt.
7:20), but let us beware lest we use the above
statement as a license to find fault and con-
demn. Quickness to condemn another's fault
may be an indication of a more heinous sin
in our own lives. Apparently this was true
in the case of those who condemned before
Jesus a woman taken in adultery. When
Christ reminded them of the possibility of sin
in their lives, they hastily departed.
Do we find fault with our brethren in the
Lord? Do we gossip our brother's or sister's
faults abroad? If we do, it is because of un-
regenerate selfishness in our hearts that
would elevate ourselves by lowering our fel-
low man. If we do, furthermore, it is all too
likely that our own gross faults have magni-
fied out of all proportion our brother's minor
failing.
God, make us discerning judges— of our-
selves, for then our hearts will be filled with
the charity that covers a multitude of faults
in our brethren.
Thursday, January 28
Read Matt. 7:6-12.
Did you ever find the door of heaven
barred with no response from within to your
urgent knocking? No man with sincere and
honest heart ever did. The Lord delights in
the cry of His children and will assuredly
give to them according to their needs. Who
of us would refuse a known good to a loved
one? Then it should not be difficult for us
to believe that He who is the source of all
good will supply every good to His children
when they ask. If God then does good for us.
we should do only good and not evil to our
fellow men.
Dear Lord, we thank Thee for all Thv
good gifts to us. We would ask. seek, and
knock in faith, believing.
(Continued on. P^qe 69)
59
DOING THE WORKS OF GOD
Sunday School Lesson for January 31
(John 4:43—5:47)
How do we get acquainted with the great
heart of God? By the revelation of the in-
carnate God in Christ Jesus. He reveals
Himself to Nicodemus, to the woman of
Samaria, and to others. In this chapter we
see Jesus search out one of the most desper-
ate of all Jerusalem's humanity.
Jesus goes to the accustomed meeting place
of the impotent folk, of the blind, the halt,
the withered. What a picture of the misery
sin can bring into the world' There He
found one miserable sinner who was deeply
in need of help. For thirty-seven years he
had been suffering. Almost a lifetime he
had spent in horrible living. There was no
man to help. We wonder if Judaism had
no balm for the sufferers, if the pious folk
refused to help humanity. Was there no love
any more in the religion of the Jews?
Jesus, the Son of God, One with the
Father, in being about God's work sought
out this poor soul and gave him life, heal-
ing, and joy. Here was a demonstration of
what Jesus's love could and would do for the
poor sinners. He came to save sinners. This
was His and His Father's purpose in His
incarnation. He came seeking the lost sheep.
Such love was scarcely known in Judaism.
Fven today we must severely search our
hearts to understand our attitude to poor lost
sinners, no matter how hopeless and miser-
able they be.
This healing stirred up a controversy
which continued until the cross. The ex-
cuse was that the healing was done on the
Sabbath (of the Jews). We know Jesus
meant no desecration of God's command to
rest from work on the Sabbath. Mercy al-
ways did belong to any day. But it must
reeds be that the Jewish leaders be con-
victed of their sins. It was impossible, as we
see again and again, for Jesus not to clash
with Judaism because the Jews would not
receive their Redeemer. They would not
enter into His kingdom. Thcv just would
not believe that Jesus was the Son of God.
How could they be so blind?
In the remaining verses of this chapter
Jesus affirms and describes His Sonship. He
also offers strong witnesses to this relation to
the Father. All this was told no doubt as an
offer of mercy to the religious leaders, hut
tbev would not he healed. Thev felt no
reed of a Saviour.
It is not God's will that one poor sinner
should perish. This is a temperance lesson.
Alcoholics are miserable, weak, impotent
souls. Are we interested? Do we believe the
power of God could heal them' Let's not
foreet them.
— Alta Mae F.rb.
Usson based on HalMMlHMMl P.maa- ScMJ*
«ons: the International Bible Lessons for Christian
Teaching." copyriahted 1951 *• D'Y,S™, .^^i
tian Education N-tional Council of the Churches of
Christ in the U.S A
After all there is but one race-human-
ity.—George Moore.
60
GOSPEL HERALD
January 19, 1954
FIELD NOTES
Items to appear In this column for any Issue of the
following Tuesday must reach Scottdale by Wednes-
day morning.
A teacher training course is being conduct-
ed in connection with the midweek prayer
meeting at the St. Jacobs, Ont., Church. Sis-
ter Salome Bauman is the teacher.
Bro. J. W. Yoder, Huntingdon, Pa., served
as chorister in a program of song given at
the Bayshore Church, Sarasota, Fla., on Sun-
day evening, Dec. 27.
Bro. Dennis Blosser, formerly of Wayland,
la., who is conducting a Gospel Books Store
in Tampa, Fla., operated a book stand at the
Paul Martin home, Sarasota, Fla., Jan. 13,
14, for the benefit of winter visitors and
residents in that community.
The Mennonite Student Fellowship of
Philadelphia, Pa., conducted the evening
service at the Frazer, Pa., Church on Jan. 17.
Sister Audrey Hartzler, of the Oak Grove
congregation, West Liberty, Ohio, left re-
cently for a two-year assignment at the Bap-
tist Mission Hospital, Asuncion, Paraguay.
She is serving under the auspices of the
Mennonite Central Committee.
The Rainy River Mission, International
Falls, Minn., J. Alton Horst, pastor, joined
the ranks of the churches issuing church
bulletins with the beginning of the New
Year.
Table of Contents
49 — The Storv of Demas
Realitv (P»om)
50— "In God Wo Trust"
Devotional Meditation
Our Readers Say
Waiting
51 — Scouts and Whispers
A Danaer on Which We Stand
52 — noes Your Testimony Ring Clear and True
It Happened
53— S^ofWd's "Helps"
54 — The Revelation of lesus Christ
Strangers
A Command (Poem)
55 — A Prayer for this Week
Praver Reauests
Walking with Christ
56 — Vesston College News
Student D.P.'s
57— The Fourth Point to the Trinity
C O (Poem)
58— Snowflakos Fall to Earth (Poem)
The New Glasses
59 — To Be Near to God
Sunday School Lesson for January 31
60 — Field Notes
Calendar
61 — Mission News
Your Treasurer Reports
62 — Toward an Indiaenous Argentine Church
63 — A little Child Shall Lead Them
64 — Shebbat In Israol
Gospel Chain Reaction
Services to Men in Earning Units
65 — Echoes from Japan
The Mennonite Hour
Lerd of Harvest, Send Forth Reapers
Stir Me
66 — MRSC Weekly News
MCC Weekly News
67 — Women's Artivitlos
From Our Churches
69— Births
70 — Marriages, Obituaries
71— The Book Shelf
72— Items and Comments
A class of five adults was recently received
into church fellowship by baptism at Rich-
mond, Va., by Bishop Joseph R. Driver,
Waynesboro, Va.
Four Japanese seamen were present at the
Christmas morning service at the Warwick
River Church, Denbigh, Va. Considerable
work has been done among seamen by the
brotherhood in the region of Newport News,
Va.
The North Lima, Ohio, Church began a
series of studies in Bro. J. C. Wenger's Book,
"Separated unto God" in their midweek
meetings Thursday evening, Jan. 7.
A music Conference was held at the Mar-
tinsburg, Pa., Church by Bro. J. Mark Stauf-
fer, Harrisonburg, Va., on Sunday, Jan. 10.
Bro. Emery Yutzy, Plain City, Ohio, who
worked among the refugees in Berlin, Ger-
many, gave an illustrated talk entitled, "Ber-
lin vs. Communism" at the Kidron, Ohio,
auction barn, on Tuesday evening, Jan. 12.
Bro. and Sister John F. Shank, Broadway,
Va., who are in Europe in PAX service, have
as their new address 115 Breiterweg, Wedel,
Holstein, Germany.
Bro. Luke Birky, representing our Puerto
Rico work for the Mission Board, showed
pictures and spoke on work there to the
Friendly Literary Society, Riverside Hall,
Albany, Oreg., on Friday evening, Jan. 8.
Change of address. — Bro. G. Parke Book
from Soudersburg, Pa., to Paradise, Pa., R. 1.
Bro. Milo Kauffman, Hesston, Kans., gave
his lectures on Christian Stewardship at the
Pleasant Valley Church, Harper, Kans., on
Jan. 16, 17.
Guest speakers at the second annual meet-
ing of the Christian Laymen's Tent Evan-
gelism, Inc., at the Sonnenberg Church,
Kidron, Ohio, Tan. 2. 3, were: Roy Otto.
Springs, Pa.; Elmer Schwartzentruber, Ba-
den, Ont.; Aaron Grove, Markham. Ont.;
Uric Bender, Baden, Ont.; and I. Mark Ross,
Hesston, Kans.
Winter revivals at the First Mennonite
Church, Kitchener, Ont., were conducted by
the pastor, Bro. C. F. Derstine, Jan. 10-17.
Bro. John H. Hess, Kitchener. Ont., served
as guest speaker at the Discipleship Confer-
ence, Canton. Ohio. Jan. 10.
Bro. Kenneth Good, Morton, 111., spoke
on the subject of "Divine Healing" at the
Beech Church, Louisville, Ohio, on Thurs-
day evening, Jan. 21.
Correction. — Tn an earlier issue it was
stated that Walter Kurtz reported for the
Tewish work in Philadelphia at a meeting at
Vine Street. Lancaster, Pa. The correct name
is Walter Shirk.
Bro. Paul F.rh, Scottdale. Pa., was with
the Olive congregation. Elkhart, Ind., for a
music conference. Tan. 17.
The Heart to Heart Program, conducted
bv Sister Ruth Stoltzfus, Denbigh. Va., add-
ed its ninth radio station in the broadcast
over KJRG, Newton, Kans., heard each
Friday at 9:45 A.M.
The Maple Grove congregation, Belleville,
Pa., is putting the new magazine, "Christian
Living," into every one of its homes.
The Tedrow congregation, Wauseon, Ohio,
is putting our new song book, "Songs of the
Church," into every home of its constituents.
The Conservative Amish Mennonite
Chorus of Hartville, Ohio, recently gave a
program at the North Goshen Church.
At a Men's Brotherhood meeting in Hess
Hall, Hesston, Kans., Bro. Harry Martens,
business manager of Bethel College, spoke
on PAX Unit Work in Europe, on Tuesday
evening, Jan. 12.
Recent guest speakers at the Chestnut
Ridge Church, Orrville, Ohio, were: Robert
Winger, Massillon, Ohio, Dec. 25; Mahlon
Witmer, New Holland, Pa., and Peter Smith,
Hershey, Pa., Dec. 27; Roy Kinsinger,
Grantsville, Md., Jan. 3. These messages
were inspiring and greatly enjoyed by every-
one present.
Bro. I. Mark Ross, Hesston, Kans., began
a series of meetings at Nampa, Ida., on Tan.
10, to continue ten days. He is scheduled
to conduct similar meetings at the City
Acres Mission, Nampa, beginning Sunday,
Tan. 24.
Sister Bertha Wenger, student at Goshen
College, who spent part of the summer in
service at the Publishing House, spoke con-
cerning our publishing work at her home
church, Mt. Zion, Versailles, Mo., on Sun-
day, Jan. 3.
Bro. John S. Hess, Lititz, Pa., suffered a
severe loss when his barn burned on Jan. 9.
Bro. D. I. Stonerook, Martinsburg, Pa., is
convalescing satisfactorily from a recent ma-
jor operation.
(Continued on page 68)
Calendar
Maple Grove Winter Bible School, Atglen. Pa., Jan.
18-29.
Annual Meeting Mennonite Publication Board, Plain
Church. Lonsdale. Pa.. Feb. 17 18.
Annual Christian Dav School Meeting, Erlsman's
Church, Manheim. Pa., Feb. 20.
Christian Life Conference. E.M.C.. Harrisonburg, Va..
Feb. 10. 11. 1954.
Iowa-Nebraska Mission Board midyear meeting at
Manion. Iowa. Feb. 2S. 24.
Annual Ministerial Meeting of the Lancaster Con-
ference District, at the Millwood Meetinghouse.
Gap, Pa., Feb. 24, 25.
1954 Conrad Grebel Lectures, by G. F. Hershberqer,
at E.M.C., Harrisonburg. Va., March 17-10.
Spring Missionary Sunday, March 21.
Annual meeting Illinois Mission Board, Pleasant Rill,
East Peoria. 111.. April 11. 13.
Semiannual meeting. Commission for Christian Edu-
cation. St. Jacobs, Ont., April 10. May 1.
Conference on Christian Community Relations, E.M.C.,
Harrisonburg. Va., May 6, 7.
Home Sunday, May 9.
Annual meeting Mennonite Board of Missions and
ChaTltles, somewhere In Oregon, June 18-20.
Annual Meoting. Southwestern Pa. Conference, place
undecided, Aug. 1-4.
Annual meeting South Central Conference, Assembly
of God campground, near Eldon. Mo., August
17 20.
Annual Meeting. Illinois Conference. East Bend.
Fisher. 111.. Aug. 14-16.
Fall Meeting. Commission for Christian Education,
Laurelville Mennonite Camp, Laurelville. Pa.,
Sept. 27. 28.
Study Conference of Child Evangelism. Laurelville
Mennonite Camp, Sept. 29, 30.
Fall Meeting, General Council of Mennonite General
Conference, Laurelville Mennonite Camp, Oct.
\. 2.
January 19, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
61
• MISSIONS •
Go, Preach
The General Board Headquarters lor Million.. Relief, and Serrlce
Give, Pray
: 1711 Prairie Street. Elkhart, Indiana. Telephone. Elkhart 2 2786.
Mission News
Brethren Edwardo Montiel and Delbcrt
Erb, the former a shoe repairman, were
elected as lay pastors of the Floresta, Buenos
Aires, Argentina, congregation Jan. 3. They
will serve under the direction of the resident
bishop, Bro. A. Swartzentruber, for a period
of one year.
Don Ramon Jose Luayza, father of Bro.
Alhano Luayza, pastor in the Argentine
Mennonite Church, passed away on Dec. 1,
1953, at the age of 101 years, 9 months, and
2 days. A brief story of his life appeared in
the Oct. 6, 1953, Gospel Herald. May God
comfort the bereaved.
The Material Aid Committee of the East-
ern Mennonite Board of Missions and Chari-
ties w ill sponsor the MCC portable meat
canner somewhere in Lancaster County dur-
ing the first two weeks of February. The
committee has set a goal of thirty tons of
canned meat.
Bro. William Hallman, missionary on
furlough from Argentina, spoke both morn-
ing and evening at the Monterey Mennonite
Church, Bird-in-Hand, Pa., on Sunday, Jan.
3. Bro. Hallman is recovering satisfactorily
from major surgery to which he submitted
on Jan. 6. Pray for his complete recovery
before the Hallmans' scheduled return to
Argentina, leaving New York on March 6.
The condition of Gregory Miller, son of
Daniel and Eunice Miller, Argentina mis-
sionaries, has finally been diagnosed by the
doctor as a mild attack of poliomyelitis. He
is continuing to make slight improvements
as a result of massaging.
Two homes were destroyed by fire in the
Hopkins Park, 111., rural mission area during
December. The workers were able to give
some assistance with food and clothing.
At the January 8 meeting of the Eastern
Mission Board, the Board authorized the
finding and preparing of a couple for a full-
time Spanish ministry in the Lancaster Con-
ference area. This couple when found would
probably be sent to Puerto Rico for a year
of language training in the new language
school there.
Final approval for locating the Navaho
Mission work at Black Mountain, Ariz., has
now been given by the Navaho Tribal Coun-
cil. Your prayers and financial support for
this work will help to get it started in a good
way.
Baptism and Communion services were
held in Bragado, Argentina, Dec. 27 under
the direction of Bishop A. Swartzentruber.
A class of seven converts was baptized and
joined the congregation around the com-
munion table.
The semiannual Argentine Mennonite
conference will be held at Trenque Lauquen,
Jan. 28-31, using "Evangelism" as a theme.
The pastors and workers conference (the
official church body) will meet the three
preceding days and will consider, among
other things, a proposed new constitution
for an indigenous Argentine Church. The
Missionary Fellowship meeting will be held
the three days following the conference, Feb.
1-3. Pray for the Spirit's guidance in all of
these meetings.
The Wilbur Hostetler and John Friesen
families arrived in Elkhart, Ind., on Jan. 6
on furlough from India.
A Planning Committee was authorized by
the Eastern Mission Board to plan for future
use of the Salunga, Pa., church property
which was recently given to the Board. This
committee will represent the Mission Board,
the Bishop Board and the Landisville con-
gregation.
Change of address: Bro. and Sister Clyde
Mosemann, missionaries under appointment
to Uruguay, R. 4, Box 639, Lancaster, Pa.
The Mosemanns are awaiting residence per-
mits for Uruguay.
Sister Jean Garber, R.N., Route 6, Lancas-
ter, Pa., was recently appointed to a four-
year term as missionary nurse in Honduras
by the Eastern Mission Roard. She will ac-
company Sister Dora Taylor on her return
to the field and will assist her at the clinic
in Truiillo.
Bro. John Koppenhaver, missionary on fur-
lough from Argentina, will conduct revival
meetings at Hesston College and Bible
School, Hesston, Kans., Jan. 22-31, and serve
as speaker at their minister's conference, Feb.
1-5. Bro. Koppenhaver kept the following
appointments in eastern Pennsylvania re-
cently: Groveland Church, Plumsteadville,
Jan. 10, morning; Plain Church, Lansdale,
Jan. 10, evening; and the Deep Run Church,
Jan. 17.
Bro. J. D. Graber, General Mission Board
secretary, arrived safely in Korea on Jan. 8.
Sister Sara Rush, R.N., Perkasie, Pa., was
recently appointed to a five-year term as mis-
sionary nurse to Ethiopia. Sister Rush was
a former MRSC worker in Ethiopia.
Dedication services for the Hope Rescue
Mission, South Bend. Ind., are planned for
Sunday afternoon, Feb. 7. The following
day the doors will be opened or operation.
Bro. Tobe Schmucker, Goshen, Ind., will
serve as superintendent. The Board of Di-
rectors includes the following brethren:
Nathan ReifT. Elkhart, Ind.. chairman: S. J.
Hostetler. Elkhart, Ind.. secretary, Willis
Hughes, North Liberty, Ind.: Marner Miller,
Goshen, Ind.; and Edward Weaver, Elkhart.
Ind.
The Christian Hospital, Dhamtari, M.P..
Tndia. rendered the following surgical serv-
ices during 1953: 445 major operations; 2772
Your Treasurer Reports
It now appears that satisfactory develop-
ments are being made in the opening of mis-
sion work among the Navaho Indians.
Brother and Sister Stanley Weaver have been
appointed as missionaries to serve among the
Indians and they have found a location at
Black Mountain, Ariz. During the past sev-
eral months Brother Weaver has been con-
tacting churches in the interest of funds to
purchase a Jeep station wagon which will be
required for their work. In fact, this is
about the only type of transportation which
is satisfactory for the roads which will need
to be used in connection with their work. In
addition to this, funds are also needed for
purchasing of housing facilities. It had
earlier been thought that it might be advis-
able to purchase a trailer which could be
taken into the reservation, but recent de-
velopments indicate that it might be more
advisable to erect some simple type of hous-
ing. This latter need is still under study.
Although considerable funds have already
been received toward the Jeep purchase, ad-
ditional funds are needed, and in addition
we will need considerably more funds for
construction of housing facilities.
In addition to the above, one special piece
of equipment needed is a typewriter. This
will cost about $125. The purchase of a type-
writer for the mission would make a very
nice project for some group or individual
and we would like to suggest that anyone
interested in this send his contribution desig-
nated for this purpose.
In addition to the above specific items,
funds are also solicited for the general fi-
nancial needs of operating the mission
among the Navaho Indians and contribu-
tions for this mission work should be desig-
nated for the Navaho Mission Fund.
H. Ernest Bennett, Treasurer
Mennonite Board ol Ml»»ion» and Charltlee
ElkhaTt. Indiana.
minor operations: 199 deliveries. The hos-
pital admitted 3,037 patients during the year.
The average daily census was 82 and the
number of outpatients treated daily, 109.
Bro. and Sister Wilbur Hostetler, mission-
aries recently returned for furlough from
India, spoke at the Belmont Mennonite
Church. Elkhart. Ind., on Jan. 10. They plan
to reside at 2331 Prairie St.. Elkhart, for the
present.
Mrs. Simeon Hurst, missionary on fur-
lough from Tanganyika, spoke to the Faith-
ful Stewards Sewing Circle group of the El-
mira. Ont.. Mennonite Church on Tuesday
evening, Jan. 12.
(Continued on pa<je 68)
62 GOSPELHERALD
January 19, 1954
Young People's Institute, Campground in Trenque Lauquen, Argentina.
Toward an Indigenous Argentine Church
By J. Delbert Erb
News of the movement toward an indige-
nous church from many countries over the
face of this globe of ours is good news. It
is news of the church of Christ marching for-
ward on its own feet. News that proves that
Christianity is not only for the white man
or the Anglo-Saxon, but that the blood of
Christ transcends all barriers of race or
clan and that His church is indivisible in
spite of all opposition or persecution. News
that demonstrates in bold and even bloody
examples that it is the indigenous church,
the church of the Chinaman, the Indian,
the Colombian, that will march forward to
meet all foes and win the victory. Until such
a church has been established, we, the North
American missionaries, cannot rest in self-
confidence thinking that our job has been
well done.
The purpose of this article is to give a
report of the steps the Argentine Men-
nonite Church is presently taking in its move-
ment toward an indigenous church. The
Argentine Mennonite Church is really quite
small in numbers, and therefore its signif-
icance in the world indigenous church move-
ment is small. However, for those mission-
aries and for those national brethren who
are coping with the present problems, the
steps their church is now taking are very im-
portant steps. Some are quite revolutionary
for the Argentine church, but in a prayerful
and thoughtful manner all wish to go for-
ward and take steps as the Spirit leads.
The present church organization is dom
inated in several ways by the Mission. Le-
gally only the Mission is recognized. All the
property, includine benches tm6 mottoes on
the walls, are in the name of the Mennonite
Board of Missions and Charities. This is a
situation forced by the laws of the land.
Some of the smaller items have been paid for
bv the local churches, but the maiority of
the million peso assets (171,000 US) has
*/ttc«;toNS errTTON
been invested by the Mission Board. Be-
sides owning the property, the Mission Board
is employer of the national workers. Their
salaries come from the States and therefore
they are agents of a foreign organization.
Reuben and Alicia Suarez, children of Ernesto
Suarez, pastor of the church at Tres Lamas,
Argentina.
The national church organization was
established a good many years ago by
brethren who in those beginning years saw
the need for developing an Argentine
church. For a number of years it has had
an Argentine president and treasurer. Never-
theless, the leadership and incentive has con-
tinued to come from the missionaries to such
an extent that manv nationals still feel that
their organization is being run by North
Americans. One example would be the bish
op hoard, organizationally a vcrv important
board, which is composed only of mission-
aries. It can be seen, therefore, that although
organizationally the foundation has been
laid lor an indigenous national Argentine
church, practically speaking, some big steps
must still be taken.
It is in this situation which the Argentine
church found itself in September when it
gathered for its midyear workers' meeting
in Pehuajo. During the first two days the
meeting took on the nature of an institute.
Bro. Nelson Litwiller, recently appointed
secretary for South American Mennonite
Missions, was welcomed back and gave, as
his contribution, four talks on "The Church."
The remaining day and a half was devoted to
business items.
Without doubt the most important of
these business items was the discussion which
centered around the indigenous Argentine
church. Such discussions had occurred be-
fore, particularly when Bro. J. D. Graber
was present almost two years earlier, but this
discussion took a new turn and showed new
vision. First Bro. Litwiller was asked to
state what the Mission Board expects of
the National Church. In general terms he
repeated what Bro. Graber had said earlier,
that it is the Board's desire that in the least
feasible time an indigenous Argentine Men-
nonite Church be established. Bro. Litwiller
went on to point out that it now rests upon
the Argentine church to decide the form
and method whereby this objective should
be reached.
It must be understood that up to this point
it has always been the Mission Board or the
missionaries that have proposed or pushed
the indigenous church idea in Argentina.
The nationals have been very slow to come
out for steps which would make their own
church more independent, more Argentine.
The various reasons for this I shall not try
to discuss at this point. The discussion in
the Pehuajo Church on that afternoon of
September 24 took a new turn, therefore,
when the following question was put before
the group of thirty-two workers, nationals
and missionaries: "Do or do we not want an
independent (indigenous) Argentine Men-
nonite Church?" The question was simple
and vet very basic: simple because there was
pot the slightest hesitation when the question
was called, all rose to their feet to vote af-
firmatively; basic because it was the first
time that the Argentine church, not the
Mission, was formally saving, "We want an
indigenous church."
Next a motion was made and approved
Bra Pedro I ..'1 11 ill. Argentine Mennonite pMstor
at Santa Rosa, anil his family. I* to R.: Kster,
Mrs. Lanik, l.nis. Pedro. Lanik; seated: Reu-
ben and George.
January 19, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
63
by the majority which, translated, read:
"The favorable moment has arrived for the
Argentine Mennonite Church to draw up
its plans for becoming independent as fast
as possible." The Mission has been saying
for a number of years that the "favorable
moment" has arrived, but now the Argentine
church is saying it. Again it is a very simple
statement but a very important one. Some-
one must be catching the vision of the in-
digenous church besides J. D. Graber and
a few missionaries.
In order to prove that this latter motion
was not just an ideological statement, the
assembly went on to elect a study com-
mittee of five to prepare a new organizational
plan. It is accepted that the present organiza-
tional setup is not conducive to an indige-
nous church. The National Church must or-
ganize a legal body which can hold property.
The local congregations must be given rep-
resentation through laymen on the official
ecclesiastical body. More responsibilities as
well as opportunities must be given to the
local congregations. It is these and other
items which the committee is considering as
it is drawing up the first draft of a con-
stitution to be presented for discussion and
criticism at the annual conference in January,
1954. It is a big step forward for which
we should all be thankful to God. It is a
step taken by the Argentine Mennonite
Church.
But organization alone will not make
the Argentine church indigenous. A legal
Argentine holding body will not make the
members give money to build their own
churches or support their own workers. They
must first catch the indigenous independent
spirit which converts them from a mission
field into missionaries. In order that the
members be thus changed, the national and
missionary workers must first be changed-
They must catch the indigenous spirit so
that all of their teaching, work, and attitudes
will reflect this spirit and will point toward
the goal of an indigenous church.
That I have mentioned both missionary
and national in the last paragraph is signifi-
cant. If the workers must become indigenous
in spirit in order that the members catch
the same spirit, in like manner the mission-
aries must become indigenous in spirit in
order that their Argentine colaborers catch
that spirit. To a certain extent this may be
more difficult for the missionary than for
the Argentine. He who receives his salary
in dollars, an amount above that of his
Argentine colaborer, almost always runs into
problems and difficulties when he talks of
making the work indigenous. And he who
knows brethren at home who are glad and
willing to give to a needy cause may be
under greater temptation to forget the
indigenous cause than his Argentine brother
who does not have such acquaintances.
Rut the discussion in the Pehuajo meeting
revealed that some of the indigenous spirit
is being captured by both the missionary
and national workers. And it is for this rea-
son, then, that it can be said that things took
a new turn and showed new vision. The Ar-
gentine Mennonite Church is taking a new
step forward. Let us pray for it in this step.
To terminate this report and give as an ex-
hibition No. 1 a case of an Argentine
brother with the indigenous spirit, I have
been granted the privilege to translate the
editorial published in the November, 1953,
La Voz Menonita (The Mennonite Voice)
written by Ernesto Suarez. Bro. Suarez was
converted in 1943, graduated from our Bible
School in Bragado in 1947, and the follow-
ing year was made pastor of the Tres Lorn as
congregation, where he has served until the
present time- (Note: In Argentina the
word "indigenous" is commonly used to
refer to the Indians. Therefore, Bro. Suarez
must explain to his Argentine readers the
sense in which he is using the word.)
With Roots in Our Ou-n Land
(Translation)
The significance of the word "indigenous" has
lost its meaning for most people. In reality it
simply means, "originating in the country to
which it refers," or even more exactly, "with
roots in its own soil." Therefore, it is the most
suitable word that we can find to designate that
which is ours in the most complete sense of the
term.
An aged Gaucho (Argentine cowboy), convert-
ed in 1951 at Santa R sa. reading his llible.
When we apply the qualifying adjective "in-
digenous" or any other equivalent to the church
of Christ, we begin to tread on sacred ground.
It is natural that the religion of Christ is uni-
versal, that it comes from God and therefore
can not be restricted to, or monopolized by cer-
tain peoples or races. But this is true only in
relation to the fundamental doctrines. When it
relates to the ministry, finances, and propagation
of the church, then it is more natural that the
Christians of each country take upon themselves
these responsibilities.
If it is true that to begin the work the mis-
sions are of great value and even indispensable,
it is also true that, a reasonable amount of
time having passed, the nationals must take
upon themselves the responsibility of carrving
on the task with their own economic and hu-
man resources.
The mission, indispensable at the beginning,
may become a danger and constant hindrance
to the natural and legitimate development of
the indigenous church in snite of all the good
intentions that they would have. This is a
truth demonstrated by missionary experience in
many places. Naturally there are exceptions, but
in general, having passed a certain length of
time in which the work depends on the missions,
and having formed local congregations, it is
necessary to promote the indigenous character
of the church until the mission becomes un-
necessary and remains free to employ its per-
sonnel and resources in other fields.
This in no way makes light of the mission-
aries, without whose labor we would have noth-
ing today. But it can be said that the work of
the missionary among us, the Argentine Ven-
nonites. has been adequately accomplished. The
hour has arrived when the Argentines must
take on more and more responsibility in the
tasks of the church. And to sav this we are
referring to the multiple aspects that the work
implies — ministerial, financial, functional, phil-
anthropic, etc.
The unanimous desire of both the missionary
brethren and the Argentines is that this objec-
tive be realized in the shortest possible time
This does not mean to sav that it will be done
in a rush, but in a meditated manner: putting
all in the hands of the I ord who-n we serve, we
will try to transfer slowlv but surely the powers
and functions of the church from the missionarv
form to the indigenous for"i. And in this we
will all have hrge responsibilities and oppor-
tunities for service.
Buenos Aires. Argentina.
A Little Child Shall Lead Them
(The following experiences arc among
those which were particularly challenging to
three of the MCC Voluntary Service workers
who spent last summer ministering to the
physical, social, and spiritual needs of crip-
pled children at Camp Paivika. Calif.)
"Pray Without Ceasing"
Skippy cannot hear, nor can he speak, ex
cent with the use of fineer signs, but every
nitrht he knelt by his bed and prayed to his
heavenlv Father. His bodv portrayed ten-
sion as be expressed himself to Cod, and he
roce to his feet with a radiant face.
Skippv cannot communicate to you or me
without sijjns, and many of these we don't
understand. But he does communicate with
God. and God understands.
You and I can communicate with each
other with distinct audible words, but do we
take enough time to communicate with God?
It is great to know that we have a God who
can also hear the prayers of the deaf.
Praver is one of the simplest, greatest
things we have been granted. How often
do we use it? — David Yoder. Shipshewana,
Ind.
"Tell Me the Stories So Precious"
Every evening when the children were
zipped into their sleeping baes and ready for
the nieht T would tell them Bible stories.
One particular night I bad iust finished the
storv of Jacob and the ladder, with the
aneels ascendinc and descending, and was
all ready for the questions which usually
followed. But instead, one little camper
<=at up and said verv thoughtfully. "You
know, when you tell those stories I can just
see everything so plain. I wish my mom
knew such eood stories to tell."
T felt that T had received the highest com-
MTSSIONS SECTION
64
GOSPEL HERALD
January ip, 1954
pliment I could have been given. Hearing
God's Word had made someone else happy,
too. — Martha Kraft, Birmingham, Mich.
"Eyes and See Not"
It was an ordinary night and in my cabin
of teen-age girls the bedtime conversation
was of ordinary things until blind Mimi said,
"You girls should just see my mother; she's
beautiful!"
I listened for the reply which I was afraid
yet certain I would hear, and it came quickly.
"But how do you know she's beautiful? You
can't see."
It hurt me to notice the fleeting shadow
which swept across Mimi's face, and I pitied
her, but only for a moment. As she straight-
ened her shoulders, her smile said more
plainly than words, "How blind you are,
you people with good eyes!" Then she pa-
tiently explained, "Even though I've never
seen her face, I know my mother is beautiful
because she is understanding, nice, and kind.
She always speaks in soft tones. Her beauty
shows in her actions, and that's all that is
important."
Children at Camp Paivika, Calif., where the
MCC has a summer voluntary service unit.
That closed the subject. Mimi, in her "un-
fortunate" state of blindness, had an appre-
ciation for the important things which many
more fortunate individuals lose sight of com-
pletely. Mimi didn't need my pity; she de-
served my admiration and respect. — Ina Ruth
Krabill, Louisville, Ohio. — via MCC News
Service, Akron, Pa.
I shall pass through this world but once.
Any good, therefore, that I can do
Or any kindness that I can show
To any human being
Let me do it now. Let me
Not defer it or neglect it, for
I shall not pass this way again.
— A Quaker Prayer.
MISSIONS SECTION
Shebbat in Israel
By J. B. Martin
It is Friday noon and people are hurrying
to the stores. The streets are crowded with
people. The clock now shows three o'clock
and the iron gates of the business places are
pushed shut; restaurants are closing for
business; the peanut man on the street
corner is going home; the post office is
closed for business; the crowds on the
streets have disappeared. It is now 5:30 p.m.
and Jerusalem looks like a ghost town with
very few people on the street; no more buses
running, only emergency taxis are doing
business; practically all business except hotel
service has ceased. The answer is that Sheb-
bat or the Jewish Sabbath has begun.
The above description will continue until
the end of the Sabbath on Saturday evening.
After sundown on Saturday the crowds again
appear on the streets but hardly any place
of business will open until Sunday morn-
ing. Shebbat is the day for Jewish worship
in the Beit-Knenet or Synagogue. On page
two in the Friday Jerusalem Post (a daily
English newspaper) appear the religious serv-
ices of five worship places. The orthodox
group in Jerusalem adhere strictly to Sab-
bath observance and worship, but there are
many who keep the Sabbath outwardly that
have no interest in worship and do not at-
tend the services.
A Christian has to adjust himself to the
Jewish Sabbath by buying the necessary food,
etc., on Friday, if he does not want to buy
on the Lord's day, to last until Monday
morning. One wonders how much good
the Sabbath is to the average person in Israel.
The Bible says, "For the Son of man is
Lord even of the Sabbath," but this is a day
without acceptance of the Son of man. It
is almost two thousand years that Jesus rose
from the grave on the first day of the
week.
Israel does not believe that Jesus rose from
the dead. Israel has no Lord of the Sabbath.
Israel knows nothing of the Christian fellow-
ship on the first day of the week, "in the
apostles' doctrine, and fellowship, and in
breaking of bread, and in prayers." My
Christian friends, the next time you go to
church on the first day of the week, the
Lord's day, as you prav in the name of
lesus, when you sing "My Jesus, I Love
Thee," when you listen to the preaching of
redemption in Christ, as you give for the
cause of evangelism and the preaching of
the Gospel of Christ, remember that Israel
has no hope in Christ the Messiah because
in unbelief they have rejected Him. The
Christian Sabbath or the Lord's dav speaks
of resurrection and a living Christ, but not
the Shebbat.
The small Christian groups in Israel US-
imIIv meet on Sarurdav evening for Bible
studv and on the Lord's dav for worship
morning and evenintr. Amonsr the number
are a small group of Jewish Christians for
which we thank God. Will vou as a pastor
shorten vour sermon next Sunday morning
and take ten minutes' time for a season of
prayer and let the congregation pray for a
mighty outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon
Israel? Will you as a teacher in the Sunday
school enlist your class next Sunday to pray
for Jewish Christians who have a hard time
because they accepted the Lord? Shebbat in
Israel is a challenge to a believer to pray for
more faith, more concern for the peace of
Jerusalem. Do you believe Rom. 11:26, 27,
"And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is
written, There shall come out of Sion the
Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness
from Jacob: for this is my covenant unto
them, when I shall take away their sins."
Box 854, Jerusalem, Israel.
A Gospel Chain Reaction
Recently Bro. and Sister Nelson Kauffman,
Hannibal, Mo., who have been working with
the prisoners in the Missouri State Prison at
Jefferson City with some success, received a
letter from the wife of one of the prisoners
who has accepted Christ as Saviour.
"I'm only asking if you can explain your
beliefs to me," she wrote, "so that I can
understand them and perhaps receive so
great a belief, understanding, blessing, and
this wonderful feeling that has touched Mr.
Allison, my husband, and others."
On November 3 Bro. and Sister Kauffman
visited the home of this inquirer and after a
two-hour interview were able to lead her to
the assurance of sins forgiven and faith in
Christ.
I-W
ORK
ORSHIP
ITNESS
Services to Men in Earning Units
As Selective Service was getting under way
the present work program for CO's the
General Council of General Conference made
plans for the churches' care of I-W men. In
brief, these plans called for the pastoral care
of the men to be met through the Peace
Problems Committee and for nonpastoral
services to be provided by the Mennonite
Relief and Service Committee. The finding
of appropriate places of work and other
contacts with Selective Service has been
done by the Mennonite Central Committee.
The first services that MRSC gave the
men were help in finding jobs where other
Mennonite men were working, and the
provision of centers for living quarters and
group meetings. Houses have been pur-
chased in Des Moines. Iowa: Kansas City,
Mo.: Indianapolis, Ind.; Gary, Ind.: Plym-
outh. Mich.: and Fast Lansing, Mich. In
all of these places there are T-W men room-
ing and in most cases arraneemenrs are made
for VS personnel to do housekeeping for the
men. Fach of these places serves as a meet-
ing place for all T-W men in that citv. MRSC
is now in the process of finding centers in
seven] other cities which will not serve as
living Quarters hut as activities centers. One
such building is now being rented in Kala-
mazoo. Mich.
January ip, 1954
In each place where there is a concentra-
tion of (old) Mennonite men, MRSC has
cither provided a leader or helped the men
to elect one of their own group as leader.
At present there arc fourteen such con-
centrations of men and possibilities of several
more.
In addition to help in finding housing and
places for meetings MRSC has encouraged
the men to find wholesome recreation and
ather worth-while pastime pursuits. Several
inits have been provided with ping-pong
ables and other small games. Softball in
he summer and basketball teams in the
winter have been arranged among the men
n the larger concentrations. Many of the
nen are working individually at various
:rafts such as painting and leatherwork.
A sizable group ot men are making use
if their spare time to further their education,
lome are taking part-time courses at local
ligh schools or colleges, and others are en-
gaged in correspondence courses of various
.ypes. MRSC and MCC are working together
.o make GED tests available to interested
W men. These tests will help those who
lave not finished high school to enter col-
ege or perhaps to secure a high-school
diploma. In addition vocational guidance
:ests are now being taken by a number of
nen. These will be personally interpreted in
in effort to help the men find their vocational
^nd educational interests and capabilities.
Other educational helps have been made
ivailable to the men through books, maga-
;ines, films, and organized Bible classes. —
Henry Weaver, Jr.
Office for Relief and Service
Elkhart, Indiana.
GOSPEL HERALD
usage. It sometimes almost startles us to find
how much better it works!
Meeting the friends to whom we said
"Good-by" a little more than a year ago
has been a wonderful experience. Neither
they nor we had quite dared to hope that
this could ever happen and we are all more
sure than ever that God moves wonderfully
to work out His plans. Will you pray with
and for us that as we are together again
for a time we may know the right way to
help each of the friends we meet most surely
to a personal knowledge of our Lord?
Sincerely,
Rhoda Ressler.
65
Echoes from Japan
105 Tsuji cho
Ashiya, Hyogo Ken, Japan
Dear Friends:
Most of you know that the jobs of packing
and unpacking are big ones. Now that both
of these are in the past for us again we find
that we have much for which to be sincerely
grateful. We want to tell you about a few
of them since many of you had much to do
with making them ours and getting them
here. Our baggage came through in very
good condition. Those of you who helped
with that did a very good job.
The sheets fit our beds well; the com-
forters and blankets are a good size, too,
and are lij;ht and warm. The tea towels
are pretty, as well as useful, and we often
and gratefully remember all of you who
helped with these things.
So far in the canned food barrel we have
found nothing amiss. The dried corn tastes
is fresh now as it did the day Dora scraped
it off her drier for us. None of the cans
were broken. Our friends here are pleased
with the tuffys for washing their rice kettles
and the sponges for their baths. They made
good packing too.
I Language study is intensely interesting.
We find it fascinating to fit the jargon we
had picked up rather haphazardly into good
Stir Me
Stir me, O stir me, Lord, I care not how,
But stir my heart in passion for the world :
Stir me to give, to go, but most to pray ;
Stir, till the blood-red banner be unfurled
O'er lands that still in heathen darkness lie,
O'er deserts where no cross is lifted high.
Stir me, O stir me, Lord, till all my heart
Is filled with strong compassion for these
souls,
Till Thy compelling "must" drives me to
prayer ;
Till Thy constraining love reach to the poles,
Till East and West are caught in love's great
fire.
Stir me, O stir me, Lord; for I can see
Far North and South, in burning deep desire;
Thy glorious triumph day begin to break ;
The dawn already gilds the Eastern sky !
O Church of Christ, Awake! Awake I
O, stir us, Lord, as heralds of that day !
The night is past our King is on His way !
— Author Unknown.
The
Mennonite
Hour
We are happy to announce to listeners in
the Lancaster area that time has become
available on WLAN tor broadcasting THE
MENNONITE HOUR. Beginning January
17, the program will be broadcast each Sun-
day at 12:30 p.m. WLAN is found at 1390
on the dial, 96.9 on FM. After January 24
the broadcast will be discontinued on
WORK, York.
Inasmuch as KDKA, Pittsburgh, Pa., cov-
ers western Pennsylvania, we are discontinu-
ing, after January 24, the broadcast on WJAC,
Johnstown, WCED, Du Bois, and WPIT.
Pittsburgh. We trust that the broadcast from
this much stronger station, KDKA, will not
only serve all the listeners to the previous
stations, but a much greater additional audi-
ence as well. KDKA ( 1020 on the AM dial,
92.9 on FM) broadcasts THE MENNON-
ITE HOUR each Sunday at 3:00 p.m.
Missions Editorial
Lord of Harvest, Send Forth
Reapers
Statistics show that in 1951 one in every
three persons in the United Slates was a
Protestant Christian and one in every five
a Roman Catholic. These figures contrast
very sharply with similar figures from mis-
sion lands.
According to 1949 figures there was one
Protestant Christian for every 229 persons
in India and Pakistan; one Protestant for
every 696 in China; one Protestant for every
410 in Japan; one Protestant for every 33
in Africa; one Protestant for every 120 in
Latin America; and one Protestant for every
1,326 persons in the Near East and North
Africa. Since these areas include some of
the most densely populated in the world, the
evangelistic task of the Christian Church
is tremendous.
Christian Horizons, a publication of the
Student Volunteer Movement recently re-
leased, lists over a thousand openings for
workers for 1954 under 67 different Ameri-
can Mission Boards. These openings arc
listed under the following heads: Agricultur-
al Work; Business Administration; Directors
of Christian Education; Educational Work,
Administration; Educational Work, Adult
Education; Educational Work, College and
Seminary Professors; Educational Work,
Elementary Teachers; Educational Work,
High School Teachers; Educational Work,
Junior High School Teachers; Educational
Work, Normal School Teachers; Evangelistic
and General Church Work; Literature and
Literacy; Medical Work, Dentists; Medical
Work, Doctors; Medical Work, Nurses;
Medical Work, Social Workers; Medical
Work, Technicians and Administrators;
Rural Community Work; Rural Church
Work; Technical and Industrial Work;
Youth and College Student Work; and So-
cial Group Work.
This list indicates the wide variety of op-
portunities now available on the mission
field. We have thought in the past of minis-
ters, teachers, doctors, and nurses making
up the main missionary staff. They continue
to comprise the largest core of the foreign
missionary group with more diversification
having been added in each area, but new
tasks have also been added, especially in
the technical areas.
With the national churches providing
more and more leaders, particularly in the
areas of preaching and teaching, the demand
in many of the countries just beginning to
(Continued on page 68)
MISSIONS SECTION
66
GOSPEL HERALD
January 19, 1954
Relief and Service News
MRSC Weekly Notes
Voluntary Service
Sister Anna Stutzman, Kalona, Iowa, was
recently appointed matron of the voluntary
service center at 118 L. Bloomington, Iowa
City, Iowa.
Willard Ressler, Dalton, Ohio, joined the
voluntary service unit at Hesston College
and Bible School on Jan. 13, L54. He will
be working on the College farm.
Alter completing one term of voluntary
service, Sister Fannie Mae Stutzman, Sheri-
dan, Oreg., has now joined the unit in Iowa
City, Iowa, as of Jan. 8, for another term of
service.
The Mathis, Tex., voluntary service unit
continues to work with community commit-
tees toward the establishment of a maternity
home. Recently the building and site com-
mittee made arrangements tor the purchase
of an excellent site for the home.
The group of young men carrying on the
building program in Mathis have completed
several houses for Mexicans, a recreation
ground, and repairs and remodeling of the
mission buildings.
Their plans tor the future include two or
three projected houses, additional facilities
for the unit and the pastor, the maternity
home, and a new church. Other church
groups in Mathis show much interest in the
unit and desire to know more about their
work and motivation.
In a recent meeting with the public health
officers in Phoenix, Ariz., the service unit to
the Indian Migrants was assured of excellent
co-operation from the health officials, who
urged that two nurses be used full time and
that transportation be made available for ear
and eye and other serious cases to be taken
to the Indian hospital.
The Selective Service officials of the Phoe-
nix, Ariz., area assured approval of the unit
for I-W service, heretofore impossible.
Meanwhile there exists an urgent need of
a unit matron and an elementary teacher-rec-
reation leader. The teacher-recreation leader
could likely be a I-W man.
I-W Services
A number of the I-W men from units in
Michigan assisted in a I-W conference held
on January 16 and 17 at the Bethel Mennon-
ite Church, Ashley, Mich.
The I-W group from Kalamazoo, Mich.,
recently gave a program on Service at an
East Goshen MYF meeting. They are pre-
paring a program to be given in the near
future at the Moorcpark, Mich., Church.
Bro. Etril Leinbach, Moorcpark, Mich., has
been holding Tuesday evening services with
the men in the Kalamazoo center.
Brethren Orval Greaser and Lowell Beck,
both of Archbold, Ohio, have been appointed
MISSIONS SECTION
as co-leaders of the Cleveland, Ohio, I-W
unit. These men are caring for their leader-
ship responsibilities along with their full-time
I-W work.
Bro. Dean Slagel, who is employed in
Cleveland and lives near the I-W center, is
serving as caretaker of the building.
Released January 9, 1954
Office for Relief and Service
Elkhart, Indiana
MCC Weekly Notes
MCC Meeting Sees "New Frontiers"
The annual meeting of the members of
the Mennonite Central Committee was held
in Chicago Jan. 1 and 2 to review activities
of the past year and to plan the 1954 pro-
grams. The meeting included reports and
planning on the work of MCC in relief,
Mennonite aid, peace, I-W services, voluntary
service, and mental health. Members of the
peace and Mennonite aid sections and the
Flying Missions associates met before the
annual meeting began Friday afternoon.
The Friday evening session of the annual
meeting was devoted to presentations of
"New Frontiers" into which the Mennonite
and Brethren in Christ churches of North
America are co-operatively entering. The
mental health frontier was presented by
Myron Ebersole, administrator of Prairie
View Hospital, the third MCC mental hos-
pital nearing completion at Newton, Kans.
He pointed out that "we sort of stumbled
into the mental health field as a result of
Civilian Public Service." But he went on to
say that "even though we were not trained
to enter this field, yet because we possessed
the touchstone of love, we were qualified to
enter this ministry."
A second frontier, Voluntary Service in
Canada, was presented by Harvey Toews, di-
rector of that program. Canadian Voluntary
Service has not had the CPS and I-W back-
ground that VS has had in the United States.
He pointed out, however, that there is great
interest in Voluntary Service in Canada.
Two year-round projects in mental hospitals
in Ontario are in operation and plans are to
begin a community service project in western
Canada in an unchurched area which we
hope will be the beginning of a mission field.
Two young Canadian men are entering PAX
and a third is expected to enter soon.
Another frontier is the work of the Flying
Mission associates — private North American
Mennonite businessmen interested in devel-
oping industry in Paraguay. In the absence
of Ed J. Peters of Wasco, Calif., one of the
associates, Orie O. Miller commented on their
interests. At their Dec. 31 meeting the Fly-
ing Mission associates discussed the initia-
tion of dairy improvement and a leather-
tanning project in Paraguay.
Elmer luliger of the General Conference
Mennonite Board of Christian Service, New-
ton, Kans., in presenting the I-W services
frontier contrasted the CPS and I-W pro-
grams. "In CPS there was a corporate wit-
ness and now in I-W, it's the individual wit-
ness that counts. The community control
and group pressure of CPS are absent in
I-W." He urged that educational efforts in
behalf of I-W men be made much more effec-
tive. Our churches must produce fellows who
will live on their own and our churches must
make themselves responsible for pastoral serv-
ices to our I-W brethren.
The fifth frontier — the Basel, Switzerland,
and Montevideo, Uruguay, Bible schools —
was presented by Harold S. Bender of the
Goshen College Biblical seminary. "A good
Bible school gives a whole reorganization to
the Church with emphasis on evangelism,
church history, relief, and missions." Refer-
ring to the Basel Bible school, he repeated a
testimony made by a Basel Mennonite: "As
a result of this school, you've made us re-
spect the name of Mennonite once again."
Brother Bender suggested that a Spanish Bi-
ble school in lower South America may be
the means of fulfilling the Great Commission
in the Spanish-speaking world. "Who knows
why God has led 16,000 Mennonites to South
America?" he asked.
The section meetings preceding the an-
nual MCC meeting reviewed the past year's
activities. The peace section agreed to assist
and work with MCC constituent groups in a
census of draft-age men. In view of the
strong sentiment expressed by Mennonite and
Brethren in Christ representatives at the 1953
Detroit conference that another study confer-
ence be held by MCC churches, it was agreed
that the peace section executive committee be
authorized to plan an all Mennonite and
Brethren in Christ study conference.
The aid section requested its executive
committee and the MCC executive commit-
tee to restudy the aid section organization
and objectives. It encouraged continued serv-
ice in Mexico in spite of great difficulties in
this program.
The Mennonite Central Committee now
consists of 23 members and two associate
members who represent the various Men-
nonite and Brethren in Christ groups. To-
gether they annually review the activities of
the past year and plan activities for the com-
ing year.
The members of the executive committee
who were re-elected at the annual meeting
and the groups they represent: C. X. Hostet-
ter, Jr., Grantham, Pa., chairman. Brethren
in Christ; H. A. Fast, North Newton, Kans,
vice-chairman, General Conference Mennon-
ites; Orie O. Miller, Akron, Pa., executive
secretary, member at large; H. S. Bender, Go-
shen, Ind., assistant secretary, (Old) Men-
nonite Church; P. C. Hiebert, Hillsboro,
Kans., retired chairman and now a life mem-
ber; C. F. Klassen. Abbotsford, B.C.. mem-
ber at large; William T. Snyder, Akron, Pa.,
assistant executive-secretary, member at large;
and J. J. Thiessen, Saskatoon, Sask., Cana-
dian Mennonite Board of Colonization.
Committee members: Oscar Burkholder,
Brcslau, Ont.. Non-Resistant Relief Organi-
zation; George L. Classen, Yale. S. Dak..
Krimmer Mennonite Brethren; William M.
Enns, Winkler, Man., Canadian Mennonite
Relief Committee; Henry F. Garber, Mt. Joy,
Pa., Lancaster Conference Mennonites; Ken-
January ip, 1954
neth Gciger, Elkhart, Ind., United Mission-
ary Church; Andrew Gingerich, Mannsvillc,
N.Y., Conservative Amish Mennonites; B. B.
Janz,' Coaldale, Aha., Mennonite Central Re-
lief Committee; Robert Kreider, Blufhon,
Ohio, General Conference Mennonites; M. A.
Kroeker, Marion, S. Dak., Mennonite Breth-
ren; J. B. Martin, Waterloo, Ont., Conference
of Historic Peace Churches (Mennonite);
Boyd Nelson, Elkhart, Ind., (Old) Mennon-
ites; Sam J. Schmidt, Marion, S. Dak., Evan-
gelical Mennonite Brethren; F. H. Wenger,
Moundridge, Kans., Church of God in Christ
Mennonite; Abe Yoder, Hartville, Ohio, Old
Order Amish; and Merlo M. Zimmerman,
Flanagan, 111., Evangelical Mennonites.
The associate members: Jared F. Gerig, Ft.
Wayne, Ind., Missionary Church Association,
and George J. Rempel, Meade, Kans., Em-
manuel Mennonite Church.
Released January 8, 1954
MCC Information Service
Akron, Pa.
GOSPEL HERALD
more sewing; so it you have some literature
I'd appreciate having some information on
the most-needed things. It takes lots longer
when one works alone. If we did not live
so far apart, I'm sure we could have sewings
in summer."
Mrs. Drawbond also expressed apprecia-
tion for our sewing circle literature and
spoke of the pleasure she had in handing
out Prayer Guides. "I'm sure they will be
used," she said. "We really enjoy ours."
After reading Mrs. Drawbond's letter it
occurred to me that it might not be a bad
idea for some of us to choose pen pals from
some of our remote regions in the United
States where our sisters have so little fellow-
ship. What opportunities for encourage-
ment!—Mrs. C. L. Shank.
Women's Activities
A project for January given in the Janu-
ary Activities Letter is that of giving in pack-
age form Nos. 2, 4, 5, and 6 knitting, sewing,
and darning needles. An idea might be to
have each member bring a set of knitting
needles, or a package of sewing or darning
needles, suggests Sister Sitler.
There has been a good response in yarn
and yardage projects but a shortage of need-
les. In Korea particularly the women need
knitting and sewing needles.
« * «
In October Sisters Ada and Ida Stoltzfus
started a small project to help feed under-
nourished babies in Jordan. With the help
of the nurses at the sanatorium they worked
out formulas for the various ages and weights.
Each baby is given a mixture in dry form of
milk powder, sugar, powdered egg, and pab-
lum. The mother is instructed on how much
water to add for each feeding. The ration
lasts one week.
There is so much that these mothers do
not understand, never having been taught;
they know only the customs of others before
them; they know nothing of formulas, ster-
ilized bottles, clean clothes, cod-liver oil, vita-
mins, orange juice, or tinned baby foods.
* . » f
Has your circle given toward the furnish-
ings for the missionary homes in Uruguay?
Has your circle given to the free literature
fund, to the General Committee fund? The
end of our year comes with the end of March.
• • •
What would you do for sewing circle ac-
tivity if you lived 35 miles from the one other
married woman of your congregation? This
happens to be the case of Mrs. Emmert
Drawbond, Fortuna, N. Dak., during the
winter months. In summer the group in-
creases to at least six.
"But I have my own sewing in our home,"
writes Mrs. Drawbond. "I average about
two boxes of clothing a year of used and new
garments. This winter I want to do some
From Our Churches
ALBUQUERQUE. NEW MEXICO
(Bethel Congregation]
"Thanks be unto God for his unspeukable
81 Qur Sunday-school and church officers are:
Supt., Cletus Paper; Asst., Richard Poper;
Chorister, Manford Miller; Secy Phoebe Yo-
der- TreaS., Manford Miller; Mission Hoard
member, Joe 11. Yoder. Our Sunday-school en-
rollment is 40. We are greatly in need of OUT
church building as our junior classroom is tilled
to overflowing.
We are happy to have Sister Rhoda xouer,
formerly of Sheridan, Oreg., with us. Her pres
ence and help are much appreciated.
Bro C. Z. Martin and wife stopped with ns
over Dec. 20 ami Bro. Martin brought the morn-
ing and evening messages.
Sister Beuluh Miller has been ill the last two
months. Will you pray with us lor the healing
of her body? , , _ fl
Bro Joe II. Yoder arrived home Dec. __ after
serving an evangelist for the I'iUe congregation,
Elida. Ohio. He gave an interesting report ol
the meetings.
A group from here attended our conference
Which was held at Los Angeles, Calif. \\ e en-
joyed the rich spiritual blessings we received
am] caine home with a new zeal to press on.
We are praying thai the Lord will semi more
laborers into this part of His vineyard.
Mrs. Joe H. Yoder.
BELLEVILLE. PENNSYLVANIA
(Alleusville Congregation)
Dear Christian Friends:
September found two of our sisters leaving
for E.M.C. and Bevera] others taking nurses
training in the local hospital in bewistown.
Two girls left recently for Pittsburgh, Pa., to
take further training there.
Bro. Harry Shetler, Davidsville, Pa., spoke
to us on Nov. 8 about service for l-W men. Sis-
ter Mildred Hiestand spoke after the Sunday-
school hour on Dec. 18. Itoka Maeda. one ol
l he foreign students at K.M.C., sang and gave a
short talk ufter young people's meeting one
Sunday evening. _ .
Lucille Morris. Maggie Byler. and Linda
Spicher were confined to the hospital tor some
time but have returned home and are recuperat-
ing satisfactorily. .
This community was saddened on ( hristiuas
Day by the sudden death of Sister Edna, wife
of 'Bro. John Yoder. The family with a few
guests had enjoyed a pleasant forenoon and
dinner together. She leaves her husband and
two sons.
Bro. and Sister Joshua Yoder have gone to
Vermont to work on a I-W basis and Bro. and
Sister Jesse Yoder are serving on the same
ba^is at the Welsh Mountian Home.
Belleville Mennonite School is building an
addition to its present building. The high school
and upper grades rendered the annual Christ-
mas program at the Locust Grove Church on
Dee 22.
Bro Paul Roth, Masoutown, Pa., brought us
0/
a memwige on Dc<\ 27. und the evening of the
-.him duy Bro. Mark Lehman, Goshen, Ind.,
tju.e OS infoimuliou concerning \S uuim al
various places.
We are looking forward to a *piritual re-
freshing during the three weak* of itible school
which will be held here Jan. 1> to Feb. 5.
The !>>rd has blensed Us both spiritually and
materiuliy. Let us return the giory uue uuio
ll.m ami determine witu ucw seal to do our
• best'' for Him.
Idu Kauagy.
COLUMBIANA, Oliio
(Mm way Congregation)
Truly, us a ongiegatiou we can say that the
Lord i» auie CO Uo exceeding ubuuduiilly above
an iliui Wt usK or think.
During the lusi iwo mouths our commuuity
has Hail tue uppotrLUuitl to enjoy revival meet-
ing.-, ui eacu oi ihe luree local churches, lue
evangelist al .tun way was Bro. Stanley SheuS.
Uue juuug ouy couiessed Christ and a young
man ucuicuieil nu> life anew to Curisl. N\ e pray
inui an DUeniUers may aiso have been slreugin-
ened and mui we may walk more closely witu
Hie Lord ami m uUedieUCC to His teachings.
Bro. Ezra Uoou, 'leges, Ky., held meetings al
the Youngstown misoioii.
During i ne past quarter we lost several mem-
bers uy uculn. One young husbuud and wile
have been received into our church by letter.
on Dec. i5 and 10 the portable cauuer was
in our cniinuiiiiy and we had the opportun.ty
lo snare tune, ni..ney, und meat with Uiose less
I or, u mile across the seu.
uu .sov. 21) we enjoyed u challenging message
from Bro. Paul Uunimel Bro. A. C. Good wus
With us on tue week end ol Dec. 20. Uu Cnrisl-
DUU evening our local choi us gave us u musical
program. , .
We enjoyed seeing again the several young
people Who ure uwuy ai college and several of
our members who are in l-W service.
May the New Year find us walking with the
Loid. oUinieiit to ins Worn, and happy in His
sen ice. ' . , ...
Mrs. David Wenger.
JOHNSTOWN. PENNSYLVANIA
(lln.mus Congregation)
Deur Hkuai.u Headers :
• Biess the l.oru, U my soul, and forget not
all ins benefits."
S.nce our last writing we huve hud the priv-
ilege ol liuving the following guest speakers at
our cougregauou : Hiram M ingard and Bro.
and Sister Clayton Kolirer, Wadsworlh. Ohio;
bro. and Sisier Dean Slagel. Cleveland, Ohio ;
I'aui N ueiiswauuer, Budron, Ohio: Wendell
.Uetzler, Akron, Pa.; John Lehman. Eli Miller,
und Melvin .Nussbuuin from our own district,
and Marcus Bind, Salem, Oreg. Their services
were appreciated.
Three boys trom our congregation, Marliu
Sala Frank islotign, and Sauloid 1 nomas, au-
nt l-W SetVlCe at Harnsburg Stale Hospital.
Harnsburg, l'u., and Gerald Tuoiuas is ut Pnu-
auelplna Suite Hospital tor his l-W t,cr\ ice.
We praise the Bold lor their testimony al
their o. Herein pluces ot work. We pray that
they may remain true and faithful witnesses.
Many of our number enjoyed our annual
Southwestern Coniercnce sessions at the S;alil
Church Aug. 2-o. A few of our number alw
attended me General Conference in Canada.
Church School Day was observed on Aug.
30. Bro. John Lehman brougiu tin- message.
Viler the message, special prayer was offered
for all ages. He asked the first yeur of school
bovs and girls to stand and special prayer was
offered for them. Then the grades 2 0, then the
high school and college students, and lastly the
remaining folks in the audience, and special
prayer was offered for each group as they stood.
May we, as the older ones, be helpful iu teach-
ing and guiding our youth. It wus truly an im-
pressive service and will be long remembered
by many. . ...
A lew of our number enjoyed their summer
vacation ul LaureBille Mennonite Camp during
the activities of the summer.
Our youth project had good crops tins year
again, especially u bumper crop of Bermuda ou-
ious. During the holiday season, the young peo-
ple went caroling for aged. sick, and shut-ms.
and they also made Christmas baskets. 1 in-
Helping Hand and Juniou Sewing both made
baskets of food also. Truly OUT hearts were
made happy as we delivered these baskets and
saw the radiant smiles upon the faces of indi-
vidual* who received them.
During the month of September, district
prayer meetings were conducted ut the different
68
GOSPEL HERALD
January ip, 1954
churches in behalf of the Hammer Tent Reviv-
als held in Johnstown, Pa. Many prayers were
answered during those meetings. Three young
folks "minded God'' from our congregation, and
received joy and happiness in their hearts.
These were received into church fellowship on
Nov. 22.
Oct. 1 Bro. Aldus Wingard brought a mes-
sage at the St. Thomas Lutheran Church and
a group of young folks rendered special music.
We are looking forward to having Bro. Urie
Bender from Baden, Ont., with us for our
spring revivals. We request the prayers of God's
children for these revivals, as there are many
souls about us who need the cleansing blood of
Jesus applied to their hearts. PRAY !
Revival meetings were conducted at our mis-
sion station, Headrick, Nov. 5-8, by Bro. Harry
£. Shetler, Davidsville, Pa. Results were not
visible, but God has promised that His Word
would not return unto Him void.
The Youth Group rendered a program at the
Jerome Nazarene Church on Nov. 8 and Bro.
Wingard delivered a short message.
The annual Thanksgiving Bible Conference
of the Johnstown District was held Nov. 25-29.
Bro. Sanford Shetler brought a series of mes-
sages on "The Holy Spirit" and Bro. John
Gingrich delivered the Thanksgiving sermon.
The men's quartet of the Mennonite Hour
broadcast favored us with a special message
in song.
On Dec. 13 many of our youth group assisted
with the service at the Somerset jail for the
first time. They gave a short program and
Bro. Wingard a short Gospel message.
A conference on Christian schools, held at
the Stahl Church on Dec. 26, 27, was enjoyed.
Bio. Marcus Lind, Salem, Oreg., and John Bon-
trager, Alden, N.Y., were the guest speakers.
A few of our number are availing themselves
of the opportunity for Bible study at the Johns-
town Bible School.
May God bless all this coming year.
Fannie E. Thomas.
MISSIONS EDITORIAL (Continued)
develop the benefits of civilization is for
technical help. Such openings provide the
laity with missionary opportunities which
they did not have before.
Our own Mennonite Mission Boards are
using more special and short-term workers
to do some of the building and other technical
work required on the mission field. Since a
wider variety of individual talents can be
used on the mission field and since millions
have not yet heard the Gospel, our youth
today face a challenge they dare not ignore. —
L. C. Hartzler.
MISSION NEWS (Continued)
Bro. Vern Miller, pastor of the Gladstone
Mennonite Mission, Cleveland, Ohio, will
speak at the Tedrow Mennonite Church,
Wauseon, Ohio, on Sunday morning, Jan.
24, and the West Clinton Mennonite Church,
Pettisville, Ohio, in the evening.
Sister Vivian Eby, Mt. Joy, Pa., was re-
appointed as missionary teacher for Tan-
ganyika at the Jan. 8 meeting of the Eastern
Mission Board.
Change of address: Bro. and Sister John
Fricscn, missionaries on furlough from India,
will be residing at Moundridge, Kans.
The Brethren H. Ernest Bennett and
Levi C. Hartzler from the Elkhart Mission
headquarters spoke on "The New Era in
Missions" to the College Mennonite Church,
Goshen, Ind., on Sunday evening, Jan. 10.
Change in address: Bro. and Sister Simeon
Hurst, missionaries on furlough from Tan-
ganyika to 1328 Concession Rd., Preston,
Ont.
Bro. Daniel Sensenig, missionary on fur-
lough from Ethiopia, spoke at the First
Mennonite Church, Kitchener, Ont., on
Thursday evening, Jan. 7, in the first of a
series of messages by foreign missionaries
sponsored by the Ontario Mennonite Bible
School and the Ontario Mennonite Bible In-
stitute.
The annual Bible lectures sponsored by
the Detroit Mennonite Church will be held
on Feb. 7 instead of Jan. 24. Bro. S. C.
Yoder, Goshen, Ind., will be the speaker.
Bro. Lester Hershey, missionary on fur-
lough from Puerto Rico, spoke both morn-
ing and evening to the Monterey Mennonite
Church, Bird-in-Hand, Pa., on Sunday,
Jan. 10.
The Mennonite Missions in Chicago are
planning a Youth Rally for Jan. 29-31.
Bro. Edwin J. Stalter and a men's quartet
from the Waldo congregation, Flanagan, 111.,
conducted the Sunday evening service at the
Peoria, 111., Mennonite Church on Jan. 17.
Bro. Luke Birky, La Plata, Puerto Rico,
will speak to the Winton, Calif., congrega-
tion regarding the medical program in Puer-
to Rico on Jan. 24.
Bro. Silas Horst, South English, Iowa, and
Bro. Simon Gingerich, Wayland, Iowa, were
recent speakers at the Daytonville, Iowa,
Mission Church.
The Itinerant Evangelism Committee of
Lancaster Conference has opened Gospel
services in Pensacola, Fla., by placing in that
city Bro. and Sister Herbert Ebersole, who
conduct services at 2828 W. Avery St. This
committee also plans to send two workers to
Century, Fla., to conduct Gospel services
there.
The first member of the Creek Indian
tribe to be baptized at the Poarch Indian
Mission, north of Atmore, Ala., was recendy
received into church fellowship. This work
is being carried on under the direction of
the Eastern Board of Missions and Charities.
Bro. John Gingrich, superintendent of the
Johnstown Mission, who was recovering sat-
isfactorily from recent heart attacks, last
week had further attacks which required
him to return to the hospital where he will
need to remain for another month. May we
remember him in prayer.
FIELD NOTES (Continued)
The Peace Problems Committee of Men-
nonite General Conference met at Ephrata,
Pa., Jan. 9. Among other important business
the committee was reorganized as follows:
Chairman, H. S. Bender; Vice Chairman,
John E. Lapp; Secretary, Paul Peachey;
Treasurer, Orie O. Miller.
Sister Kathryn Zook, wife of Bro. Uriel
Zook, deacon of the Allensville, Pa., congre-
gation, and mother of Ellrose and Merle
Zook of the Publishing House staff, passed
away Jan. 6 as a result of complications fol-
lowing a major operation. Our condolences
go out to the bereft family.
Attendance of ordained men at Ministers'
Normal at the Johnstown Bible School, Jan.
5-7, was as follows by conferences: South-
western Pennsylvania, 31; Ohio, 6; Fran-
conia, 3; Conservative A.M., 2; Virginia, 1;
total 43. 1
Sister Lois Yake, of the Sales Department
of the Publishing House, is recovering sat-
isfactorily from surgery which she under-
went at the Mercy Hospital, Pittsburgh,
Jan. 9.
A vacant church at Port Republic, Va,
about fifteen miles south and east of Harri-
sonburg, was purchased by the Chicago Ave-
nue Church of Harrisonburg. The building
was redecorated and the hrst service was
held on Jan. 3. Hubert Pellman is the pastor
of this newly organized church.
Announcements
Bro. Daniel Sensenig, returned missionary
from Ethiopia, will speak at the South Chris-
tian St. Church, Lancaster, Pa., Jan. 31.
The Ministers' Bible Study and Fellow-
ship Meeting of the C. A Mennonite Confer-
ence is to be held at the United Bethel
Church, Plain City, Ohio, Feb. 16-26.
The Christian Youth Fellowship will meet
at the Martins Mennonite Church, Saturday
evening, Jan. 30, at 8 pjn., when Bro. John R.
Mumaw, Harrisonburg, Va., will bring an-
other message in a series on "Courtship and
Marriage."
"Christian Youth and the State" is the
topic for the Lititz Young People's Meeting
on Jan. 24. Bro. Clarence Lutz will speak
and several young men in I-W service will
be on the program too.
Evangelistic meetings to be held in the
Southland are as follows: Ray J. Shenk, Col-
lege Park, Md., at Pinecraft, Sarasota, Fla.,
Jan. 21-31; C. Z. Martin, Columbia, Pa., at
Pleasant Grove, East Brewton, Ala., and
Crestview, Fla., Feb. 7-21. John S. Hess,
Lititz, Pa., at Ybor City, Tampa, Fla., Feb.
10-21.
Bro. Milo Kauffman, Hesston, Kans., will
give lectures on Christian Stewardship at the
Holdeman Church, Wakarusa, Ind., Feb.
20, 21.
A Winter Bible School will be held at the
Casselman Church, near Grantsville, Md.,
March 1-21, with the brethren I. Mark Ross,
Hesston, Kans., and Roy Kinsinger, Grants-
ville, Md., as instructors.
Bro. Norman R. Bange, Hanover, Pa.,
preaching at Sunnyside Mission, Lancaster,
Pa., Sunday evening, Jan. 24.
E. C. Bender and Paul Erb at Woodridgc,
Washington, D.C., morning and evening,
Jan. 24.
Visiting Speakers
Dec. 27. A. C. Brunk, Colorado Springs,
Colo., at Upland, Calif.
Jan. 3. Floyd Sieber, on furlough from
Argentina, at Maple Grove, Belleville, Pa.
Marvin Miller, Elkhart, Ind., at Leetonia,
Ohio. Roy Otto, Springs, Pa., at Orrville,
Ohio. J. C. Gingerich, Detroit Lakes, Minn.,
at Gulfhaven, Gulfport, Miss.
Jan. 10. S. F. Coffman, Vineland, Ont.,
at the College Church, Goshen, Ind.. morn-
ing; Prairie St. Church, Elkhart, Ind., eve-
ning. Arnold and Wilmetta Dietzel, mis-
sionaries to India, at Holdeman Church,
Wakarusa, Ind.
January 19, 1954
FAMILY CIRCLE (Continued)
The doctor tried stronger lenses. "Now
can you read what the nurse is holding?"
Vainly, futilely Mary Grant reached
out a hand groping as if to touch help.
She strained her eyes with her very soul
in the effort. "No-o-o, I can't see any-
thing!"
"I'll try bolder type," the doctor of-
fered hopefully.
Again weakly and faintly came Mary
Grant's "No-o, doctor, not yet!"
The doctor cleared his throat noisily.
"Call young Doctor Hall in," he said
almost brusquely. The young doctor
came in. He looked at the eyes through a
magnifying glass. He shook his head. He
mumbled some unintelligible medical
words. Mary Grant's lips were parted
with eagerness to hear.
"The blood clots that followed the
second operation," he said finally, "—
they didn't absorb like we hoped! They
caused it. Both eyes."
The office clock ticked loudly-far too
loudly— it was oppressive. Mary Grant
broke the heart-rending silence. "Oh,
dear God!" Her voice was agonized-
strained. "Why couldn't it have been my
hearing, or my taste-but to never again
see my children's faces-not see the new
grandbaby or read my own children's
letters-or piece those quilts! Dear Lord,
don't let this happen to me. Please,
Lord, don't let it happen!"
Mary Grant seemed to have forgotten
the doctors and the nurse and her daugh-
ters. She was addressing One more im-
portant to her— an unseen presence. She
clutched the War Cry till the edges tore.
The nurse noticed every eye was wet
like her own. No one seemed to know
what to say.
Then suddenly, gallantly, through her
sobs, Mary Grant raised her old stooped
shoulders. "Tell me, doctor, tell me the
truth. I can take it. I'll never see again?
Glasses won't help? I'm blind? Tell me
the absolute truth!"
"I'm afraid," said the doctor, tears on
his cheeks, "that's just about it, that's
just what it means!"
The young doctor took out his hand-
kerchief and blew his nose. The nurse
noticed the battle for quiet tears that the
daughters were fighting. The nurse
swallowed, then bravely leaned and pat-
ted Mrs. Grant's hand.
As she did, the convulsive sobs again
shook Mary Grant. Hot tears splashed
down on the War Cry. It slipped through
her fingers and fell to the floor. The
nurse stooped to pick it up. Mary Grant
had only felt the paper. She could not
see it. She did not know that on its cover
page was a gaudily colored picture of
Christ. On "a hill in the background
stood three wooden crosses and before
them stood the poorly done picture of
Him. His hands were compassionately
outspread over a white-crossed cemetery
in some alien land.
Emotion tore at the nurse's heart; she
GOSPEL HERALD
felt her loved patient of months was lit-
erally crushed.
Then suddenly she noticed like the
warming glow of sunrise a change in
Mary Grant's face. The sobs subsided
slowly. A brave smile flittered a second
on Mary Grant's lips. She was speaking.
"If that brave soldier boy can go on
without legs, I can do without eyesight!
"It's all right, doctor. My children will
see for me. God's been so good to me so
long— you doctors have been wonderful.
Thank you all."
And the nurse felt what every one
there knew: Mary Grant would bravely
carry her cross-IN THE DARK.
Oklahoma City, Okla.
69
BIRTHS
TO BE NEAR TO GOD (Continued)
Friday, January 29
Read Matt. 7:13-20.
The gate is strait; the way is narrow. Few
people travel this way. Further, there are
many false prophets who would deceive us
into making a wrong turn. How then can
we avoid making a fatal, eternal mistake?
Contrary to the usual American viewpoint,
the bigness of the crowd does not prove the
Tightness of the cause. It could be that the
multitude is wrong. In fact, the Scriptures
teach that the majority of men are wrong.
Beware the crowded road !
Contrary to a common theological opinion,
one's manner of life does matter. The way
a man lives is a Biblical criterion for deciding
whether he is a true or false prophet. Let us
give earnest heed to those whose lives as well
as words conform to the teachings of the
Scriptures.
Thank you, God, for giving us ways of
knowing your truth and of discerning your
true prophets from the false. Make us dili-
gent students of the Word that our discern-
ing may be with divine wisdom.
Saturday, January 30
Road Matt. 7:21-29.
Is it not true that many times we tend to
confuse Christian service with an on ongoing
heart experience with the Lord? We need to
remember that doing works for God — seem-
ingly works of God— is not a substitute for
being born of God. Let us allow God to
search us: Have we ever felt a sense of
spiritual attainment because of the good
things we do? We must be always doing
good, but it can only be because of inner
devotion to God.
Do we hear the voice of God speaking to
our hearts, answer "Yes," but continue build-
ing our lives without regard to the call that
has come? Are we doers of the Word, or
hearers only? Of Noah it was said: ^ "Ac-
cording to all that God commanded him, so
did he."
Father, I would love Thee with all of my-
self and humblv serve Thee at Thy direction.
Speak; I would listen — and do!
— J. Lester Brubaker.
"Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord" (Pi. 127:3a).
Borntrager. A. D. nnd Esther IKiinffman >.
Iown City, Iowa, sixth child, fourth daughter.
Virginia Irene. Oct. 30. 1968.
Burkholder, Mnrtin nnd Ruth (Horst). Hag-
erstown. Md.. fourth child, third son, Dnniel
Lester. Sept. 12. 1953.
Friesen. John Z. nnd Mildred (Graher).
Eureka, 111., second son. Howard Gale, Dec. 24.
1968.
Gehman. Harry Jacob nnd E. Olive (Grny-
bill). Thompsontnwn. Pa., first child, Harry Ja-
cob. Jr.. Dec. 5. 1053.
Glngerich. George nnd darn (Kntiffmnn),
Wollmnn. Town, fourth child. Judith Elaine.
Oct. 20. 1053.
Good. Emory J. nnd Thelmn (BRsserl, Hnr-
risonburg, Vn.. second child, first daughter.
Joyce Dnwn, Jan. 1. 1054.
Harkman, Ilnrris'in If, and Elizabeth (An-
ders). Telford, Pa., third child. Joel Harrison.
Dec. 12. 10.r)3.
Helmuth. Nonh nnd Ednn (MilW). Arthur.
111., third son. Phillip. Dec 15. 10.r)3.
Horning. Leonard nnd Ruth (Hem). Bethel,
Pn.. second child. Jny Lnvcrn. No*. 27. 1963
Hostetler. Oscnr nnd Rachel (HeadinewL
Tnmpico. Til., n son. Arthur Roy. Dec. 12 1958.
Hunsberger. Krnnklin nnd Catherine (Malta),
Concord. Tenn.. fifth child, first (laughter. Grnce
Eliznbeth. Dec. 0. 1968.
King. Herbert nnd Dornthv fPcnchcy). B "ith
Mountain, Pn., first child, Bnrbnrn Irene. Dec.
12. 1053.
Kropf. Owen nnd Idly (Hostetler). Tnmpico,
111., n dnnghter. Ri»n Arlcn<\ Dec. 0. 1968.
Lehman. Aldus M. nnd Ruth (Prey). Cham-
bersburg, Pn„ third son. Jay Allen, Dec. 17,
1053. _ .
Mast. Enrl nnd Alvernn (Zimmerman). Coch-
rnnville Pa., second son, Anthony Lynn. Dec.
19. 1053.
Martin. Clarence S. nnd Eleonorn (Lehman).
Lifitl Pn., second son, Allen Leroy. Dec. 2S.
1953.
Miller. Lester J. nnd Kntie Ann (Kauffmm ) .
Wellmnn, Iowa, fifth child, Elvestn R'>se. Dec.
3. 1053.
Moser. Elmer nnd KnthWn (Lehman). Caa-
fnrlnnrl. N.Y.. first child. Chnrlene Mnrie. Oct.
27. 1053.
Myers. Clarence S. nnd Elmn (Lnndi«). Nor-
ristown, Pn.. first child, Barry Lee, Dec. 10,
1053.
Nussbaum. Anron nnd Mnry (Ehersolc).
Wenater, Ohio, sixth child, fifth sun. Nathan
Allen. Jan. t 1054.
Plank. Henry J. and Martha (GinRerich),
Arthur. 111., second child. Mnreus Anthony.
Nov. 7. 1053.
Plank. John nnd Roberta (Miller). Arthur.
111., first child. Janet Sue. Dec. 11. 1053.
Roth. Lester nnd Dorothy (Blongh). West
Liberty, Ohio, a son. Richard Joseph, Dec. 20,
1053.
Sclirock. Willinm nnd Ruth (Eisher). Union-
town. Ohio, third child. Pearl Louise. July 14,
1053.
Shetler. John H. nnd Mildred (Rchrock). Go-
shen. Ind.. first child. Ellis Dale. Dec. 10. 1053.
Shenk. Michael and Pesrsy (BrackbilD. Sara-
sota. Fla., a son, Henry Michael. Dec. 20. 1053.
Shrock. William and Edna ( Swnrtzendru-
ber). Tampico. 111., a daughter. Lenorn Fern.
Dec. 22. 1053.
Stauffer. Robert nnd Pearl (Porter). Culn.
Altn.. third child. Chnrlos Ray. Dec. 1ft. 1968.
Showalter. James E. nnd Joyce (Blosser).
Broadwav, Va., first child. James Michael. Oct.
3. 1053. '
Slavmaker. John and Anna Elizabeth (Mar-
tin). Oochrnnville. Pa., first child. Marvin Dale.
.Inn. 4. 1054.
Spicher. Ray nnd Elizabeth (Hershberger) .
Hesston. Kans.. fourth son. Randall Dean. Dec.
27. 1053.
Thomas. Martin nnd Bnrbnrn Ann finder),
Hvdro. Okla., fourth child, third son, Devert
Jny. Dec. 20. 1053.
Yoder. Paul D. nnd Caroline (Swartz.endru-
ber). Greenwood. Del., third nnd fourth chil-
dren. Garrv Lee and Larry Lynn. Dec. 20,
1953. [
Wadel. Nonh B. and Lydia M. (Horst),
70
GOSPEL HERALD
January ip, 1954
Chambersburg, Pa., eighth child, fifth son,
James Marlin, Dec. 23, 1053.
Weaver, Norman W. and Violetta (Stauffer),
Lititz, Pa., third child, Violetta Jane, Dec. 28,
1953.
MARRIAGES
May the blessings of God be upon the homes
established by the marriages here listed. A year's
subscription to the GOSPEL HERALD Is given to those
whcse address is supplied by the officiating minister.
Eby — Eby. — Milton G. Eby, St. Jacobs Men-
nonite Church, St. Jacobs, Ont., and Agnes
Magdalene Eby, Sharon Mennonite Church,
Guernsey, Sask., by Stanley D. Shantz at the
Sharon Church, Dec. 23, 1953.
Erb — Steckly. — Nelson Erb, Wellesley con-
gregation, and Leona Steckly, Tavistock congre-
gation, by Henry Yantzi at the Tavistock
Church. Oct. 10, 1953.
Hershberger — Miller. — Noah D. Hershberger
and Mary S. Miller, Both of the Mayesville C.
A. Mennonite Church, Mayesville, Ohio, by Da-
vid L. Stutzman at the Maysville Church, Nov.
29, 1953.
Hostetler — Shenk. — Delbert Hostetler, Har-
per, Kans., and Luella Mae Shenk, Sheridan,
Oreg., by G. D. Shenk at the Sheridan Mennon-
ite Church, Oct. 30, 1953.
Kraybill — Snyder.- — John H. Kraybill, Bossier
congregation, Elizabethtown, Pa., and Thelma
M. Snyder Erisman congregation, Manheim,
Pa., by Homer Bomberger at the Erisman
Church. Jan. 2, 1954.
Martin — Lehman. — Walter L. Martin, ReifE
congregation, Washington Co., Md., and Verna
Lehman, Chambersburg congregation, Franklin
Co., Pa., by Amos E. Martin at the home of the
bride, Dec. 31, 1953.
Mitchell — Goodman. — Robert Mitchell and
Myrtle Goodman, both of Jefferson Street Men-
nonite congregation, Lima, Ohio, by Darwin
O'Connell at the Jefferson Street Church, Dec.
26, 1953.
Schwartzentruber — Jantzi. — Milton Schwart-
zentruber and Eva Jantzi, Wilmot congrega-
tion, by Moses O. Jantzi at the Steinman
Church, Baden, Ont., Sept. 20, 1953.
Sensenig — Boll. — R obert Louis
Kralls congregation, Lebanon Co.,
Rhoda Mae Boll, Erb congregation, Lititz, Pa.,
by Homer Bomberger at the Erb Church, Dec.
30. 1953.
Stauffer — Hoover. — Benjamin Stauffer and
Mary Hoover, both members of the North Leba-
non congregation, Lebanon, Pa., by Homer
Bomberger at the North Lebanon Church, Dec.
25. 1953.
Umble — Landes. — Vernon Ray Umble, Maple
Grove congregation, Atglen, Pa., and Mildred
G. Landes, Hereford congregation, Bally, Pa.,
by Abner G. Stoltzfus and Paul E. Longacre at
the Hereford Mennonite Church, Dec. 12. 1953.
Wagler — Jones. — Harold G. Wagler and Lor-
na Jones by Simon Gingerich at the Sugar
Creek Church, Wayland, Iowa, Jan. 3, 1954.
Yoder — Gregary. — Fred Yoder, Minot, N.
Dak., and Ruth Gregary, Brutus, Mich., by
Ivan Weaver at Petoskey Mennonite Church,
Petoskey, Mich., Nov. 15, 1953.
Zehr — Lebold. — Delford Zehr and Grace Le-
bold, Wilmot congregation, by Moses O. Jantzi
at the Steinman Church, Baden, Ont., Aug. 15,
1953.
Senseni?
Pa., and
God's Answer
The power of the Holy Spirit! An ever-
lasting spiritual presence among menl What
but that is the thing we want? The power
of the Holy Ghost by which every man who
is in doubt may know what is right, every
man whose soul is sick may be made spiritual-
ly whole, every weak man may be made a
strong man — that is God's one sufficient an-
swer to the endless appeal of man's spiritual
life. That's is God's one great response to the
unconscious need of spiritual guidance, which
That's is God's one great response to the un-
conscious ned of spiritual guidance, which
He hears crying out of the deep heart of
every man. — Phillips Brooks.
Susan — Mrs.
Maynard. in
Roy. Millie
OBITUARIES
May the sustaining grace and comfort of our Lord
bless these who are bereaved.
Borntrager, A. D., son of Daniel A. and Fan-
nie Borntrager, was born Nov. 2, 1925, at
Garnett, Kans. ; die<l as the result of an ac-
cident near Center Point, Iowa, Dec. 2, 1953 ;
aged 28 y. 1. m. As a child he came with his
parents to Iowa where they lived until 1939
when they moved to Middlebury, Ind. He be-
came a member of the C.A.M. Church near
Middlebury, Ind. At the close of his CPS days,
he was married to Esther Kauffman, Dec. 24,
1946. To this union were born six children
(Carolyn Ann, 6; Charlotte, 4: Carrie Marie,
3 : Andrew David. 2 ; Cecil Allen, I ; Virginia
Irene. 5 weeks). He leaves to mourn his depar-
ture besides his companion and six children,
his parents and the following brothers ami sis-
ters (Lee Andy, Orlando, Fla. ; Irene — Mrs.
John W. Miller, Lagrange, Ind. :
Nelson Nissley. Kalona, Iowa ;
I-W service, Kalamazoo, Mich. ,
Ann, Clarence, Idella, Elmer Glenn, and Floyd
Dale, at the home near Constantine, Mich").
For the past ten months A. D. had been en-
gaged as driver of a fuel transport. On his
last trip, when less than 50 miles from home,
an accident occurred in which he was burned to
death. The true cause of the unfortunate acci-
dent will probably never be known. Funeral
services were held Dec. 3. at the Fairview
Church near Kalona, Iowa, with Morris E.
Swartzendruber and Virgil Brenneman in
charge. Burial was in near-by cemetery.
Ebersole, Mary (Landis), widow of the late
John J. Ebersole, was born Dee. 10. 1873: died
Dec. 6, 1953; aged 79 jr. 11 m. 27 d. She is
survived by one son (Reuben. Bainbridge, Pa..)
and one daughter (Esther — Mrs. Witmer Hor-
sier, Elizabethtown, Pa.). At the age of 49
she suffered from a stroke which left her unable
to speak except only one syllable, "My, my."
One hand and limb were also partially disabled.
Funeral services were held Dec. 10 at Good's
Mennonite Church, conducted by Clarence E.
Lutz and Ira Z. Miller, with burial in adjoining
cemetery.
Gehman. Elizabeth H., daughter of Katie and
the late Christian S. Martin, was born in Terre
Hill. Pa., Jan. 13. 1903; died Dec. 30, 1953;
aged 50 y. 11 m. 17 d. In youth she became a
member of the Mennonite Church and remained
a faithftil member until death. She was united
in marriage to Eli H. Gehman. Nov. 6. 1926.
To this union were born 2 daughters and 2
sons. One daughter and one son preceded her
in death. Surviving are her husband. 2 children
(Arlene — Mrs. Amos Newswanger, Jr., Schuyl-
kill Haven, Pa., and J. Robert, Norristown.
Pa.), 4 grandchildren, and 5 brothers and sis-
ters (Aaron, Adamstown, Pa. ; Noah. Adam, and
Eva, Terre Hill, Pa. ; and Susan — Mrs. Amos
Zimmerman, Jr., Bowmansville, Pa.). Funeral
services were held in the Ephrata Mennonite
Church. Jan. 2, in charge of Amos Horst and
Aaron Stoltzfus, with burial in the Springville
Cemetery.
Groflf, Susan R.. daughter of the late Abram
B. and Anna (Ranck) Herr, was born near
New Danville. Pa.. Dec. 19. 1866; departed
this life Dee. 13. 1953; aged 86 y. 11 m. 24 d.
On Nov. 11, 1890, she was married to Emanuel
Groflf. They shared life's joys and sorrows to-
gether for over 63 years. She was a member
of the New Danville Mennonite Church. One
son and 2 daughters preceded her in death.
Surviving are her companion, and 5 children
(Mrs. Mary H. Hess ; Anna — Mrs. Jacob H.
Rohrer; Esther — Mrs. Ivan N. Charles; Nora
—Mrs. Andrew N. Miller : and Elias H.), 2
sisters and 2 brothers (Mrs. Lizzie Snavely.
Amanda R. Herr, Henry R.. and Abram R ).
26 grandchildren, and 21 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services at New Danville Church, Dec.
16, were conducted by nenry Nauman and
David N. Thomas, with burial in the adjoining
cemetery.
Horst. Samuel, -was born Jan. 12. 1868, in
Woolwich Townshdp: passed away at his son
Irvin's home, Dec. 30. 1953; aged' 85 y. 11 m.
18 d. He was united in marriage to Lavina
Bowman on April 4. 1897. To this union were
born two children (Irvin and Magdnlena). He
was preceded in death by his wife and daughter.
He leaves to mourn his departure his son and
2 grandchildren (Mrs. Harold Baunian and
Willard Iloret). ne was « member of the El-
mlra, Ont., Mennonite Church since its in in-
ception in 1924. Funeral services were held at
the Elmira Mennonite Church. Jan. 3. in charge
of O. D. Snider and Howard S. Bauman. In-
terment was made in the adjoining cemetery
Kauffman, Mary Ann. daughter of Noah E.
and the late Mattie (Miller) Stutzman. was
born Dee. 14, 1894. in Brown Co., Ind. : died
Sept. 4, 1953, at Clinton, Okla.; aged 5S v. S
m. 20 d. She was married to Henrv J. Kauff-
man on Nov. 21, 1916, near Arthur. 111. To this
union were born 4 sons and 4 daughters. Sur-
viving are her husband, 8 children (Joe; Mar-
tha— ^Irs. John C. Stutzman ; Katie Ann — Mrs
Lester J. Miller; Esther— Mrs. A. D. Borntra-
ger ; Clara— Mrs. George Gingerich ; and Jacob
Levi, all living near Kalona. Iowa; and Hai-
vey in I-W service), her father, 3 sisters"and
3 brothers (Mrs. Simon Yutzy. Mrs. Dan \
Miller, Mrs. Menno Swartzendruber. Reuben'
Levi, and John), and 22 grandchildren. She
was sick only two days when God called ber
home. Funeral services were held at the Fai.--
Church Sept. 9. in charge of
David Miller E. G. Swartzendruber, Albert- S
-Miller, and Jake J. Miller, with burial in 'the
cemetery near by.
«JPnff;i^?nI/C£ ^"C^/laughter of C. Richard
and Gail E (Frey) Kling. Atmore, Ala., was
born Aug. 13. 1947. in Philadelphia. Pa. Last
September she started her first year in school
fn ISovember she complained of severe pains
m her body. The disease was diagnosed as
leukemta. On Dec. 11. 1953. Eunice passed
into glory; aged 6 y. 3 m. 28 d. She leave,
to mourn her parents and one brother (Jam«s
-Nelson). Funeral services were held Dec 15
't u c ^emanville ^nnonite Church wit]
uHess An char"e- assisted bv Jacob
6. Kittenhouse. George Reno. Michael N Wen~-
er, and Don Augsburger. Interment was made
in the t reemanville, Ala., cemetery
Kropi\ Elizabeth, daughter of Nirklas aud
Annie Roth, was born Nov. 29. 1870- died
yery suddenly at the home nf her daughter
Mrs Rudy Roth. Oct. 27. 1953; aged 82 y 10
m. 28 d. On March 8. 1SS6. she was united in
marriage to Joseph Kropf, who died ei-ht
years later. She lived in widowhood for ~49
years In her youth she was received into the
Arnish Mennonite Church and remained faith-
ful until death Surviving are one daughter
(Sarah— Mrs. Rudy Roth), one son (Ezra
Last Zorra). one brother (Christian. Bast
t?-7,aK ^u grandchildren, and 9 great-grand-
children She was preceded in death bv 4 sisters
and 6 brothers. Funeral services were held
at the East Zorra Church in charge of Moses
H. Koth and Henry Yantzi, with burial in ad-
joining cemetery.
Miller. Rudolph E., son of Alexander and
Katharine Miller, was born near Bunker Hill
Ohio, May 6, 1S99 ; died Dec. 28, 1953 at the
place of his employment: aged 54 y. 7 m
d. In his youth he confessed Chris*t as his
Saviour and was received as a member of Mar-
tins Creek Mennonite Church. On Dec 14 ioiS
he was married to Othnev Trover. To this un-
ion were born 3 sons (Weldon. Berlin. Ohio:
Owen. Bunker Hill: and Ward, at home). He
leaves to mourn his unexpected death his be-
loved companion, their 3 sons. 2 grandchildren.
2 brothers (John. Bunker Hill j and Robert Mil-
lersburg). and 5 sisters (Martha Miller. Bunker
Hill: Mrs. Emma Yoder. Louisville. Ohio;
Mrs. Elizabeth Wengerd. Berlin. Ohio; Mrs.
Catharine Ann Zook. Rmithville, Ohio; and Mr«
Savilla Miller. Berlin, Ohio). Two sisters
preceded him in death. Funeral services were
conducted at the Berlin Mennonite Church Jan
5. by D. D. Miller. Earl E. Miller, and S. W.
Sommer. Burial was made in the Berlin Ceme-
tery.
Ramer. Tobias, son of the late Martin and
Lydia (Shaum) Ramer, was born near Wa-
karusa. Ind., Nov. 20. 1888; departed this
life Dec. 14. 1953; aged 65 y. 24 d. Although
in failing health for the past year, he appeared
as usual on Sunday when all the family spent
the day together. Little did we realize his
end was so near. He. with four other brethren
accepted Christ as Saviour and was received
into the fellowship of the Wisler Mennonite
Church on May IS. 1912. He is the first of the
croup to go on to his eternal reward. On Nov.
24. 1914. he was united in marriage with
Sauna Lehman, To this union were born 2
sons and 2 daughters who. with his companion,
survive. Berneice — Mrs. Paul Weaver, Nap-
panee. Ind. : Monroe, Goshen : and Merle and
Virginia, at home) : also surviving are 4
grandchildren. Q brothers and 3 sisters (Aman-
da— Mrs. Elias Martin. William. John, and
Edward, all of Goshen. Ind.; Lewis, Elkhart:
Isaiah, Nappanee. Ind.: Mrs. Anna Wenger and
Martha — Mrs. Elias Weaver, of Wakarusa).
muary 19, 1954
ne brother preceded him in death. The funeral
U held ut the Yellow Creek Mennonite Church
ith Fred Nighswander and Abram Good in
'sensenig, Jay Roy, infant eon of Roy and
una Mae (Frederick), Sensenig, Terre Hill,
a. was born Dec. 24. 1953, and died the
.llowing day, at the Lancaster Osteopathic
ospitul Besides his parents he is survived by
sister (Janice Lou, at home), his grandpar-
its (Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Frederick and Mr.
id Mrs. Harry L. Sensenig), one great-grand-
other and one great-grandfather. A short
rvice was held at the home and at the grave,
ec 20, with David N. Weaver in charge,
urial was made in the Martindale Cemetery.
Stutzman. Rena, daughter of the late Jere-
iah and Eliza Stutzman, was born Sept. 19,
(91, at Milford, Nobr. ; passed away at St.
ary's Hospital in Detroit Lakes, Minn.. Dec.
\ 1953: aged 02 y. 3 ni. 5 d. Death was caused
'a cerebral hemorrhage. She was married to
aniel Stutzman. Dec. 14, 1911. at Milford,
ebr. To this union were born 2 sons and 4
lughters (Alice— Mrs. Wilmer Wenger. Ver-
ce— Mrs. Ezra Erb. Mary— Mrs. William
ing, and Rudy, all of Detroit Lakes, Minn.;
, .Jorence — Mrs. Harold Schwitzer, Cairo, Nebr. ;
id Kenneth, who passed away in 1940). She
so leaves 13 grandchildren, one sister and one
other (Amanda— Mrs. Arthur Hirky, and Al-
le. both of Milford. Nebr.). She was preceded
dentil by her husband in 1949 and 4 grand-
ildren. She united with the Mennonite
lurch at Milford, Nebr., and was faithful
_itil death. Funeral services were held at the
nke Region Church, Dec. 28, with E. D
ershberger and Ben Grieser in charge. Burial
as made in the adjoining cemetery.
Wcnger. Ann, daughter of Abraham and
ary (Kilmer) Holdeman, was born Feb. 27,
(04; passed awav Dec. 11. 1953; aged 89
9 m. 14 d. On Oct. 18, 1885. she was married
Daniel Wenger, who passed away in 1951.
■o this union were born three sons and six
[lighters, all of whom live within eight miles
the home located near the Olive Church, near
'akarusa, Ind. Sister Wenger and her hus-
ind were converted in 1910, and united with
le Olive Mennonite Church where she was an
Site worker as long as she was able to attend,
bout eight years ago she became ill and was
■dfast since then. Besides her children, she
survived by 29 grandchildren, 52 great-grand-
lildren, and many friends. Funeral services
ere held at the Olive Church, conducted by
i. A. Yoder and C. A. Shank, with burial in
iljoining cemetery.
THE BOOK SHELF
Books reviewed In these columns may be ordered
om the Mennonite PublUhlnq House, Scottdale, Pa.
Peace with God, by Billy Graham; Double-
lay; 1953; 222 pp.; $2.50.
The internationally known twentieth-cen-
ury evangelist, Billy Graham, has prepared
n written form the message he preaches to
men and women everywhere in person and
jy radio and television. It is a message de-
igned for our generation in desperate need
jf a spiritual revival. Many who have be-
:ome warm friends of the author through
the "Hour of Decision" broadcast will want
*to add this book to their library.
The book appears in three sections: Part
I deals with the human quest for happiness
and purpose in life. By means of statistics
the author proves that America has the high-
est boredom of any spot in the world. This
fatal spiritual disease can only be cured by a
personal experience with Jesus Christ as Sav-
iour and Lord.
How to experience Christ is the subject of
the second division of the book. Jesus came
into the world to supply the answer to the
lonely, searching hearts; and the author in
GOSPEL HERALD
detail explains how faith and repentance by
the Holy Spirit lead us to the experience we
call conversion. Christians who lack assur-
ance and understanding will be greatly
helped by these simple but profound words.
The third division is a rare subject in most
fundamentalist circles. Having pointed the
reader to the rules by which a Christian
should live, the author discusses the relation
of the Christian to the church Nor does he
fail to point out that the Christian has social
obligations This is indeed the answer to the
"uneasy conscience of the modern funda-
mentalist."
Experience in the large evangelistic cru-
sades has been valuable to Graham in writ-
ing a book of this nature. It enables him to
understand the reader, and also illustrate his
message to make it more practical. Every
reader will be more conscious of the need of
regeneration as a basis of Christian living.
Faith to the author is more than mere in-
tellectual assent; it is a change of heart (p.
122).
Mennonite readers will appreciate the last
section of the book, for here the author
emphasizes consistent Christian living in a
very unique way. Pages 140 and 157 give
the author's view on separation from the
world. Though the author would not carry
this concept as far as we would, yet we give
credit for including this most neglected
teaching.
Many Scripture verses are quoted; other
sources are mentioned but no footnotes ap-
pear to identify the statements. Not all the
chapters are of equal quality, and the author
feels crowded at times to cover such a large
field in one volume. This is not a theological
or philosophical treatment of Biblical sub-
jects, but a simple declaration of the faith
that will give peace with God.
On the negative side one should not fail
to mention that Billy Graham of course
would endorse the participation in war.
He encourages reform by legislation and
praises the work of the Rotary and Kiwanis
clubs. It is evident that he would associate
with nonbelievers more than what we would
perhaps care to do. Many of the principles
the author mentions should be applied in
practical living, but he fails to be completely
consistent.
I would like to see this book promoted.
Pastors and evangelists will find it a help in
their work. The book is full of illustrations
that will be helpful to the reader and
Christian worker. I have found it a source
of inspiration to my heart. — Peter B. Wicbe.
ITEMS and COMMENTS
More than 25,000,000 copies of the Scrip-
tures will be published or circulated through-
out the world by 24 national Bible Societies
in 1954, but the actual need is for twice that
number, according to the American Bible
Society. This Society has established a new
agency in Liberia, the first in Africa south
of the Sahara. Loren Nussbaum, a General
71
The almanac
with "plus"
features
The 1954
Family Almanac
ALL you expect in an almanac is
here: weather forecasts, holi-
days, movements of heavenly bodies.
Here also is the Ministerial Directory.
Plus these, you have short, inspir-
ing articles you will want to read.
They include such subjects as home
furnishings, the home library, vaca-
tion ideas, and meal planning.
All of this is yours for only 30^.
$3.25 a dozen; $25.00 a hundred.
Order from
Mennonite Publishing House
Scottdale, Pennsylvania
For 8-12-year-olds
Ten of a Kind
By Edna Beiler
—A series of eventful stories about
an enthusiastic gang of boys and
their beloved Uncle Al, preacher
and Sunday-school teacher.
How they became ten of a kind
provides absorbing reading for
boys and girls. $1.50
Mennonite Publishing House
Scottdale, Pennsylvania
72
GOSPEL HERALD
January 19, lyyj
Eastward to the Sun
Conference Mennonite from Berne, Ind., has
been named secretary for this field. The
Society is supplying personnel and materials
for an extensive publication of Bibles in the
East Zone of Germany. Records for the
first six months of 1953 reveal that total
distributions by the Society were more than
25 per cent above the same period last year.
* # *
The Noel, Mo., post office, which in 1952
put its "Noel— the Christmas City" cancella-
tion on more than half a million pieces of
mail from all parts of the country, enlarged
its facilities in anticipation of an increase of
business this last season.
# # *
A World Good Will Book will be com-
piled next year to commemorate the one
hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the be-
ginning of Bible Society work. The first
Bible Society was established in London in
1804. The book, a project of 24 national
Bible Societies, will contain the signatures
of all in sixty nations or more who contribute
one dollar or more to send Scriptures to peo-
ple throughout the world. When completed,
the volume will be displayed in each of the
24 countries. Plans for the book grew out
of a similar Good Will Book for Japan in
1950.
# * *
The United States Supreme Court, in a
6-3 decision, recognized the claims of a
Jehovah's Witness to a IV-D (ministerial)
draft classification although he had no formal
theological training and was not ordained.
The ruling held that he actually was devot-
ing his major efforts to spiritual ministry,
and therefore deserved ministerial classifica-
tion. This would not necessarily be true of
other Witnesses who also claim that they are
ministers.
* * #
The mission organization of the Disciples
has acted to transfer control of the denomi-
nation's missionary work to nationals over-
seas. The Society will, in the future, serve
merely in an advisory capacity, giving sug-
gestions rather than instructions to overseas
fields.
• • *
There are 25 million people going to Sun-
day school in America, but another 25 mil-
lion, all under 23, receive no religious instruc-
tion.— D. Carl Yoder.
* * *
An electric beer-advertising sign at Louis-
ville, Kentucky, carried the slogan, "Put
Christ back into Christmas." Just how this
was to be done was not indicated by the
electric flasher.
• * *
A disastrous fire swept through Pusan,
Korea, destroyed the Bible House, including
Scriptures valued at $65,000. The American
Bible Society has ordered a large shipment
of paper for Korea that the printing of Scrip-
tures may be continued.
• • •
The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod has
taken an option on a tract outside Fort
Wayne, Ind., as the site of a proposed senior
college. It is planned to get construction
The interesting story of a journey
that reached its climax in India.
CANFORD C. YODER, author and
church leader, took this special trip
at the request of the Mennonite Board of
Missions and Charities. His account is
richly rewarding. Peoples and places
come alive on these pages. The climax
of the book is deeply moving, with its
thrilling details of the 50th anniversary
celebration of the India Mennonite
Church. $2.85
Mennonite Publishing House
scottdale, pennsylvania
under way by next fall. Buildings costing
about $5,000,000 will be erected to accom-
modate 450 ministerial students. The Synod's
present Concordia College in Fort Wayne
has been sold.
# * *
A resolution calling upon the Virginia
General Assembly to repeal state laws that
require racial segregation on common car-
riers and at public assemblies was adopted
by the Richmond Ministers' Association.
The Norfolk Ministerial Association an-
nounced that a policy of nonsegregation will
prevail at the annual preaching mission.
* • •
In the Persian Gulf area United States oil
investments approach one billion dollars. Oil
production has brought the annual income
of the King of Saudi Arabia to $200 million.
Why cannot this enormous wealth be used
to develop agriculture and industry in the
Arab world, and thus benefit the common
people, including the hapless refugees from
Israel?
• • •
The President of the Pakistani Assembly
has declared that Islam is the panacea for
humanity's present ills. He added: "The
world has tried many other remedies . . .
instead of a cure, alarming symptoms have
been produced."
• • •
This sensible word comes from the South.
The editor of the Adanta Constitution says,
"The Christian of today cannot help but
wince at the full implications, and the jarring
1-13X3
yi vr: :
clash of his creed, with discrimination 1
against any person because of color. To send
missionaries to colored peoples and then to
argue that because of the color of skin the
two may not . . . worship the same God
together is an impossible contradiction. Ill
is this very fact which causes our commu-j
nist enemies to be able to present us in a '
bad light before the Oriental and Asiatic
peoples. They can say . . . that our claims to
Christian brotherhood and democracy are:
hypocritically untrue. Christianity cannot
well afford to be on the wrong side of a
moral force."
• • •
Roman Catholics are celebrating in a Mari-
an Year the one hundredth anniversary of
the promulgation of the dogma of the im-
maculate conception. This doctrine says that
Mary, the mother of Jesus, had no original
sin.
• • •
Italy's Supreme Court has ruled that police
decrees dating back to Facist days which
restrict freedom of worship were "automatic-
ally abrogated" by adoption of the new con-
stitution in 1948. which contains religious
freedom guarantees. The decision was hailed
by Protestant leaders in Italy who had been
seeking a ruling to prevent local police of-i
ficials from invoking old regulations to pre-
vent non-Catholic meetings.
• • •
The British and Foreign Bible Society last
year distributed 135,000 copies of the Bible
in Poland.
Ill sL 0CV0IH0
•jav k;:vtqoom M9t
Nl lN3Xlj Y/.\ V %
TWO-I TS I 9 31INONN3N 1
GOSPEL HERALD
In the defence and confirmation of the gospel" "How heautiful are the feet of them that prta&the gospel of peace
'OLUME XLVII-
TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 1954-
N UMBER 4
Of Ranchers, Thieves, and the
Graveyard Shift
By Theodore Wentland
The graveyard shift, from midnight to
)reakfast, is a shift which few men like,
'eter Trosh, machine operator, was
vorking overtime at the shop. His hours
vere going into the graveyard shift, and
le was angry at himself for working
vhile the rest of the world slept.
"What's the use," he muttered to him-
- idf. "This is the only life a fellow is
ure of, anyway. Might as well work.
Don't know what'll happen after it's all
>ver." He was intentionally storming
oudly now. His companions at the
leighboring machines could hear his
tli ievil-may-care words.
Peter, or as the night crew called him,
'Pete," always went to church. Pete be-
lieved in God. Sure he did. He had con-
fessed the name of the Lord Jesus Christ
ll« in church. He took communion regular-
s' ly. He believed that Jesus died for sin-
31 tiers. He knew that the Bible was God's
Book. He prayed often to God. Yet, he
believed that no one could be sure of be-
ing saved or lost until alter death.
"You gotta always be doing good, like
Ijoing to church, all your life," he ex-
plained to the worker on the next ma-
chine. "Then, maybe, you'll have a
chance to get inside the pearly gates of
heaven after it's all over," he added. By
"all over" he meant "death." Pete was
serious. He intended to believe this all
his life. He was sure that this was what
the church taught.
He laughed at Tom on the next ma-
chine. Tom was one of those queer guys
who always went around telling folks he
knows he's saved. Queer guys these. Af-
ter thinking these thoughts, Pete gave a
final dig, saying, "Yeah, the reason you're
so sure of bein' saved is because you're
doing more than I am for the church.
You're a Sunday-school teacher. You
don't care too much about money, nor
about bein' rich; and you're thinking of
bein' a preacher someday." His voice
grew louder. He added, provokingly,
"Sure, people who give up a lot, can be
more sure they're saved."
In this manner, over the hum of eve-
ning machines, was expressed a strange
but common belief. If you are a Chris-
tian, you don't know whether you will
be saved or lost until after you die. Of-
ten those who think thus also believe
that you can make sure of heaven by do-
ing good works.
• Do you want to experiment a little,
reader? Try asking at random several
Christians this question: "Do you know
that you are saved?" Out of ten church
members that you may happen to ask,
probably only one will be positive of his
salvation. This happens even in Men-
nonite churches. Try asking it in your
church. Casually, of course. Don't be
crude about it. Mix it in your regular
conversation somehow. You will be sur-
prised at the answers. Maybe, maybe,
e\en you are not quite sure that you are
saved. Are you?
As in the true story of the two men
working the graveyard shift, you can be
a Tom, or you can be a Pete. Tom was
sure of heaven. Pete was not.
What was the dillerence? All that
made the difference was that Tom be-
lieved, without a doubt, that Jesus meant
what He said. Our Lord told the first
Peter and Thomas, "Let not your heart
be troubled: ye believe in God, believe
also in me. In my Father's house are
ma7iy mansions: if it were not so, I would
have told you. 1 go to prepare a place
for you. And if I go and prepare a place
for you, 1 will come again, and receive
you unto myself; that where I am, there
ye may be also" (John 14:1-3).
Jesus spoke of a mansion, or a place,
for the believer. Are you a believer? Yes?
Then, Jesus is preparing a place for you.
You have a reserved room in heaven
right now. Jesus is coming again. Jesus
is coming to receive you. If you really
believe in Jesus, you will believe these
words of His too. And, if you really be-
lieve these words of the Saviour, then you
know that you have a place in heaven
waiting for you.
Did the Saviour say; "Lo, I am with
you sometimes and perhaps unto the end
of the world"? No. The believer joy-
fully sings, "Blessed assurance, Jesus is
mine!" because Christ promised to every
believer: "Lo, I am with you alway, ex'en
unto the end of the world" (Matt.
28:20b).
From where comes the idea of working
like mad to get salvation, to be sure ot
heaven? There was a scoundrel who nev-
er had a chance to stockpile good deeds;
who never took communion; who never
went to church; who never was baptized.
At one time he even ridiculed Jesus. This
thief had only one opportunity to learn
to love Jesus. He look a. He look Jesus.
What did the Ciucilied Lord say to him?
"To day shall thou be with me in para-
dise" (Luke 23:43b). There was nothing
uncertain in these words ot our Lord.
The malefactor on the cross knew that
he was saved. He was sure of it. The
reasons: he heard it lrom the lips of Je-
sus; he believed Jesus.
Perhaps you are married, or going to
be married. Would vou marry if you
were uncertain of your sweetheart's love?
Likewise, why become a Christian if vou
are uncertain ol Jesus' love tor you? The
sincere Christian is certain ot Christ's
love. He who loves Christ with all his
heart can not be doubtlul ot his salva-
tion. Today the Lord speaks to you, to
every one who trusts Him: "Thou shall
be with me in paradise "; or, "1 go lo pre-
pare a place lor vou"; and, "I am with
you always."
In a purely earthly sense, it is true that
the only things one can be certain of in
Assurance
By Lorie C. Gooding
"Choose you a lamb for a sacrifice,
And stain with his blood the door of your
home;
For where is the blood of the sacrifice
The angel of death may never come.
"Choose you a lamb for a sacrifice,
And worship the Lord, but, oh, be sure
That the blood of the lamb of sacrifice
Is struck on the lintel and posts of your
door."
I have found me a Lamb for my Sacrifice,
White and unblemished, and spodess and
pure.
I have marked with the Blood of His Sacri-
fice
The posts and the lintel of my heart's door.
I have chosen God's Lamb for my Sacrifice.
He has borne my guilt, He has cleansed
my sin.
I am under the Blood of His Sacrifice
Where death's angel may never enter in.
Holmesvillc, Ohio.
74
GOSPEL HERALD
January 26, 1954
this world are "death and taxes." A per-
son can lose everything— home, family,
wife (or husband), children; until one
is all alone. However, there is one thing
that can not be taken away from the
Christian. It is this assurance of being
safe in God— saved.
A rich and famous rancher became
bankrupt. In one day, through war and
the toll of bad weather, he lost his cattle
and almost every last thing he owned.
His sons met with horrible deaths. His
own health was failing rapidly. Of
course, he got discouraged. He regretted
that he was ever born. Yet, it was this
bankrupt ranch manager who said, "I
know that my redeemer liveth, and that
he shall stand at the latter day upon the
earth: and though after my skin worms
destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I
see God: whom 1 shall see for myself, and
mine eyes shall behold, and not another;
though my reins be consumed within
me" (Job 19:25-27). Are these uncertain
terms? No!
Johnnie Allison, our Mennonite broth-
er in prison, has but the bare bars and
walls, and not much more; but he is cer-
tain of God and of being saved. Other-
wise he would never have written, "But
they who thus have bound me, cannot
keep God away."
Vou may, as a Christian, be uncertain
of much in life; but, if you believe in Je-
sus, you know that you are saved. You
will see Him someday "face to face in all
His glory." You will have a mansion.
I will have a mansion. Next door will
be the thief and the rancher. We will be
neighbors. Neighbors all.
Chatsworth, 111.
William McPherson
By Anna D. Smith
If the Lord tarries in His coming, and
if our blind and handless friend, Wil-
liam McPherson, will not be called to
his eternal home, he will celebrate his
eighty-eighth birthday on February 5.
Many readers of the Gospel Herald
have remembered him in prayer, and
many have sent him cards and letters
containing gifts which helped to bring
cheer to him, who since June 21, 1906,
has lived in utter darkness because of a
premature blast in the stone quarry
where he worked.
But though he lost both hands and
eyes, William McPherson's faith in his
Sa\iour increased, and Scriptures, such
as John 3:16; John 14, and John 17:2,
became increasingly precious to him.
With much prayer and great effort,
Mr. McPherson learned to read the
Moon Type Alphabet with his tongue
and gradually read portions of the Bible.
He now has the complete Bible in 57
volumes.
His Christian nurse and housekeeper
does the utmost to make his life comfort-
able, and though he has a heart condi-
tion, he is in fairly good health at
present.
But for us who enjoy God's sunshine,
the warm handclasp of Christian friends,
and the Lord's blessings which are so
abundant and daily enjoyed, how can
we do otherwise than share our blessings
with William McPherson? His address
is 1918 E. 71 Street Terrace, Kansas City,
Missouri. God's reward will not fail you
as you bring joy to the heart of our blind
and handless friend, William McPher-
son.
Kansas City, Kans.
STUDY CONFERENCE
On Local and Area Service Programs
Sponsored by
Committee on Church Program Co-ordination
General Council of General Conference
Bethel and Sugar Creek Mennonite Churches
Wayland, Iowa
Friday, February 12, 1954
1:30 p.m. Bethel Church
Setting Stakes for Service Planning
Devotion
Statement of Objectives and Source of Call for
This Meeting, Chairman
M.S.O. Reports — Kansas and Indiana
Opportunities and Responsibilities for Service
Activities in Today's World —
Testimonies to the Witness Value of Service
Program
7:00 p.m. Sugar Creek Church
Building Spiritual Foundations for Service
Devotion
Testimonies to the Witness Value of Service
Programs
Christian Motivations for a Service Program
A Service Program That Contributes to Soul
Winning and Church Building
Saturday, February 13, 1954
9:00 a.m. Bethel Church
Building Balanced Service Programs
Devotion
Panel Discussion :
Developing a Balanced Service Program
Disaster Belief
Community and Mutual Aid
Material Aid
Civil Defense
Open Discussion
1:15 p.m. Bethel Church
Organizing and Promoting Service Programs
M.S.O. In the Congregational Life and Witness
Co-operation and Co-ordination in the Tola!
Service Program
Open Discussion
Report of the Findings Committee
Closing Devotion
Chairman : Nelson E. Kauffman, Hannibal, Mo.
[Speakers are yet to be assigned. All who are
interested in Mennonite service organizations,
11ml that should include many laymen, are urged
to attend and participate in the development of
this significant movement in our church. — Ed.]
Our Readers Say-
After reading William D. Swartley's article
in L>ur Keauers Say column, I could not reirain
from writing. 1 certainiy enjoy Oospei nyuuis. i
have been greatly liurt many times how these
songs are annual condemned by some people.
Are we so narrow-minded in our .\1en1101nte be-
hei that we can not sing these good old Oospel
songs that we have sung since cluldhood ?. . .
bood songs, yes — but give us variety tliat peo-
ple want to sing, and visitors can join in and
enjoy. 1 heartily agree with the above writer.
Let s have good Gospel songs too. — Amelia Con-
rad, hast Peoria, 111.
Just a word of appreciation for my Gospel
Herald. It has tilled many an hour of months
of illness with things that are honest, just, pure,
loveiy, of good report, virtuous, and tilled with
praise. . . . Geraldtne Bennington, Lancaster, Fa.
An Honest Indian
An old Indian once bought some
things from a white man who kept a
store. When he got back to his wigwam
and opened the bundle, he found some
money inside of it.
"Good luck!" thought the old Indian
to himself. '"I will keep this money. It
will buy many more things."
He went to bed, but lie could not
sleep. All night long he kept ttnnking
about the money. Over and over he
thought, "1 will keep it. I will keep it
for my own." But something within him
seemed to say, "No, you must not keep
it— that would not be right."
Larly the next morning he went back
to the white man's store. "Here is some
money," said he. "1 iound it in my bun-
dle."
"Why didn't you keep it?" asked the
storekeeper.
"There are two voices inside me," re-
plied the Indian. "One said, Keep it,
)Oti found it, and the white man will
never know.'
"Then the other said, Take it backl
Take it back! It is not \ours. Vou have
no right to keep it.'
'Then the hist one said, Keep itl
Keep it! You are foolish to take it back.'
" The two voices inside me talked all
night and would not let me sleep. So I
have brought the money back. Now the
two voices will stop talking and tonight
1 shall sleep."— Old Indian Tale.
One thousand or more Negroes are
attending college and university classes
with white students in the South.— New
York Times.
GOSPEL HERALD
ESTABLISHED 1908 AS SUCCESSOR TO GOSPEL WITNESS (1SOS) AND HERALD OF TRUTH (1864)
PAUL ERB, EDITOR JOHN L. HOR ST, MILLARD C. LIND, CONSULTING EDITORS LEVI C. HARTZLER. MISSIONS EDITOR
THE QOSPEL HERALD IS A RELIGIOUS WEEKLY PUBL 1 SHED IN THE INTERESTS OF THE MENNONITE CHURCH BY THE MENNONITE PU.LICATION BOARD. SCOTTDALE. FA.
ENTERED AS SECOND CLASS MATTER IN ISO* AT THE POST OFFICE AT SCOTTD ALE , PA.. UNDER ACT OF MARCH S, 167.. SUBSCRIPTION PRICE, SS.OO PER YEAR. THREE YEARS
IN ADVANCE, SS.0O, FIVE YEARS IN ADVANCE, SI1.BO. SAMPLE COPIES SENT FREE ON REQUEST. SEND ALL MATERIAL FOR PUBLICATION TO OOSPEL HERALD. SCOTTOALE. FA.
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
.anuary 26, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
EDITORIAL
The Voice of Conscience
Every man has a conscience, and every
nan must live with his conscience. He
an resent its voice, refuse to listen to it,
rgue against it; but he cannot get rid
f it. He may crush it down until it sel-
om speaks; but sickness, danger, or
Dme evident providence will bring it
ack into full voice again.
Conscience tells a man that he must
0 the right. What the right is he must
e taught. But whatever he has accepted
1 right, his conscience tells him to do.
nd it is a relentless voice: by day, by
ight, year in and year out. from child-
ood to old age it endlessly reiterates:
You ought to do that; you ought not
o this." This is a universal experience
'ith which every responsible person is
imiliar.
It is peculiarly the position of Protes-
int Christianity that each person is re-
xmsible to his own conscience. A Cath-
lic may let the church speak, and rest
is conscience on that word. But Prot-
stant doctrine asks, "What does your
wn conviction tell you?*' We believe
lat we cannot hand our conscience over
> the keeping of another. We are re-
xmsible to God to follow what His
Void id His Spirit have told us is the
ruth. The sincere and devout Protes-
int is always trying to get back to the
implirity of Christ, to the faith and the
thic of the New Testament, apart from
e distortions of history which have led
s away from the faith once delivered,
e may deplore the multiplicity of sects
/hich this has brought forth. But we
nust rejoice in the courage that makes
nen take a minority position, standing
lone if necessary, as they follow the dic-
ates of conscience. It is one of the great
>rinciples of freedom that a man ought
o be true to himself and his God, and
t is a triumph of liberal government
hat he is permitted to do so.
It is an awful thing to go through life
inder the constant condemnation of con-
cience. A man had better make every
lecessarv adjustment of repentance and
onfession and restitution and reforma-
ion than to endure that relentless ac-
•usation. And it is a wonderful thine to
ie aide to look God and self and other
nen in the face with the deep inner sat-
isfaction of knowing that our hearts do
not condemn us. Surely God intends for
His children to walk in that freedom.— E.
Mind and Spirit
For God hath not gix/en us the spirit
of fear: but of poioer, and of love, and
of a sound mind.— II Tim.
A Methodist Church in North Caro-
lina has added a consulting psychiatrist
to its staff. He will have regular hours
in the pastor's study and will be avail-
able for consultation at other times.
Thus he will co-operate with the pastor
in helping members who have problems.
The chief feature of the recent Min-
isters' Normal at the Johnstown Bible
School, conducted by the Ministerial
Committee of the Southwestern Pennsyl-
vania Mennonite Conference, was a se-
ries of discussions led by Bro. Norman
Loux, who is a psychiatrist now serving
as assistant superintendent of Butler Hos-
pital at Providence, R.I. There was
marked interest among all who attend-
ed, and many expressions of appreciation
for a new approach to some of the prob-
lems with which pastors have to deal.
There is a new consciousness among
Mennonites as well as others that we
must recognize the psychological aspects
of spiritual problems, and that mental
sickness is frequent among our people
and must be treated as sickness, and not
as moral or spiritual delinquency. We
are fortunately overcoming the feeling
that mental illness is a disgrace, and are
learning that the right kind of treatment
can often bring about full recovery. Our
members, even some of the best Chris-
tians among them, may have psychologi-
cal difficulties, and it is important that
their condition is not made worse by
lack of understanding and delayed ther-
apy. Harsh judgments have no doubt
been made against those who in no sense
deserved such condemnation. It is good
that we are beginning to learn that not
all wrong behavior is the expression of
an immoral heart.
Granted that psychiatry may become
something of a fad, and that some diag-
noses may too easily evade moral re-
sponsibility, it is still true that those
75
whose concern is mind and spirit should
become better acquainted with the work-
ings of the human spirit. Since a length-
ened life span is giving senility a greater
scope, and since the heightened tempo
of our day intensifies mental disorders,
it is imperative that there be more un-
derstanding of psychic phenomena. Min-
isters must not try to be psychiatrists.
They must know where their ability to
help stops. But any knowledge which
they can bring to their counseling will
be all to the good.
It is now our good fortune as a de-
nomination to have in our membership
a competent psychiatrist who is also a
devout believer. He should be able to
help us a great deal. As we listened to
him at Johnstown we felt that manv of
our ministers' meetings or communitv
groups could profit by calling him for a
series of talks and discussions.— E.
An Ex-Communist Speaks
"I taught my little boy there was no God.
no heaven or hell, no such thing as truth or
right, that most men outside my own partv
were cruel and selfish. I poisoned my boy's
mind until he became a vicious little thief
and liar. Now I am busy trying to extract
the poison. I'm glad to say. too, that all the
old barriers between my wife and me now
have been broken down; ... in my life there
is real peace of mind and a joy before un-
known.
"I used to think mv own life was too diffi-
cult for any power to alter. I was saturated
with suspicion, strife, and selfishness; but,
thank God. through Christ, those vices have
been cast out. I want now to spend the rest
of my days in loving and unselfish service to
Him on behalf of my fellows.
"I am not saying that I have ceased to feel
the pressure of economic and social problems
that are, deep down and fundamentally, an
expression of spiritual poverty: but when you
turn a man's heart to Christ, you go a long
way toward settling all his problems. You
make a new man of him and put love and
honesty and fair dealing in his life. For in-
stance, it is no use clearing out slums, putting
people into new houses, until you clear out
from their minds the atmosphere of the
slums. . . .
"I believe that the answer to all the social
and economic problems in the world is to be
found in Christ. I have pledged my alle-
giance to Him. My brothers, I ask you to
do the same." — Frank Jennings, in The Gos-
pel on Skid Row (Fleming H. Revell Co.).
7G
GOSPEL HERALD
January 26, 1954
Tobacco Christians
By Wm. E. Detweiler
For some time I have had a burden for
"smoking Christians" and wish to ask all
those who read these lines and are ad-
dicts to the tobacco habit— Why do you
smoke? Why haven't you quit? How
long do you intend to keep on? Have
you met the Holy Spirit and seen the
contrast between His holiness and your
filthiness? If not, it is time you did.
Have you ever known a boy who
smoked long enough to become a victim,
and then, alter not seeing him for ten or
fifteen years, you had any question in
your mind whether or not he still
smoked? You know that 99 times out of
100 he is still a greater slave than ever.
You naturally expect him to be. Why
hasn't he quit? Do you believe II Cor.
5:17? Do you believe that "If any man
be in Christ, he is a new creature: old
things are passed away; behold, all things
are become new"? Do you believe that
your body is the temple of God? I Cor.
3:16. Or are you willing to admit that
in your case the Holy Spirit has not
been able to clean up His temple? Do
you know that Rom. 6:16 states that "to
whom ye yield yourselves servants to
obey, his servants ye are to whom ye
obey . . ."? Please read the entire chap-
ter, Romans 6. Whose servant are you?
Is tobacco your master? Do you obey it?
Have you ever tried to quit? Is your
blood stream full of poison? How many .
years has it been this way? Are you will-
ing to keep it this way until you die? If
you can admit that smoking is only un-
necessary foolishness and is a detriment
to you, then you are admitting known
sin in your life, and you are a sinner.
The child of God dare never make
room for known sin in his life, for if this
exists, he cannot live a life of holiness.
Without holiness we shall not even see
God. "If any man defile the temple of
God, him shall God destroy" (I Cor.
3:17).
Have you listened to cigarette ads on
the radio, asking if you have a hot, dry
throat, parched lungs, and so on? They
claim their brand is not as hot and ir-
ritating as some. Others claim their
brand contains less tar, gases, and other
poisonous irritants. But the best any of
them can say is "less." How much less?
They all admit that tobacco is made of
these things. Your body is the filter that
absorbs these poisons.
Of what use is tobacco to you? How
would you react if your church made to-
bacco a test of membership? Would you
become furious and go "all out" in favor
of tobacco, no matter what happens?
Would you challenge the church with
"my father always smoked and he was a
good man" and so on?
The children of Israel said, "Our fa-
thers ate sour grapes and our children's
teeth are set on edge." You may have
some other alibis, but you will never get
by with alibis over yonder. And remem-
ber, too, that you will answer for those
youths who, because of your influence,
have also started this lifelong habit. |t Happened
What are you going to do about it? Let
us remember that if we evade these ques-
tions now, we can not evade them at the
judgment.
Dorchester, Nebr.
TWENTY FIVE YEARS AGO
In Order to Pray— Prepare
Carefully
By Katherine Bevis
Cicero advised his students many cen-
turies ago: "Before beginning, prepare
carefully.''
This statement can be applied to our
prayer life.
Men need to pray and never in history
has there been a greater need than now
for men to pray to God understanding^.
Evil forces seem to be at work endea-
voring to dominate and govern the
thoughts of men and nations.
Through all ages men have prayed in
some sort of fashion, especially in times
of great need. Often, very often, their
prayers have not been answered and they
have wondered why.
The reason is not hard to find when
one realizes how far from true prayer
has been the ordinary concept of it.
The Master, Jesus Christ, tells us why
prayer is not answered, namely, because
we ask amiss.
There is a preparation that we should
make before we go to prayer. God says,
"Be still, and know that I am God." The
psalmist says, "Wait on the Lord
Paul says, "Forgetting the things of the
past . . . ."
There is a holy attitude, a quiet wait-
ing on God, that will prepare us for
prayer. Prayer is not to shape the
thoughts of God, but of men!
Jesus frequently took His disciples
apart from the crowd that He might bet-
ter prepare them for the problems that
would arise. Jesus wants all of us to grow
spiritually as well as physically. And to
do this, there are times when we must
get apart from the crowds, in order that
we may be better prepared.
Quiet thoughts when directed toward
God and when guided by Him become
the highest form of prayer. These quiet
moments enable one to rearrange his
thoughts until he can see clearly the an-
swers to his problems. This quiet time
leaves one relaxed and ;>t ease because
he then can begin to see the pattern for
li\ ing life at its best.
Only the right prayer is effectual, but
this right prayer cannot be offered with
our thoughts in confusion and doubt.
We need to "be still" 10 make the best
preparation for our approac h to God.
Confidence in God's availability to an-
swer our pravers is essential. Even jesus,
when standing at the tomb of Lazarus,
prayed, "Father. I know that thou near-
est me always. . . ."
In order to make the proper prepara-
(From Gospel Herald, Dec. 27, 1928)
The latter part of November . . . Bro.
S. E. All«ver . . . held a series of meet-
ings. . . . [Midland, Mich.].
(From Gospel Herald, Jan. 3, 1929)
The Martin's Bologna Factory of Lan- II
caster County made a donation of 150 f
pounds of bologna [Altoona, Pa.].
(From Gospel Herald, Jan. 10, 1929) |«
Bro. J. H. Mellinger ... is now in the
Pa., »
vicinity of Tampa, Fla., overseeing the
erection of a new mission building. . 9 '
the Mixed Chorus under the able
direction of Bro. M. T. Brackbill ren-
dered a . . . program [E.M.S.].
(From Gospel Herald, Jan. 17, 1929) Xu
. . . Bro. S. D. Guengerich of WellmaJ
la., the aged editor of the Herold der
Wahrheit, passed to his eternal home
Jan. 12.
Bro. Jos. G. Ruth of Colmar, P
bishop in the Franconia Conference dis-
trict, was called to his eternal home re-
cently.
Our endowment proeram ... is an
effort to raise $60,000 for Hesston Col-
lege, and SI 50,000 for Goshen College
. . . to raise . . . S70. 143.34 we have ap-
pealed to about 7.500 people fC. L.
Grnber].
The Tohnstown Bible School . . has
an enrollment of 77.
Si:
tion for praver. we should train ourselves
to be eood listeners.
A small bov, when questioned as to
what he said in his praver. answered. "I
do not say anvthine. I know God is with
me and so I just listen."
The proper spirit, one of humilitv. is
another preparation we should make.
For onlv when we realize wp ran do noth-
ing of ourselves do we understand what
true praver is.
True praver means entering into a
consciousness of the unseen Truth, and
the effect is the outward manifestation
of harmonv and advancement.
In the Scriptures we are told to "W«
without ceasing." Existence itself i;
praver. is desire.
Let us remember, "before heeinnine
prenare rarefullv." and nrnvin? under
standin^lv. our nravers will b^ answered
and we shaM talk and walk with Him h
understand in?. He will be our Ml in Ml
Tesns said: ". . . when thou pravest. en
ter into thv closet, and when thou Ins
shut thv door, nrav to thv Fath"<- whirl
is in secret: and thv Father which seetl
in secret shall reward thee openlv."
Houston, Texas.
January 26, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
Ahab at Naboth's Vineyard in Jezreel
Fifteen Minutes in Bible Lands
By Anis Charles Haddad
Fifteen miles before entering Nazareth
we reach the village of Jezreel, standing
n the midst of the lovely plain. Here
he land smiles off at once into a great
ertile valley, running down along the
lorthern wall of the mountains of
ilboa.
Jezreel is a most magnificent site for a
ity. There could be little question that
ve have before and around us the city,
he plain, the valley, and the fountain
f Jezreel. It was and is a district re-
lowned for its vineyards. Ahab in de-
eloping his royal estate would naturally
eek to make it valuable as well as pic-
uresque by terracing it with fertile vine-
ards. Here was once Naboth's vineyard
jought with blood and from which a still
igher price of blood was paid in the
generation afterwards.
How admirable was the situation of
he vineyard, especially for the occupant
>f the royal villa. The villa was on the
:astern side of the town. It abutted in
he town wall. It commanded a view all
lown the fertile valley which stretched
oward the Jordan. Immediately below
he valley was the dry moat of the town,
ind then beyond the moat at no great
iistance and close to the fountain, this
ertile plot of ground which belonged to
Vaboth, a man of substance and position
n the city. Water was necessary for a
'garden of herbs," and there is no other
jerennial spring in the neighborhood,
rlere Naboth lovingly tended the "tiny
vineyard" which has become a proverb
n every mouth.
Our interest centers in these fields
divided as we see by ditches for irriga-
tion. We let our thoughts roll many,
many centuries back. Do you see Ahab
in his chariot viewing the vineyard
which he had longed with tears to pos-
sess, and which later became his own?
Do you see Elijah standing gaunt and
grim and threatening in his presence?
Now let the scene dissolve into another
fifteen years later. Ahab sleeps in his
tomb at Samaria. But what is that bloody
Icorpse lying on the ground of Naboth's
vineyard? It is Ahab's son, slain by the
arrow of Jehu, and thrown over the wall
on the spot where Naboth's blood cries
lor vengeance. For the tragedy, the judg-
ment upon Ahab and Jezebel, was en-
acted close to the place where we are
standing. Here at the foot of the city
wall was fulfilled the word of the Lord,
which He spake by His servant Elijah
saying, "in the portion of Jezreel shall
the dogs eat the llesh of Jezebel." The
divine judgment for the judicial murder
of Naboth was executed upon Jezebel,
close to the vineyard itself and the king's
palace. It became notorious under Ahab
and Jezebel, who, though residing at
bamaria, had a palace here. It was to
enlarge the ground of this palace that
the king desired the vineyard of Naboth,
and gave occasion for the sad story of
the latter. These rocks before us seem
to be red even yet with the blood of
Naboth, Jehoram, and Jezebel.
Today there is no trace of cultivation,
but ancient rock-cut wine presses in the
hillside and close to Naboth's vineyard
still speak of the grapes that once yield-
ed their juice within them.
• • •
The city of Jezreel is connected ex-
clusively with the history of Ahab and
his family. Without altogether deserting
Samaria as the political capital of his
kingdom, Ahab lived chiefly at Jezreel.
Disliking to see the ground of a private
citizen so near, Ahab had determined to
You cannot keep your own secret;
what cause then have you to
complain, if another to whom you
have declared it should reveal
it? — Selected.
gel possession of this, that he might turn
it into a "garden of herbs." At first Ahab
sought to make a fair deal with Naboth.
But Naboth had valid reasons for refus-
ing the king's oiler. It was part of the
family estate, belonging to him only by
virtue ol his inheritance, to be passed
011 in due course to his descendants. If
he desired to sell the land, he could sell
it only to a kinsman, according to Lev.
25:23. Then it would be returned to the
representative of the original branch of
the family at jubilee.
Naboth was the possessor of a "single
vineyard." He might no doubt base had
greater possession, but at all events he
appears to have had one thing without
which the greater wealth is of no real
value— a contented and a religious heart!
For we do not read that he coveted any
of the possession of his wealthy neighbor,
the king of Israel. Naboth, therefore,
who feared God more than man, refused
the king's request without hesitation.
Ahab was not to be blamed as far as
we know for wishing to purchase Na-
both's vineyard. Now had the king been
a good man, he would have felt that his
desire had here reached its legitimate
bounds. When Naboth declined to sell
or exchange his vineyard, Ahab ought to
have put force upon himself and have
ceased to desire it. The sin of Ahab then
consisted in coveting what was not his
and could not rightfully be his, and in
allowing himself to be disconcerted when
he failed to obtain the object of his de-
77
sire. His manner was that of a sulkv
child who was not allowed to have it*
own way. The ro^al dinner had been
served and Ahab threw himself upon one
of the couches on which the Easterner
reclined at meals, but he lay down flat
on it and turned his face to the back ol
the couch and would neither look at bil
guests nor partake of the banquet.
What a picture of offended pride and
helpless angerl His high position, his
large possessions, his manifold means ol
enjoyment were nothing to him because
he could not obtain the few square yard*
of land on which he had set his heart. It
might well seem as though he had noth-
ing to live for except obtaining pos^e*
sion of Naboth's vineyard.
How often does it happen still that
men set their hearts on trifles, and the
loss ol ti illes discomposes them. They do
not take account of what they have in
comparison with what they crave. Ahab
tossing upon his bed with his face to the
wall and spuming his food is but a true
representation ol this wretched folly.
Here, however, Satan soon sent him a
wicked counselor— Jezebel.
Jezebel is one of those portentous
women who have appeared from time to
time in human history, and who would
outdo what is brutal and bad, in bad and
brutalized men.
Ahab was cowed by Naboth's inde-
pendence, but Jezebel's proud spirit was
aroused. He had some scruples; she
none. She, theretore, despised her bus
band for submitting to ill treatment. No
mawkish sentiment for her. No scruples
about ancient law or of family lealtv
would stand in the way of Jezebel. 11
Naboth was obstinate, he must be re-
moved. If his family was likely to cause
trouble, they must be silenced!
In the course of a few days, by false ac-
cusation, her promise was fulfilled. When
Je/ebel wrote to the magistrates of Jez
reel, she had been very careful about
legal propriety. She wrote in the king's
name. She signed the letter with the
king's seal, which would have borne the
king's signature, and thus when stamped
on the writing would have made the ac
tuaJ signature unnecessary. Thus the let
ler had the character of a royal com-
mand. It was addressed to the persons at
Jezreel with whom the administration of
justice lay.
Though the warrant was in Ahab's
name, the elders of Jezreel had no doubt
that the order came from Jezebel. It is
likely Ahab did not care to inquire what
the exact purport of these letters might
be. But still he must have known well
enough that some plot was in agitation
for dispossessing Naboth of his property
in an awful manner. And it is plain
from his eagerness to seize upon the spoil
of this iniquity after the contrivance had
succeeded that he was not displeased
with it. He was so intent upon the end
that he cared little about the means, but
gave to Jezebel his name and his seal to
use as she thought fit. Was Ahab then
78
GOSPEL HERALD
January 26, 1954
no longer king of Israel? Did his pagan
wile reign in liis stead?
A fast was proclaimed, in order to sug-
gest that the guilt of some public crime
rested like a heavy load upon the city,
which, therefore, ought to humble itseli
before God. Naboth was to be put at the
head of the assembly. When thus
brought into prominent notice, he was
to be accused as the criminal by hired
witnesses, so common in all lands and
ages!
He was to be accused of blaspheming
the king. If this could be proved, his
estates, instead of descending 10 his heirs,
would by law be forfeited to the crown.
Then the vineyard would come into
Ahab's possession without further trou-
ble. But in order the moie effectually
to excite the indignation of the people
against Naboth, Jezebel took care to have
him accused also of blaspheming God.
How ready the enemies of religion are
to make use of the cloak of piety to com-
pass their wicked ends! Jezebel cared
not who blasphemed the Lord. But when
a show of reverence to His holy name
could assist her even in perpetration ol
a murder, she scrupled not to assume all
the semblance of a godly zeal. But here,
much as she hated the professors of that
true religion, she was obliged to pay
them an unwilling compliment.
Naboth was then to be brought to the
public court of justice, seated with the
judges. At the right moment two hire-
lings, already prepared for their nefari-
ous task by one or the other of the elders
who had a grudge against Naboth,
charged the unfortunate man with curs-
ing God and the king. There is no lea-
son to believe that there was any ground
for their accusation. Naboth may have
given his answer to Ahab in insolent
form. So before Naboth could defend
himself against the charge, he was
dragged outside the gate of the city and
stoned to death as a blasphemer and
with him his equally innocent sons. To
add iniquity to the murders, the man-
gled bodies were left unburied, the great-
est insult that could be paid to the dead.
Worse still, the prowling dogs of the
town were allowed to devour them.
So the a; rest, the accusation, the trial,
the execution went forward. We must
not forget that law is a great and sacred
thing. It is a shadow upon earth of the
justice of God. The forms which sur-
round U, the rules which govern it. the
dignity and honor which belong 10 us
representatives, all are outworking!) <>l ,t
tiling in itself entitled to our reverence.
Naboth's trial and execution was in
truth one of the earliest ret 01 ded sam-
ples in the world's history of that dread
I ul outrage against God and man— a
judicial murder: when the sword ol jus
tice smites down innocence and becomes
the instrument of crime.
[ezebel and not the king received the
report thai the orders had been carried
out. And this no doubt was how the
matter appeared to Ahab: how he wished
it to appear both to himself and to the
world. How convenient to have such an
understanding queen, who, without im-
plicating him, made the way clear for
him to attain the object of his desire.
"Ride on, Ahab! Go down and claim
the vineyard purchased with the blood
ol its rightful owner. Though you had
not the courage to commit the crime, you
are willing to enjoy its result!"
Galling his chariot, King Ahab had
gone down trom Samaria to the bright
and pleasant town of Jezreel, where he
had a summer villa, in order to take pos-
session ol Naboth's vineyard, and very
well satisfied with his new acquisition.
He had long wished to have it. Now it
had come to him after regular process of
law, and he had determined to enjoy it.
He would turn it into a "garden of
herbs" because it was near to his house:
a flower garden, no doubt, which might
be reached from the villa by a small
drawbridge. After a little consideration
he would be able to see how to lay it
out to the best advantage.
When you meet temptation, turn
to the light.
These were Ahab's thoughts and occu-
pations. But stay. Who is this awaits the
king's coming, confronting him and
checking him on the way? It is Elijah,
come once more from the unknown,
whom Ahab had little expected to see.
The piophet speaks words that must first
have idled the heart of the king with bit-
ter wrath and then left him paralyzed
with fear. Ahab is terrified at the con-
sequence of his wrongdoing, at the
prophet's picture of dogs licking his
blood where they licked the blood of
Naboth, at the predicted ruin ol his
house. Ahab's sentence of doom was de-
livered to him after the crime was in-
volved in the process of enlarging the
garden of the royal palace.
At these awful words of judgment and
impending doom the hard heart of Ahab
broke. Rending his clothes and "cover-
ing his body with sackcloth he fasted,
walking the streets of Jezreel with down-
cast countenance, unattended, unhon-
oured." Were these signs of penitence
the true indications of a changed heart?
Yet so merciful is the Lord that even
this sign of sorrow sufficed for Him to
alleviate His sentence on Ahab's house
till after his death.
One more encouragement above all
others this history suggests, that He who
was so gracious to Ahab's unworthy, im-
perfect, short-lived repentance will be
sure to accept and cherish those who
truly humble themselves before Him and
mourn to think that they have sinned
against One who has been so loving and
merciful. Let us remember that it is not
only with Je/ebel that God is so loving
and merciful. Let us remember that it
is not with |e/ebel that God is forbear-
ing and long sulfering, but with ourselves
also.
Old City, Jerusalem, Jordan.
The Revelation of Jesus Christ
By J. L. Stalffer
21a. The Words of God and the
Comments of Commentators.
The comments lrom the dozen com-
mentators regarding the trumpet judg-
ments recorded in the Book of Revela-
tion are given to show the great contrast
between the commentators who figurize
geneiaily and those who take the words
literally wherever possible. Among the
twelve commentators, at least five are
known to be premillennialisLs, and the
other seven are likely amillenniafucs. Of
the five premillenniaiists, three ol them
hgurize the same as the aniillennialists,
and only two, the last two, are luerahsts.
The tact that ten hguiize the word and
generally disagree is a demonstration
that the figurizing ol pioplietic truin ap-
pears largely speculation on tne part
01 those who do so. Certainly the literal
interpretation is preferred wherever it
is possible or within the realm of possi-
bility.
1st Trumpet: "The first angel sounded, and
there followed hail and fire mingled with blood,
and they were cast upon the earth: and the
third part of trees was burnt up, and all green
grass was burnt up" (Rev. 8:7).
Commentators :
Mauro: "The symbols of destruction found
here are hail, fire, and blood. . . . Trees are a
familiar figure in Scripture for human greatness,
for persons of eminence. . . . The burning up of
a third part of the trees would therefore signify
that a large proportion of the leading men in
the nation were to be consumed. The words
(and all green grass was burnt up) would point
to the complete destruction of national and
earthly prosperity, the sweeping away of the
entire population of the land."
The Expositors Bible: ' To think, in inter-
preting these words, of a literal burning up of a
third part of the earth, of the trees, and of the
green grass, would lead us astray. . . . Compar-
ing the nrst trumpet with those that follow, we
have simply a general description of judgment
as it atiects the land in contradistinction to
the sea, the rivers, and fountains of water, and
the heavenly bodies by which the earth is light-
ed."
Archdcaeon Farrar: "Years of burning
drought, rains of blood, disastrous conflagrations
and earthquake, as those in Lyons, Rome, Je-
rusalem, Naples, etc., A.D. o3-0S."
£. B. Elliott: "The invasion of the Roman
Empire by Alaric, king of the Goths. A.D. 385-
410."
Matthew Henry: "There was a terrible storm,
but whether it is to be understood of a storm
of heresies, a mixture of monstrous errors fall-
ing on the church tas Arianism) or a storm or
tempest of war falling on the civil state, ex-
l>ositors are not agreed. Third part of the trees
— clergy or great men. Third part of grass —
laity or common people."
Lamie: "All the abortive interpretations in
the world cannot make us abandon our con-
viction that the Apocalypse has an allegorical
meaning. Sander, better than others, inter-
prets the figure as significant of the lire of false
devotion joined with bloodshed, placing the
same, however, in the definite period of the time
succeeding Constantine."
Kretzithum; "A hurricane of false doctrine
which strikes the chinch of Cod."
Leiiski "We regard this symbolism as a set
of |>arables although only to the extent of
presenting visibly the invisible cause and its
effect. . . . Take the first. Does the lie, some
delusion, look so attractive? It is like a rain of
hail and lire mixed with blood that strikes the
earth. Hail and tire mixed with blood, is
January 26, 1954
GObl'EL HERALD
79
A Prayer for This Week
We come 10 Thee, O Lord, acknowl-
edging that hitherto Thou hast helped
us. Vve thank Thee lor the promise and
lor the reality thai as we chaw nigh to
Thee, Thou wilt draw nigh to us. We
piaise 1 hee lor Thy abundant and un-
lading mercies ol the past. We look to
1 hee as our heavenl) ttathei who knows
our thoughts and is mindlul oi all our
needs. We thank Thee lor Thy Word,
which is truth and is forever settled in
heaven. We beseech Thee, (J God, es-
pecially in behalf ot all the special Bible
terms in session during the winter
months and lor the midweek Bible
classes held in our churches throughout
the land. Grant that hearts may be open
to the truth, for Thy Word teaches us
that if "ye . . . know the truth, . . . the
truth shall make you tree."
In the name of Jesus Christ our I ord.
-J. S. Gray bill.
wholly unnatural. No tempest as this ever swept
the earth. In even its mildest delusions the lie
is wholly unnatural. It is a monstrous error. . . .
It is as though a third of the earth was burned
up and utterly blasted, as though the third of the
trees were burned up, as though the green herb-
age which is far less resistant was burned
up."
T. B. Baincs: "This is of course figurative.
Third part of the trees signifies the great
ones of the earth. Burning of green grass may
refer to the withering of the means of sup-
port, or if grass is here used as a figure of
man in his frailty, it indicates a des'ruction of
the choicest and most vigorous portion of the
human race such as the wholesale slaughter
of young men called out to serve in war."
Waller Scott: "These are not to be under-
stood as literal destructive agencies. . . . Hail
Signifies a sudden, sharp and overwhelming
judgment from above. Hre is the expression
of God's wrath. Blood signifies death, both
physical and moral. The trees refer to men in
1 the haughtiness of pride and position. All green
grass would refer to a highly prosperous condi-
tion of things amongst the inhabitants general-
l.v.".
1 Clarence Larkin: "There is no need to
spiritualize here. It means just what it says.
These things have happened before, why not
again? See Joel 2:30, 31. This plague is the
i same as the seventh Egyptian plague."
Bulliiir/er: "In the plagues of Egypt, to which
these judgments were to be like, the seventh
, plague was hail, and fire mingled with hail
(Fx. 9:22-28) and plants of the earth were smit-
1 ten. Here blood is mingled with tire and hail.
We are aware that a majority of interpreters
t maintain that the results of the first trumpet
t are not literal. Thcv seem as anxious to get rid
e of the supernatural from interpretation, as the
Rationalists are to eliminate it from inspiration.
e But why. unless the plagues of Egypt also were
not literal plagues, we cannot understand. Again
j we ask. why should not these he literal judg-
j ments which are to come upon the earth? . . .
s To explain this away is to manifest a want of
e fa'th in the power of God, and in the Word of
( j God. Such things have taken place on the
e earth. Why should they not take place again?
s "The historical interpreters differ so much
among themselves that we are led to ask, which
one of them are we to believe? It is this very
diversity which has caused so many earnest
students to put the apocalypse aside in despair.
Our object in writing is that they may take up
the book again with hope; asking them only
to believe God."
Other examples of the figurizing of the first
trumpet :
Wvfdttvorlh says: "Trees mean princes and
great men and grass means men's power and
glory."
Darby says : "That which is elevated, eminent,
lofty is intended by trees ; the young, feeble, and
aged are meant by the green grass."
tl'clslein says: "Trees mean fortified cities,
grass un walled villages."
Paralus says: "Trees signified apostles and
great doctors, by grass common Christians."
jnd Trumpet: "And the second angel sounded-
ed. and as it were a great mountain burning
with lire was cast into the sea: and the third
part of the sea became blood; and the third part
of the creatures which were in the sea, and had
life, died : and the third part of the ships were
destroyed."
Com mentators:
P. Maura . "The waters or seas represent
nations in general. ... A mountain is the Bible
symbol for a nation. What then is represented
by this piccurc of the casting of a nation, burn-
ing with tlie lire of God's wrath, into the midst
of the other nations and peoples of the earth,
and with unhappy consequences to them? Only
once in the history of mankind has such a
thing happened. That was at the beginning of
our era. when the whole Jewish nation was
cast out of its own country into the midst of
the other nations of the world."
The Expositors Bible: "Again also, as be-
fore, the third part is not to be thought of as
confined to one region of the ocean, while the
remaining two thirds are left untouched. It is
to be sougnt everywhere over the whole com-
pass of the deep."
Archdeacon Parrar: "Great calamities con-
nected with the sea and ships such as those
of which the time of \Tero furnished abundant
instances."
E. B. Elliott: "The invasion of the Roman
Fmpire by Genseric, king ot the Vandals. A.D.
423-468."
Matthew Henry: "By this mountain some
understand the leader or leaders of the here-
tics. Others as Mr. Mede, the city of Rome.
The third part of the creatures, this storm fell
heavy upon the maritime and merchandizing
cities and countries of the Roman Empire."
Lanqe: "Sander holds that the Arian con-
troversies are here predicted. Gartner maintains
that the erroneous doctrines of the Orient, and
Islam are denoted. In short every variety of
arbitrary interpretation attaches to the pas-
sage."
Krctatnann: "Heretical fanaticism which en-
ters the Christian Church."
Lenski: "Here the second stage of destructive
religious delusion in all the world is made
visible to John's eyes. I 'ow the world of men
and the press would shriek if such monstrous
destruction were wrought in nature. . . . This is
not the old paganism that still persists in the
world, but the terror of a new delusion which
will not accept the Gospel."
T. B. Baincs: "The great mountain burning
with fire then is some powerful state which
becoming itself ablaze with revolutionary pas-
sions, falls, as it were, like a conflagration
among the mass of people represented by the
sea. causing frightful wars, immense loss of life,
and widespread ruin of commerce, all strikingly
pictured by the sea turned into blood, the liv-
ing creatures killed and ships destroyed."
Walter Scott: "In the previous trumpet the
earth was the scene of judgment, here it is the
sea. The earth is the Roman world in gen-
eral. The sea is here the chosen figure to
denote the peoples of the earth in dire anarchy
and represents the peoples without civil and
spiritual government."
Clarence larkin: "Votice that John does
not sav that it was a mountain that he saw cast
into the sea. but that it appeared like a mountain,
Prayer Requests —
(Requests for this column must be signed.)
Pray for Bro. J. D. Graber, thai he may
have sale journeying, and thai he may
be able to bring real blessing lo our
foreign mission churches.
Pray again ihat the way may be opened
for ihe Haddad lamil) 10 migrate liom
Jerusalem 10 America.
Pray lor Geraldine Bennington, who has
been ill lor sixteen months, that she
may be laithlul as God works in the
healing of her body. Pray lor strength
and courage lor her mother.
A mother requests prayer lor the healing
ol her body.
A sister requests prayer for the healing
of her body so that she and her daugh-
ter can do more work lor the needy.
not a burning volcano, but an immense meteoric
mass ablaze with fire. The effect of this burning
mass on the sea, into which it fell, was to turn
a third part of the sea into blood. If any
are disposed to doubt the possibility of such a
thing let them turn to the first Egyptian plague
(Ex. 7:19-21) and read the account of the turn-
ing of the waters of the River Nile into blood.
Note, however, that only one third is affected."
Bullin</cr: "It does not say that it was a
mountain, but that it was like one. This shows
us what is not to be taken literally, as well as
what is. It was something that resembled a
mountain. 'This cannot be literal,' exclaim
the interpreters, but again we ask, why not?
To follow what man says it requires only
credulity."
Some additional interpretations:
Une interpreter says:
The iiery mountain means Satan
'1 he sea means the nations
The dying of the fish denotes persecution and
slaughter of Christians
The wreck of the ships denotes the extinction
of congregations
tilhott says:
The mountain was Genseric with his Vandals
The sea was their plunging through Prance
and Spain into Africa
The destruction of the fish was their depreda-
tions on the neighboring islands
Another says:
The sea is the church with its baptismal
waters
The mountain is some great heresy
The blood is the corruption by deadly error
The destruction of the lish is the destruction
of souls
The wreck of the ships is the overturning of
churches
Another says:
The sea is pure doctrine
The mountain is prelacy
The fire Episcopal ambition
The blood-red waters means the introduc-
tion of false doctrine
The fishes are Ecclesiastics, monks, etc
The ships are the bearers of the Gospel
Another says:
The mountain is Rome
Its burning the burning of Rome by Alaric
The wreak of ships is the sack of Rome
"Again, we ask, is it not better to believe
God? Is it not easier to understand what He
says?"
(Continued on page 93)
80
GOSPEL HERALD
OUR SCHOOLS
Mennonites in College
By Paul Bender
Our Mennonite brotherhood, widely
scattered geographically, is uniquely a
close-knit fellowship that makes for
strength of Christian co-operation in the
work of Christ. We cherish this fellow-
ship and the way it enhances the effec-
tiveness of the Mennonite witness. In
our church boards and committees we are
personally acquainted and can work the
more effectively because of this acquaint-
ance; throughout the membership there
is personal acquaintance both with
church leaders and with other members;
and there is common understanding of
and concern for the corporate work of
the church in missions, education, pub-
lication, relief, youth activities, Sunday
school, summer Bible school, and all the
ways in which Christ's work is jointly
undertaken.
A part of this church-wide acquaint-
ance results from the attendance of Men-
nonite young people at our Mennonite
colleges, where they become personally
acquainted with other Mennonites from
all parts of the church and also learn to
know the work of the church through
acquaintance with church activities and
church leaders. When these young peo-
ple become active in the work of the
church later, these acquaintances formed
at college become a vital link in the
chain that binds together and makes ef-
fective the corporate witness of the Men-
nonite brotherhood.
A recent study of Mennonite college
students, made at the direction of the
Collegiate Council of the Mennonite
Board of Education, reveals that about
one fifth of all Mennonites attending col-
lege are attending non-Mennonite col-
leges. The study showed that about 800
Mennonites are attending the Mennon-
ite colleges. There are also about 100
Mennonites studying in graduate schools,
medical schools, and in other specialized
schools, pursuing courses which are not
available in Mennonite colleges. In ad-
dition to these, however, there are also
about 200 Mennonites in other colleges
and schools pursuing courses which arc-
available in Mennonite colleges. This
means that one out of every live Men
nonite young persons attending college-
is missing the acquaintance with Others
in his own fellowship and with the Men
nonite program which he might be get-
ting at a Mennonite college. He will
then also lack at least something of that
bond of fellowship with the church
which is such a strength and which we
so much cherish lor the work ol Christ
through our brotherhood.
This proportion, 20 pci cent, of Men-
nonites leaving their own church fellow-
ship to attend college in some other fel-
lowship is too high. It represents a weak-
ening of the Mennonite program that is
greater than it should be. And it is not
necessary. Our colleges can provide for
these students the program of college
study they need, with the exception at
this time of some studying nursing, and
at the same time the students would en-
rich their fellowship in the brotherhood
and effectiveness in the program of the
Mennonite Church. Some may find a
college near at home, and thus save some
expense, but even this financial difficulty
can usually be overcome, and the slightly
larger cost is money well invested. In
fact, our Mennonite colleges require low-
er expenses than most other schools do.
Not all the reasons, and perhaps not the
basic reasons, are evident in this study
as to why Mennonites are going to odier
schools. Whatever the reasons may be,
we must regret that diere are so many
Mennonite college students who are not
using their college experience to
strengthen their attachments to the Men-
nonite fellowship, and in this way to en-
hance their own contribution to the
Christian witness of our Mennonite
brotherhood.
Our Mennonite colleges join in invit-
ing all Mennonite college students to at-
tend our own schools, not merely because
we want to swell our numbers, but be-
cause we are concerned for the strength
of our Mennonite fellowship and its ef-
fectiveness in the work of Christ in the
world. Others in our brotherhood can
also help to induce our young people to
attend their own Mennonite colleges.
Pastors, teachers, Sunday-school workers,
parents, and young people can all help
in this common concern to strengthen
our fellowship through the attendance
of our young people at our own colleges
rather than elsewhere.
The Mennonite colleges must also con-
tinue to oiler a program of such excel-
lence that the young people will find
here the college education they need ot
at least as high a qualitv as they could
secure elsewhere. The experience ot
graduates warrants the conclusion that
our Mennonite colleges do offer an ex
cellent program ol higher education.
And still mote significantly, our Men
nonite colleges oiler an integrated.
Clnist i entered higher education, a kind
of education so seriously lacking in most
of the current colleges and universities.
The Mennonite colleges are constantly
striving to improve the excellence and
the Christian character of their pro-
grams, Is the church continues to sup-
port the colleges and thus makes possi-
ble their continued growth and improve
nient. and as the boards and the college
stalls continue to work wholehearted!)
January 26, 1954
•
for the improvement of the colleges as an
integral part of the Mennonite fellow-
ship, our corporate witness for the work
of Christ in the world can be further
strengthened. May we all co-operate
under Cod's guidance in this great ven-
ture.
Goshen, Ind.
GOSHEN COLLEGE NEWS
Our Winter Bible term has now begun. Aj
has been announced, this is to be a three-week
term offering separate courses for ministers,
other adults, and younger people. We regret
that one of the teachers from outside our in-
stitution, Bro. Milton Brackbill of Paoli, Pa,
found it impossible to come because of illness
in his family but are grateful that Bro. Elam
Stauffer, missionary on furlough from Africa,
has come to serve in Bro. Brackbill's stead.
We are glad for those who are enrolled for
these courses, but no doubt there are more
who should be taking advantage of this op-
portunity afforded them. It is especially grat-
ifying to have twenty-seven enrolled in the
course for ministers. These ordained men
come from six different states and from
twenty-two different congregations.
President Ernest E. Miller spent January 4
and 5 at Harrisburg, Pa., where he took part
in a conference of the Brethren in Christ
Church on higher education. He later attend-
ed meetings of the association of American
Colleges and the Council of Mennonite and
Affiliated Colleges held at Cincinnati, Ohio,
on Jan. 12 and 13.
Students and faculty are saddened at die
death of Wayne Boshart, a member of the
freshman class, which occurred in New York
state shortly after his return home for Chris-
mas vacation. It was the result of an automo-
bile accident. We are glad for the life that
he lived in our midst, for his faithfulness to
duty, and for the assurance that he was pre-
pared for this call which came so early in his
life.
January 7-9 marked the closing of events
which began last June in celebration of the
half century of Goshen College in Goshen,
Ind. This particular phase of the Fiftieth
Anniversary celebrations commemorated the
dedication of the college Administration
Building which took place on Jan. 8, 1904. It
consisted oi an evening program and a morn-
ing chapel service followed by "open house,"
.it which rime conducted tours were made of
the campus. Most of those participating in
the program and chapel service were present
at the dedicatory service fifty years ago. The
chairman of the meeting was S. F. Coflman,
son of ). S. Coffman, who was a leading fig-
ure in the founding of Elkhart Institute
which later became Goshen College. Other
participants in the program were N. E. Byers,
who served as Principal of Elkhart Institute
and also as the first president of Goshen Col-
lege: |. V. Hart/ler, second president of the
college; S. C. Yoder, president emeritus; E.
E. Miller, president, and I. W. Royer, an ear-
ly pastor of the college church and first presi-
dent of the alumni association. Paul E.
January 26, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
81
Whitmcr a former dean of the college gave
the chapel address Friday morning.
Our appreciation for the past was increased
as reminiscences of the beginning of this cen-
tury were given and as tributes were paid to
leaders of that period in the history of our
church. We were reminded anew of the faith
and courage of the pioneers in our program
of higher education. Their interest in saving
young men and women for Christ and in
preparing and directing them into avenues
of Christian service should be an ideal for
our Mennonite colleges of today. Their con-
cern for the cause of Christian service and
missions plus their emphasis upon the need
for the adequate preparation for engaging in
such activities should cause us of today to
again consider our aims and program of
training and service.
In this celebration we also looked forward
with anticipation to increased growth and
expansion. This, of course, will bring with
it new problems which we should prepare to
meet and we pray that Goshen College will
move forward into larger fields of Christian
influence and service even after those now
serving and supporting her will have become
inactive. One of the speakers fittingly re-
marked, "Fifty years from tonight those of
us now seated here on this platform expect
to be sitting at the feet of Jesus."
May this institution in continued dedica-
tion to Christ and His Church serve the fu-
ture generations of students as God wills it.
S. M. King
CHURCH HISTORY
History of the South Union
Mennonite Church
West Liberty, Ohio
y By Ira Thut
The Amish settlement in Logan Coun-
ty began in the year 1840 when Peter and
Charity Yoder sold their farm near Weil-
ersville, Wayne County, and came to
Logan County. In the same year Daniel
and Nancy Yoder came from Mifflin
County, Pa. Attracted by the fertile soil,
other families soon followed from there
and also from Holmes County, Ohio.
The journey by teams and wagons, over
the old National Trail, now known as
U.S. Route 40, was made in two or three
weeks. Sometimes the women and chil-
dren took a boat at Pittsburgh, and went
down the Ohio River to Cincinnati and
then by canal to Piqua. There a carriage
would be hired to take them to the new
settlement near West Liberty.
In May of 1845, Elders Moses Miller
and Levi Miller of Holmes County visit-
ed the new settlement and organized a
church. Ordination services were held
and Joseph Kauffman and Jonas Trover
were ordained to the ministry. A few
years later, Moses Kauffman and Jacob
Kenagy were ordained as ministers and
Samuel Plank was ordained as deacon.
Jacob Hartzler, a bishop, moved from
Fairfield County to Champaign County.
A number of families settled in the
Kingscreek area and in 1850 a church
was organized in Champaign Count)
with Jonas Troyer and Jacob Hartzler
as ministers.
Before 1855 the Amish in Logan and
Champaign County worked together as
one congregation, divided into a north
and south district, holding German
church services in the homes in Logan
County one Sunday and in Champaign
County the next. Sometimes the minis
ters from Logan County would drive ten
or twelve miles on Saturdav afternoon.
South Union Church, West Liberty, Ohio.
spend the night with some relative or
fellow minister in Champaign Countv.
attend services there on Sunday, and
then visit until Monday before return
ing home. Ministers in Champaign
County did likewise on the Sundav when
the meeting was in Logan County. Bui
the average layman spent Sundav visiting
friends and relatives when services were
not held in his own district. This custom
of visiting was so deeply rooted that it
was regarded almost as a religious duty.
A hundred years ago the customs of
the Logan and Champaign congregations
corresponded, with one or two excep-
tions, to those of the present-day Old
Order Amish. About 1850 there began
to be a breaking down of the position of
having no changes at all. Some of the
more progressive Amish members began
to build meetinghouses and to use the
name Amish Mennonite as well as depart
from other time-honored wavs and cus-
toms of the fathers. The first Amish
meetinghouse in Logan Countv, called
the Kenagv Church, was built on the
farm of Bishop Jacob C. Kenagv in the
vear 1855, about two miles northwest of
West Liberty.
The church services were not planned
with the young people in mind. Onh
grown-up voting people could be candi-
dates for church membership. The chil
dren sat on the rear seats and were ig-
nored unless thev became disorderlv
enough to call forth a rebuke from the
pulpit, or some older brother went bark
to sit with them. The problem of the
voting people lay heavilv on the mind
of David Plank, a young minister who
had been ordained in 1859. One Sundav
in 1865 David and his brother Joseph
visited a union Sundav school in a
schoolhouse near their home. He saw a
room full of happv interested children.
He was interested in hearing the children
recite Scripture verses and then repeat
the answers which thev had learned in
class. He Joined with pleasure in sin?-
incr the Sundav-school songs at the close.
On the way home he kept wishing that
such a school mig;ht be organized in the
\mish Church in T.osran Countv. The
services he had just visited were such a
sharp contrast to the scenes he witnessed
everv other Sundav in the I.o<ran Countv
Church. He knew that there would be
opposition, but he believed that the chil-
dren needed religious instruction and
that the Sundav school was the means
best suited to that end. The next time
he saw Bishop Kena<rv he asked why thev
could not have a Sundav school to teach
the Bible to the children as other church-
es did. The answer was ouick and. as be
hoped, favorable. "T'm in favor: T'll be
the principal." was Kenajv's renlv. Soon
thereafter David Plank made the follow-
in? entrv in his diary for Mav SI. 1863:
"T. C. Kenaev and D. Plank, ministers
of the church of God in this vicinity,
have decided with the counsel of the
church to organize a Sundav school in
(Continued on page 931
82
GOSPEL HERALD
January 26,
FAMILY CIRCLE
Comfort Time
By Mary Alice Holden
(The mother says to the child)
You are the summer of my year,
While I bring spring to you.
When I help summer come to you,
You will bring fall to me,
The gathering of rich stores of things.
You are my fruitful branch,
The hope and sum of my desire!
Before my days I longed for you.
But you have brought more than I dreamed —
More than my heart could ever hope.
The first seasons of my love I give,
And shall I look for winter as my share,
When the harvest is enjoyed, and I
Sit down to rest, wrapped warm
In the comfort that you have done so well?
Cimarron, Kans.
Serving God as a Homemaker
By Mrs. Kenneth Seitz
God has given a special blessing to ev-
ery married woman in the career He has
chosen for her. To be truly happy we
must be in the center of God's will. The
Christian homemaker knows she is in
God's will, for she has a place to fill that
no one else can fill.
There are some women whom God
has not ordained should be married, and
He has vocations for them to fill, but the
woman who has a home and family need
not feel that her life is wasted or a failure
if she rears well her family of children
and provides a happy Christian atmos-
phere for her husband and children
within the four walls they call home.
Mothers have a great part in home
building and homemaking. One of our
wedding gifts was a meaningful motto
which read, "Home Is Where the Heart
Is." Of course, our real treasures are to
be laid up in heaven (Matt. 6:20), but
to provide a haven of rest for our bodies
here on earth, the mother's heart must
be with her home and loved ones.
Mothers should be "keepers at home"
(Titus 2:5). Circumstances may arise
when a mother must work away from
home, but too often she works because
she is not willing to live within the fa-
ther's income. Consequently she spends
her time and energy away from home
and the children are left with someone
else to rear and nurture. Spending her
time with her family would have far
more lasting value to them than having
finer clothing to wear. A mother who
welcomes children into her home will
find ways to spend hei time in the home
with her children and in her church so
that she will not need to belong to clubs
nor attend luncheons to find an outlet
for her talents and ambitions. Her chil-
dren and home are a career in them-
selves.
Proverbs $1:27 says, "She | virtuous
woman] looketh well to the ways of her
household, and eateth not the bread of
idleness." A Christian mother is not in-
terested in keeping up with her neigh-
bors nor even the other members of the
church. She endeavors to make the best
of what is at hand and spend wiseh
whatever money the father's income al-
lows. And even should the income be
large, a wise steward will give to the
poor, or other worthy causes, rather than
lavish it on her own home. In this wz\
she can teach her children the joy of
sharing with others.
Our homes should be comfortable, in-
viting, having that "lived-in look." This
does not take money or remodeling, as
the magazines would tell us. It is mak-
ing the best use of what we have and al-
lowing each member of the family to en-
joy the home. Our furniture should not
be so costly that the children must con-
stantly be told not to ruin it. Certainly
we must teach them to respect propertv.
but when furnishings are simple, sturdy,
and moderately priced, it is not a major
calamity when accidents do happen.
Cleanliness, too, is important, but
cleanliness should not make slaves of
mothers or others in the familv. Order
is very important to a smoothlv running
household. Perhaps a weekly cleaning is
all that is possible for all but the kitch-
en, but keeping things in their proper
places should be a daily habit for moth-
er which she also teaches to the children.
When the children are older and think
back over their childhood, they will not
remember how often we scrubbed the
floor, but about the time we had to talk
or play with them.
My service to God as a homemaker in-
cludes the preparation of meals. While
I do not believe the way to a Christian
man's heart is through his stomach, vet
a tasty meal does provide much satisfac-
tion and enjovment. As a Christian
mother, I am responsible to provide well-
planned nourishing meals for niv family.
Our bodies are the temples of (Ik Holv
Ghost. If I allow my child to acquire
bad eating habits, I am not doing ni\
part to fit him for future Christian sen
ice. Missionaries on the field are often
thankful for strong, healthv bodies \v1k°ii
thev are called to undergo great strain.
Allowing our children to partake often
of luxury focxls. such as soft chinks, ire
cream, and candy bars, will not teach
them to denv the flesh nor will it build
strong bodies that ate aj)le lo resist dis.
ease. Children are also better fitted for
life if they are taught to like a variety
ol good, nutritious foods. This is possi-
ble if they must eat occasionally a little
of that food which they may dislike.
In Prov. 31:21 we see that a virtuous
woman has her family well clothed.
Clothing should be practical, neat, com-
fortable, modest, simple, easy to care for.
Children need not be unhappy because
of expensive clothing that needs to be
treated with care. If I am serving God
as a homemaker. I cannot inject pride
into my children by dressing them in
silks and satins or after the fashion of the
world. How can we expect them to some-
day dress modestly if we have never
taught them to be separate?
As a Christian homemaker I must
know how to take mv burdens to the
Lord and leave them there. Busv moth-
ers must take time to be holy. It is still
true that what we consider important is
what we get done. To bear the strain
and stress which comes to a mother, she
must keep in close fellowship with God.
She must be willing to fill her place bv
God's help. If we feel the load is too
heavy, we must remember II Cor. 12:°—
"My grace is sufficient for thee: for mv
strength is made perfect in weakness."
This promise is for mothers too. We
should endeavor to commit our families
to the Lord and not be overanxious
about them. Worrv and anxiety causes
nervousness, irritabilitv. fatiaue, and this
in turn produces an unpleasant atmos-
phere in the home.
To fill a Christian mother's place T
must walk humbly with my God. makin?
sure mv motives are alwavs unselfish. T
must know how to be a "door mat" over
which others walk. Bv God's help I
must know how to ask forgiveness even
for the sin of imnatience. Children are
impressed when thev see that we as their
elders are willing to stoop and ask their
forgiveness.
Mother's duty is also to teach her child
to know God. "This is life eternal, that
thev might know thee the onlv true God.
and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent"
('John 17:3V We must make God seem
real as we tell the Bible stories and prac-
tice God's presence in our evervdav lives.
Th° child should learn that nothing; is
too hard for God and as mother puts her
child to bed and hears him prav, she can
teach the little one to bring his childish
troubles to God.
To fill mv place in the home as God
planned it I must be subject and obedi-
ent to my husband. We who have Chris-
tian husbands should thank God for
heads to guide us. since we were created
weaker vessels.
I owe my husband respect as Sara, who
called Abraham her lord. As we respect
and obey our husbands without com-
plaint, to the same extent our children
will respect their father.
"The heart of her husband doth safelv
trust in her" (Prov. 31:11). Can mv hus-
(Conlinued on page 93)
January 26, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
8".
TO BE NEAR TO GOD
Sunday, January 31
Read Eph. 6:18, 19.
"Prayer should be the key of the day and
the lock of the night— a night covering and
a morning armor" (Feltham).
When It Is Well with Thee
When it is well with thee before God,
Remember those who are not well;
Bear them upon thy heart before that God
In whose glad presence thou hast learned
to dwell.
For the dear church of God thy prayers pro-
long;
The one wide family of God below,
The little flock of every tribe and tongue;
All one in faith, in love, in joy, and woe.
For all the many members of that throng,
And for each fellow pilgrim lone and faint,
Known or unknown, the feeble or the strong,
For each hard-pressed and sorrow-stricken
saint.
Plead for the Advent of the promised King,
The reign of heavenly glory here on earth,
The building of the world's eternal spring,
The coming of Creation's second birth.
— Horatius Bonar.
Monday, February 1
Read Acts 1:1-14.
To the church at Colosse Paul wrote, "Con-
tinue in prayer, and watch in the same with
thanksgiving" (Col. 4:2). With all our
"many inventions" no improved method of
drawing near to God has been found. Even
in Paul's day there must have been danger
of interference with this precious practice of
presenting one's self for heaven's inspiration
before undertaking Cod's work in the world.
Jesus gave to the disciples of His day words
that were also meant for our day when He
said, "Watch and pray, lest . . . ." If we think
to secure ourselves by prayer alone without
watchfulness, we are slothful and tempt God;
if by watchfulness and not prayer, we are
proud and slight God: and either way we for-
feit His protection.
"Watch, as if on that alone
Hung the issues of the day;
Pray that help may be sent down:
Watch and pray."
Tuesday, February 2
Read Psalm MS.
If we only knew what the angels know
we'd always be able to say that the news be-
hind the news is that God is working out
His eternal purpose. Someone has said that
Cod's ways are behind the scenes; and He
moves all the scenes which He is behind. We
learn this and wait upon the Lord while He
works out all things according to His good
pleasure and we will not be disturbed by
man's hustle and bustle. The work and the
ways of the world will all pass away. It is
still true that only "He that doeth the will
of the Father" will "abide forever."
All His ways are just and equal,
All His thoughts are thoughts of love
He has ravished all my being,
Drawn my heart and life above.
Wednesday, February 3
Read Isa. 42:5-16.
He leads us on by paths we do not know —
Upward He leads us, though our steps ke
slow;
Though often we faint and falter on the
way,
Though storms and darkness oft obscure
the day,
Yet when the clouds are gone, we know
He leads us on.
He leads through all the unquiet years —
Past all the dream-land hopes and doubts
and fears;
He guides our steps. Through all the
tangled maze and fears
Of sin, of sorrow, and o'er clouded days
We know His will is done; and He still
leads on.
Let us trust and say:
I know not the way I am going,
But well do I know my Guide;
With a childlike trust I give my hand
To the mighty Friend at my side.
Thursday, February 4
Read Deut. 33:24-29.
God said to Asher, "Thy shoes shall be
iron and brass; and as thy days, so shall thy
strength be." God includes "shoes" for our
walk on His way of victorious living in a
world that is at war with Him. Folk who are
at war with God cannot be firm friends
among themselves. He has Paul tell us that
the good soldier of Jesus Christ is not fully
equipped unless "shod with the preparation
of peace."
The "strength" of this text is not only
beautiful — it bears us up. He promises us,
not "as thy months." or "as thy weeks," but
"as thy days, so shall thy strength be." Some-
ore said, "That means Monday's grace for
Monday, and Tuesdav's grace for Tuesday
and so on. The Law of Divine Grace is Suf-
ficiency for the Day. The Law of Divine
Deliverance is 'a very present help.' The Law
of Divine Guidance is 'step by step.' "
Friday, February 5
Read II Cor. 12:1-10.
Said that prince of sermonizers, Charles H.
Spurgeon, "The other evening I was riding
home after a heavy day's work. I felt wor-
ried and sore depressed, when swiftly, and
suddenly as a lighting flash ;hat ninth verse
came to me. I reached home and looked it up
in the original, and at last it came to me in
this way, 'My grace is sufficient for thee,'
(Continued on page 93)
CHRIST, THE LIVING BREAD
Sunday School Lesson for February 7
(John 6)
On the eastern shore of Galilee there is a
big meeting. Who is preaching? What is
the size of the audience? As night brings an
end to the day, the crowd is tired and hungry
physically. Jesus feeds them.
What do you see about Jesus in this mira-
cle? (Most pupils know this miracle. If you
teach those who don't, read it together. It is
a wonderful picture of Jesus' compassion and
interest for men in need, of His power, of
His ability to satisfy, and of His inexhaustible
store for man's satisfaction.)
Immediately they wanted to make Jesus
their king. I wonder why. What had their
eyes seen in this great feeding?
That night lesus gave His disciples another
great demonstration of divinity in His power
over the tempestuous sea. Perhaps the disci-
ples had doubted His power since He
wouldn't be their king.
Next day the people came again. What did
thev seek? Verse 26. Seemingly the Jews
had been so nurtured in a materialistic reli-
gion that they couldn't see beyond that. Sure-
ly there were some in the crowd that were
spiritually hungry.
To the people Jesus presented Himself as
the Bread of Life. Why did He use this
figure? (The people asked for a sign like
the manna. And iust vesterday He had filled
them with bread!) What figure did He use
with the Samaritan woman? We remember
Jesus spoke to that woman of the living water
of life. To these people He speaks of Himself
as the living bread of life.
This figure of speech the Jews murmured
at. Whv couldn't they understand it5 Did
Jesus leave them in the dark as to what He
meant5 Let the pupils find in the discourse
the explanation of Jesus. But these people
were not being drawn to Jesus by the Father
through their felt need of a Saviour. They
wanted bread like they had got the day be-
fore. Their materialistic view of the Messiah
clouds their eves.
What did and does Tesus mean in saving
that we must em of His flesh a^d drink of
His blood? (What do the Catholics under-
stand this to mean5 Perhaps it is important
to vour class to show the error in the mass.)
How do we eat of Jesus' flesh? What does
it reallv mean to believe on Him to everlast-
ing life9 Do some people not believe enough
to be saved? Let no one leave vour class with
a false hope. Your pupils mav need encour-
agement to reading the Word dailv. to a ful-
ler obedience of thr Word. Present Jesus as
the giver and sustainer of life.
— Alta Mae Erb
Lesson based on "Tntemati-na! Sundav School les-
sons: the Internatiin-rl Blblp loosens for Chri^'i™
Teaching." copyrighted <°M hv the Division M Ora-
tion Education National Council of the Churches ot
Christ In the U.S.A.
I have searched the Bible from beginning
i.i end for scientific error and have found
r». ne — Harry Rimmer
84
GOSPEL HERALD
January 26, 1954
FIELD NOTES
Item* to appear in this column for any Issue of the
following Tuesday must reach 8cottdale by Wednes-
day morning.
The Colorado ministers held a study and
fellowship meeting at the Denver Church on
Jan. 14. Bro. Justus Holsinger, peace secre-
tary of the South Central Conference, was
the guest speaker.
The young people's group at the Lower
Deer Creek Church, Kalona, Iowa, is study-
ing "Youth and Nonresistance," by Stanley
Shenk, this quarter.
The Pigeon, Mich., Church is making
plans to observe its sixtieth anniversary this
year.
Bro. Leander Mast, Hutchinson, Kans.,
will soon move to Arkansas to a mission
point south of Culp, according to previous
plans.
Bro. Jesse Yoder, Elverson, Pa., was or-
dained to the ministry at the Zion Church,
Beckersville, Pa., on Tuesday evening, Jan.
12. Bro. E. B. Frey, Wauseon, Ohio, brought
the message, and Bro. T. K. Hershey, bishop
of the congregation, had charge of the or-
dination. Bro. Yoder is at present a student
at Northwestern University, Chicago, 111. We
are reminded that our prayers should go out
to those called to the responsibilities of the
ministry.
A good suggestion that has come to this
office with regard to church bulletins is that
pastors give their address and telephone num-
bers so that any persons receiving the bulle-
Table of Contents
73 Of Ranchers. Thieves, and the Graveyard Shllt
Assurance (Poem)
74 — William McPherson
Study Conference
Our Readers Say
75 — The Voice of Conscience
Mind and Spirit
76 — Tobacco Christians
In Order to Pray — Prepare Carefully
It Happened
77 — Ahab at Naboth's Vineyard in Jerreel
78 — The Revelation of Jesus Christ
79 — A Prayer for this Week
Prayer Requests
80 — Mennonltes in College
Goshen College News
81 History of the South Union Mennonlte Church.
West Liberty. Ohio.
82 — Comfort Time (Poem)
Serving God as a Homemaker
83 — To Be Near to God
Sundav School Lesson for Feburary T
84— Field Notes
Calendar
83 — Mission News
Your Treasurer Reports
88 — Women's Work — United or Divided?
87— Together We Serve
88— WMSCO Chart
89 — Home Church Responsibility to I-W Men
A More Excellent Way
Tapplna Witnessing Power
90— MHSC Weekly News
MCC Weekly News
Women's Activities
91 — From Our Churches
84— Births
85— Anniversaries
Marriages
96 — Obituaries
Items and Comments
tins may know whom to contact for informa-
tion and spiritual help.
Twenty-seven ministers are enrolled in the
ministers' course of the Winter Bible term
at Goshen College.
Bro. J. C Fretz, of the staff of the Golden
Rule Book Store at Kitchener, Ont., was or-
dained to the office of deacon at the Shantz
Church, Baden, Ont., recendy.
Bro. Nelson Kauffman, Hannibal, Mo., is
engaged in Bible school work at Atglen, Pa.
Bro. and Sister J. P. Oyer, parents of Ed
Oyer, deacon of the Metamora, 111., congre-
gation, and the late Noah, former dean of
Goshen College, observed their seventy-
fourth wedding anniversary, on Jan. 15.
The Beech congregation Louisville, Ohio,
is making plans to remodel its church build-
ing.
Brethren John R. Mumaw, Harrisonburg.
Va., and Lester T. Hershey, Aibonito, Puer-
to Rico, are the instructors for Ministers'
Week at the Canton Bible School, Jan. 26-29.
Brethren Paul M. Roth, Masontown, Pa.,
and Myron Livengood, Pinto, Md., were
guest speakers at the Thomas Church, Holl-
sopple. Pa., Sunday evening, Jan. 24.
Dr. Fred S. Brenneman, Hesston, Kans..
who is doing I-W service as Public Health
Director in American Samoa, has recently
been appointed as a member of the Research
Council of the South Pacific Commission.
A farewell service was held in one of the
homes of the Wooster, Ohio, congregation
on the evening of Jan. 19, for the Howard
Hammer family before their leaving for
Connecticut to study the Brazilian language
in preparation for mission service in Brazil.
Brethren Sanford Shetler, Hollsopple, Pa..
and Mervin Hostetler, Johnstown, Pa., spoke
at the Scottdale Church on Sunday morning.
Jan. 24, in the interests of the Ministerial
Committee of the Southwestern Pennsylvania
Conference.
Bro. J. J. Hostetler, Peoria. 111., spoke to
the T-W brethren at Elgin. 111., State Hos-
pital, on Jan. 12.
Bro. Luke Birky, business manager of the
Mennonite Project at La Plata, Puerto Rico,
spoke in the interests of the work of the
Mission Board in Puerto Rico, at the Port-
land Mission, Sunday evening, Jan. 3.
Bro. Wayne North, a Bible student at Go-
shen College Seminarv. will serve as acting
Notice
Mennonlte Publication Board
The Annual Board Meeting will be held with the
Plain congregation near Lonsdale. Per., Feb. 17 and
18. Sessions begin at 10:00 a.m. on Wednosdav
morning and 9:00 a.m. on Thursday. All afternoon
sessions begin at 1:30 p.m.. and evening sessions
at 7:00 p.m. The public Is Invited to all sessions.
E. C. Bender, Pies
Harold Zehr. Secy
pastor at South Union Church, West Liber-
ty, Ohio, in the absence of their pastor, Bro.
Stanley Shenk.
Brethren Lewis S. Martin, Harrisonburg.
Va., and Richard Martin, Elida, Ohio, father
and son, spoke at Zion Church, Beckersville.
Pa., Sunday, Jan. 17. Bro. Richard preached
and Bro. Lewis spoke on mission work in
Sicily.
Word has been received of the death of
Sister Mary Brunk, widow of Bro. J. D.
Brunk, well known to many of our readers
as a leader in the field of church music in
times past. Obituary will appear next week.
Bro. Harold Bauman, Orrville, Ohio, was
ordained as bishop on Sunday, Jan. 24. Bro.
O. N. Johns preached the sermon and Bro.
M. L. Troyer had charge of the ordination.
Other bishops present were S. A. Yoder.
Columbiana, Ohio, and D. D. Miller, Ber-
lin, Ohio.
The Mennonite Student Fellowship of
Philadelphia. Pa., gave a young people's Bible
meeting program at the Frazer Church.
Frazer. Pa., on Sunday evening. Jan. 17.
Announcements
Bro. and Sister George Miller, missionaries
on furlough from Honduras, will speak at
the Bowmansville young people's Bible meet-
ing Jan. 30, at 7:30 p.m. Bro. Miller will
speak on "Youth Experiences God's Provi-
dence," and Sister Miller will give a personal
testimony.
Bible Conference at the Marion, Pa..
Church on the evenings of March 11-13 and
all day Sunday, March 14. Speakers: Paul
Bender. Grantsville, Md.. and Noah Hershey,
Parkeshurg, Pa.
'Continued on page 92)
Calendar
Annual Meeting Mennonite Publication Board. Plain
Church, Lonsdale. Pa.. Feb. 17-18.
Annual Christian Dov School Meeting. Erlsman's
Church. Manhelm. Pa., Feb. 20.
Christian Life Conference, E.M.C., Harrisonburg. Va..
Feb. 20. 21. 19S4.
Iowa-Nebraska Mission Board midyear meeting at
Manson. Iowa. Feb. 23, 24.
Annual Ministerial Meeting of the Lancaster Con-
ference District, at the Millwood Meetinghouse.
Gap. Pa., Feb. 24. 25.
1954 Conrad Grebel Lectures, by G. F. Hershberger.
at E.M.C.. Harrisonburg, Va., March 17-20.
Spring Missionary Sunday. March 21.
Annual meeting Illinois Mission Board. Pleasant Hill.
East Peoria, 111.. April 22. 23.
Semiannual meeting. Commission for Christian Edu-
cation. St. Jacobs, Ont., April 30, May 1.
Conference on Christian Community Relations. E.M.C..
Harrisonburg. Va., May 6. 7.
Home Sunday. Mar 9.
Annual meeting Mennonlte Board of Missions and
Charities, somewhere In Oregon, June 18-20.
Peace Sunday. July 4, 1954
Annual Meotlng, Southwestern Pa. Conference, place
undecided, Aug. 1-4.
Annual meeting Iowa-Nebraska Conference. West
Union, Parnell, Iowa. Aug. 10-13.
MYF Annual meeting and Workshop. Laurelvllle
Camp. Laurelville. Pa.. Aug. 14-20.
Annual meeting South Central Conference. Assembly
of God campground, near Eldon. Mo., August
17-20.
Annual Meeting. Illinois Conference, East Bend.
Fisher. 111.. Aua. 24-26.
Fall Meetliyi. Commission for Christian Education,
Laurelvlll* Mennonlte Camp, Laurelvllle, Pa„
Sept. 27, 28.
Study Conference of Child Evangelism. Laurelvllle
Mennonlte Camp, Sept. 29, 30.
Fall Meeting. General Council of Mennonlte General
Conference. Laurelville Mennonlte Camp, Oct.
\. I-
January 26, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
85
Go, Preach " MISSIONS * Give Pray
The General Board Headquarter! ior Missions. Relief, and Service: 1711 Prairie Street Elkhart. Indiana. Telephone. Elkhart 2 27»6.
Mission News
A daughter, Anne Bernice, was born to
Bro. and Sister Orley Swartzentruber, Paris,
France, on Sunday, Jan. 10.
Sister Una Cressman, missionary on fur-
lough from the Argentine Chaco, will leave
New York on Ian. 28 on the "SS Argentina"
of the Argentine State lines en route back to
the field.
A wonderfully blessed Christmas season
and fellowship was enjoyed by the Mennon-
ite Gospel Center folks in Kansas City, Mo.
This richness perhaps was climaxed at the
White Gift Christmas service when the gifts
to be sent to the war sufferers in Korea were
brought and presented along with an offer-
ing in money. These gifts and money have
been sent to our relief headquarters to be
forwarded to Korea.
A group of ministers attending the minis-
ters' session of the Winter Bible School at
Goshen College. Goshen. Ind., visited the
General Mission Roard headquarters at Elk-
hart, Ind., on Thursday afternoon, Jan. 14.
Arrangements for the visit were made by
the Missions Committee of the Goshen Col-
lege YPCA.
Bro. John Koppenhaver, missionary on fur-
lough from Argentina, will teach a class in
"Missionary Education in the Local Congre-
gation" during the ministers' conference at
Hcsston College and Bible School, Feb. 2-5.
The Koppenhavers have air passage back to
Argentina leaving New York on March 10.
The young married folks group among
the nurses and I-W folks have taken a defi-
nite interest in the visitation work at the
Mennonite Gospel Center, Kansas City, Mo.,
and are setting aside one evening each week
to take part in it.
Bro. Harold Bauman, Orrville, Ohio,
preached at the Gladstone Mennonite Mis-
sion, Cleveland, Ohio, on Sunday morning,
Jan. 3, and Bro. Jerry Hughes, Goshen, Ind.,
brought the evening message.
Bro. J. D. Graber, General Mission Board
secretary, arrived safely in Formosa on
Jan. 17.
Bro. and Sister Henry Becker and family,
missionaries on furlough from Bihar, India,
spent Jan. 17-24 in the vicinity of Elkhart
and Goshen, Ind., before leaving for New
York City for their departure for India on
Jan. 27.
Bro. Paul Lauver, Cayey, Puerto Rico, has
been appointed chairman of the 1954 annual
conference of the Mennonite Church in
Puerto Rico.
The workers at the Mennonite Gospel
Center, Kansas City, Mo., wish hereby to
make further expression of thanks and deep
appreciation to all who so richly remembered
them and the work at Christmas time.
Weather has permitted pouring cement
for the main sidewalls of most of the undcr-
structure for the Bethel Mennonite Church
in Chicago.
Several members of the Albuquerque, N.
Mcx., and Phoenix, Ariz., Mennonite con-
gregations have offered to give some time
helping Bro. and Sister Stanley Weaver, mis-
sionaries to the Navaho Indians, build their
home at Black Mt., Ariz., when they are
ready to begin building.
John Allen Beachy, son of Bro. and Sister
John Beachy, missionaries on furlough from
Bihar, India, submitted to major surgery on
Jan. 16.
Bro. Harold Zehr, Roanoke, 111., served
as guest minister for the Peoria Mennonite
Church on Sunday morning, Jan. 10, and
Bro. H. R. Schertz. Metamora, 111., in the
evening.
Bro. Vern Miller, pastor of the Gladstone
Mennonite Mission. Cleveland, Ohio, will
speak at Kidron, Ohio, on Sunday evening.
Jan. 31, at Britton Run, Pa., on Sunday morn-
ing, Feb. 7, and New Wilmington, Pa., on
Sunday evening, Feb. 7. His appointments
in the churches in the West Liberty, Ohio,
community for Jan. 17 were canceled and
will need to be scheduled again later.
The Tapan missionaries formed the Hok-
kaido Mennonite Fellowship during Bro.
J. D. Graber's recent visit. Officers of the
new organization are Carl Beck, chairman:
Ralph Ruckwalter. secretary: and Lee Kan-
ney. third member of the Counseling Com-
mittee.
Plans have been formulated for establish-
ing a mission headquarters in Tokyo, Japan,
with Bro. Don McCammon serving as busi-
ness manager and Sister Dorothy McCam-
mon as treasurer for the Japan Mission.
The Committee on Hospitals and Homes
of the General Mission Board will meet in
Chicago on Feb. 10.
The Association of Mennonite Hospitals
and Homes, an organization composed of
the superintendents and administrators of
all Mennonite hospitals and homes, will meet
in Chicago on Feb. 10, 11, in conjunction
with the meeting of the Protestant Hospital
Association.
Froh Bros. Homestead, Sturgis, Mich., is
open to receive applications for residence
from our church constituency. Quite a few
applications have already been received from
outside the constituency. Write to Ben Yo-
der. Superintendent. Froh Bros. Homestead.
Sturgis, Mich.
Spring Missionary Day, March 21. Make
your plans early for a special missionary em-
phasis, savings banks returns, and assign-
ment of quarter fund investments.
Bro. Arnold Gingrich, pastor of the Bethel
Mennonite Church, Bothwell, Ont., preached
Your Treasurer Reports
The General Mission Board has completed
plans to open the first rescue mission under
its direction. This rescue mission is located
in South Bend. Ind., and will be operated
under the direction of a local Board of Di-
rectors and a superintendent. The Roard of
Directors were recently appointed as follows:
Nathan Reiff. Elkhart, Ind.: S. J. Hosteller.
Elkhart. Ind.; Marner Miller. Goshen, Ind.:
Edward Weaver. Elkhart, Ind.: and Willi*
Hughes, North Liberty, Ind. Bro. Tobe
Schmucker of Goshen. Ind.. has been ap-
pointed as superintendent and has supplied
the initiative in finding facilities and getting
them ready to open the mission.
This rescue mission will be known as the
"Hope Rescue Mission" and is located at
532 S. Michigan Ave. in South Bend. It is
anticipated that the mission will open for
services the first part of February and we
trust that the Lord will so lead that it may
render a significant service in bringing lost
men into the kingdom.
To operate a mission of this kind will re-
quire considerable personnel, food supplies,
and finances. Personnel and food supplies
will likely be supplied largely bv surround
ing communities and congregations. It is an-
ticipated that the churches at large will sup
port it financially. Therefore, mav we take
this opportunity to solicit vour interest in
this development and also to encourage vour
financial contributions to support the Hope
Rescue Mission. Contributions may be des-
ignated for the Hope Rescue Mission or for
the Rescue Mission Fund. Mav we also
solicit your praver support for those who
labor in the work of this mission.
H. Ernett Bennett. Treasurer
Mennonite Board of Missions and ChaTltles
Elkhart. Indiana.
at the Johnstown Mennonite Mission. Sunday
morning and evening. Jan. 17.
Bro. and Sister John Beachy, missionaries
on furlough from Bihar. India, have been
granted residence visas by the Indian gov
ernment. This makes it possible for them
to leave New York on Feb. 26 on the "Queen
Mary" en route for India via England as
originally planned.
The first nursing class trained at the
Dhamtari. M.P.. Tndia. Mennonite Hospital
will be graduated on Feb. 12 according to
present plans. Bro. J. D. Graber will give
the commencement address.
Those who give themselves unreservedly
into the protection of God are surrounded by
safety. — Anna Wood.
86
GOSPEL HERALD
January 26, 1954
Women's Work— United or Divided?
IJy Mrs. J. D. Craber, Prhmmi m of Gkneral WMSCO
"Times are changing, conditions are chang-
ing" has come to be a common expression.
Responsible people say we must adjust our-
selves to new situations and needs. What
was done twenty-five years ago was up to date
for 1925 but may not be adequate for 1955.
Meetings and organizations have to change
their pattern. Take, for example, an in-
stitution in our church life — the old-fashion-
ed Sunday evening Bible meeting. Many
churches have veered a long way from the
usual pattern. In many localities churches
are working on new programs, trying this
and that to make that Sunday evening period
most meaningful and to challenge fuller
Sunday evening attendance. To be sure,
nothing can replace spiritual life for the
creating of interest and participation in
any program. In fact, even a very poor
method can work when people are Spirit-
filled. However, because of the competition
of programs at many places and ready trans-
portation to them, local churches must strive
to make their Sunday evening programs
spiritually satisfying and well balanced in a
truly Christian way.
This same thing is true of the Women's
Missionary and Sewing Circle Organization,
commonly called "the sewing." The concern
is not for what is being done by the actual
membership, but the concern is for the large
amount of unharnessed potential. The day
was when the sewing circle was the one
meeting for the women in the church. The
work was simple and limited; the organi-
zation, too, was simple and adequate. There
has never been one hundred per cent mem-
bership of the girls and women but the circle
was there and all who wished could attend.
In some districts even yet the circle is the
major, perhaps the only, organization for
women of the church, and other groups bear
close relationship to it. However, in other
sections of the church it is optimistic to say
that one half of the women and girls belong
to or attend the organized sewing circles.
These women and girls who do not attend
are not antisocial, or antichurch in their in-
terests. Many of them have a fine church
interest, many are educated, interested in
community activities, attend PTA and go to
Sunday school and church regularly. On
examination we find that groups for women
and girls other than the sewing circle are
existing in many Mennonite fellowships. I
shall enumerate a few of these.
Sunday School Class Meetings. I teach a
Sunday-school class and I know how fine
and necessary it is for a group of girls to
meet for a half hour on Sunday morning for
fellowship, discussion of the Bible, and a
challenge to better discipleship. We feel
the need for becoming better acquainted with
each other; so we plan class meetings. The
major need probably is a social one but we
are such a practical people and conscientious!
Soon there are plans afoot to do something
and we become a little service group. This
is good.
Women's Missionary Meetings. Although
not so numerous, these are significant. Several
have been in existence for a long time. Or-
ganically they are not a part of the Women's
Missionary and Sewing Circle Organization,
although they are strictly missionary, and in
every case the women and girls are strong
supporters of sewing work as well as leaders
in these meetings. All women and girls in
the congregation are eligible. Some groups
meet monthly; one very active group meets
quarterly. Some have organized mission
study, others stress having special speakers.
All give place to united prayer, news flashes,
and special music, and offerings are in every
case a part of the activity. "What a fine
fellowship," we all say.
Nurses' Meetings are another type of
women's expression becoming more numer-
ous. Nurses meet for fellowship and join
to support worthy causes.
Sunshine Circles, Homemakers' Clubs, etc.
These also have no organic relationship to the
WMSCO. They have come into being because
of a need for social fellowship. Home prob-
lems are discussed, and programs vary from
home decorating to child care to discussion of
reading materials to singing exercises for the
children. In some cases these gatherings have
progressed from a consideration of their own
immediate needs to the taking up of projects
beneficial to people beyond the group. They
too become a service group, although not
strongly so.
Perhaps there are other similar groups.
Certain things characterize them all:
1. Every group is meeting a need.
2. They are women's and girls' groups,
organically not related to the WMSCO.
3. They are becoming more numerous.
4. They become service groups although
they do not begin that way.
We have only to look at the past annual
reports of the WMSCO to see what its con-
tribution to the church's effort has been. In
relief sewing and canning, support of our
missionaries and institutions at home a~d
abroad she has made steady advance. This
year's Treasurer's Report shows that, be-
sides the vast amount of goods in kind (ma-
terial aid), $20,667.35 was given in cash
doratiens.
Why then do we have a concern? Some-
times we hear things like this and we know
them to be true in some places:
"Circles are mostly made up of older wo-
men.
"Younger women don't sew any more."
"Manv don't attend the sewing hut do at-
tend a class meeting or Homemakers' Club."
"Women with children can't attend the
regular adult circle which meets by day and
no effort is being made to provide other
meetings which they can attend or contribute
to in some other way."
"The attendance at a class meeting is
sufficient to salve their conscience that thev
are doing something and they don't make
any effort to support the local circles."
In one locality a laymen's group became
interested in streamlining the women's
activities. From another brother we received
a letter urging that attempts be made to
include the younger women, and suggesting
our organization's name be charged to make
this easier.
The WMSCO has more and more calls to
Tin Lancaster, J'a.. cutting room 'this is one of several such cutting The adult sewing circle of North Lima, Ohio. Mennonite Church. This
rooms throughout the church where large bolts of material are rut i> onbj nine if the women who an working in the church basement;
by machine mid lent nut to local circle* to he sewn into jjiirmenls.
January 26, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
87
help in church projects and these are becom-
ing of such proportions that better planning
will be necessary. Strengthening the or-
ganization to include these other women's
activities in one unified effort would mean
so very much. The service groups described
above are independent. For the most part
they support church projects but in some
cases they are not contributing to our own
church commitment. They give to other
groups, seek extraordinary or unusual places
to put their money. We do not consider it
selfish to propose to such groups that they
seek to know and support the program of
their own church. After all, when our
church has schools, hospitals, local, district,
and world-wide missions, it is a matter of
wisdom for all to unite in support of the
same. The pressure on the WMSCO to give
to moneyed causes of our own church is
greater each year. It is necessary to challenge
the large group of women not now helping.
They are needed.
So a very pertinent and challenging ques-
tion for us is this: Is the WMSCO big
enough in its purpose, method of working
and organizational setup to care for, give di-
rection to, or at least have a closer relationship
with the women's and girls' activities that
have grown up and are growing up all over
the church? Would it not be well to co-
ordinate and give focus to the service eflorts
of our women and girls?
Why should an organization that has done
a remarkable task in the past, now be con-
tent with a 50 percent attendance, at a time
when opportunities are greater than ever
before? Must we give that as the record of
the eflorts of the women in the Mennonite
Church? In reality it is not a true picture
of what we are doing. It is not a complete
picture of what is being done until the Mis-
sionary Society's work, the projects of the
women's Sunday-school class meetings, Sun-
shine Circles, and other clubs have been
brought into the account.
These groups should be made to feel they
are really contributing to the life of the
church. No one is telling any group what
they have to do. We all want to work
toward one goal, have definite ideals of serv-
ice in mind, and work unitedly toward it, not
each going her own way.
Some would raise the question as to wheth-
er encouragement of these groups will not
cause more women and girls to join them
instead of giving their attention to the
sewings. The WMSCO has strongly focused
on the idea "for others." We cannot afford
to let this high ideal slip. Other groups may
put to the fore the strengthening of home or
family life, while the "for others" is not
as prominent. Both need to be emphasized
but I'm sure we would all agree that our in-
terests should include many, many others be-
yond ourselves.
' What should the WMSCO do in this
situation? First of all, I would say let dis-
trict organizations and local circles look well
to. strengthening their programs by chal-
lenging younger leadership where necessary,
by delegating more work to more individuals,
by educating women and girls in current
opportunities a-nd needs, by creating evening
circles for those who cannot attend day
circles, by making possible associate member-
ship, by giving opportunity for those who
would like to attend but cannot to give finan-
cially or to sew garments in their own homes.
As for the activities other than the sew-
ing circle, would it not be well to acquaint
them with our publicity, and invite them to
share in the total program? We could make
the interests of these groups sympathetically
our own and give them opportunity to re-
port their work in some fashion annually.
Whatever we do should be done in united
purpose for the exaltation of Christ and the
program of His church in the world. If an
activity does not help our homes to exalt
Christ, if it does not exalt Christ in our com-
munity and church, it is questionable whether
it is an activity that should monopolize our
time.
Quilting is a favorite project of many sewing
circles. Part of the North Lima. Ohio, circle.
We all know how precious are the days
and evenings at home. Let us put our time
and effort where they will count most for
;he kingdom.
The general committee of the Women's
Organization is gathering statistics from the
women and girl constituency of our church,
trying to get a true picture of the various
activities for women and girls other than the
sewing circle. The committee is also studying
the reaction of different groups to the ques-
tion of how we can think and work to-
gether more closely. We solicit prayer that
these efforts may make possible more good
in more ways and that truly whatever we do
in word or in deed might he all in the name
of the Lord fesus. Then we will have
fulfilled our purpose.
Elkhart, Ind.
Together We Serve
By Dorothea M. Eicsti, General
Secretary of WMSCO
(Presented at the Annual Meeting of the
WMSCO in Harrisonburg, Va., June, 1953.)
"That they may be one: . . . that they also
may be one in us . . ." (John 17:21). ". . .
with one mind striving together . . . (Phil.
1:27).
The work of the Women's Missionary
and Sewing Circle is done on a number of
levels. The general organization of 14,000
members is divided into fourteen districts
and 547 local circles. To help implement and
organize the work there is a general com-
mittee of seven members.
At the business and inspirational meetings
of the organization held annually at Mission
Board Meeting time it would seem that the
members of the general committee arc very
important.
But arc we as important as wc seem? Arc
we the wheel that turns out the 58.000 gar-
ments, the 47,000 quarts of fruit, and all the
other work? Arc wc the WMSCO?
Indeed wc arc not. Wc are only the serv-
ants of the various districts and more im-
portant still, servants of the local circles.
We simply co-ordinate some of your projects:
we merely suggest and implement new proj-
ects. Wc, the committee, arc only seven
members. You, the local circles, are 14,000
members. Our work is the result of four-
teen hands; yours is the work of 28.001
hands. Our love to the needy flows from
seven hearts; your love comes from 14,000
hearts. Therefore, it is obvious that as a
committee our work can rot compare with
the work of the local circles as far as amount
is concerned.
Who makes our organization possible?
N'ot we, but you. You women and girls
on the local level are the ruclcus, the group
that grows and produces. Just as a cell with-
out a nucleus cannot grow and produce.
co our WMSCO cannot grow and produce
except as the local circles work, produce,
and grow.
In some of our congregations we have a
number of women's organizations— Mothers'
Clubs, Sunshine Circles, Homemakcrs' Clubs
— which have been formed for various worth-
while purposes. Some of these organizations
may have lost their worthv purposes. Some
iend their reports through the local circle
while others do not. We would indeed like
for all such groups to channel their reports
of services through the regular church chan-
nel, the WMSCO. Are we not all laborers
together for Christ?
But you say, "We don't sew." True. But
our women's organization is rot only a sew-
ing group. It is a missiorary circle, too.
Is it expecting too much to have all women's
organizations report their work and service
through the channel of the Women's Mission-
ary Auxiliary? Sometimes needs are not
filled. Sometimes one station or individual
receives more than enough. If wc all work
through one central and general organiza
tion. the gifts and services would be more
equally and effectively distributed. Can we
keen our groups definitely Christ-centered if
we do not give our service through the chan-
nel of our church? Arc we placing the proper
emphasis upon our privilege and responsibili-
ty in Christ that each Christian has? Have
wc stressed the val'es that accurc when we
serve, not only the help and ercouragement
that came to the recipients but also the great
blessings that wc as individual servants re-
ceive5
Consider the work of Nehemiah in rc-
MISSTONS SrCTTOV
88
GOSPEL HERALD
January 26, 1954
wo mens M/ss/0/mr ssmc cms owM/z/ir/oA/
I IOC**.
\
W0Af£NS M/ss/otwey
1
1 1 1 '
building the walls of Jerusalem. Each group
had a particular section to build. Each
person had a definite place to work. The
work was so well organized and directed,
there was a mighty "striving together" that
the enemies ". . . perceived that this work
was wrought of . . . God" (Neh. 6:16). In
like manner we women, all the women of
our church, may help build the kingdom
through the united efforts of each one.
As we strive together on the local level,
each fulfilling her mission in her area, let
us remember that we are God's workers.
We are God's representatives on this earth,
working through the women's auxiliary
which is responsible to the Mennonite Board
of Missions and Charities.
May we continue to work on the local
level. May we enlist all the women of our
constituency. May we incorporate into this
one large organization all the groups that
wish to serve our Lord and Saviour. May
we strive together so that eoods may be ap-
portioned according to needs. May we realize
anew our great responsibilities as Christian
women in the growing nucleus, the local
circle.
TTesston, Knns.
A story is told of a man into whose hand*
a Bible came who had never read it before.
After reading a short time he exclaimed.
"O wife, if this book is true, we arc lost."
He continued to read and then shouted with
)oy, "O wife, if this book is true, we can
be saved." Thev opened their hearts to the
Lord and were saved. — Selected.
Key to Chart
The Women's Missionary and Sewing
Circle Organization is an auxiliary of the
Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities.
There are 547 local circles in fourteen
districts of the United States and Canada
with additional groups who report in Ar-
gentina, Puerto Rico, and India.
The organization has an executive com-
mitte often called the General Committee
made up of seven members who seek to
co-ordinate the total program and furnish
facilities for carrying out the work of the
organization through continuing and special
projects.
Each district has its own district executive
committer to coordinate and administer
work on the district level.
Each local circle is organized to care for
local work.
I. Continuing Projects come to the local
circles in a form something like this:
Relief sewing ami canning (always a need)
Canning and sewing for institutions and
missions (annual opportunity)
General Expense — each local circle con-
tributes $2.00 or more per year
Sheet and Blanket Eund — a standing fund
from which to fill small sheet and blank-
et orders wherever and whenever needed
Missionary Support — most districts have
chosen their own worker or workers to
support
Free Literature — a fund from which Bibles
can be supplied for definite places, other
good literature given on occasion to
worthy causes or individuals
Nursing Education — 53.600 annual budget
to the Board of Education for use in
nursing program of the Mennonite
Church.
Fifty cents per circle member per year the
suggested amount to give.
Dhamtari Nursing School, India Bible
Women, South American Orphanage,
Bible Readers, Japan, Puerto Rico, Afri-
ca, all receive contributions from circles
— this altogether free will.
n. Special Projects
Each year one or two projects are chosen
as Specials — projects in which all circles
everywhere share. They are Specials because
we join to do them, accomplish them within
the vear and pass on to other Specials.
This year's Special for Adult Circles is the
furnishing of two missionary homes in
Uruguay — 51 ,500, and for Juniors a project
having to do with the new mission to the
Vavaho Indians.
The suggested plan for furnishing the
Uruguay missionarv homes is as follows:
I arge Circles $7.50 or more
Average Circles $5.00 to $7.50
Small Circles As thev feel it is
possible to contrib-
ute
The plan of the Navaho Indian Mission
Project for junior and intermediate circles is
planned hv a committee with the Junior
Activities Secretarv. Florence Shantz, chair-
man, and will be publicized in the Words of
Cheer and the Sewing Circle Monthly.
January 26, 1954
GOSPEL H ERALD
N
I— VV/oRSHlP
W ITNESS
(Home Church Responsibility to I-W Men)
A I-W man recently said that he believed
that the two years of I-W service would, in
the end, have about the same value as two
years spent in almost any other job. If this
means that we as a church are doing such a
good job of expanding our program and de-
veloping consecrated Christians that it cannot
be improved upon, that is wonderful. It
seems, howver, that our unique opportunity
as a church is this I-W program should pro-
duce some values which otherwise could not
be obtained. We as a church have the re-
sponsibility of making I-W service more
meaningful to our men than two years spent
at home would be.
Our responsibility may start with the real-
ization that I-W men are an integral part of
the church. They are part of our denomina-
tion, our conference, and our local congrega-
tions. They should always be thought of as
such. It is just as important that they be
given opportunities to participate in the
church life while in service as it was while
they were at home. Has your church invited
I-W men to take part on programs? Does
your congregation make it possible for its
I-W men to contribute to the various financial
needs that are shared by other members?
Most men are willing to help in these ways.
Do the men receive your church bulletin?
Are they aware of special services that your
church is planning so they can join the con-
gregation in prayer?
Christian fellowship is a two-way street.
The I-W men need to contribute to the
church; the church needs to help its I-W men.
We should support, both by our money and
our time, the program of services to I-W men.
Have groups from your church visited a con-
centration of I-W men? Has anyone visited
the man who may be working alone? Sewing
circles have helped men to furnish a center
and at times have helped by cleaning for the
men.
The need for balanced activities is great.
The same type of emphasis that has been sat-
isfactory in other organizations of the church
is being given to I-W concentrations. Activi-
ties are broken down into the areas of Fel-
lowship, Christian Education, and Extension.
The first includes the social contacts that help
us to think and work together, and the recre-
ational activities. Christian education covers
the area of correspondence courses and night
classes which need a place in the total Chris-
tian view. Bible classes and other studies of
Christian principles are underway at a num-
ber of places.
An emphasis that is adequate also reaches
out. This is the area of extension. In a variety
of ways men can be of service to the com-
munities in which they are located. Also,
we must not overlook the opportunity of
having our members out in places of great
spiritual need. This is the extension of the
church. The I-W program presents what is
probably the greatest potential for active mis-
sion expansion that the Mennonite Church
has known in this century. Are the men
from your congregation equipped and ready
to win souls for Christ? Have you encouraged
them in soul-winning activities? This is the
responsibility of us all. The Great Commis-
sion says "Go," and we have helped part of
our church (the I-W men) to obey. What
about "preach. . . teach. . . baptize. . ."?
This situation is a challenge. Dare we let
it pass? — By Henry Weaver, Jr.
Office for Relief and Service
Elkhart, Indiana
"A More Excellent Way"
(This reflection on the meaning of Chris-
tianity in Voluntary Service is by Kathryn
Summers, Laingsburg, Mich., a member of
the unit serving at Camp Paivika, a crip-
pled children's camp near Cresdine, Calif.,
summer 1953.)
"How can our service as Christians here at
Camp Paivika be different or surpass that of
non-Christians?"
We often discussed this, wondering what
place Christians had at Paivika or even in
Voluntary Service. The other counselors
seemed as kind, as concerned for the welfare
of their campers, and as attentive to duty as
we who professed the name of Christ.
But as the days passed, little things told
the difference. As Christians we tried to
show extra love and extra kindness to the
most unlovely child and the most handi-
capped when they were neglected by others.
Patience under the heavy strain of daily du-
ties was an asset not claimed by those who
lacked strength from an understanding heav-
enly Father.
Each camp period Wilson seemed to have
a child who required constant care and at-
tention. Although this care often become
tedious and tiresome, Wilson was always pa-
tient and kind to the child.
At the briefings preceding the third camp,
the social worker told Wilson he was to be
in charge of a boy who was completely help-
less. She said she had saved this child espe-
cially for Wilson since he was so capable and
dependable in his work. Wilson felt this
seemed like an unbearable burden since he
had six other boys in his charge. But God
had given him strength before and he could
trust Him always.
A fellow counselor remarked: "See, if you
weren't so conscientious about your work,
they wouldn't give you the hardest cases!" —
via MCC News Service.
Men may misjudge thy aim,
Think they have cause to blame,
Say, thou art wrong:
Keep on thy quiet way,
Christ is the judge, not they.
Fear not, be strong.
— Streams in the Desert.
Missions Editorial
Tapping Witnessing Power
" The Praying Plumber of Lisburn" is the
title of a leading article in the January 6 issue
of The Alliance Weekly. Tom Haire, born
in North Ireland sixty-six years ago, began
the practice of praying four hours a day three
months after his conversion at the age of six-
teen. Later he added one all-night prayer
session per week, in 1930 two nights, and in
1948 three nights.
Tom avoids publicity like poison. He
doesn't want to be elevated. He doesn't want
to lose his power with God. He is only a
plumber, he says. But in addition to his de-
voted prayer life and plumbing business,
Tom has been very active as a lay preacher
and evangelist. He releases a spiritual radi
ance and demonstrates a deep spiritual pene-
tration wherever he goes. Certainly God is
using him mighdy as a prayer warrior and a
witness to the manifold blessings of God.
No doubt you are now ready to say, "I am
not Tom Haire." Granted. But are you
ready in the same breath to say that you have
yielded yourself to God as Tom Haire has to
be used as He wants to use you, whether you
are Joe Yodcr, Sam Miller, Jake Hostctler,
or Paul Gerberr Tom Haire's success lies in
having found God's will for his life and hav-
ing given himself wholly to it.
But wait a minute. We cannot leave the
ministry of prayer without a further word
regarding its place in the life of every Chris-
tian worker. We are not concerned with im-
posing Tom Haire's praying pattern on every
Christian. We are concerned, however, that
every Christian devote more time to prayer
because we believe that our present pattern of
living many times cuts off our prayer life be
fore it is complete.
The first missionary command Jesus gave
His disciples was to pray. Not wordy prayers,
but prayers fraught with concern for the lost,
a concern which finds kinship in the loving
heart of God. Prayers that arc full of mean-
ing. Prayers that vibrate with a vital fellow-
ship between the Christian and his Lord.
Prayers that are guided by the indwelling
Holy Spirit.
When you tell God that you arc willing to
pray as He would have you pray, He will
show you those things in your life which hin-
der effective prayer. Then He will lead you
into fellowship with Him which you have
never known, a fellowship which will make
you realize that you are in partnership with
God. He will awaken you during the night
(Continued on page 92)
MISSIONS SECTION
90
GOSPEL HERALD
January 26,
Relief and Service News
MKbC Weekly .Notes
Volunary Service
There is an immediate urgent need for four
men to work tor approximately ten weeks in
building a broner house on the Culp, Ark.,
mission tarm. i here should be one carpenter
in the group who will be aoie to supervise
the construction. Anyone interested write to
Mark Lehman, Mennonite uoard ot Missions
and Charities, 1711 Prairie St. Elkhart, Ind.
At its monthly meeting on Jan. y the La
Junta rtospital Voluntary service Unit elect-
ed Harold Zook, Ashley, Mich., as the chair-
man ol its council. Leon norsc, Washing-
ton, Iowa, served as chairman during the
past year.
Sister .Beatrice Weber, Aima, Ontario, has
been assisting in the Elkhart Voluntary Serv-
ice Center as a voluntary service worker dur-
ing the orientation school, Jan. 6-19. On Jan.
25 she will begin a period of service as a
housekeeper at the I-W center in Indianapo-
lis, Ind.
The work assignments for the volunteers
in the Jan. 9-16 orientation school are as fol-
lows: Lowell Erb and Samilda Leichty, Men-
nonite Hospital, La Junta, Colo.; Gertrude
Piuber, Gladstone Mission, Cleveland, Ohio;
Bro. and Sister Norman Lyndaker, Froh
Bros. Homestead, Sturgis, Mich.; Ruth Mil-
ler and Dolores Roth, I-W Center, East Lan-
sing, Mich.; Elvin Hoover, Home for the
Aged, Eureka, 111.; Earl Ulrich, Mathis, Tex-
as; Doris Detwiler, Iowa City, Iowa.
The next orientation school will be held
early in February. Anyone who would like
to join the VS program and the group for
this school is invited to write to D. J. Mishler,
Office lor Relief and Service, 1711 Prairie St.,
Elkhart, Ind.
Lebanon Community Hospital, Lebanon,
Oreg., has an opening for a I-W man or any
other interested person to serve as a part-time
orderly and laboratory assistant on a regular
stall allowance basis. This is an urgent need
and anyone interested should write immedi-
ately to D. J. Mishler, Office for Relief and
Service.
I-W Services
Bro. Newton Weber, West Liberty, Ohio,
has accepted the responsibility of MRSC area
field representative lor I-W men in Ohio.
The Farnhurst, Del., I-W unit is uniting
with the 1-W group in Smyrna, Del., to or-
ganize a weekly music class conducted by
Robert Lantz of the Smyrna group.
The Cleveland, Ohio, I-W unit plans for
a Christian Li lc Fellowship program on Jan.
30 and 31. The theme, "The Surrendered
I. ile," will be discussed 1>\ Brethren R.iy Bsir,
Louisville, Ohio, and Emanuel Swartzcndru-
ber, Pigeon, Mich. The peace witness in
F. 11 rope and in World War I will be discussed
MISSIONS SECTION
by Brethren Elmer Gingerich and Emanuel
Swartzendruber.
Plans are being made among I-W units to
have special prayer tor world peace and in
behalf ot the "Big Four" conference on Jan.
25 for which the conference is tentatively
scheduled.
Released January 15, 1954
Office for Relief and Service
Elkhart, Indiana
MCC Weekly iNotes
PAX Activities in Germany
While PAX men in Germany continue to
make progress on the construction ot hous-
ing for Mennonite retugees in bacKnang,
Lnicenbach, and Wedel, they are taKing
advantage of opportunities to Decome parts
of these communities and to maiie etlective
Christian witnesses.
Backnang men participated in a local Ger-
man chorus. They went Christmas caroling
and distributed 570 Christmas Duiidles and
800 New Testaments.
Backnang men report being invited into
German homes and on other occasions being
asked why they are contributing their serv-
ices in Germany. As one fellow put it:
"These occasions are good ways for us to
leave our witness since we are always asked
about our convictions and our churches at
home. We can find no better way to witness
for our Savior."
Some of the Enkenbach men participated
in an Advent service held in the Mennonite
old people's home. They were impressed
with the way in which the Advent is cele-
brated for four Sundays. Wreaths are pre-
pared with four candles representing the
four Sundays before Christmas. A candle is
lit every Sunday.
In Wedel some of the PAX men attend
the Friday evening Bible studies of the Freie
(Free) Evangelical people. PAX men also
visit the local German people and distributed
Christmas bundles to Wedel children. About
85 per cent of Wedel's children are reported
to live in barracks. Wedel offers free German
classes to the PAX men every Monday eve-
ning.
In Backnang, plastering and painting have
been completed on five of the first 10 houses
under construction. Most of the plastering
on the sixth house is completed. These re-
ports were made late in November and plans
Imii' 01 mi' it'll si\ ,.|Kiri mi 111 httUSM II r Men-
nonltf rtfnjteni being constructed In Backnang,
Germany, by PAX men. Construction uf these
Ikiiisi's is rnusiili'i :iltl\ ln'\nnd (he itBfC sIimmu
In Mils ptrturo.
were to continue plastering as long as favor-
able weather would permit. Work has been
started on the second set of 10 houses in
Backnang.
The first house in Enkenbach is occupied.
PAX men there had plans to complete the
roof on the second house late in November
and then begin construction of the third
house. When completed, the Enkenbach
settlement of 15 houses will provide homes
for 60 Mennonite refugee families.
neie PAX men in Wedel, German}, clear large
mounds uf dirt, remains uf a target range, on
the site uf the housing project. The dirt was
muved by hand with the use of little railruad
cars and tracks which the PAX men set up to
facilitate this operation.
In Wedel, the outside walls of the first
five houses have been finished. Ten duplexes
are being constructed in Wedel.
Women's Activities
What have you done for the I-W center
nearest you? What have you done for the
boys of your congregation who are in 1-W
service?
Our I-W boys are asking for our prayer
support not only for themselves, but tor
their younger brothers and sisters who are
not yet of draft age, that all may live lives
that will testify to the victorious joy of the
Gospel of peace.
• • •
Some of our I-W groups are already reach-
ing out beyond their own needs in service
to others. The Fort Wayne, Ind., group con-
tributed approximately $200 toward the com-
pletion of Prairie View Hospital; the Elgin,
111., group prepared Christmas baskets to
bring cheer to the needy of their community.
There arc others on the list. May we pray
that all may have the joy of serving others
in the name of their Redeemer.
• • •
We are happy to know that our sisters of
the I-W group in Des Moines, Iowa, are hav-
ing "sewings" almost every other Thursday
evening. They are also enjoying socials, Bible
study, and Sunday school as a group every
Sunday morning except during holidays
when nearly everyone is gone. They are look-
ing forward to having a minister come to
preach lor them every third Sunday. They are
asking that we pray that our I-W boys may
continue giving a true testimony for their
Lord and Saviour.
• • •
Mrs. J. D. Grahcr. president of General
Missionary Sewing Circle Organization, has
Uanuary 26, 1954
Lalled tor a meeting wilh her committee for
January 29, 3U. The group will meet at the
Chicago Home Mission. Will all members of
our organization kindly remember the com-
mittee in prayer that God's will may be done
in every procedure?
• • •
In the October 21, 1953, Christian Century
announcement was made concerning the
service our boys are giving in the hospitals
in Indiana: "In six Indianapolis hospitals,
140 Mennonite and Amish conscientious ob-
jectors arc performing alternate service as
orderlies, attendants, maintenance workers,
porters, and pharmacists. A comprehensive
report on the subject by Emma Rivers Mil-
ner, church editor of the Indianapolis Times,
was published recently in that newspaper.
Some of the CO's live in a service center
maintained by the Mennonites."
Let us pray taithfully lor our I-W boys
that they may always be ready to give a true
witness of their faith.
* • *
Requests for "out-size" garments continue
to come from Germany. All sizes are still
i.eeded, but our workers are especially ask-
ing for the large sizes for the people in
Menno-Heim, Berlin. The MCC worker
writing in the Women's Activities Letter
says, "Send all you can find." — Mrs. C. L.
Shank.
From Our Churches
ALTOONA, PENNSYLVANIA
(First Mennonite Church)
As we rode around the city of Altoona view-
ing the five or six forest fires, we had to think
of hell, which we believe is a lake of fire; and
the many that are bound for this place. Oh,
that we could shout the warning and people
would heed and accept the Lord as their
Saviour. .
This past summer we again had our own
Bible school; also at Canan Station. The at-
tendance was good. Teachers were from (un-
church here, with the help of Juliet .Miller
from the Otclia congregation.
We hud a number of visiting speakers With
US this past summer. Among them were:
Samuel Gliek, Erie Kenno, Chester Kanagy.
Elrose Hurtzler, D. 1. Stonerook and Clayton
Graybill. . , . . ,
Uu Oct. 4 Mill Itun and Martmsburg joined
us in a Harvest Home meeting, singing songs
of praise and special singing, followed by a
message by Bro. Clyde Fulmer. The gifts of
food given by those who attended the meeting
were divided among the needy of Altoona.
On Oct. IS Bro. and Sister J. M. Nissley
visited us. Bro. Nissley brought the evening
message.
On Oct. 24 and 25 was our annual workers
meeting. Speakers were: Bro. Silas Brydg*
of Lyudhurst, Va., and Bro. Vernon Bontreger
of Goshen, Ind. The Big Valley Men's Chorus
I presented us with music in the afternoon. Sister
Hazel Baer (Mrs. Amos Bner) of Maugans-
ville. Md., had the children's meeting. This
meeting was well attended and the fellowship
with each other was greatly enjoyed by all.
Revival meeting followed the workers' meet-
ing, with Bro. Bontreger as evangelist. Nine
souls either found the Lord or renewed their
fellowship. Pray for these souls that they may
serve the Lord in all things. Some were from
Mill Run and some from Altoona.
On Sunday, Dec. 0, four were received into
church fellowship: three by baptism, and one
by confession of faith. The Lord has abundant-
ly blessed us here. Pray that we may be
worthy to continue His blessings.
Yours in the Master's Service,
The Workers, per Harold Uorst, Pastor.
GOSPEL HERALD
FLANAGAN. ILLINOIS
(Waldo Congregutiou)
Greetings :
We have many reasons to thank the Lord fur
all the blessings that have come to us, not
according to our merits but according to His
purpose and grace.
During the holidays it was *he privilege
of the Waldo congregation to have the Christian
Workers' Bible Normal held here with over
seventy students enrolled. Bro. Boy Bucher
of Pleasant View, Peoria, ill., served as director.
Others on the staff were Sister Mary Nal/iger,
Goshen, Ind.. and the brethren LeUoy Kennel,
Metuiuora, HI.; Paul Friesen, Sterling. III.;
and Lester llershey, Puerto Rico. Bro. Hershey
brought a much-appreciated message each even-
ing and also preached ut the Sunday morning
service.
Our prayer is that the seed that has been
sown will bring forth fruit unto everlasting
life.
Emma Hartzler.
GAP. PENNSYLVANIA
(Old Uoud Congregation)
Dear HERALD Readers:
The Lord has blessed us in so many ways in
the past thul we can go forth 111 confidence
knowing He will be with us.
On Sept. 2.5. i.ro. Richard Buckwalter WHS
ordained as deacon at Old Road. May the Lord
bless and use linn to His glory.
On Oet. 17, IS, a Bible Instruction Meeting
wus held with the brethren Lloyd Eby and iler-
vin Baer as instructors. This meeting proved
to be a profitable meeting. We studied I and
II Peter. Bro. Karl Mosemann, Plaiufield, Pa.,
gave us a challenging message on Nov. 15.
We praise the Lord that health bus been
restored to Bro. .Martin Hershey who spent some
time in the hospital following surgery.
Sunday-school reorganization uu Jan. 10 re-
sulted in the following officers: Supt., Leon
Neff; Asst. Supt.. Donald Hostetler; Secy.-
Treas., Frank Kurtz; Chorister, Amos Her-
shey ; Asst. Chorister, Roy Benner.
Anna Mary Martin.
KINZERS. PENNSYLVANIA
(llershey Congregation)
Dear Christian Friends:
"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not
all his benefits." This is our thought as we look
back over the pust year and come to Him seek-
ing His help for the coming year that we may
be a light in this dark world.
We have recently been blessed with a series
of revival messages by Bro. Alvin G. Martin.
The Holy Spirit has strengthened the believers
and six young souls have found the Lord as
their Saviour. Our prayer is that they may
grow in Christ and be fruitful in His kingdom.
We appreciate having our pastor, Bro. Mar-
tin Hershey, with us again ufter recovering
from surgery. Also the visits of missionary
brethren, Klain Stauffer and George Miller. The
latter brought us the Christmas message. Mis-
sionary savings banks were introduced to the
Sunday school as a ineuns of encouraging giv-
ing.
Jan. 3 we reorganized our Sunday school.
The same officers were elected for another year.
A loud-speaker system was recently purchased
to be used in the church and by the Gospel Wit-
ness group in street meetings.
Everett S. Buckwalter.
LIMON. COLORADO
(Liniou Congregation)
Dear Christian Friends:
Greetings in the precious name of Jesus.
In my last correspondence 1 mentioned that
we were trying to activate a Youth Fellowship
Organization in the Limon Church. We feel
that the Lord has definitely answered our
prayers in a big way.
On Nov. 14 all the young people met at the
home of Bro. and Sister Fred Grove for an in-
formal discussion. It was decided that during
the winter months our group would meet every
other Saturday night. The first hour of each
meeting is to be a spiritual program consisting
of B.ble quil contests, chalk talks, short talks
on topics of special interest to young people,
etc. The last part of our program is to be de-
voted to Christian recreation. Bro. Fred Grove
was chosen counselor for our organization. We
have had three programs and our people have
shown a growing interest.
The Youth Organization sponsored and pro-
duced a Christmas pageant entitled. "And Then
91
There Was Light," which was presented Dec.
20. on Dec. 31. after our spiritual program at
the church, we went to the home of Sister Salo-
me Foiicanuoii. north of Limon. for a New
Year's Eve Watch Party.
Pray with us that the Lord will use this or-
ganization an we attempt to reach the youth of
our community.
Helen L. Duft,
MIDLAND. MICHIGAN
(Midland Congregation)
Christian Greetings:
On Jan. 5 we hud our business meeting when
the following church officers were elected:
Chorister, Charlie BontTttger ; Asst. Chorister,
Mamie Kauffmun ; Missiou Bd. Member, Willis
Miller; Asst. Librarian, Mamie Kauffiuaii ;
Ushers. Curl Gualer, Ray and Rouuld \Vy«;
Aulo Aide Director. Meuuo Miller; Trustee for
3 years, Charlie Bontrsger ; Delegates for Chris-
tian Workers' Conference, Luureuce Wyee and
John Steckiey.
Sisters Ruby Miller and Cathryn R.pp have
gone to Mountain Home, Ark., to help in the
Home for the Aged. We are glad they are
giving their time to this worthy cause.
Bro. Lloyd Miller and family of Upper
Michigan worshiped wilh us ou Dec. 27. Bro.
Miller brought much-appreciuled messages in
the morning and in the evening.
We are happy to have Curist Brauus in our
community and to worship with uu. He has
secured employment in Midland, and they will
make their home here. The Bruuus are from
Germany.
Correspondent.
MILLER. SOUTH DAKOTA
(Pleasant View Congregation)
Dear Christian Friends:
"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart ; and
lean not unto thine owu understanding. In all
thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct
thy paths" (Prov. 3:5, 0;.
Our group here appreciated the brethren who
filled in part time wuile our pastor, ilro. Paul
Glunzer, wus in Virginia and Fcuu.>yKuuiu.
The messuges of the brethren Royden Schweitzer,
Broken Bow, Nebr., and Martin Weaver, Anu-
ville. Pa., were very much appreciated. Bro.
Weaver also showed slides that he took while
on his trip to the World Conference.
Our hearts rejoice us souls find Christ in the
days of their youth. On Nov. 15. three precious
young boys and one girl were received into
church fellowship. This wus a most JoyoUS
time for us all. Will you remember thet>e young
people in your prayers 1 Bishop Sain Oswald,
Beemer, Nebr., was with us tor this service
and for our commuuiou service in the evening
of the same day.
We are looking forward to building our
own church this spring. So fur we have been
renting. This is BJIOther prayer request we
bring to you. Pray that the Lord's will may
be done iii ull these efforts.
May we put forth more effort to bring lost
ones to Curist during 1054. "The harvest
truly is great, but tbe labourers are few :
pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that
lie would send forth labourers iuto his harvest"
(Luke 10:2).
Mrs. Lola B. Glauzer.
NAM PA. IDAHO
(Nampa Congregation)
Greetings in our Saviour's name:
On Dec. 23 we had our Christina s program
and we also packed twenty-three boxes for
needy families. The young people went enroling
and delivered the boxes.
On New \'esr we held our annual election
with the following results: Mission Board
Member. Harold Miller; Publishing House
Representative, Viola Wenger ; Chairman of
Visitation and Tract Committee. Eldon ZOok ;
Summer B.ble School Committee. Gilbert Lind.
E. S. Garber. and Robert Garber ; Correspond-
ent. Ella Miller.
Bro. and Sister Henry Becker If ft here J:iu.
13 and plan to sail from New York Jan. 27 to
resume their work in India.
Our revival meetings began Jan. 10 with
Bro. I. Mark Ross, Hesston, Kails., as our
evangelist.
Our deacon, Bro. Ivan Hostetler. and family
have gone to Nebraska for a visit; Arthur
Shertz ami family are visiting his parents in
Falfurrias. Texas, and Bro. and Sister J. II.
Flisher are visiting their daughter in Harper,
Sana.
Ella Miller.
92
GOSPEL HERALD
January 26, 1954
SCHKLLSBL'RG. PENNSYLVANIA
(Pleasant View Congregation)
Greetings in Jesus' name :
"Praise God from whom all blessings flow."
On Sept. 27, Bro. and Sister Jonathan Eash
from the Kaufman congregation, Hollsopple,
Pa., and Sisters Weaver and Oris from the
Weaver congregation, Johnstown, Pa., wor-
shiped with us.
On Nov. 15, Bio. and Sister Paul King
and children, Roektou, Pa., congregation, stop-
ped with us and Bro. King brought the morn-
ing message.
Our revival meetings started on Nov. 17,
in charge of Bro. James Bucher, LIubbard,
Oreg. Sister Bucher held children's meetings
which everyone enjoyed.
On Jan. 3 we had a dedication service in
which three couples dedicated their babies to
(he Lord.
We have many things for which to bless
the Lord. We have an 8G-.year-old man in our
community for whom we have been praying.
Recently be was admitted to the hospital, and
as Bro. Shetler visited with him, he gave his
heart to the Lord. Pray for him that he may
be faithful hi the end, and that many more
in this community may be saved before it is
too late.
Mrs. John Weyant.
VERSAILLES. MISSOURI
(Providence Congregation i
Dear Hekai.d Readers:
Greetings in Jesus' blessed name.
In August Bro. Amos Phillips and Bro. and
Sister William Naffzinger were with us. Mrs.
Sanford Cantrell and two daughters from Kan-
sas City also worshiped with us near the same
time. On Sept. 20 W. A. Smith and wife, and
friend, Jennie Williams, from Gravios Mills
were with us.
On Oct. 3 and 4 the Lord blessed us with a
beautiful rain to refresh the thirsty earth, and
we were very glad.
On Dec. 25 the Gospel team from Hesston
College gave us a very inspiring message in
testimony and song. May the Lord bless them
as they go out scattering His precious Word.
We always appreciate having our dear brothers
and sisters to come and worship with us.
We ask you to remember us in our field of
service.
Yours for Christ and His service,
Lessie L. Inmau.
ZURICH, ONTARIO
(Zurich Congregation)
Dear Readers of the GospKL Hekalo:
We bring you greetings of love in the pre-
cious name of Jesus. We have many things to
be thankful for and praise God for His blessings
to us during the past year.
We were privileged to have a number of visit-
ing speakers with us during the year. We are
always glad to have folks come, as we live
away from the rest of the Mennonite churches
and we appreciate visitors more than those who
live close together.
We were happy to have Bro. and Sister
James Lark from Chicago with us for a Sunday
evening Service. Our hearts rejoice thai one
of the sisters who had worked here this BUmmer
has answered the call to help in that great
work.
We have organized a new sewing circle in
mir church. This group consists of girls who
work and I lie mothers of small children. They
meet one evening a I illl and the fathers take
care of the family. This seems to lie a line way
for these mothers and workers to do their little
part in this kind of service. This circle plans
to help needy families oloM at home and those
who are laboring in our rural mission stations
while the older circle semis their work to the
mcc at Kitchener.
Our pastor and his wife ami a few other mem
hers attended ti>«' Bible institute al Kitchener,
ami several members plan to attend the Bible
School there. Some of the married couples at-
tended the winter Bible school at the Blake
Auiish Mennonite Church where Itro. JesM
Short and Bro. Wilfred Schlegel were instruc-
tors.
We ask an interest in your prayers and give
you a hearty invitation to come ami worship
with us.
Our best for Christ in 1064.
Mrs. Alvin Giugerlch.
MISSIONS EDITORIAL (Continued)
or early in the morning to pray. He will
speak to you as you go about your work dur-
ing the day and cause you to pause to pray.
He will put into your heart a love for your
fellow men which you never had before.
God grant us many prayer warriors to chal-
lenge and overcome spiritual impotence
among us! — L. C. Hartzler.
Nathan Scharff, a converted Jewish resi-
dent of Dayton, Ohio, has told the story
about "Jimmy," who was sitting at a bar
with a friend of his, both of them drunk,
and both of them "moaning in their beer,"
grieving over their low condition, miserable
with a realization of their sin, yet realizing
full well that they had no further choice in
the matter, that they would go ahead and
get drunk again, that they had forfeited all
freedom of action in this sphere. Nothing
could be farther from the truth than to say
that the man of the world is free from the
restraints which the Christian experiences.
God has given to every man a natural ap-
preciation for that which is fine and right-
eous. Even in his fallen condition man in his
heart realizes his lostness, his inability to
achieve those things which in his deepest
consciousness he would like to achieve.
... A man cannot be free unless it is pos-
sible for him to do and to achieve that
which he inwardly wishes to do and to
achieve. And no man can accomplish a way
of life which is to his own liking as long as
he is bound in sin. His only alternative then
is to make the best of his sinful life and to
declare that he finds freedom in this. Indeed
Satan is extremely anxious to propagate this
very falsehood, namely that sin is freedom. —
Stephen W. Paine, in Toward the Mark
(Fleming H. Revell Co.).
FIELD NOTES (Continued)
Ordination services for a minister at the
Marion Church, Chambersburg, Pa., are an-
nounced for Tuesday, Feb. 2, at 9:30 aan.
Votes are to be taken Jan. 31.
Monthly meeting for Jewish Evangelism at
Vine Street Church, Lancaster, Pa., 7:30 pjn.,
Feb. 1. Same day service for prayer and fast-
ing, 1:00 p.m. Josef Herschkowitz, speaker.
Baptismal services at South Union Church,
West Liberty, Ohio, Jan. 31.
First Mennonite Church, Norristown, Pa.,
special services on Jewish evangelism, Feb.
7-14, with Josef Herschkowitz as evangelist.
This congregation worships in a former Jew-
ish synagogue, has Jewish members, and has
many contacts with Jews of the community.
Bro. A. J. Metzler, Scottdale, Pa., serving
at the Pleasant View Church, North Law-
rence, Ohio, Jan. 30, 31; Wayne-Medina min-
isters' fellowship, Pleasant Hill Church.
Sterling, Ohio, evening of Feb. 1.
Fourteenth Annual Christian Day School
Meeting, Erisman's Meetinghouse, Saturday,
Feb. 20.
Eastern Ohio Ministers' Meeting, Berlin,
Ohio, Church, March 9, 10.
Brethren Paul M. Lederach, Scottdale, Pa.,
and Elam Glick, Belleville, Pa., speaking on
'The Duties of the Congregation" at the
Stahl Church, Hollsopple, Pa., Sunday eve-
ning, Jan. 31.
Bro. Stanley Shenk, West Liberty, Ohio,
who is serving among churches in the west I
gives the following itinerary: Albuquerque,
N. Mex., Feb. 5-11; Phoenix, Ariz., Feb. 14- I
21; Upland, Calif., Feb. 24— March 7; Los I
Angeles, Calif., March 10-21; Winton, Calif., i
March 24 — April 4; Western Mennonite 1
School, April 7-10, for Christian Life and '
Mennonite History Conferences.
Bro. Harold G. Eshleman and members of [
Chicago Avenue Church, Harrisonburg, Va.,
will give a program at the Mt. View Men- '
nonite Church, Lyndhurst, Va., on Feb. 7,
at 7:00 p.m.
Bro. C. F. Derstine, Kitchener, Ont., will
fill the following appointments: First Men- 1
nonite Church, Fort Wayne, Ind., Feb. 13,
14; Fort Wayne Bible College, Fort Wayne,
Ind., Feb. 15-19; Salem Mennonite Church,
Elida, Ohio, Feb. 20, 21; Zion Mennonite
Church, Hubbard, Oreg., Feb. 25 to March
7; Mennonite and Brethren in Christ church- j
es, and Beulah College, Upland, Calif,
March 11-14.
Visiting Speakers
Jan. 10. Harold Zehr, Roanoke, 111., at
Peoria, 111. S. F. Coffman, Vineland, Ont., at ,
Goshen College.
Jan. 15. Myron Augsburger, Harrison- j,
burg, Va., at Orrville, Ohio, Church.
Jan. 17. Harold S. Bender, Goshen, Ind., 1
at Benton, Ind. Ray Bair, Louisville, Ohio,
at Neffsville, Pa. Eli Miller, Elton, Pa., at !
Pinto, Md. Peter Dyck, Moundridge, Kans., t
at College Union, Goshen, Ind., 3:00 p.m.
Abner Miller, Cumberland, Md., at East (
Goshen, Ind.; Mary Good, Elkhart, Ind., at I
Bayshore, Sarasota, Fla.
Jan. 24. A. J. Metzler, Scottdale, Pa., at
Salem Church, Elida, Ohio. Howard Ham-
mer, Wooster, Ohio, at Kidron, Ohio.
Evangelistic Meetings
I. Mark Ross, Hesston, Kans., at Nampa, '
Ida.. Jan. 10-15. Ray Bair, Louisville, Ohio,
Pleasant View, North Lawrence, Ohio,
March 5-14. C. Z. Martin, Columbia, Pa., at
Crestview, Fla., Feb. 14, to continue two
weeks. C. F. Derstine, Kitchener, Ont., at
Zion Church, Hubbard, Oreg., Feb. 25 to
March 7.
In the first service at the new Conservative
Amish Mennonite meetinghouse in Pine-
craft, Fla., on New Year's eve, the sermon
was preached by Bro. Myron Ebersole, pastor
of the Tuttle Avenue Church, Sarasota. The
new building. 40 by 80, was filled nearly to
capacity. A number of visiting ministers
were present.
He who is content to leave the Bible un-
studied stands convicted as a half-educated
man. —Dr. Richard Green Moulton.
January 26, 1954
FAMILY CIRCLE (Continued)
band trust me to train the children in
his absence as if he were present to carry
out his wishes? Are we worthy of his
confidence or do we have other friends
closer? There should be no secrets hid
from our companions. Much of the hap-
piness in the home depends on the one-
ness of husband and wife.
Our children's friends should concern
us and their stories from school should
not go unnoticed, even though we may
think them only childish viewpoints. We
should encourage children to bring their
friends to our homes.
We should show no partiality to our
children. The Bible examples of Re-
bekah and Isaac, also Jacob, speak loudly
of this sad condition.
Evenings at home are more pleasant
if mother is not too tired. This is not
always possible, but where early rising
is necessary, it is good if mother can find
time for a nap or period of relaxation
during the day. Surely we should avoid
unnecessary tasks that are not for the
good of the family. If a mother is too
I tired at night to be patient and sym-
pathetic with her family because she has
been ironing curtains, it would be better
to do without curtains. Many times it
takes only a willingness to change our
ways of doing things to make our house-
keeping less complicated.
By teaching children to help with the
work, mothers can avoid becoming a
drudge. If children are taught to help
themselves and care for their own cloth-
ing early, it will relieve the mother and
keep her in better spirits.
Mothers shruld not lose their sense of
humor. Many a hard situation seems
easier if approached in a jovial spirit.
"A merry heart doeth good like a medi-
cine: but a broken spirit drieth the
bones" (Prov. 17:22).
Harrisonburg, Va.
TO BE NEAR TO GOD (Continued)
and I said, 'I should think it is, Lord,' and
burst out laughing.
"I never fully understood what the holy
laughter of Abraham was until then. It
seemed to make unbelief absurd. It was as
though some little fish, being very thirsty,
Was troubled about drinking the river dry
and Father Thames said, 'Drink away, little
fish, my stream is sufficient for thee. . . .'
"O brethren, be great believers! Little faith
will bring your souls to heaven but great faith
will bring heaven to your souls."
Saturday, February 6
Read Psalm 56.
Did you notice the progressive confidence
in this Psalm? One lady used verse three as
her stay: "What time I am afraid, I will
trust in thee." Another lady said, "That is
good, but you have not gone far enough. I
have taken verse eleven as my stay: 'In God
have I put my trust: I will not be afraid
what man can do unto me.' " Some people
GOSPEL HERALD
merely browse near the gate in God's field
where "much people" arc; others go far into
the field to fed on fresher, faith-filling clover.
Build a fence of trust around today,
Fill the space with loving work and
therein stay
Look not through the sheltering
bars upon tomorrow;
God will help thee bear what comes
of joy or sorrow.
:. R. Heiscy.
THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST
(Continued)
Dr. Seiss uell asks: "What do we want with
Vespasian, and Alaric, and Rhadagaius, Attita,
Geneseric, Romans, Goths, Vandals, Arians,
Prelates, or the devil, when God tells us that it
was a fiery mass like a mountain cast into the
sea? That God's coming judgments will affect
the fishes and the ships we are distinctly told in
Hos. 4:1-13; Zech. 1:3; Isa. 2:16, etc."
.?rrf Trumpet: "And the third angel sounded,
and there fell a great star from heaven, burning
as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third
part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of
waters : and the name of the star is called
Wormwood : and the third part of the waters
became wormwood ; and many men died of the
waters, because they were made bitter" (8:
10. 11).
Commentators :
P. Monro: "A star is a notable person, angel,
or man ; and the heaven may be either the politi-
cal heavens, or the spiritual heavens. My opin-
ion is that this 'great star' represents the devil
himself. The name of the great star is 'Worm-
wood,' and his mission is to make a third part
of the rivers deadly bitter. To poison these wat-
ers would be to introduce denials of the vital
elements of the Gospel, as the Deity of Christ,
His atoning death, and His bodily resurrection.
A third part of the waters became wormwood,
and many died of the waters because they were
made bitter. This of course is spiritual death,
for a literal fulfillment of these words is not
to be thought of. This fallen star is still here,
and is still actively engaged in his deadly work
of poisoning the well-springs of truth and
eternal life."
The Expositors Bible: The third trumpet is
to be understood upon the same principles and
in the same general sense as the two preced-
ing trumpets. . . . Thus the waters which the
world offers to its votaries are made bitter, so
bitter that thev become wormwood itself, the
verv essence of bitterness."
Archdeacon Farrar: "The overthrow of Nero,
the ominous failure of the Julian line, and the
bitterness occasioned thereby."
F. B. F.lliott: "The invasion of the Roman
Fmnire by Attila, King of the Huns. A.D. 433-
453."
Matthciv Henry: "A great star. Some take
this to be a political star, some an eminent gov-
ernor, and they applv it to Augustulus. Others
take it to be an ecclesiastical star, some emin-
ent person in the church as Pelaeius who proved
about this time a falline star and greatly cor-
rupted the churches of Christ."
Lanae: "We cannot deny that the most aim-
less and arbitrary play of interpretation again
meets us at this passage. Sander construes the
star as false asceticsm. monkish morality, con-
stantly developing after Constantine's time. Ac-
cording to Paulas apostasv is intended. Accord-
ing to Gartner, the adulterations of doctrine by
the Romish bishons and priests."
Kretsniann : "Great rationalists and other
great teachers who poison the waters of life for
others."
Leiixki: "The third trumpet makes visible
the advance of rclierious delusions in the world
which senrns the flospcl."
T. R. Poines: "This figure signifies some per-
son in high though subordinate authority, who,
93
falling from hi* place, corrupts and poisons the
very springs of life."
Walter Scott: "The great star is a spiritual
ruler, viewed as having fallen from his high
position."
Clarence l.arkin: "A great star fell from
heaven burning like a lamp. This will doubtless
be another meteor that will assume the form of
a torch in its blazing path through the heavens
and when its gaseous vapors arc scattered as it
explodes, they will be absorbed by the third
part of the rivers and fountains of waters, and
they will he poisoned by the noxious gases, and
made bitter, and many men will die from
drinking these waters, cf. Jcr. 9:13-15."
Bullinncr: "We ourselves might add another
interpretation; and however extravagant it
might be. men would not mind. Some would
probably receive it. Hut, we dare to commit the
unpardonable s;n of adopting a principle of in-
terpretation which requires us to believe that
these things mean exactly what God says, and
are consequently looked on as 'cranks' for so
doing. . . . The result of one of the plagues
of Fgypt was that the F.gyptians could not
drink of the water of the river. That was real
and literal. So will this be."
I know that some of you are saying that you
are not going to be here when all of this takes
place. I know that you are comforting yourself
with the doctrine that the church is to be rap-
tured before the tribulation. With Dr. Schwarz
f ask. "Which church?" The Korean Church?
The Giinese Church? The Czechoslovakian
Church? Why should Americans feel that we
are any better than others?
Why should the American Church expect fa-
vors over their brethren in other parts of the
world? Do not be too sure that vou are going
to be taken out before these things come to
America. Manv of the best Bible students are
not sure that "Prctrihnlation RapturUm" is sun-
ported by Scripture. The rapture itself is clearly
taught in Scripture. The time of the rapture is
not so clearlv taueht.
It is very difficult from Scripture to determine
the exact order of prophetic events and especial-
ly the time of the rapture. And I do not think
it can be proved that the church is to be caught
out before the tribulation.
Thus far we have given the varied in-
terpretations of three trumpets. The
interpretations regarding the remaining
trumpets would be of a similar nature
and it seems unneressarv to continue
these quotations. Sufficient has been giv-
en to demonstrate the diversity of figura-
tive interpretations, and also to si ow the
unity that exists among those who take
as much literal as comes within the
realm of possibility and probability.
CHURCH HISTORY (Continued)
the name of God. For we believe quite
confidentially, that if the fathers and
mothers give us their support, much
good will arise out of it."
In this spirit and in this manner was
organized the first permanent Amish
Sunday school in the United States held
in a meetinghouse and with the consent
of the entire congregation. The school
met every other Sunday afternoon. For
a number of years the school was organ-
ized sometime in April and closed for
the winter in November. Since 1 80S the
Sundav school at South Union has been
held the year round, and since lOlfi it
has been held everv Sundav. David Plank
knew next to nothing about organizing
a Sundav school, but his tact, his earnest-
ness, and his ability as an organizer as-
91
COSPEL HERALD
January 26, 1954
sured the success of the school from the
start.
In 18(5(1 Bishop Kenagy move<l to Mis-
souri, where he served the Sycamore con-
gregation. Bishop John P. King then
moved to Logan County to take charge
of the congregation. Since Bishop King
had heen ordained from the office of dea-
con to bishop and had never been or-
dained as minister, his rights and duties
as a bishop were very much in cjuestion.
Two years later difference of opinion re-
garding a matter ol church discipline
caused a complete break between the
ministers. The group adhering to David
Plank and Samuel Headings organized
the Walnut Grove congregation. The
group following Bishop King retained
the Logan County meetinghouse.
In 1869 Bishop King ordained Moses
Stutzman to assist him as minister in the
Logan County congregation. He received
more help in 1871 when C. K. Voder
moved with his family lrom Wayne
County. He served as one of the minis-
ters at South Union until his death in
1911. Because of the increasing mem-
bership in 187G, a new and larger build-
ing was erected. In 1886 Bishop King
moved to Kansas, where he died one
year later of typhoid fever. Bishop King
was widely known as a minister of great
power and a bishop whose services were
in demand. In 1871 he was invited by
Bishop John K. Voder to assist in pre-
paring the Oak Grove congregation in
Wayne County to organize a Sunday
school. The following year Bishop King
and Bishop Voder made an extended trip
through Iowa and Illinois, holding 33
meetings.
Alter Bishop King's departure to Kan-
sas the congregation was in charge of
preacher C. K. Voder and deacon Chris-
tian King. Since South Union and Wal-
nut Grove were now without a bishop,
the members of both agreed that either
David Plank or C. K. Voder should be
ordained bishop over both congrega-
tions. In 1895 David Plank was chosen
by lot and the two congregations were
considered as one. Church and Sunday-
school services were held on alternate
Sundays until 1910, when they were held
each Sunday at South Union and every
other Sunday at Walnut Grove. In 1929
when the Walnut Grove building was
badly in need of repairs, the congrega-
tion decided to discontinue holding serv-
ices there and meet every Sunday at
South Union. The Walnut Grove build-
ing was sold and the proceeds were in-
vested under the General Mission Board
Endowment fund. There have been few
cases ol church schism as complete as
this thai have not resulted iii permanent
separation,
Bishop Plank was a man of tact and
earnestness, and had great ability as an
organizer. He was always a Staunch de-
fender of the [&tth but was not narrow
m his religious views. His diary states:
"1 attended Methodist meeting in ihe
evening"; "attended LuiheiUtI meeting";
1 preached ai Rai Branch." He was one
of the few Amish ministers to vote. The
entry in his diary for November 6, 1860,
states: "We husked corn in the meadow
and helped elect old Abe." Another en-
try states: "I resigned the office of town-
ship trustee." On another occasion he
wrote as follows of the critics that he had
to contend with: "Self-constituted watch-
ers carefully guarded every avenue of en-
croachment upon the sacred customs of
the fathers."
The 1890"s brought to a close a stormy
thirty-year period in the history of the
Logan and Champaign County congre-
gations. Under the leadership of Bishop
David Plank in Logan Countv, and Bish-
op John Warye in Champaign County,
there began a period of co-operation
among the churches which has never
ended.
Near the close of the century other
changes were taking place. The younger
Sunday-school classes were studying their
lessons in English. New songbooks were
purchased, and four-part songs greatly
improved the singing. English Sunday-
school papers were distributed to the
children, young people's meetings were
started, and Bible conferences became a
regular feature every winter. The an-
nual Sunday School Union and a little
later the Quarterly Mission Meeting re-
sulted from the interest and zeal of the
members. The church was prospering
and in 1902 David Plank wrote in his
diary:
"The South Union Church in fair con-
dition. 180 members, the young people
mostly gathered in."
During the nineties there was increas-
ing interest in giving special instruction
to small children. Classes for the small-
est children were held in the anterooms.
Later, separate rooms for more classes
were desired. At the beginning of the
century the building was remodeled, and
in 1910 considerably enlarged. Five years
later the building was raised from the
foundation and the basement finished
for classes. A primary department was
organized for children up to twelve years
of age. A few years later the junior de-
partment was organized for pupils from
twelve to sixteen.
In 1912, after serving the congregation
as minister and bishop' for 52 years. Bish-
op Plank desired assistance in the care of
his congregation. A call was sent to Bish-
op A. I. Voder, a son of C. K. Yoder, who
was living in Texas. He accepted the
call and served the congregation until
his death in 1932. Bishop ^ oder served
the Amish Mennonite Church as minis
ter, bishop, evangelist, and Bible instruc-
tor. He was influential in conference
and served on important conference com-
mittees and boards. In 1926 Bishop Yo-
der served as COchairman when the Ohio
Mennonite and Eastern A.M. Confer-
ences met in joint sessions at South
Union ami took steps to merge.
In 1933 Bishop S. E. Allgyer accepted
the bishop oversight of the congregation
and served until he retiied in 1950. He
was then succeeded by Bishop O. \.
Johns. The present pastor, Stanley
Shenk, was ordained on January 9, 1949,
and received his charge in July of the
same year. Other ministers who have
served the congregation were Bishop
Jonas Yoder, Jonathan Hartzler. Levi
Plank. Marion King, and Wallace Kauff-
man. Deacons have been Samuel Plank,
Christian King. Simon Kin?. Wallace
Kauffman, and Perry Daniels. South
Union is generous in supporting mission-
ary activities. The regular church offer-
ing given the first Sunday of every month I
is for mission purposes. The primary de- *
partment since it was organized in 1915 ^
has had nickel Sunday, mite boxes, and
quarter investment funds to raise monev G
for missionary purposes. The congrega- '
tion is now assuming responsibility for B
the support of a young couple who are I
under appointment by the Ohio Mission
Board for rural work in southern Ohio. ^
A sewing circle organized more than 0
45 years ago meets the first Thursdav of h
every month. Since 1916 South Union
has conducted a two-week summer Bible \
school for all children of the community.
Our voting people are engaged in I-W. L
VS. and relief work in California, Colo- B
rado, Ohio. Indiana, Germany, Switzer- -
land, and Hashimite, Jordan. Four are 3
serving in church institutions. Two
young men are preparing for Christian
service. Others are in college and medi-
cal school. In the congregation we have H
teachers, nurses, secretaries, farmers, car- *
penters. painters, mechanics, business- q
men. ami homemakers.
In co-operation with Bethel and Oak f|
Grove, South Union helps entertain
Sunday-school conferences, church con- ] a
ferences, and choral groups. Joint com- j B
mi t tees sponsor pre-Easter services, mis- j |
sion meetings, mission Sunday schools. J «
and the relief program. The young peo-
ple of the three Mennonite congrega- | B
lions are united in an MYF.
The present membership of the South «
Union congregation is 308. The average
Sunday-school attendance was 261 dur-
ing the last fiscal year.
On November 15, 1953, the South
Union congregation dedicated a new
church building. It has been designed
with ample facilities for our expanding
program of activities. May we use it
fully to God's honor and glory.
(Much of the material in this article was taken
from historical material gathered by John Umble and
placed in the Mennonite Historical Archives at Go-
shen College.)
West Liberty, Ohio.
BIRTHS
la. children ot« an homage ol (no Loid" (Ps. lX7:baj.
. Bftbeodt, Wilbur and Delorla (Wen ret), La
TUuta, Coin., Brat chihl, a son, Unnt Lamar,
Jan. 1. WO I,
BtoHgh, Robert ami Rilnn (XUIr). Musaclnra,
Ohjo. wcund chihl, Ronald Ln .\i:ir. (>c. 28,
lii.vt.
Bru baker, Raymond s. and Ruth (Kucher),
MniihiMiu, l'a., mis. ml child, L'IrtvI K.u. i>. c.
•il. 1 :
January 26, 1954
COSPEL HERALD
95
Burkhcilder, J;imps W. and Pauline (Martin),
New Holland, l'a., first child, Ronald Jay, Jan.
0, 1954.
('ashman. Sidney W. and Lena (Ilartzler),
Alexandria, Pa., Rccnnd child, first son, Richard
Lynn, Oct. 27, 1953.
Christopliel. Harold and Ruth (Kauffman),
Clarksville. Mich., seventh son, Paul James,
Dec. 15, 1953.
Derstein. Harvey K. and Carolyn (Alderfer),
Hatfield. Pa., fifth child, fourth son, Arthur A.,
U. c. 24. 1953.
Dersline, Stanley and Dorothy (Yoder). Har-
leysville. Pa., third child, first son, Stanley
Bruce. Dec. 27. 1953.
Drudge, Walter and Mildred (Shoemaker),
Nashville, Tcnn., first child, Carolyn Sue, Dec.
1. 1953.
Eby. Clair B. and Verna (Rohrer), Gordon-
ville. Pa., a son, Lloyd Curl, Dec. 23. 1953.
Ernst, Hush and Vera Faye (Ileadrick),
Colorado Springs, Colo., third child, Pamela
Ann. Dec. 25. 1953.
Frey. Sylvanus and Marietta (Miller), Lig-
nnier, Iml., fourth child, second t>on, John
Keith. Jan. !), 1954.
Geliman. Mark and Grace (Ynder). New
Castle, Del., first child. Jay Mark, Jan. 7. 1954.
Girigerich. Homer and Edna (Yoder), Ilalsey.
Dreg., seventh child, fifth daughter, Wilina
Fane. Jan. 2. 1954.
Gingerich. Victor and Audrey (Boshart),
Waterloo. Out., fourth child, first daughter,
Shirley Yvonne. Nov. 28. 1953.
Ilershberger. Eugene and Vida (Schloneger),
L"uis<ille, Ohio, fifth child, Maynard Ray, Nov.
19. 1953.
Hersliberger. Jake and Delilah (Ilershberger),
[Inrtvi'le. Ohio, third child, Ronald Jay, Nov.
><!. 1953.
Horst, Ahram S. and Lino Ruth (Horst),
IVavncsbnro, Pa., fifth child, third daughter,
Luna Ruth. Oct. 23. 1953.
Hostetter, Daniel S. and Rhoda (Nissley),
Millersville. Pa., second daughter, Mary Ann,
ran. 7, 1954.
Jant/.i. Elmer and Miriam (Bender). An
4res, Mich., a daughter, Joyce Elaiue, Nov. 3,
.953.
Kennel, Edgar and Eileen (Jantzi), Baden,
Jut., second son, Richard Leslie, Dec. 5, 1953.
Mast. Amnion and Rosetta (Steinman). Lnn-
;aster, N.V., third son, Ronald Paul, Dee. 14,
LU54.
Miller. Clifford and Nadine (Miller), Inman,
\ans., first child, Clifford Beruelle, July 29,
1953.
Moyer. Richard and Ruth (Gingrich), Dub-
in. Pa., second child, R. chard Daniel, Nov. 12,
1953.
Nissley. Wilmer It. and Ruth C. (Metzler),
V I .- 1 1 1 1 1 • - 1 1 1 1 . Pa., third child, Linda Kay, Dec.
J5. 1053.
Niissbaum, John W. and Faye (Stalter),
Twin Kails. Idaho, first child, Sharon Lee,
Inn. 1954.
Oil". Bradley C. and Dorothea (Jacobs),
Springs. Pa., first child, Louann Marie, Nov.
11, 1953.
I'lanli. Donald W. and Doris (Good), Logan,
Dhio, first child, Donna Kay, Dec. 31, 1953.
Schanlz. William C. and Alta (Johns). Hydro,
Dkla., first child. Edward Lloyd, Dec. 20, 1953.
Sluiwalter, Amos M. and Ada (Eby), Hagers-
town, Md., first child, Shirley Ann, Nov. 29,
1053.
T Smoker. Arthur and Esther M. (Zimmerman),
tiordouville, Pa., third child, Karen Kay,
Nov. 7. 1953.
[ Snyder, Cleason and Myrtle (Weber), Water-
loo, Out., a son, Grant Joseph. Dec. 1, 1!)53.
I Summers, Leon and Ida ( Petersheim ), Gap,
l'a., a eon. Nevin Wayne, born Dec. 20, 1952, by
uloption Dec. 17, 1953.
I Torlielson. Arthur R. and Virgie (Vance),
Damascus, Md., second child, a son, Mark Elton,
Ban. 3. 1953.
I Wideman, Leon and Marjorie (Yoder), Akron,
N.Y., first child. Mary Lou, Oct. 5, 1953.
| Yoder, Harold and Sylvia (Wittmer), Hart-
tille, Ohio, third child, Marliu Eugene, Dec.
&6. 1953.
Yoder. Mose and Rosie (Bontrager), Hart-
tille, Ohio, fourth son, Royce David, Dec. 31,
1953.
I Zehr, Michael and Mabel (Crossgrove). Ft.
Wayne, 1 ml., fifth child, fourth sou, Archie
Duane, Nov. 1, 1953.
Zercher, Jacob and Mary (Smith). Manitou
Springs, Colo., fifth child, Buruell Dean, Dec.
31, 1953.
Zook. Daniel and Naomi (Byler), McVeytown,
Pa., a daughter, Dorothy Aun, Dec. 9, 1953.
ANNIVERSARIES
Denlinger. — Bro. Benjamin W. and Sister
Lydia A. Denlinger, R. 1, Lititz, Pa., celebrated
their sixtieth wedding anniversary on Jan.
9, 1951. They were married Jan. 9, 1S1I4, by
Bro. John Land is. They have been faithful
members of the Mellinger Mennonile Church
for nearly sixty years. They have 3 children, 13
grandchildren, and 30 great-grandchildren.
* * •
Landis. — Bro. and Sister Joseph D. Lnndis,
Perkasie, l'a., celebrated their fiftieth wedding
anniversary on Jan. 3, 1951. One hundred ami
twenty-nine friends and relatives called at the
home to congratulate them.
MARRIAGES
May the blessings of God be upon the homes
established by the marriages here listed. A year's
subscription to the GOSPEL HERALD is given to those
whese address Is supplied by the orllciating minister.
Hersliberger — Bailey. — Duane Ilershberger,
Fairview. Mich., and Lydia Bailey. Maneeloua.
Mich., by W. L. Bontrager at Cold Springs
Mennonite Church, Mancelona, Mich., Dec. 5,
1953.
Ilistanri — Derstine. — Ray M. Hfstnnd. Tre-
vose Heights. Pa., congregation, and Louise
R. Derstine. Souderton, Pa., congregation, by
Paul W. Ilistnnd. father of the groom, at the
home of the bride's parents, Oct. 11. 1963.
Horst — Witmer. — Vernon Horst. Wadsworth.
Ohio, ami Mabel Winner. Dillon, Ohio, both
members of the Sonnenberg Mennonite Church.
1)V Louis Amstutz at the Soimenberg Church,
Dec. 27. 1953.
Martin — Martin. — Robert S. Martin, Krall
congregation, Cornwall, Pa., and Mary C. Mar-
tin, of Weaverland congregation, East Earl,
Pa., by J. Paul Graybill at the Weaverland
Church. Jan. 2. 1951.
Hols!— Both. — John Hoist and Beatrice Roth,
both of Petersburg, Out., by Moses O. Jantzi,
May 30, 195:5.
Martin — Horst. — Lloyd Martin. Wallenstein.
Out., and Del phi lie Horst. Elnnra. Out., by Osiah
Horst, uncle of the bride, at the Elmira Men-
nonile Church, Dec. 23, 1053.
Meek — Landis. — Jay A. Meek and Ruth W.
Landis, both of the Mellinger congregation,
Lancaster Co.. Pa., by Elmer G. Martin at the
home of the bride, Jan. (i. 1!I54.
Nice — Both. — Robert Nice, Portland, Oreg.,
and Fern Roth, Woodburn, Oreg.. by Edward
Kenagv at the Ziou Mennonite Church. Dec.
19. 1953.
Bivera — Rodriguez, — Esteban Rivera and
Neida Rodriguez, by John Driver at the Calvary
Mennonite Church, La Plata, Puerto Rico, Dec.
19. 1953.
Schwartzentruber — Brb. — Vernon Schwaxt-
zentrubcr and June Erb, both of Petersburg,
Out., by Moses O. Jantzi at the Wilmot Church,
June 20. 1953.
Shank — Baer. — Raymond W. Shank, Marion
congregation, Franklin Co., Pa., ami Gladys
Mae Baer, Miller congregation, Washington
Co., Md.. by Moses K. Horst, assisted by llar-
vev E. Shank, at the home of the bride, Jan.
1, 1954.
StaulTer — Swarfzentruber. — Marion Peter
Stauffer, Mt. Uilead, Ohio, and Katie Anna
Swarfzentruber, Fredericktown, Ohio, by Rudy
L. Stauffer, father of the groom, assisted by
M. J. Swartzenlruber, father of the bride, at
the Mennonite Church iu Johusville, Ohio,
Nov. 20. 1953.
Weber — Martin. — Lewis M. Weber and Mary
Elizabeth Martin, both of the Stouffer congrega-
tion, Edgeniont, Md., by Moses K. Horst at
the home of the bride, Jan. 9, 1951.
Willouer — Landis. — Paul M. Willouer. Sal-
ford congregation. Ilarleysville. Pa., and Ruth
Marie Landis, Franconia, Pa., congregation,
by Henry L. Ruth at the home of the pastor,
Jan. 2, 1954.
+ T7ie almanac
with "plus"
The 1954
Family Almanac
ALL you expect in an almanac is
here: weather forecasts, holi-
days, movements of heavenly bodies.
Here also is the Ministerial Directory.
Plus these, you have short, inspir-
ing articles you will want to read.
They include such subjects as home
furnishings, the home library, vaca-
tion ideas, and meal planning.
All of this is yours for only 30tf\
$3.25 a dozen; $25.00 a hundred.
Order from
Mennonite Publishing House
Scottdale, Pennsylvania
For 8-12-ycar-olds
Ten of a Kind
By Edna Beiler
—A series of eventful stories about
an enthusiastic gang of boys and
their beloved Uncle Al, preacher
and Sunday-school teacher.
How they became ten of a kind
provides absorbing reading for
boys and girls. $1.50
Mennonite Publishing House
Scottdale, Pennsylvania
i
96
COSPEL HERALD
January 16, 1954
Yoder — SchefTel. — Eli Yoder and I>na Marie
Schcffcl by Nelson Ilistiind at the ZiOD Men-
nonite Church, Pry or, Okla., Nov. 11, 1953.
Yoder — Gingerich. — Uoaea J. Yoder and WH-
OM Gingerich, both of the Sharon congregation.
Plain Citv. Ohio, by Abram Kaufman at the
Sharon Church, Dec. 20, W53.
Yoder — Langshaw. — Vernon Yoder and Do-
lores Lnngshuvv, Mennonite Gospel Center Mis-
sion Cbnrcb, Kansas City, Mo., by Prank B.
Baber at Nevada, Mo., the home of the bride.
Dec. 22, 1U53.
OBITUARIES
May the sustaining grace and comlort ot our Lord
bless these who are bereaved.
Yoder, Edna Ruth, daughter of Samuel S.
and i^ydia tKauagyj GlicK, was boru Sept. 17,
l'Ml, near Belleville, Pa.; passed away at her
home in Ailensvitle, Pa., Dec. 23, 11)53 ; aged
40 y. 3 m. 8 d. tier mother and a sister and
family had beeu invited to spend Cunstmas
wim them, and Edna seemed very happy, but
soon uuer uiuuer slie suttered a heart attack
and peacefully passed away. Sue was united
in marriage to JoUu li. Xoder, Dec. 21, ltUl.
SUe is survived by ber husband, 2 sous (John
uud Gordou, both at borne;, her aged mother,
and the tollowiug brothers and sisters (Mary —
Mrs. Abuer UlauK, Gap, Pu. ; Ada — Mrs. Tnotn-
as iiyier, Sadie — Mrs. Aaron ioder, and Sam-
uel, ol Belleville, i'a.; Joseph, Elversou, lJa. ;
Bertha — Mrs. David Zook, .UcAlisterville, Pa.;
Lydia — Mrs. Stepueu Kautmau, Keedsville,
i'a. ; Liium — Mrs. Adam Weuger, Akron, Pa. ;
and liaymond J., Epnrata, Pa.), also a large
number of nieces, nephews, and friends. An
imam son preceded her in Ueatu. Edna accept-
ed Christ as her Saviour wuen a young girl
and was a laithiul member of the Locust Grove
ChurcU, Belleville, Pa. Euueral services were
held at the Locust Grove (JUurch, Dec. 26, with
Erie lienuo aud Loum Peacuey in charge.
Burial was made iu the cemetery near by.
ITEMS and COMMENTS
The average criminal in the United States
costs in taxes during his criminal career
enough money to run a Sunday school ot 10J
pupns tor ten years. — KNS.
• * *
The Greater Pittsburgh Airport will be
one of the hrst in the country to offer Sun-
day-school services lor travelers and em-
ployees.— D. Carl Yoder.
• • •
A tithing day, "in recognition of our finan-
cial obligation to support the churches of this
community," was observed by a Buhl, Idaho,
store. Ten per cent of the price of each pur-
chase was turned over to the church desig-
nated by the customer.
• • •
E. Stanley Jones has reported conversations
he held with the government of India regard-
ing the grievances against missionary work.
The Nehru government has objected to lour
things: that some missionaries were "not
producing loyalty to the government; that
some were taking part in local politics; that
some were olfering inducements to members
of low castes to become Christians; and that
some were using terms derogatory to India,
such as 'heathen.' " The government is not
asking anything that will interfere with
Christian teaching and preaching. They do
Eastward to the Sun
The interesting story of a journey
that reached its climax in India.
CANFORD C. YODER, author and
church leader, took this special trip
at the request of the Mennonite Board of
Missions and Charities. His account is
richly rewarding. Peoples and places
come alive on these pages. The climax
of the book is deeply moving, with its
thrilling details of the 50th anniversary
celebration of the India Mennonite
Church. $2.85
Mennonite Publishing House
scottdale, pennsylvania
want missionaries to be cleared by the Na-
tional Christian Council of India. Unaffili-
ated denominations or "splinter" groups will
be asked to obtain this clearance or stay out
of India.
• • •
Col. Wm. H. Neblett, army staff officer
during World War II, has written "Penta-
gon Politics," which describes military efforts
to control legislation. "The fear of a Rus-
sian attack," he says, "will pass as soon as
the public understands that the fear under
which we live was generated by the Pentagon
to frighten Congress into authorizing our
big professional army."
• • •
The annual Menno Simons lectures to be
delivered at Bethel College January 24 to 27
will be given by Dr. Wilhelm Pauck, Profes-
sor of Church History at Union Theological
Seminary, New York. The general subject
of these lectures is "The Reformers and the
Anabaptists."
• • •
An official statement of the American Red
Cross says, "Human blood does not differ
because of the race of the bleeder. It has
long been scientifically established that defer-
ences in blood type, the presence or absence
of RH factor, and other classifications, exist
without regard to race and arc not affected
by it."
• • •
Dr. Ernest L. Wynder, who is studying at
the Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Re-
search, told a science symposium that "pro-
longed and heavy use of cigarettes increases
up to 20 times the risk of developing cancer
•JAV
of the lung." He said a study of smoking
habits of more than 5,000 lung cancer patients
pointed to a definite association between
cancer of the lung and heavy smoking.
The announcement caused a sharp break
in tobacco shares in Wall Street.
Cigarette smoking has been on the rise.
The average American smoker spent $9754
in 1952 for cigarettes, $6.98 more than he
did the year before. Retail sales totaled
$4,342,000,000, an increase of 261 million
over the preceding year. However, a decrease
in sales has been reported for the past few
months.
• • •
During the debate on the McCarran-Walter
Act, a letter signed by five representatives of
American Indian tribes came to Senator
Humphrey. The letter follows: "As Ameri-
ca's only nonimmigrants, we would like to
go on record as being opposed to the major
aspect of the McCarran immigration bill.
Wc are against this bill because of its basic
philosophy . . . which accepts and provides
for continuance of racial discrimination. To
this we are unalterably opposed. ... As
American Indians we are not immediately
threatened by laws to stop immigration and
to deport men and women born abroad.
Sometimes wc wish we had established such
a law in 1492. . . ."
• • •
Circulation of the Upper Room, Methodist
bimonthly devotional guide, has reached a
record high of 2,623.000. Two new foreign
editions, one in Persian for Iran, and the
other in Chinese for Far Fastern areas, bring
the editions to a total of 24 in 19 languages.
K'WTG00A\ M9t
N'lNBayvrM V %
GOSPEL HERALD
'In the defence and confirmation of the gospel' "How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace'
VOLUME XLVII-
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1954
NUMBER 3
World Day of Prayer
By J. N. Kaufman
"We have Mother's Day and Father's
Day and Bible Sunday and Cancer Week
and Red Feather campaigns and Mis-
sionary Day and many others. And now
we wish to consider briefly World Day
of Prayer. With Missionary Day it has
much in common.
I
What is now known as World Day of
Prayer had its origin in 1869 when a few
Methodist women in Boston organized
a missionary society with the slogan,
"Two cents a week and a prayer." With-
in a year they had sent out their first
two evangelists. This effort was follow-
ed in 1887 by the president of the Wo-
men's Board of Home Missions of the
Presbyterian Church who called upon
members of that denomination to pray
together for the work of their church
in the United States. In 1890 a small
group of influential Baptist women nam-
ed a special day for united prayer for
foreign missions.
With these beginnings by the three
great denominations mentioned the
movement spread until 1919 when many
denominations had adopted the idea and
celebrated a common worship service
through their respective Home and For-
eign Missionary Prayer Groups. The
following year, 1920, the Canadian wo-
men joined the movement. In 1927 the
first Friday in Lent was designated of-
fically as the World Day of Prayer. Fif-
teen years later, in 1942, the United
Council of Church Women (now known
as the General Department of United
Church Women) of the National Coun-
cil of Churches assumed responsibility
for the planning and promotion of the
observance. In the year 1952 this organi-
zation reported services held in more
than 17,000 communities of the United
States and one hundred and thirteen
other nations with offerings in the Unit-
ed States totaling more than a third
of a million dollars.
II
Instead of brief evening services de-
voted to reports and a few speeches of
an appropriate nature, World Day of
Prayer is in reality "a twenty-four-hour
period set apart for a globe-circling dem-
onstration of Christian unity through
prayer and meditation and through of-
ferings for missions at home and abroad."
There is no question of the value of
united prayer. We have many Scriptural
admonitions urging the necessity of
united prayer and intercession. II
Chron. 7:14 is pertinent. The choosing
and sending out of laborers in the Lord's
harvest, if carried out in the Scriptural
manner, is preceded by united prayer
through the church which sends them
out. Matt. 9:38. When Jesus was ap-
proaching the crucial moment of His
earthly ministry, He commanded His
followers to "watch and pray, that ye
enter not into temptation" (Matt. 26:41).
Paul, when writing to Timothy (I Tim.
2:8), expressed his wish "that men pray
every where." The outpouring of the
Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost was
preceded by a period of "waiting for the
promise of the Father," accompanied by
intense, heart-searching, united prayer.
The early church did not proceed with
the selection of the seven "deacons"
(Acts 6:4) before a season of united and
continued prayer and intercession. Jesus
guaranteed His presence "where two or
three are gathered together in my name."
United prayer and intercession is
therefore an essential factor of the
church's "equipment," not only for per-
sonal spiritual growth but to facilitate
and guarantee the success of the on-
going program of the church. The World
Day of Prayer postulates interdenomi-
national prayer groups. That is, the
Christian women of all the churches in
a given area who are interested in pro-
moting the World Day of Prayer unite
in their intercessions, bring their mis-
sionary concerns to the throne of grace
irrespective of denominational lines. Su-
perficially speaking this would be desir-
able and would seem to further the de-
sire of our Lord when He prayed for
His people "that they all may be one."
How beautiful this would be if all of
God's professing followers could thus be
united in their burden for lost souls in
all landsl That such a united concern
is difficult of achievement among groups
composed of individuals with diversified
Christian experience and religious out-
look and denominational policies can
readily be believed. Reports of such at-
tempts observed by our own people have
not been very encouraging. It is possible,
however, and it has been successfully
done, for denominations of similar Chris-
tian background to be grouped in united
prayer on this World Day. But it is the
considered opinion of this writer that
more effective results can be achieved
when confined to our own groups whose
purpose and outlook are similar and
who understand more thoroughly the ob-
jective of prayer concerns in our own
denomination. It is my understanding
that the Women's Missionary Sewing
Circle Organization, who have asked me
to write this article, hold the same con-
victions. Their program suggestions
published in this issue of the Gospel
Herald, calling attention to the great
variety or organizational responsibilities
in our own church, are apropos of this.
Ill
Prayer for the world-wide dissemina-
tion of the Gospel should not be limited
to one World Day but should be the
daily concern and burden of the people
of God. "Men ought always to pray,"
says Jesus. "Pray without ceasing,"
writes Paul. These remind us of our
daily privileges. One of the greatest
unifying forces in the church is regular
daily praying for missions. Only when
such daily concern is our regular ex-
perience can a World Day be really
significant. This can add up to a fel-
lowship in prayer not only for those
participating within the several groups
but fellowship in the spirit with those
who are engaged at the battle front in
I Pray
By Laurel Hill
Anoint mine eyes, dear Lord,
That I may see
The weary multitudes
Who seek for Thee.
Awake mine ears to hear
The anxious cry
Of those who cannot feel
Thy presence nigh.
Make Thou my heart to know
The awful need
Of those who hear Thy call
And will not heed.
O teach my lips, dear Lord,
To speak the word
Of life and hope to those
Who've never heard.
98
GOSPEL HERALD
February 2, 1954
far-flung fields. It is always a source of
much encouragement to our represent-
atives in the several fields to know that
many groups within the church are
unitedly engaged in holding them and
their work to the Lord in prayer. Many
a worker on the field has been able to
experience victories in his difficult tasks
when the going was hard through the
intercessory prayers of friends at the
"home base." The value is further in-
creased when we realize that we are en-
tered into a common bond of high pur-
pose as ambassadors for Christ.
IV
There is a great urgency for united
prayer— things which concern all of us
everywhere. We need only think of
world conditions. Communism is battle-
arrayed against Christian democracy.
Labor and capital are still engaged in
their age-old struggle for supremacy.
Enemy infiltration of our government is
succeeding perhaps beyond our compre-
hension. Many of our fellow citizens are
actually engaged in treasonable pur-
suits. Corrupt politicians in high places
are blocking the apprehension of traitors.
The minds of our youth are being de-
moralized through Satan-inspired broad-
casting. These and other matters might
well demand the united prayers of God's
people throughout the world.
But these are only symptoms of the
basic malady— man's corrupt nature cur-
rent in the world since the Fall. Man is
lost without Christ and we are appalled
when we reflect on the world's spiritual
condition. The sad words of Eph. 2:12
are ringing in our ears. After nearly two
thousand years since Christ came into the
world one half of the world's two and
a half billion people have never heard
the name of Jesus. The world's popu-
lation is increasing 109,000 every day—
many times faster than the people are
being evangelized. Every day 121,000
persons die, a large percentage of them
without Christ. So go the statistics. But
this is not all. For a century and longer
churches were permitted to send their
ambassadors to most of the countries of
the world. Only Tibet and Bhutan re-
fused to open their doors. Today the
picture is different. China has forced the
thousands of evangelical missionaries
from its borders and lias locked the door
from the inside. The Gospel ol fesus
Christ is forbidden behind the Iron Cur-
tain, whether in Soviet Russia or in its
satellites. At the present time India is
giving the "home churches" great con-
cern. Presumably communism is making
great progress in thai great subcontinent.
Some prognosticators push the time not
more than five years ahead when India
will be closed to the Christian mission-
aries—India together with Pakistan, with
its four hundred million souls and only
eight million of them professing Chris-
tians. The thought is appalling. Add to
this the fierce persecution of evangelical
Christians in some countries of our own
neighboring continent of South America
and what is even worse, the general
apathetic attitude of professing Chris-
tians in our own United States, and you
have a situation which calls loudly for
united intercession on the part of God's
people everywhere.
V
For our encouragement we have plenty
of positive proof that intercessory prayer
has accomplished great results. A great
Christian convention was just beginning
in the Khassia Hills in Assam. Some
fourteen thousand Baptist believers were
assembled for their annual spiritual life
meeting. Unfortunately dissension de-
veloped among the leadership of the
great gathering. One among them who
sensed a possible tragedy and who knew
the power of prayer, appealed to a fel-
low Indian Christian of North India a
thousand miles away with a one-word
telegram— Pray. The recipient of the
message concluded that a possible crisis
was imminent at the convention. Im-
mediately he threw himself on the
ground where he was and it is authorita-
tively stated that he remained in that
prostrate position for three days, plead-
ing with God to block Satan's efforts at
the gathering. God heard the prayers
and poured out blessings on that great
gathering.
John Hyde, a missionary of the Pres-
byterian Church in North India, came to
the conclusion upon arriving in India for
the first time that the urgent need in
his mission was more prayer. He did
so much of it, which took time away from
the work his fellow missionaries thought
he ought to be doing, that they appealed
to their Home Board to recall him from
the field. "He is doing no work. He
spends all his time in prayer," was the
strange accusation. The Board wisely
decided that such a prayer warrior is
I ust the man they want to have on the
field. Mr. Hyde prayed for one soul a
day and the Lord answered his pi aver,
lie prayed for two souls and the Lord
heartl. Then he increased the number
to three and lour and five and in each
case the Lord granted his request Then
he asked the Lord to lorgive nim tor lim-
iting Him to a specific number. As a re-
Our Readers Say-
We enjoy our Gospel Herald and whether
it's too high in price, as some say, depends
where we place our value, whether in dollars
and cents or on real good Christian literature.
I think its wide variety of articles and in-
formation of other doings and happenings
throughout the church are what we need to pray
for one another ....
Whether visiting ministers should share the
pulpit or not be allowed to preach depends a lot
on congregations. I'm sure we smaller congre-
gations always welcome a visiting minister.
(I'm saying this for us as a whole, the minister
and believers.) — Mrs. John L. Ruppert, Spring
Grove, Pa.
suit "Praying Hyde," as he was called,
literally prayed thousands of souls into
the kingdom. We agree with "First Mate
Bob" when he says, "Bended knees are
more powerful than marching armies."
But it takes action, too. We may have
to answer our own prayers. Too often we
know but we don't do. Our missionary
organizations need money to make it
possible for our Christian forces at home
and abroad to keep at their tasks in
these crucial days. Look carefully over
the reports of our General Mission
Board and note the deficits in so many
of the funds. When we pray, let us re-
member that we also need to give. A
group of some twenty ladies had gath-
ered in the home of one of them to dis-
cuss plans whereby they could raise a
hundred dollars for a particular church
project. They discussed this plan and
that plan. Some suggested a box supper;
some suggested a cake walk or a fish
pond; some suggested other plans. Each
plan in turn was vetoed in quest of some
still better plan— maybe a dance where
each participant would have to pay a
certain amount. After an hour or so of
fruitless discussion the four-year-old
daughter of one of the mothers, tiring of
the monotony, got up and as she walked
to a table in the center of the room she
said, "I can't do much to help but I am
willing to do what I can," and she laid a
nickel on the table. The ladies were tak-
en by surprise and after a moment of
heart searching they followed the exam-
ple of the little girl and in a few minutes
they had the hundred dollars needed
right before them on the table.
On this World Day of Prayer we do
not suggest that we include in our sup-
inations prayer for the disturbing politi-
(Continued on page 100)
GOSPEL HERALD
ESTABLISHED IBOO A* lUCCniOK TO GOSPKL WITNESS lISOBI AND HERALD OF TRUTH (18*4)
PAUL ERB. EDITOR JOHN L. HORST. MILLARD C. LIND. CONSULTING EDITORS LEVI C. HARTZLER, MISSIONS editor
THS OOSPEL HERALD I* A RELIGIOUS WEEKLY PUBLIIHEO IN THE INTERESTS OP THE HENNONITE CHURCH ST THE HENNONITE PUBLICATION BOARD. SCOTTOALE. PA.
ENTERED AS SECOND CLASS MATTER IN l»OS AT THE POET OPPICE AT ECOTTDALE, PA . UNDER ACT OP MARCH >. |B*B, SUBSCRIPTION PRICE, S3 OO PER TEAR. THREE YEARS
IN ADVANCE, SS.OO, PIVE YEARS IN ADVANCE. (IE. SO. SAMPLE COPIES SENT FREE ON REQUEST . SEND ALL MATERIAL POR PUBLICATION TO OOSPEL HERALD. ECOTTDALE. PA.
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
iFebruary 2, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
99
EDITORIAL
Testaments to India
Again there has come a request for
Testaments for medical students in In-
dia. Christian Medical College of Vel-
lore, South India, one of the outstand-
ing training institutions of India, has
sent the names of 225 students who have
not previously received Testaments, and
who would like a copy of this Christian
volume. Some of these people are Chris-
tians, but many are not, and this is an
excellent opportunity to get the Word of
God into the hands of strategic people
of that great country.
When your editor was in India four
years ago he had the opportunity to visit
Vellore. Dr. Victor Rambo, an eye
specialist and a dynamic Christian mis-
sionary, asked whether we could send
^ood-quality Testaments to the students
there. We undertook this project, and
since then have periodically been send-
ing Testaments both to Vellore and also
to the students of Christian Medical Col-
lege at Ludhiana in North India. These
are the two outstanding Christian medi-
cal colleges in India. They give a strong
witness to many young people of India
who will later be in positions of great
influence in hundreds of communities
of a land which desperately needs the
Gospel of Christ.
We quote here a few letters from
former recipients of Testaments at Vel-
lore.
I was indeed glad to have the beautiful New
Testament which I received yesterday. I needed
it, since one month back, when one of my pa-
tients asked for a New Testament. You will be
glad to hear that the gift you sent me is of use
to a patient who is sick in mind and soul. I
thank you for it, and assure you that it will be
of real use, bringing glory to God. — Packia Bah
Chelliah.
* * *
Thank you very much for the beautiful copy
iof the New Testament. It will indeed enrich
my Christian life greatly as I read the history
and teachings of our Master and His followers.
AVith Christian greetings, C. A. Ninon.
* * *
I received the copy of the New Testament
which you have sent .... It is very useful to
- me in my daily life. I appreciate your kindness.
(Thank you very much for sending me the New
[Testament. — Glory Lalitha.
* * #
I thank you very much for sending me a
New Testament. It is a great use to me. — Pal-
win Florence.
* * *
Indeed I am very grateful to you for this
(small, handy New Testament which I received
from you. Hope it will be a great use to me.
May God bless you and keep you in His holy
presence and help you in all you do for His
glory. — Sutnati Dayamand.
The editor has in times past appreciat-
ed the aid of others in paying for these
Testaments. He will need about $400 to
take care of the present order. We do
not wish to take away from more general
church needs in this private project. lint
individuals to whom this cause may ap-
peal may send remittances to Paul Erb,
Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale,
Pa.-E.
Our Fortress
Quite a few Scriptures use the figure
of a fortress to illustrate the protective
power of God on behalf of His people.
One of the most familiar and precious
of these is found in Psalm 91:2: "I will
say of the Lord, He is my refuge and
my fortress: my God; in him will I trust."
The writer of this psalm first counsels us
to live in close fellowship and commun-
ion with God by citing the promise that
if we abide in "the secret place of the
most High" we shall enjoy the protec tion
of His overshadowing care. He then de-
clares that the Lord is his refuge and
fortress in which he places absolute trust.
The illustration of the fortress calls
to mind a recent visit by the writer to
the Castillo de San Marcos (Castle of
St. Mark) in St. Augustine, the oldest
city in the United States. Here in times
of siege the people of the city found ref-
uge and protection. Its massive walls and
surrounding moat made it an impreg-
nable fortress in its day, and it was never
captured by the different forces which
besieged it from time to time. The
city changed hands a few times, but only
by treaty, never through conquest.
But the Castillo de San Marcos, even
though it withstood the blasts of enemy
guns in the early history of our country
and protected effectively the people of
the city who found refuge within its
ramparts, would soon be reduced to rub-
ble if subjected to enemy fire in modern
warfare. It is now only a national monu-
ment, a relic of the protective fortresses
of the past.
But this is not true of the Fortress in
which we trust for protection. Our God
js just as powerful as He was in the days
of the psalmist. He is still our refuge
and strength, our fortress and high
tower. He is able to protect us from
foes both without and within. Adam
Clarke has well said: "His aid and de-
fense is not as some stronghold or castle
which is visible; it is a secret and in-
visible fortress, known only to the faith-
ful soul. ... He dwells, relies, rests in that
help of God which is secret, and is not
seen except by the eye of faith."
We are living in perilous times. En-
emies lurk around us to do us harm. The
world, the flesh, and the devil are en-
emies of the soul that cannot be over-
come by our own power or resources.
But we have a safe hiding place, a strong
fortress to provide escape from everv
temptation and protection from and
victory over every foe. Let us keep in
close fellowship with Him in the secret
place of prayer, and maintain a firm
faith in His protecting and provident
care, and then we need not fear anv
foe.-H.
Women Praving
Together
We call attention to materials in this
issue which will help our sisters in ob-
serving an annual Day of Praver. The
leading article by Bro. Kaufman gives
the history of this observance and orients
the reader regarding our relation to its
interdenominational character. It also
points out the great need for prayer, and
encourages us to enter a great interces-
sory ministry. Sister Buckwalter suggests
themes and procedures which can be
used by our sisters.
A letter from Mrs. C. L. Shank, of the
Women's Missionary Sewing Circle Or-
ganization, points out that this Day of
Prayer is usually observed on the last
Friday before Lent, which this year is
March 5. However, our sisters are urged
to select any day in February or early
March that suits their purposes best.
The Organization also suggests that
offerings lifted on that dav should be
sent to General Treasurer Amanda Frey,
Archbold, Ohio, to be used "for home
missions, rural and city; for foreign mis-
sions where we have workers; and for the
General Missionary Sewing Circ le Fund."
There is no reason w hy women more
than men should give themselves to
missionary intercession. But we do re-
joice that our General Sew ing Circle Or-
100
GOSPEL HERALD
February 2, 1954
ganization has, by sponsoring a Day of
Prayer, included intercession in their di-
versified and valuable program of activi-
ty. As our sisters gather "where prayer
. . . [is] wont to be made," may our
heavenly Father hear their prayers and
move mightily among the needy souls
of men. We recommend a general partic-
ipation in our home circles also in a
Day of Prayer.— E.
Abnormal Americans
By Myron Ebersole
(Before assuming his present work as admin-
istrator of Prairie View Hospital, Newton,
Kans., Myron Ebersole spent approximately two
years in MCC relief service in Jordan.)
What is the normal way of life? What
is a normal standard of living? Do we
turn and look the second time when
we see someone walk past in rags? Does
it seem unusual for a family to live in
one small, poorly constructed, and un-
healed room? To expect half of our
children to die in infancy?
Are such conditions abnormal or are
our standards the abnormal? "Foolish
questions," you say. Then consider the
following statements taken from
"There'll Be No Christmas for Them"
by Dickey Chapelle in the Dec. 26, 1953,
Saturday Evening Post.
"I. More people live in huts of mud and
straw than in any other kind of shel-
ter.
"2. More people travel on their own
feet or on the back of small animals
like the burro than in any other
fashion.
"3. More people have a life expectancy
of half our years than any higher
figure.
"4. More mothers watch half their chil-
dren die than see all their offspring
reach maturity.
"5. More people live xuithout the help
of a doctor when they fall ill than
enjoy even rudimentary medical
care.
"6. More people eat what they them-
selves grow— and starve when they
have no harvest— than obtain their
food in any other fashion.
"7. More people do not know what it
means to vote than have ever voted."
To the above startling statements of
l;u i we would add that fax more people
in today's world are outside the kingdom
of God than are in and that relatively
few in this world have found the rcali
ty of Christian experience.
Such a perspective obviously places
us ill the "abnormal" group. We arc
tempted to suggest that most o| this is
due to ignorance or laziness and to say:
"Why don't they do something about
it?" Fair consideration ol the facta will
eliminate su< h thoughts.
Someone said recently in a Sunday-
school class discussion on "Christian
Standards in Economic Relations" that
all anyone deserves is a "fair chance
to help himself." We ought to ask our-
selves: "What is a fair chance?" An-
other statement from the above writer:
"Few of us would accept a flat perspec-
tive based on the untruth that we and
we alone matter. But our actual point
of view is far too often based on other
subtle— but no less dangerous— untruths.
The most deadly of these is the convic-
tion that the majority of the world's
people are as able to control their way
of life as we Americans control ours."
We were startled (while working with
Arab refugees in Jordan in the Mennon-
ite Central Committee relief program)
when a poor Arab orphan asked us in
Bethany for the entrails of a chicken we
were cleaning for dinner— to be used for
soup for his brothers and sisters. We
should have been startled to realize that
we were not in his shoes— if he had had
shoes!
We who call ourselves American Chris-
tians (or Christian Americans) do well
at the beginning of a new year to read
Mrs. Chapelle's article and to consider
our "strange way of life." A realization
of our abnormality is certain to make
us humbly grateful and give us a realiza-
tion of our responsibility as Christian
disciples. What are we giving to the
hungry, the cold, the naked, the spirit-
ually neglected?— the really normal peo-
ple.-Via MCC.
Prayer
By Mrs. Orvie Horst
Prayer! It is the Christian's vital
breath. How could we live without it?
Prayer is our personal contact with God
wherein we can speak to Him. We can
praise Him, and thank Him for the manv
blessings He bestows upon us daily. We
can pray to God at any place and at any
time. We have this access to His throne
at all times through Christ.
Prayer is not only speaking to God
in praise and thanksgiving, but is also a
means of telling Him all our troubles
and trials, and asking His guidance in
our lives. Prov. 3:6.
When we have need of anything, we
can ask God to supply that need. Matt.
7:7; Luke 11:9; Phil. 4:19.
When we are concerned for someone's
soul, we tell it to God. II Pet. 3:9b.
We are to pray for our kings, rulers,
and for all men. I Tim. 2:1. 2.
We should pray tor our ministers and
the work of the church: we are to pia\
one for another.
We are to pray that the lord will
send forth laborers into llis hanest to
prav for missionaries to go out to win
souls for Christ.
We are to pray that we enter not into
temptation.
We are to prav without ceasing.
But we dare not pray selfishly (fas.
4:8), only according to the will of God.
I John 5:14.
It Happened —
FIFTY YEARS AGO
(From Herald of Truth, January 21,
1904)
The new meeting house recently erect-
ed south of Manson, Calhoun Co., Iowa,
by the Amish brotherhood of that local-
ity, was opened Dec. 20. The house is
to be known as the Cedar Creek Amish
Mennonite M.H.
Bro. S. F. Coffman of Vineland, Ont.,
has spent some time in Waterloo Co.,
Ont. Meetings ... at Biehn's . . . and
Waterloo. . . .
Our Young People's Paper is now edit-
ed by A. B. Kolb, the editor of the Her-
ald of Truth. . . .
Fairview, Mich., Jan. 11, 1904. . . .
The brotherhood came together on New
Year's day to make arrangements to
build a house for worship, which is very
much needed. ... Eli A. Bontrager.
Dhamtari, C. P., India, Dec. 15, 1903
. ... By the kind providence of God we
have been permitted to reach this place
in safety. J. A. Ressler.
Christ found prayer to be necessary.
Often Jesus went alone into a garden
to pray. When He was tempted, He
prayed. John 6:15. Even near the end of
His life when He had many important
things to do, He spent hours in praver.
If Christ found prayer so necessary in
His own life, should we not also prav?
Christ has left us a wonderful example in
His high priestly prayer in John 17. He
has also given us a perfect example of
prayer that we are to use— the Lord's
Prayer in Matt. 6.
Therefore, let us pray! Without ceas-
ing! I Thess. 5:17.
Kitchener, Ont.
DAY OF PRAYER (Continued)
cal condition of the world, or the dis-
turbed economic condition of the world,
or even the apathetic Christianity of the
world. Shall we not rather concentrate
upon the spiritual darkness of the world
and prav for the cause of missions of the
wot Id beginning at our own doorstep
and ask God to help us radiate our faith
and hope from there to the uttermost
pan of the earth until "the kingdoms
of this world are become the kingdoms
of our Iotd. and of his Christ: and he
shall reign for ever and ever" (Rev. 11:
15)?
East Peoria, 111.
I February 2, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
Open My Eyes That I May See
By Marie A. Yoder
"Unwillingness to see carries with it
the punishment of incapability to see."
Very recently I read a book about
Spanish Inquisition days. It was horrible
-shocking! I had had ideas regarding
the cruelty of that time, cruelty which
was carried on in the name of the church
and in the name of God. The torture
which men and women endured gave me
nightmares the night after I finished the
book.
Young minds who sought for new
knowledge would say: "But, Father, here
is the proof! Can one close his eyes to
Truth?" And the blinded priests re-
plied, "It is not truth if the Mother
Church has decreed that it is not so."
People, young and old, especially pro-
fessional people who were learning new
things, were hunted and haunted by
the Inquisition night and day. When
they were finally apprehended, through
false testimonies, they were tortured day
after day. My mind can't comprehend
such cruelty being administered to one
human by another human being. And
I know nothing of the courage that en-
abled those people to say, "I have done
no wrong. I have nothing to confess," in
the face of such diabolical torture as
finally resulted in death for them.
But the most terrible thing about the
book was the blindness of those church
leadeis regarding new truth. When any-
one discovered something new in the
field of medicine or science or religion,
those old priests said, "Careful now! You
know the Mother Church has not ac-
cepted that. So it is not truth!"
"There is no blindness so blind as self-
inflicted blindness."
■Blindness becomes self-inllicted when
we deliberately close our eyes to new
truth. Jesus' last words to Christendom
still are: "Go and make disciples of
all nations" (Williams). A disciple is
not a "priest" but he is a "learner." A
disciple is one who learns constantly,
one who is willing to learn, and one who
grasps the most meager opportunity to
learn.
A learner cannot be biased in his
learning. New truth comes easily to
the person who approaches the Word
with an open mind. If Satan can't keep
us from opening the Book, he will lead us
to it with prejudiced minds. Uncon-
sciously, then, we do not seek for some-
thing new, but we look for something
which will uphold our point of view.
We need to guard our attitudes lest we
become "priests" instead of the humble
learners that God means for us to be.
For as men of the church cease to search
the Word for new truth, so a church be-
gins to lose its witness and power with-
in a needy world.
Are we learners? Is that what people
say about us? Or do they consider us
dogmatic dingers to our doctrines? A
learner needs to "hold fast the faithful
word." But an honest learner will not
trust his conscience more than he trusts
the Word of God.
A learner must always obey his con-
science, but as a learner, he will be
acutely aware that every day, as he lives
in the Word of God, the Holy Spirit may
teach him new truth in doctrine, in prac-
tical holiness, in the deceitfulness of sin,
and thus alter his old "convictions." A
learner who is Spirit-led will not neces-
sarily become locked up and bolted
down rigidly within the confines of his
own church creed. Martin Luther and
Menno Simons and many other reform-
ers forsook loyalty to a "church" in order
True friends visit us in prosperi-
ty, only when invited, but in ad-
versity they come without invita-
tation. — Theophrastus.
that they might follow more closely the
Word of God. But a true learner will
conform his life more and more to the
rules in his Guidebook, the Bible.
Are we sincere when we sing, "Open
my eyes that I may see"? And do we
mean it when we glibly pray in every
prayer, "Open our eyes that we may
constantly behold new things out of
Thy law"? Do we really want to see
new Truth? Or are we afraid of step-
ping out upon the bare Word of God
as our guide for living? When a new
truth, which is contrary to the "old
way of thinking," is presented to us, do
we search to see whether these things
are so? Or do we close our eyes to
anything new and different because our
mother church has not exactly seen it
that way?
Since a church is composed of men
and women, it is up to each one of us
to keep our minds open to new lessons
which the Spirit wants to teach us. A
church can be strengthened only as
men keep their eyes open and eager
for new Truth.
I am thankful for a church whose fore-
fathers were men who were obsessed
with a desire to obey God's Word. And
thank God for those present leaders who
fearlessly present God's truth to the peo-
ple of God. However, in this extremely
crucial time in our own denomination,
there is need, as never before, for unity
in our group. Our church leaders are
carrying the heavy load of leading us
through this crisis and keeping us unified
at the same time.
101
Many of our leaders who have seen
the weakness of the past are fearful and
slow to preach what they know is Truth.
Others, perhaps, still have a little more
confidence in the man-made rules of
Scripture interpretation than in the sim-
ple teachings of God's Word.
Sometimes it is easier to simply close
our eyes to new truth than to try to
change a people's way of thinking. We
become panicky and doubtful as to the
results of pure Bible teaching. Yet this
very doubt and frustration is proof that
our faith in the power of God's Word
needs reviving. Do we really believe
that God's Word will not return void?
Is His Word enough? Enough to be
guided by and live by?
Leaders and laymen alike need to
pray for each other as we struggle to
come closer to the plainly outlined teach-
ings of the W ord. Our older brethren,
who have served us to the best of their
ability in the past, need to kneel, not
in self-pity, but in true humility, with
the attitude of a child, and ask for
open eyes to see God's Word from God's
viewpoint.
Our younger leaders, who have had
the privilege of advanced Bible training,
need to kneel, not with a superior spirit,
but with patient humility, and with the
attitude of a child, also. They need to
set aside the theories they have learned,
and ask for open minds to see God's
Word from God's viewpoint.
We dare not fear new Truth. It is
our only hope! Rather, we ought to fear
closed minds that are filled with hate
and stubbornness toward other brethren
who do not see things as we do. Outward
things dare not divide us, for our testi-
O m
mony must be kept in such a way that
the world will believe in the deity of
Jesus Christ. And outward things will
not divide us if we all become disciples
of Jesus, true learners at His feet.
"There is a dead line that one can
reach, and after reaching that, he loses
his usefulness, be he 20 or 60. He might
as well stop his work. And that is when
he exchanges the pleasure of asking
questions for that of answering them"
(T. H. Brenneman).
Spare us from early uselessness, Lord.
Keep us searching. Teach us that the
Spirit can pour new Truth only into
open minds. And make us eager for
new Truth.
Forbid that we should become blind
at 20. And if necessary, give us our
second eyesight at 50, or 60, or even at
80.
We vow that if Thou wilt open our
blinded eyes, we will give to others
the Truth which we find in Thy Word.
Give us the courage necessary to keep
this promise.
Perhaps then our discouragement and
pessimism will leave us. Perhaps then
we will see that our future as a church
is truly as bright as the promises of
God. Amen.
Nappanee, Ind.
102
GOSPEL HERALD
February 2, ipjj
Disaster Relief Conference
Planned
By Boyd Nelson
Eor a number of years there lias been
a growing interest in types ol service
which can be developed and carried on
Iron) the home base ol the local congrega-
tions. In some areas this has taken the
form ol a Mennonite Service Organiza-
tion which has been organized tor rapid
mobilization to give emergency assist-
ance in disasters.
The first ol these organizations devel-
oped at Hesston, Kans., just prior to
the Topeka and Kansas City Hoods. Since
then they have assisted 111 other dis-
aster areas, such as the Hebron, Nebr.,
tornado of last summer. The same gen-
eral situation occurred a year ago in
northern Indiana where the Crusaders
lor Peace, a group ot former CPS men,
were promoting the idea on the local
congregation and local community level,
when the Flint, Mich., tornado ravaged
the town and countryside. Through this
experience and their further work, they
now have completed their organization.
It has come to our attention that there
are numerous other groups around the
country interested in getting ready for
such emergencies, both to help the needy
and to give their Christian witness in
this way. Indirectly we have heard of
people from such widely separated places
as Scottdale, Pa., ami Albany, Oreg.,
working on the problem. Oklahoma and
Ohio have groups interested also.
The following questions arise: How
do we get organized? Where can we get
help? What is our relationship with the
Mennonite Central Committee and other
Mennonite groups? What is our relation-
ship to our (old) Mennonite service or-
ganization, the Mennonite Relief and
Service Committee? How can we co-
ordinate this with the work of our local
congregations? Can we keep our activity
and organization healthy working only
in emergencies? Arc there some other
types ol activity lor us as an M.S.O.?
llow can we make this the most effective
Christian witness?
With these questions in mind, the
Church Program Co-ordination Com-
mittee of Genera] Council ol General
Conference is sponsoring a conference
loi February 12 and 13 ai the Bethel
and Sugar Creek Churches at Waj
land, Iowa. This conference is open to
any and all concerned and interested
brethren. A public session with emphasis
on the spiritual side is being scheduled
E01 February 12, evening, at the Sugai
( a eek ( !hur< h.
Representatives ol all M.s.o. groups
now organized, or <>i groups interested
in organizing, are on the program which
has bee n planned to include all <>i the
problem aspects mentioned above, Plen
ty of time will be allowed Foi publii dis
cussion in ordei thai oui direction ma'j
become cleat as it relates to tins recent
development in our church's outreach
and aid activities.
It you are a member of a group seek-
ing answers to these questions, whv not
plan to attend and share in finding the
answers as we exchange experiences and
pJot direction? When your plans are
made, write to Bro. Vernon Ceng, Way-
land, Iowa, and tell him that you will
be there and when, in order that provi-
sion can be made for your housing and
meals.
Elkhart, Ind.
Women's Day of Prayer
Mrs. Earl Blckwalter
[Commenting on the world-wide effect of
World Lay ot Prayer, Mrs. James D. Evans,
director of Christian World Missions for the
United Church Women, says: Millions of
people who have suffered poverty, hunger,
and disease are finding their voices today.
1 he World Day of Prayer offers a network
channel over which their voices may be
heard, not alone by Cod, but by their tellow
men. Out of the fellowship of prayer comes
action . . . and Christian action is needed now
more than ever before, if spiritual freedom
is to be insured, and physical suffering re-
lieved in all areas of the world. — Women's
Missionary Magazine.]
Suggested Theme: "I Sat Where They Sat."
Have a responsive reading of Scripture and
prayer printed so that all may participate.
Scripture readings: Ezek. 3:14-21; II Cor.
5:13-21.
Song: "Where Cross the Crowded Ways
of Life," Church Hymnal, 492.
Subjects for discussion by various persons
previous to prayer periods.
I. Material Blessings and Comforts in the
U.S. and Canada and Why We Must
Share. Luke 6:38.
1. Our ceiled houses.
2. Beautiful furniture and well-ordered
homes.
3. Abundance of food, so often wasted.
4. Books and more books.
5. Helpful Magazines.
6. Money.
7. Good jobs in congenial surroundings.
8. A free country.
9. A government which respects our
nohresistant belief.
10. Constructive work for our I-W men.
11. Wonderful schools for our children.
12. Exceptional means of travel.
II. Spiritual Blessings and Why Wc Share.
II Cor. 6:1.
1. Salvation through Christ.
2. Possessors ol the Word which gives
us the privilege of sending it out
through various avenues such as the
American Bible Society.
3. The 1 lolv Spirit's presence and power.
II Cor. 9:15; Jas. 1:17.
4. Daily victory. 1 Cor. 15:57; I John
5:4; II Cor. 2:14.
5. Opportunities to serve and to share.
6. Intercessory prayer. II Cor. 6:11.
A special period of prayer, especially of
praise and thanksgiving, creating a de-
sire for the giving of all.
Song: "God Is Love," Church Hymnal, 33.
HI. Contrasts in World Needs. II Cor. 4:3-
11; 6:11.
Song: "We've a Story to Tell to the Na-
tions." Church Hymnai, 309.
1. Relief work.
a. Refugee.
b. City slums.
c. Relief workers.
d. Migrants of America.
e. Newly settled refugee immigrants.
2. Mission workers.
a. Missionaries in constant danger in
Colombia, S.A.; Kenya, Africa; and
in other places.
b. Those still in prison in China or
elsewhere.
c. Native Christians in constant dan-
ger in Russia, China, Africa, South
America.
d. Pioneer home missionaries.
3. Other needs.
a. Mental hospitals filled to overflow-
ing.
b. Broken homes and homeless chil-
dren.
c. Great unchurched areas in America.
d. Work among American Indians
and Negroes.
e. Satellite nations controlled by Rus-
sia.
f. Darkness and need in large dues.
Special prayer period for these needs.
Song: "Christ for the World We Sing,"
Luke 10:2; Church Hymnal, 504.
IV. Activities Under the Various Church
Boards and Organized Groups of Our
Own Church. ( Speakers chosen from
these groups would be very effective.)
Matt. 25:31-40.
Song: "'Rescue the Perishing," Church
Hymnal, 511.
Prayer by speakers.
1. The Mennonite Board of Missions
and Charities. Matt. 28:19, 20.
a. Each official group or committee in
their publicity program.
b. In the dispensing of money.
c. In locating and establishing new
fields and in choosing new workers.
d. For workers chosen and sent out,
at work, or on furlough.
e. Those who may be ill and who
must leave their work.
f. Workers in language study.
g. Especially pray for those from your
local congregations, and others with
whom you are acquainted.
2. The Mennonite Publication Board
and Publishing House. Rev. 1:3.
a. Its work of providing literature for
our homes, churches, and for our
teaching programs.
b. For the House workers, for wisdom
to humbly perform their tasks to
God's glory.
c. For a personal understanding that
our Publishing House is not a place
of business to accumulate wealth,
February 2, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
103
A Prayer for This Week
Our Father in heaven, Giver of every
good gift, we thank Thee for food and
shelter, for the beauties of sky and fields.
We thank Thee for brotherly love which
Thou hast put within our bosoms. Fa-
ther, forgive us for those times when we
did not allow Thy love to infill our
hearts. We implore Thee that Thou
wilt infill us with the love wherewith
Thou hast loved us, that the world may
know that Thou art love. Give us love
that we may be patient with one another
as Thou art patient with us. We be-
seech Thee in Jesus' name. Amen.
—Mary Ann Horst
but that it is an arm of the church
reaching out to a needy world
through its workers who receive on-
ly a minimum wage as servants of
the church,
d. Thank God for the free literature
sent out; also for the discount given
to ministers.
3. The Mennonite Board of Education.
II Tim. 2:15.
a. In its direction of our church
schools and in its selecting teachers
well informed in their chosen fields
and qualified by the Holy Spirit to
lead young people to Christ.
b. Pray for our teachers as they will-
ingly work for low salaries, look-
ing to God for eternal rewards.
c. Pray for our schools of Nursing Ed-
ucation at La Junta, Colo., and Go-
shen, Ind.
d. Pray for the hospitals under the
direction of the Mennonite Church:
La junta, Greensburg, Lebanon.
e. Pray for young women of vision to
study nursing.
f. Pray for money support for all needs
under the Board.
g. Pray especially for our church
schools from east to west.
4. The Mennonite Relief and Service
Committee and Voluntary Service
Units. John 3:16-18.
Mennonite Relief and Service Head-
quarters.
a. Puerto Rico, India, Japan.
b. Hospital units: Iowa University,
Kansas City, La Junta, Kiowa
County Memorial, La Plata.
c. Homes for the Aged units: Eureka,
Froh Brothers.
d. Indian migrant unit.
e. Mathis, Texas, unit.
f. Summer Bible school.
g. Summer camps.
h. Remember any other service work-
ers and opportunities in which our
young people are participating.
Pray that they may not be afraid of
the unpleasant jobs which must be
done, that they may be willing to
scrub floors, wash dirty clothes, and
to serve the poor, realizing always
that their work is missionary en-
deavor.
5. Mennonite Central Committee.
a. Clothing centers in U.S. and Cana-
da: Ephrata, Pa.; Newton, Kans.;
Kitchener, Ont.; Rcedlcy, Calif.;
Winnipeg, Man.
b. MCC centers in many lands: Japan,
Korea, Formosa, Java, Germany,
France, Belgium, Holland, India,
Ethiopia, Mexico, South America.
c. I-W Service. Search the "Reporter"'
for places of service. Mental hos-
pitals and other institutional work.
Especially remember the young men
of your local congregation.
6. General Sewing Circle Committee.
Acts 9:36-42.
a. Pray that they may serve as unto
Christ.
b. Pray that they may be able to fur-
ther co-ordinate the work of all
women's and girls' groups in the
Mennonite Church.
c. Pray that every sister may feel her-
self to be a part in the whole group.
d. Pray that each conference Sewing
Circle Committee may carry the
vision of service to their local circles,
that the local circles may respond
to every need by regular attendance
and contributions, that all may be
conscious of the privilege of giving
one day a month to the work of the
Lord through their women's auxil-
iary groups to the Mission Board.
A special time of prayer by volunteers,
praying especially that workers be sent by
the Lord into the harvest fields where the
laborers are few.
Song: "O Zion, Haste," Church Hymnal,
519.
Benediction.
Hesston, Kans.
The Revelation of Jesus Christ
By J. L. Stauffer
22. The Fifth and Sixth Trumpets,
Rev. 9
The fifth angel sounded and John saw
a star fall from heaven. Here the de-
scription is such as to identify the star
as a person. Much speculation is ex-
tant about this star. Some think it was
a great earthly dignitary whose fall
brings about such terrible results. Othci>
think that it was a fallen angel, cast out
of heaven. In the face of the description,
it would appear to have been an angel
of God whose llight to the earth was so
rapid as to appear as a fall. One would
believe that God would entrust His keys
in the hands of one of His angels. Might
it be that this angel of God here opens
the bottomless pit and in Revelation 20
he closes it? Some have also suggested
that here you have the fall of Satan as
Prayer Requests —
(Requests for this column must be signed)
Pray for Bro. J. D. Graber, that he may
have safe journeying, and that he may
be able to bring real blessing to our
foreign mission churches.
Pray that the Lord will find the doctor
so badly needed in Puerto Rico work.
Pray for a teen-age boy who is disobe-
dient and overcome bv Satan's power,
that he may repent and serve his Crea-
tor and Lord.
Pray that Sister Alta Housour may secure
her visa for Indonesia, where she
hopes to teach in a Bible school of the
Evangelize China Fellowship.
described in chapter 12, but this hardly
seems tenable.
Men who reject God are introduced
to the lost world by what comes from
the bottomless pit. Out ol this pit
comes a great horde of locusts. We learn
that one of the plagues ol Egypt was
locusts and thev devoured evciv ^ieen
thing. Ex. l():l-o. 12-20.
The locusts under the fifth trumpet,
however, are different from those in
Egypt in this respect that they have no
effect upon vegetation, but on the con-
trary they are commanded to "hurt . . .
only those men which have not the seal
ol God in their foreheads."
They are not to kill men, but to
torment them for five months. Men will
seek death and desire to die, but can-
not. One must conclude that here you
have revealed a kind of infernal creature
linked up with the angel of the bottom-
less pit. It appears that these locusts
can prevent physical death during the
length of the plague. This is the fust
WOE trumpet and worse things are
to come.
The sixth angel sounds and four an-
gels that were bound in the River Eu-
phrates were loosed. These angels are
ministers of judgment in the sense that
thev slay one third part of men assisted
by an army of horsemen of two bundled
million. It is useless to speculate here,
because there seem to be no clues to
follow, and no interpretation of this su-
perhuman phenomenon is given. We
have nothing specifically in history to
which it could be compared, except to
note that supernatural armies are known
in Scripture. II Kings 2:11; 6:13-17.
Those who have an omnipotent God
whom they serve will have no trouble to
believe that something very unusual
takes place here. Wicked men are hard-
ened by these judgments and repent
not. The final day of doom is hastening
on for the ungodly and the impenitent.
104
GOSPEL HERALD
OUR SCHOOLS
EASTERN MENNONITE COLLEGE
Christmas Work Project
For the sixth consecutive year, school was
dismissed several days in advance of the
scheduled Christmas vacation in order to
provide for the Christmas Work. Project in
the interests of the building fund. Faculty,
employees, and students turned in their earn-
ings, together with contributions from
friends, during the assembly period on Jan.
5. The total in earnings, contributions, and
the allowance for savings in the dining hall
during the extra days of vacation, amounted
to $13,679.41. Of this amount, $5,491.09 rep-
resents earnings, $7,288.32 represents con-
tributions, and $900 represents savings in
dining hall expense. One half of this amount
will go toward debt reduction on the wom-
en's dormitory, while the other half has been
set aside for the proposed gymnasium. The
college is very grateful to all who helped
to make this year's work program a success.
Foreign Student Tour
The four foreign students enrolled at
E.M.C. this year, together with Bro. and
Sister M. B. Wyse, rendered programs at
Westover, Md.; Greenwood, Del., and
Frazer, Blooming Glen, Doylestown, Atglen,
and East Petersburg, Pa., during the Christ-
mas holidays. The foreign student group this
year includes Taizo Tanimoto (Japan), Itoko
Maeda (Japan), Horst Gerlach (Germany),
and Issa Khalil (Hashemite Jordan). They
have also rendered a number of programs in
local churches and will be on tour during the
Easter season.
Special Bible Term
Special Bible Term opened on Jan. 13 with
Norman H. Derstine serving as director, and
Truman H. Brunk, George R. Brunk, and
Elmer Kolb serving as instructors, in addition
to members of the regular stall. The total en-
rollment this year is 94, which represents an
increase of 18 per cent over last year's en-
rollment. Of this number, twenty-four are
enrolled in the three-week Special Course for
Ministers.
Nonconformity Week
The week of Jan. 18 was designated as
Nonconformity Week, with the chapel peri-
ods, assembly, and Friday morning devotion
periods, and prayer circle period devoted to
discussions on various phases of noncon-
formity. George R. Brunk, Paul Pcachey,
John R. Mumaw, Harold I). Lehman, and
B. Charles Hostctter served as speakers for
this program. In addition to the messages,
two periods were devoted to the answering
of questions on nonconformity, submitted by
the students.
Revival Meetings
Paul M. Miller of Goshen College, Goshen,
[nd., will serve as evangelist for the midyear
revival meetings, scheduled For Feb. 7-14.
Bro. Miller will remain on the campus during
the week of Feb. 14 tor further counseling,
and will speak in the daily chapel and prayer
circle periods.
Christian Life Conference
The annual Christian Life Conterencc,
scheduled for Feb. 2(J and 21, has for its
theme, ' More Than Conquerors." Milton
brackbill, Paoli, Pa.; Paul Erb, Scottdale, Pa.,
and Grant Stoltzfus, Denbigh, Va., will serve
as speakers. There will be a program of
sacred music by the Collegiate Chorus on
Sunday afternoon of this week end.
Home-Coming
The annual Home-Coming will be held on
April 9-11, with the opening feature of the
week end being the dedication program for
Vesper Heights Observatory on Friday eve-
ning. Saturday afternoon will be given to
rehearsal of "The Holy City" and class re-
unions, with the twenty-second annual ren-
dition of "The Holy City" on Saturday eve-
ning. All former mixed and collegiate chorus
members are urged to be present and to sing
in the mass chorus. The louring Chorus and
the Men's Touring Chorus will render a pro-
gram of sacred music on Sunday afternoon,
April 11.
Commencement Schedule
A significant change has been made in the
traditional Commencement week-end sched-
ule, effective this spring. The Class Day
program will be given on Saturday, June 5,
instead of Monday, June 7, as listed in the
current Catalog and Handbook Calendar.
Commencement will be held on Monday
morning, June 7, instead of Tuesday morn-
ing, June 8. The complete, revised week-end
schedule will appear in the February issue of
The Eastern Mennonite College Bulletin.
— Lester C. Shank.
ONTARIO MENNONITE BIBLE
SCHOOL
Ontario Mennonite Bible Institute spent
the first two months of school in the Stirling
Avenue Mennonite Church. This was neces-
sary because of extensive renovation in proc-
ess at the First Mennonite Church. The
kindness of the church in opening their doors
to us was much appreciated.
On Jan. 4 the 12-wcek Bible School be-
gan its forty-seventh winter term. Eighty
students were registered. Alberta, Saskatche-
wan, Ontario, Iowa, Indiana, Ohio, and New
York are represented in this year's student
body. With the sixty-five students attending
the Bible Institute the two schools number
one hundred and forty-five.
The Bible Institute will have its first grad
nation in Mdrch. Nineteen students will re-
ceive their graduation diplomas. Of this
number, there are six women and thirteen
men. The Bible School graduates will num-
ber somewhat less this vcar than usual. There
will be twenty-one.
February 2, 1954
Again this year Bro. C. F. Derstine, pastor
of the First Mennonite Church, conducted
evangelistic meetings.
A weekly feature of our school activities
is a guest speaker on Thursday evenings.
Missionaries are being secured to bring these
messages. The purpose is to challenge the
young people with missionary vision and re-
sponsibility. Each guest speaker is also be-
ing used in the district churches over the
week end.
Daniel Sensenig from Ethiopia, A. J.
Dietzel and S. M. King from India, Bro. and
Sister Simeon Hurst from Tanganyika,
George Miller from Honduras, and Samuel
Miller from Argentina are being used in this
program.
The Christian Life Conference, Feb. 16-18,
will be held with J. L. Stauffer, Harrison-
burg, Va.; Simeon Hurst, and local speakers.
A Young People's Christian Association
of the student body was organized this year.
Committees whose work is of an evangelistic
nature are the Extension, Program, Institu-
tional. Tract, and Radio. The YPCA will
soon launch a drive for funds to help finance
these different activities.
Sunday evening programs consisting of
special singing, children's meetings, and talks
are arranged by the Program Committee for
various churches in the conference district.
Gospel teams are sponsored by the Extension
Committee and sent to various mission points
and congregations. — J. F. Garber.
THE BOOK SHELF
Books reviewed In these columns may be ordered
from the Mennonite Publishing House. Scottdale, Pa.
Inherit the Earth, by Lon Woodrum; Zon-
dcrvan Publishing House; 1953; 183 pp.;
$2.50.
This story illustrates the Biblical teaching
that evildoers shall be cut off, but they that
wait upon the Lord shall inherit the earth.
It relates experiences of a young man who
had a bitterness of spirit, a hardness of heart,
and a resentment against God. Underworld
forces had gotten him into trouble, and his
life had no sense of direction. But from de-
spair and confusion he was led to faith in
God. He found peace and a new vision of
life because he became a Christian. While
meekly living in accordance with his new
taith he still had to suffer, for it seemed
that the assertive people were at the top
while the meek were being pushed around.
Nevertheless, he put his case into God's
hands, and God worked things out. It be-
came clear that not the proud or the power-
ful, but the meek inherit the earth.
It seems that in the story the conversion
experience is somewhat suppressed; further-
more, the clement of crime — burglary, mur-
der, and racketeers — is more prevalent than*
desirable. Yet the realistic characters, the
lively action, and the clement of conflict in
human relationships make the story very
readable, and the Christian element does have
a distinct place. — Fdwin L. Weaver.
February 2, iq^
GOSPEL HERALD
CHURCH MUSTC
Composer and Compiler of Early
American Church Music
By J. D. HARTZLER
The history of early American church
music must of necessity begin with New
England Psalmody. Of course this does
not take into account the I oik music ot
the American Indian nor the songs that
may have been used by the Negro as the)
were brought over from Africa in 1619
and the years following. Possibly the
earliest European music used on this
continent was that of the Huguenots as
they sang the French Psalmody on the
Carolina coast in 1573. Except lor these
brief episodes our story begins with the
music of the Pilgrims at Plymouth.
Three important books were intro-
duced into the Colonies during this early
period of our nation: Ainsvvorth's Book
of Psalms as brought over by the Pilgrims
who came to America from Holland in
the Mayflower in 1620, Sternhold and
Hopkins as published by John Dave, and
later known as the Old Version, and
Tate and Brady, known as the New Ve%-
sion. In this connection it is important
that we make mention of the first book
printed in the English Colonies at Cam-
bridge, Mass., The Bay Psalm Booh ol
1610. The history of the making of this
book is an interesting tale. The location
and condition of known copies is also
interesting, but this story cannot be told
at this time for lack of space.
It was in 1647 that the Reverend John
Cotton published a treatise entitled:
"Singing Psalms a Gospel Ordinance; or a Treatise
wherein are handled those lour particulars.
1. Touching the duty itself.
2. Touching the Matter to be Sung.
3. Touching the Singers.
4. Touching the Manner of Singing."1
Evidently some of the people of that
early period of American church music
were unfavorable to singing, even to the
singing of Psalms. The above skeleton
outline shows the nature of some of the
discussions which concerned them at this
time. Gradually the efforts of song lead-
ers and a number of the clergy were able
to produce worthy results. However,
there eventually began to arise conten-
tion, confusion, and discord in the Col-
onies. Music books were rapidlv decreas-
ing in number, the cultivation of music
was neglected, until by the latter part of
the seventeenth century many churches
and groups were scarcely able to sing
more than a half-dozen tunes. The
knowledge and use of notes had been so
neglected that no two individuals sang
the melodies alike. Someone has said.
"Music dwells not in scenes of conten-
tion, she flies the abode of anarchy and
confusion, and seeks a home in the land
ol peace."
About 1712 John 1 ults, a ministei ol
Newburyport, published A very plant
and easy introduction to the whole art of
Singing, Psalm Tunes. I his was the Inst
hook of instruction on singing which was
compiled in the English Colonies. No
notes were used, but letters were placed
upon the stall. Ol course the notes then
used were mi, fa, sol, la: so the letters
m, f, s, and 1 were printed on the stall.
Dots were used in various ways following
the letter to indicate the time.
Another instruction book lollowed
shortly alter Tufts' appeared. In 1721
the Reverend Thomas Walter of Rox-
bury published Grounds and Rules of
Mustek explained; or an introduction to
the Art of Singing by Note. This was
also a small book or pamphlet similar to
that of Tufts'.
A minister of Bradford, Mass., Thomas
Symmes, made a desperate effort to bet-
ter the song service. He published two
sermons, The Reasonableness of Regular
Singing, or Singing by Note (1720) and
Prejudice in Matters of Religion (1722).
In 1 723 an anonymous tract was pub-
lished with the title. Cases of Conscience
about singing Psalms briefly considered
and resolved. But this spirit ol reform
was soon to be opposed In main people
in practically every church. Serious ob-
jections were raised In well-meaning
people, although some ol their argu-
ments seem to us to have been cpiite
trilling, but we must remember that
these problems were very serious to them.
George Hocxl, in his History of Music in
New England, tells us of ten objections
which were frequently raised regarding
singing in the church.
1. That it was a new way— an un-
known tongue.
2. That it was not so melodious as the
old way.
3. That there were so many tunes, one
could never learn them.
1. That the new wa\ made disturb-
ances in the churches, grieved good
men, exasperated them and caused
them to behave disorderly.
.">. That it was popish.
6. That it would introduce instru-
ments.
7. That the names of the notes were
blasphemous.
8. That it was needless, the old wa)
being good enough.
9. That it was onlv a contrivance to
get money.
10. That it required too much time to
learn it. made the young disorderly,
and kept them from the proper in-
fluence of the family, etc., etc.
105
Two other Americans who published
Psalm tune books should be mentioned
in passing, as they belong to this earl\
peiiod ol New England Psalmcxlv. Wil-
liam Tans'ur's A Complete Melody in
Three Parts (1755) and A Collection of
the Best Psalm Tunes by Josiah Flagg
(1761). The former was an American
edition of an English book which became
a guide or an authority for many of our
composers and compilers, while the lat-
ter is noteworthy because it was engraved
bv Paul Revere of Boston fame.
Daniel Bayley, an organist, printer,
and compiler of music books, published
his first songbook the same year that
I lagg's Collection came off the press. He
published at least six different books, be-
sides the reprints; the reprints were often
given a new title. His last compilation
was The New Harmony of Zion which
came off the press in 1788. The Psalm-
Singer's Assistant (1785) contained two
parts. "I. An introduction, with such
directions for singing, as are necessary
for learners. II. A Collection of Choice
Psalm Tunes, etc." As was frequenth
clone in those days, the engraved music
is placed on only one side of each page.
The engraving seems to be verv poorh
done. But one must remember that iIun
is a verv small book. It measures by
nearly 6 inches. On die introductory
page the author has an interesting exer-
cise which he designates ' Lessons lor
Tuning the Voice." Mear is the onl\
tune with which we have general ac-
quaintance today.
While Bayley was doing his good work
in Newburyport. Andrew Adgate, a mil-
sit teacher in that early period, sought to
improve church music in Philadelphia.
He was known lor his schools of teach-
ing, although much ridicule was thrusl
at him by such men as Andrew Law and
others. In spite of this he accomplished
much for the church, as can be recog-
nized by high praise given him by a num-
ber of ministers of his day. Adgate also
compiled a number of music books. His
"Uranian Academy" was his method of
spreading musical appreciation and
knowledge to the common people. The
Academy was realh a sinking school.
Adgate printed and published his
Philadelphia Harmony in 1700. This is
a beautifullv engraved tune book: one of
real art. It is a large book and very
plainly engraved. Instead of the usual
four notes of the times, he suggests dif-
ferent names be given each tone of the
Diatonic Scale thus: fa. so. la, ba. do. na.
me. There are 110 pages in the book.
Now we come to James Lyon and his
Urania. This is a unique book in the
history of American Church Music, since
I. von here published the first book bv a
native composer. Its title is as follows:
Urania, or a choice collection of Psalm-tunes, an-
thems, and hymns, from the most approved authors,
with some entirely new: in two, three, and four
parts. The whole peculiarly adacted to the u*a of
churches and private families. To which OTe pre-
fixed the plainest and moM necessary rules of psalm-
ody. By lames Lyon. A.B.
(Continued on page 117)
106
GOSPEL HERALD
February 2, 1954
FOR OUR SHUT-INS
God Took Him
By Loric C. Gooding
He was always our friend and we loved him.
We had journeyed together for years,
Traveled together in all sorts of weather
And shared all our joys and our tears.
And now he was nearing his journey's end,
And we could not help but know;
So we walked with him down to the Valley,
And farther we could not go.
And One who loved him met him there
With His comforting staff and rod.
So we are left waiting here, for he went
The rest of the way with God.
Holmesville, Ohio.
Beyond Understanding
When tragedy like a thunderbolt
strikes a family— when an only child is
run down by a drunken driver— the im-
pact of the blow sometimes shatters faith
in God. If confidence in God is to re-
main unshaken in such an hour, mind
and emotion must be disciplined in ad-
vance by three convictions: some things
can be explained satisfactorily, some
things cannot be understood by our fee-
ble minds, but under all circumstances
God is a loving Father who leaves noth-
ing undone that He can do for our en-
richment.
Sometimes tragedy is plainly the result
of carelessness or ignorance or crime,
coming from the use of human freedom.
Now freedom of choice is so essential to
a life of love that our Father never dis
qualifies a man for entrance in to the
kingdom of God by taking away his pow-
er of choice. God never treats an individ-
ual as .1 slave or a puppet, but ever stands
respectfully before human freedom, even
when it is flagrantly abused by a drunk-
en driver,
lint when all explanations are offered,
the mind 1 1 man is baffled by the prob
lem of evil. Human knowledge is vast
and steadily increasing, but the known is
only the smallest fraction Ol the un-
known. What we know is but a tinv
island in an illimitable sea ol i^noiance.
To expect mortal man to be able to ex-
plain accurately all God's ways ol work
ing is less sensible than to expect an in
lain to comprehend Einstein's theory ol
relath ity.
Through growth in experience, b)
awareness of the presence of God, we
must enter into an ever mote intimate
comradeship with our Father, until with
ancient job we can n\ out, "Though
he slay me. yet will I mist in him."
— Kirby Page.
"Thank You"
By Dorothy G. Haskin
Last year 220 people were rescued
from drowning at Pop's Willow Lake,
California. Only three of them thanked
the lifeguard for saving their lives!
At another resort a woman slapped the
face of the lifeguard who had sa\ed her
life. She complained that he had been
too rough.
Saying "Thank you" does not seem to
come naturally to most of us. But one
who does say it is much happier for say-
ing it. It is a real pleasure to see how
pleased the person is to whom the thank
you has been said.
Those who say thank you easily are
those who have a heart full of thanks-
giving toward God. They are thankful
for even the simple things in life.
Charles H. Spurgeon, the great London
preacher, went to the country for a holi-
day with his friend, Theodore Cuyler.
They roamed the fields in high spirits.
Dr. Cuyler told a story at which Spur-
geon laughed with glee. Then he ex-
claimed, "Theodore, let us kneel down
and thank God for laughter." And there
under the trees they knelt and thanked
God for laughter.
It is easy to thank God for the good
things. Some have gone farther and been
thankful even though deprived of things
in life considered necessary. A blind
giil in Scotland said, "If I kinna see,
there's naebody in the Glen can hear like
me. There's no footstep of a Drumtochty
man comes to the door but I ken his
name, and there's no voice oot on the
road that I canna tell. The birds mh;
sweeter to me than to onybody else, and
I can hear them cheeping in the bushes
before they go to sleep. And the Rowers
smell sweeter to me— the roses and the
carnations and the bonin moss rose. N.i.
na, ye're no to think that I've been ill-
treated l>\ my God; for if lie didn't give
me ae thing. He gave me many things
instead."
Others in hard places have also
thanked God. Madame Jeanne Marie
Giivon lived in the davs of strong reli-
gious intolerance. She dared to stand up
for what she believed and consetpientlv
was imprisoned lor inan\ vears. Hut ol
those vears she said, "I have learned to
love the darkness of sorrow, for there
one sees the brightness ol His face."
1 on Vngeles, Calif.
When the da) returns, carl us up with
morning laces and with morning hearts,
eager to labor, happy il happiness be our
portion, and il the day be marked for
sonow. strong to endure. Robert Louis
Mevcnson.
EXPRESSIONS OF APPRECIATION
We wish to express our sincere appreciation
to all who remembered us with prayers, cards,
gifts, fruit, flowers, and visits. Also for the
messages of comfort during the sickness and
passing of a dear companion and mother. May
the Lord richly bless you all. — Eli H. Gehman
and family, Stevens, Pa.
■ • •
We wish to express our sincere thanks and
appreciation to all who remembered us with
prayers, messages of sympathy, cards, and vis-
its "in our recent bereavement in the death of
our dear son. May God bless you all. — Mr. and
Mrs. Roy M. Sensenig.
• • •
Our hearts have been touched by the tokens
of love with which you have remembered us
during the past months and especially during
the Christmas season. We express a soul-felt
appreciation to each one of you and may the
rich blessings of God be yours. — Mr. and Mrs.
Milton H. Lichty, Terre Hill. Pa.
• • *
We wish to express our sincere thanks and
appreciation to all who remembered us with
prayers, messages of sympathy, cards, and vis-
its in our recent bereavement in the sudden
death of our son and brother Earl. Also for
the help given the day after the burial when
126 turkeys were dressed at the home of Bro.
and Sister Eby. May God bless you all. — Mr.
and Mrs. Edgar Burkholder. Hagerstown. Md.
• • •
We wish to express our sincere thanks and
appreciation to all who remembered us over the
Christmas season with cards, gifts, prayers,
and caroling. We wish you all God's richest
blessings. — Harry L and Alma M. Lehman.
• * *
I wish to express my sincere thanks and ap-
preciation for the prayers offered in my behalf.
Also for the gifts, flowers, cards, and personal
visits during my stay in the hospital and since
my return home. Also many thanks to the
carolers at Christmas time. May God bless you
all. — Mrs. Elam K. Burkholder. Bareville, Pa.
• » *
To the many friends who have been standing
by ns through these trying months of sickness
with prayer and Christian kindness, we humbly
and gratefully say, "The Lord deal kindly with
you. as ye have dealt with . . . [us]." We are
confident that God will bless you. — Alice and
Geraldine Bennington.
• • •
We wish to thank all our friends and also
the various Sunday school classes and Christian
Worker groups for their gifts, prayers, and
cards to our son Clctus during his stay in the
hospital and since his return home. May God
bless all of you for your kindness. — Mr. and
Mrs. Martin Ressler, New Holland, Pa.
• • •
I wish to express a sincere Thank You to all
who so kindly remembered me with cards, gifts,
fruit, flowers, money, and visits during my
illness at the hospital and at the home of my
daughter. May God bless you all. — Mrs. Susie
S toner, Millersville. Pa.
• • •
I wish to express my sincere thanks and ap-
preciation to all who so kindly remembered me
wilh prayers, cards, gifts, and fl nvers during
my stay nt Pottstown Memorial Hospital and
while convalenciug at home. May the Lord rich-
lv bless you all. — Mrs. Jesse M. Mack, College-
ville. Pa.
• • •
1 wish to express my sincere appreciation to
all who so kindly remembered me with prayers,
^•ifts. cards, and flowers during my nine weeks
of hospitalization and while convalescing at
home due to polio. I praise the Lord that I am
steadily improving and again able to walk with
aid. May God bless you all for your kindness.
— Martha J. Rauman, Marion. Pa.
It behooves each one of us to be hum-
ble when we face the real facts of life.
Some one has well said. "We have noth-
ing but what we have received: we de-
SCrve nothing of what we possess; and
it is onh God's infinite mercv which
keeps us in possession of the blessings
which we now have."— Selected.
February 2, 1954
GOSPEL HER AID
in;
TO BE NEAR TO GOD
Sunday, February 7
Read Psalm 5.
For many people the day goes wrong and
they wonder why. Others have found "the
new look" and, like Paul, can take tribula-
tion and frustration in stride, finding "glory"
in the things which take the joy out of living
for most folks. You're familiar with it— or
are you? It is in verse 3 — this new look: "In
the morning will I direct my prayer unto
thee, and will look up." Look around (vv.
5, 6); yes, we must be conscious of the world
about us, for we must live in it; but don't
forget to look up. Soon you'll find occasion
to "shout for joy."
Look up and trust Him, a new day is dawn-
ing,
Stretch out your hand and take His today.
Bought by Him, loved by Him, never for-
gotten;
Hid in His heart forever and aye.
Monday, February 8
Read I lohn 2:1-8.
A conversation was taking place between
Li Hung-Chang, the famous Chinese states-
man, and Colonel Dyer, on the subject of the
authority of Jesus Christ.
Said Li Hung-Chang: "Men ought always
admire success. I cannot understand why
clever men like some of you Europeans
should actually worship Jesus Christ. Why,
that man's life was a failure and He was ac-
tually crucified at the end of it. Now cruci-
fixion is a very painful death, besides being
a very degrading form of punishment. How
can you call vourselves followers of such a
man as that?"
Colonel Dyer answered, "Well, your ex-
cellency, I don't know what you call failure.
When a man's words and the story of His
life have influenced manv of the best and
noblest of men for nearly 2,000 years, I don't
call that failure."
Tuesday, February 9
Read Phil. 3:1-7.
A great picture by Rubens was discovered
in an old picture shop in Gresham Road,
London. An expert with a keen eye went to
the sale, and amid a heterogeneous lot of
rubbish he detected under the grime and
soot of the years a masterpiece of Rubens.
Crushing down the quiver that came into
his voice he asked the dealer in as calm a
tone as possible what he would take for this
old bit of canvas. The picture dealer looked
at it and said. "I will give it to you for thirty-
five shillings." The nrice was in the seller's
hands in a minute. The purchaser took the
picture home, got it cleansed and restored,
and out from this grime and dust there
shines today a picture by Rubens worth 2,000
pounds.
God can detect under the failings and
faintings, the grime and dust of His weakest
child's face, the masterpiece of His Son.
Wednesday, February 10
Read Rem. 5:1-10.
The Spanish poet, Caldcron, in one of the
finest of his poems, tells of a beautiful Ro-
man girl named Daria, who lived in the early
days of Christianity. She belonged to the
nobility, and was of a very proud and haugh-
ty nature. In her pagan state she used to
say that she would never love until she would
find someone who would die to prove his
love for her. One day she heard a wandering
friar preaching the Gospel of the Crucified
Redeemer and her heart was at once touched.
She found, at last, someone whom she could
irdeed love, for He had proved His love bv
dying for her. She became converted, and
became one of the meekest and most devoted
of the early Christian saints, and finally died,
herself, the martyr's death, to prove her love
to Him who first loved her.
Thursday, February 11
Read John 10:1-10.
"They know his voice. And a stranger will
they not follow." This is true to the letter
according to a story by Mrs. John R. Mott.
A traveler in Greece found three "-hepherds
with flocks of six and seven hundred each,
all mingled together, but the sheep would
answer to their names only when called by
their owner and not if called by another.
The traveler experimented with them. He
called and the sheep took no notice. The
shepherd called, and they came. Then he
said that the sheep knew the shepherd by
his dress and not by his voice. When the
shepherd exchanged clothes with the traveler
the sheep would not obev the stranger's voice:
but when in the traveler's dress, the shepherd
called, the sheep came at his bidding.
It is necessary that we "know his voice"
among the confusion of tongues today or we
will be following the wrong leader and end
at the wrong destination. What fellowship is
ours ! The Shepherd — our own Shepherd
savs. "I . . . know my sheep, and am known
of mine." A felicitous "followership" indeed'
Friday, February 12
Read Col. 3:1-14.
Christ is the "King Immortal." The ad-
mirers of Charlemagne set up his poor corpse
in its grave, crowned his pulseless temples,
and put a scepter in his bloodless fingers.
Grim mockery! But our King Eternal not
onlv never dies, but gives victory over death.
Charlemagne is forgotten except by those
who read history books. But our King — He
lives! He lives within the hearts of multi-
tudes todav and "One day He's coming — O
glorious day."
"Glad day! Glad dav!
Is it the crowning day?
I'll live for today, nor anxious be,
(Continued on page 117}
CAN THIS BE THE CHRIST?
Sunday School Lesson for February 14
(John 7, 8)
Everywhere in Jewry there was one much-
discussed question: "Who is this man who
docs these miracles? Can this be the Christ5"
For centuries every mother wondered if her
baby boy might be the Christ. Now when
He did come, they knew Him not. They did
know some Messianic Scriptures or they
could not have been anticipating Him.
After Jesus fed the five thousand with such
a little food, some said, "This is of a truth
that prophet" (6:14). When He said, "I am
the bread of life which came down from
heaven," then they murmured, for they knew
His parents. When He asked them to eat
His flesh and drink His blood many went
back and walked no more with Him. They
had decided cither He was not the Christ, or
if He was they couldn't follow.
Now the Jews seek definitely to kill Jesus.
They want to. They plan to take Him but
they don't.
At the Jerusalem feast there was much
controversy. "Is this the Christ5 Will He
come to the feast?" they wondered. There
was a division among the people regarding
His deity. About the midst of the feast Jesus
appeared. Read and see the reaction in 14-24.
Some were convinced. Others said, "When
Christ comcth, no man knowcth whence he
is." But others said. "Will Christ do more
miracles than these?"
Jesus stood and cried on the last day, "If
any man thirst . . . ." What was the reaction
in 7:40-48?
Again in the Temple the next day Jesus
presented Himself as the light of the world.
They said they couldn't believe Him because
He bore record of Himself. Again He de-
clared His divinity. Jesus was very frank in
telling them of their father, the devil. But no
one could take Him. They even took up
stones to cast at Him, but He disappeared
through the crowd.
Now why didn't the Jews recognize Jesus
as the Messiah? Miracles He had done to
help their belief. Truth upon truth He had
taught them, especially concerning His deity.
Did thev really know the Scriptures5 Once
thev said. "We don't know whence the Mes-
siah is." Again they said He would be born
in Bethlehem (but how soon they forgot).
They were sure the Messiah could not be a
Samaritan or out of Galilee. We must con-
clude thev didn't want to believe.
So it is today. Many people today know
the facts of Christ's life. They should know
He was the Son of God. but they don't be-
cause thev don't want Him to rule over them,
iust as the Jews rejected Jesus as their king.
Do your people truly believe Jesus was the
Son of God?
— Aha Mae Erb.
Lesson based on "International Sunday School Les-
sons: the Intern~ti~nal Bible Less-ns for Christian
Teaching," copyrighted 1951 by the Division of Chris-
tian Education National Council of the Churches of
Christ in the U.S.A.
108 GOSPEL HERALD
FIELD NOTES
Items to appear Ln this column for any issue of the
following Tuesday must reach Scottdale by Wednes-
day morning.
Forty-four full-time students are registered
at the Canton, Ohio, Bible School this winter.
The Winter Bible School held at the
Chambersburg, Pa., Church, every Tuesday
evening during January, February, and
March, is being attended by between four and
five hundred people. All the churches in
the Franklin Co., Pa., area co-operate in this
school which is being conducted by local
brethren. Bro. Amos Martin serves as prin-
cipal.
The Mt. Zion congregation, Versailles,
Mo., is making good progress in remodeling
the church building so as to provide for a
number of classrooms.
Bro. Cyril K. Gingerich states that his
Toronto 13, Ont., address has been changed
from 46 Scotia Ave., to 136 Maybourne Ave.
Bro. Milton Troyer was ordained by lot
to the ministry at the Milford, Nebr., Men-
nonite Church on Jan. 17. The service was
in charge of Bro. L. O. Schlcgel, assisted by
Brethren Wm. R. Eicher and Samuel Oswald.
On Jan. 1 the Milford, Nebr., Amish
Mennonite Church officially changed its
name to "The Milford Mennonite Church."
The Woodridge congregation, Washing-
Table of Contents
97 — World Day of Prayer
I Pray (Poem)
98 — Our Readers Say
99 — Testaments to India
Our Fortress
Women Proving Together
100 — Abnormal Americans
Prayer
It Happened
1(11 — Open My Eves That I May See
102 — Disaster Relief Conference Planned
Women's Day of Prayer
103— A Prayer for This Week
Prayer Requests
Fr»volation of Jesus Christ
104 — Eastern Mennonite School News
Ontario W-nnonite Bible School
The Book Shelf
105 — Composer "nd Comrller of Early American
Church Music
106— God Took Him (Poem)
Beyond Understanding
"Thank You"
Expressions of Appreciation
107 — To Be Nerrr to Cod
Sundav School Lesson for February 14
108— Field Notes
Calendar
109— Mimlon News
Your Treasurer Reoorts
110— What Is Union Biblical Seminary in Yeotmal?
Modern Ravens
111— Now Bethel Church Building Under Way
Developing Nur*'"o Services ln Mo-thls
112— The Mennonite I-W Has an Important Role In
Mental Hospital Work
113— Women's Activities
The Mennonite Hour
Teachlnq Missions in the Local Congregations
114 — MRSC Weekly Notes
MCC Weekly Notes
115 — From Our Churches
117 — Marriages
118— Births
Obituaries
119 — Annual Meeting Mennonite Publication Board
120 Items and Comments
ton, D.C., is among those furnishing a copy
of "Christian Living" to each home in its
constituency.
Bro. J. C. Wenger, Goshen, Ind., con-
ducted a Bible conference at Hudson Lake,
New Carlisle, Ind., Jan. 16, 17.
Bro. Paul Mininger, Goshen, Ind., who re-
cently fractured his left arm in a fall on the
ice, is recovering satisfactorily.
The Executive Committee of the Indiana-
Michigan Christian Workers' Conference
held public meetings at Saginaw and Pinck-
ney, Mich., on Jan. 20, 21.
One new member was received at Pleasant
View, Goshen, Ind., on Jan. 17, Bro. D. A.
Yoder officiating.
The Hopewell congregation, Kouts, Ind.,
has completed a parsonage for the use of
their pastor, Bro. S. S. Miller.
The brotherhood at Oak Grove, West Lib-
erty, Ohio, are planning to remodel and add
to their present church building.
Thirty-one students are enrolled in classes
for the Winter Bible Term at Hesston Col-
lege, Hesston, Kans. Bro. John I. Byler,
Shipshewana, Ind., is serving as full-time
instructor, along with about a dozen of the
regular faculty members who teach one or
more courses. Bro. John H. Koppenhaver is
not serving as previously announced.
Correction. — In last week's Field Notes it
was stated that Myron Ebersole spoke at the
first service at the C.A. Mennonite Church at
Sarasota, Fla. The correct name is Myron
Augsburger.
Change of Address. — Bro. and Sister T. K.
Hershey from Elverson, Pa., to 1508 S.
Eighth St., Goshen, Ind.
Bro. Frank C. Peters, president-elect of
Tabor College, Hillsboro, Kans., gave a lec-
ture on his travels to Europe and Jordan, on
Tuesday evening, Jan. 12, at Eastern Men-
nonite College. He also gave a chapel mes-
sage the following morning.
A Christian Laymen's Conference was held
at the Maple Grove Church, Belleville, Pa.,
Saturday evening, Jan. 30, and all day on
the Sunday following. Bro. Nelson KaufT-
man, Hannibal, Mo., was the guest speaker.
The Indiana-Michigan MYF held a rally
at the College Union, Goshen, Ind., on Satur-
day evening, Jan. 30, and on Sunday after-
noon, Bro. B. Charles Hostetter, pastor of the
Mennonite Hour, spoke at the same place on
"Youth of the Church."
Bro. Howard Hammer pives his address
until Mav 22 as Bftn tOW Hall. 115 Sherman
St., Hartford, Conn.
A Sunday school meeting was held at the
Olive Church, near Elkhart, Ind., Sundav.
Jan. 31. Albert Bontrager and John C.
Wenger were speakers.
A four-day evangelistic meeting was held
at Hi-Way Chapel. Fast Greenville, Ohio,
Jan. 21-25, with Bro. Howard Hammer as
rvanpelist. The attendance ranced from 120
to 125, There were 33 decisions for salvation
February 2, 1954
or reclamation, and good interest was mani-
fested throughout. Bro. Don Augsburger,
Orrville, Ohio, preached at the Sunday morn-
ing service. This is a comparatively new
work founded and conducted by interested
brethren from the region of Wooster, Ohio.
Sunday school attendance is growing, having
reached a high of 73 during the meetings. •
The speaker at the Sunday evening service
at Prairie Street Church, Elkhart, Ind., Jan.
17, was Russel Sloat, who gave an illustrated
message on his work in Nigeria, Africa.
The Men's Fellowship of the Wooster,
Ohio, congregation was addressed by Bro.
Raymond Kramer, Meadville. Pa., at a meet-
ing on Tuesday evening, Jan. 26.
Present plans are to open the Bethany
Christian High School, near Goshen, Ind..
under the direction of the Indiana-Michigan
Conference, next fall. Building is to begin
as soon as possible in the spring, the faculty (
is being selected, and the financial program is
proceeding satisfactorily.
A series of messages on nonconformity to
the world is being given by Bro. A. J. Metzler
at the Scottdale Mennonite Church in con-
nection with the midweek prayer meetings.
The Heart to Heart Program, conducted
by Sister Ruth Brunk Stoltzfus. E>enbigh,
Va.. added its tenth radio station in the !
broadcast over WCHA, Chambersburg, Pa..
800 on the dial and heard each Tuesday at
10:45 a.m.
"I Must See Switzerland" is the tide of a
book iust off the press and published by the
author. Ira D. Landis. R. 1. Bareville, Pa.
The price is $3.50. plus sales tax. Copies may
be secured from the author or local book
stores.
(Continued on page 116)
Calendar
Annual Meeting Mennonite Publication Board. Plain
Church, Lonsdale. Pa.. Feb. 17-18.
Annual Christian Day School Meeting, Erisman's
Church. Mcmheim. Pa., Feb. 20.
Christian Life Conference, E.M.C.. Harrisonburg. Va.,
Feb. 20, 21. 1954.
Iowa-Nebraska Mission Board midyear meeting at
Manson. Iowa. Feb. 23. 24.
Annual Ministerial Meeting of the Lancaster Con-
ference District, at the Millwood Meetinghouse.
Gap. Pa.. Feb. 24. 25.
1954 Conrad Grebel Lectures, by G. F. Hershberger,
at E.M.C., Harrisonburg, Va., March 17-20.
Spring Missionary Sunday. March 21.
Annual Meeting Illinois Minion Board, Pleasant Hill.
East Peoria, 111.. April 22. 23.
Semiannual meeting. Commission lor Christian Edu-
cation. St. Jacobs, Ont., April 30, May 1.
Conference on Christian Community Relations, E.M.C..
Harrlsonbura. Va.. May 6, 7.
Home Sunday. May 9.
Annual meetlna Mennonite Board of Missions and
Charities. Western Mennonite School, Salem.
Oreg.. Tune 18-20.
Peace Sunday July 4. 1954.
Annual Meeting Southwestern Pa. Conference, place
undecided. Aua. 1-4.
Annual meeting Iowa-Nebraska Conference, West
Union. Parnell. Iowa. Aua. 10-13.
MYF Annual Meeting and Workshop, Laurelville
Camp, Laurelville. Pa.. Aua. 14-20.
Annual meeting South Central Conference. Assembly
of God campground, near FJdon, Mo., August
17-20.
Annual Meetina Illinois Conference, East Bend,
Fisher. 111.. Aug. 24-26.
Fall Meetlna. Commission for Christian Education.
Laurelville Mennonite Camp. Laurelville, Pa..
Sept. 27. 28.
Studv Conference of Child Evangelism. Laurelville
Mennonite Camp. Sept. 29. 30.
Fall Meeting. General Council of Mennonite General
Conference, Laurelville Mennonite Camp, Oct.
1. 2.
m
February 2, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
109
MISSIONS
Go, Preach 9
The General Board Headquarter, lor Missions. R.U.l. and Serrice: 1711 Prairie Street Elkhart. Indiana. Telephone. Dkhan 2 2786
Give. Pray
Mission News
The date for dedication of the Hope Res-
cue Mission in South Bend, Ind., has been
set back to Feb. 28 in order to complete prep-
aration of facilities and to make possible at-
tendance of leaders in rescue mission work
from other cities. The Hope Rescue Mission
is located at 532 S. Michigan in South Bend.
A total of 726 man hours of labor had been
donated by Jan. 19 to get the facilities ready.
Bro. Stanley Weaver, missionary to the
Navaho Indians, was ordained to the Chris-
tian ministry by Bro. Melvin Ruth at the
Sunnyslope Mennonite Church, Phoenix,
Ariz., on Sunday evening, Jan. 31, if previous
plans carried.
The Lima, Ohio, Mission is happy to an-
nounce the addition of Bro. Ellsworth Kauff-
man, West Liberty, Ohio, to its staff of help-
ers. Bro. Kauffman will assist by teaching
the boys' class, ages 13-16, in the Sunday
school.
The 1954 Annual Meeting of the General
Mission Board will be held at Western Men-
nonite School, Salem, Oreg., according to a
recent decision made by the arrangements
committee appointed by the Pacific Coast
Mission Board. The Hammer Evangelistic
Campaign tent will be available for use.
Fire damaged the Dearborn St. Mission
building, Chicago, 111., recently. Members
of the Bethel and Dearborn St. Missions
cleaned up the building following the fire so
that services could be continued.
Bro. Simeon Hurst, missionary on furlough
from Tanganyika, gave the missionary ad-
dress sponsored by the Ontario Mennonite
Bible Institute at the First Mennonite
Church, Kitchener, Ont., on Thursday eve-
ning, Jan. 28. Bro. Hurst will speak at the
Wanner Mennonite Church, Hespeler, Ont.,
on Sunday evening, Feb. 7.
Sister Vivian Eby, Mt. Joy, Pa., missionary
under appointment to Tanganyika, left New
York City by plane Jan. 11 and was due to
arrive in Nairobi, Thursday, Jan. 14. She
will serve as a teacher in the developing
school program of the Tanganyika mission.
The Chicago Mexican Mission Church
Council for 1954 is composed of six members:
the Sunday school superintendent, Mario
Bustos; the MYF president, Irma Rangel;
the president of the sewing circle, Lupe Bus-
tos; delegate from prayer meeting, Mrs. Jessie
Rangel; and the church representative, Juan
Ramirez. The Pastor, Bro. Mario Snyder, is
chairman of the Council.
The Annual Meeting of the Eastern Men-
nonite Board of Missions and Charities will
be held at Elizabethtown. Pa., on March 9,
10, 11.
Bro. and Sister Mahlon Stoltzfus write
from Alaska: "There is an unrest among the
people in town. Satan is busily engaged
holding his people in bondage. There has
been evidence of truth seekers, and it seems
that the devil is putting forth a tremendous
effort to quench the desire for peace. There
are some elderly people here who are almost
persuaded. Pray for these people that they
might be willing to yield."
Word has reached the Elkhart headquar-
ters that Bro. J. D. Graber has been delayed
in Hong Kong awaiting a visa for India. Pray
that the Lord's will in this delay may become
clear to Bro. Graber.
Bro. Henry Becker, missionary on furlough
from Bihar, India, spoke at the Prairie
Street Mennonite Church, Elkhart, Ind., on
Sunday morning, Jan. 24, and at the Belmont
Mennonite Church, Elkhart, Ind., in the
evening. The Beckers left New York for
India on Jan. 27 if previous plans carried.
On Sunday, Jan. 17, a building was dedi-
cated for the new mission project being
launched in the Harlem area of New York
City. The building, located at 2526 7th Ave.,
will seat approximately 75 persons. It was
tilled to capacity for the dedication service.
Bro. B. Harold Thomas, pastor of the St.
Ann's Ave. Church, preached the dedication
sermon and Bro. Elmer Martin of Lancaster
conducted the dedicatory service. Weekly
services will be held Sunday afternoons at
2:30 and in addition a midweek service will
be conducted.
Bro. Wilfred Rudy, Hespeler, Ont., and a
student at Goshen College, is the junior
church speaker at the Mexican Mission, Chi-
cago, 111., each Sunday. In his absence over
the Christmas vacation, the brethren Joe
Ventura and Paul Roth spoke during this
service.
Bro. and Sister John Lehman, La Plata,
Puerto Rico, announce the arrival of their
second son, David, on Jan. 22. Bro. Lehman
is present chairman of the Puerto Rico Execu-
tive Committee and director of La Plata Men-
nonite Project.
The Paul Gingrich family arrived safely in
Ethiopia on Jan. 8.
The illness of an Ethiopian official is de-
laying the issuance of the visa for the Nevin
Horsts, missionaries under appointment to
Ethiopia. Pray that God will open the door
for their service.
Bro. Archie Graber, missionary on fur-
lough from the Belgian Congo, spoke to the
Christian Workers' Band at Goshen College.
Goshen, Ind., on Sunday morning. Jan. 24,
and gave an illustrated missionary message
to the Foreign Missions Fellowship in the
afternoon.
Bro. Luke Birky, La Plata, Puerto Rico,
will speak at the Pueblo, Colo., Mennonite
Church on Feb. 7 and the Colorado Springs,
Colo., Mennonite Church on Feb. 9 regard-
ing the medical program in Puerto Rico.
The Ray Stutzman family, who are valued
Your Treasurer Reports
One of the major costs of the foreign mis
sion program is the transportation of workers
to and from the mission field. In line with
established and accepted policy, missionaries
are returned home for a period of furlough
about every five years. This is valuable both
for the missionary and for the home church.
During this present fiscal year a number of
missionary families have returned from the
field including Brother and Sister Jonathan
Yoder and family, Brother and Sister John
Friesen and family. Brother and Sister Sam
King and family, and Brother and Sister
Wilbur Hostetler and family from India.
Returning to India in the very near future
will be Brother and Sister John Beachy and
family, Brother and Sister Henry Becker and
family, and Rhea Yoder. Although the ex-
act cost varies depending on travel circum-
stances, the estimated average cost for an
adult fare to or from India is about $500 to
$600. It can be recognized immediately that
considerable cost will be involved in handling
the above furlough transfers for India work-
ers during this year. In addition to the
above, there are other travel expenses involv-
ing workers coming on furlough from other
countries such as Argentina. Puerto Rico, and
Belgium.
Expenses of this kind are handled through
the general field fund or through designated
contributions for missionary travel. In some
cases, individuals or congregations have de-
veloped some interest in supplying the travel
expense for a particular missionary or mis-
sionary family. Since this is the case, we have
outlined the above information for those who
may be interested in supplving travel funds
for any of the missionaries listed. Within the
next month the Becker and Beachy families
and Rhea Yoder will be traveling to India
and the expenses will need to be taken care
of. Contributions for this purpose may be
designated for the field General Fund or for
Missionary Travel Fund. Contributions may
be designated for the expenses of a particular
family or missionary if desired. Contribu-
tions for the above purpose can be forwarded
through your District Conference Treasurer
or direct to the Mission Board Office.
H. Ernest Bennett, Treasurer
Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities
Elkhart, Indiana.
workers in the rural field at Jackson, Ohio,
suffered the loss of their home bv fire on Jan.
11. Friends throughout the state have sup-
plied their immediate needs, but cash gifts
for the rebuilding of the house can be sent
to Erie Sauder, Archbold. Ohio, treasurer of
the Ohio Mission Board.
(Continued on page 116)
110
GOSPEL HERALD
February 2, 1954
What Is Union Biblical Seminary at
Yeotmal?
By Weyburn Groff
You could easily pass it by, for the build-
ings are not imposing. The largest thing on
the campus is an ancient banyan tree that
spreads its leafy boughs against the burning
sun and casts a comfortable shade. Sitting
at the gnarled roots one looks to the east
where the houses of the married students are
silhouetted against the rising sun. Soft, blue
smoke curls upward in the morning fresh-
ness. Bread and tea are in the making. To
the south and toward the main road is the
principal's residence. To the west is the long
side of an L-shaped building. This one-story
structure of whitewashed walls and tile roof
shelters the office, four classrooms, and the
library. Looking for the classrooms, the visi-
tor would likely pass them by, until he saw
the blackboards or heard the classes in ses-
sion. To the north a long, low building with
a series of rooms constitutes the men's hostel.
To one end is the dining hall.
A bell is ringing. Two by two the chap-
pals (sandals) shuffle out of the rooms; the
boys scramble for the mess hall. They must
hurry, for it will soon be eight o'clock and
time for the class bell. The building over in
the corner is an old residence which still
houses two missionary families, but one room
on the corner is used for the chapel. You
can see the cross in the gable. We will go
there at 9:45 as we do each morning. There
you will see the whole seminary family: stu-
dents and faculty about forty strong.
To us, the Union Biblical Seminary at
Yeotmal is more frequently referred to as
"Yeotmal." As an institution it is small and
young, but it has character, a purpose, and
is in the process of developing high standards
ard sound traditions. In many respects Yeot-
mal is still in the dream stage. A governing
body has been organized representing the
constituent churches and missions. It is now
officially a union institution. It is intended
to lulfill the vision of constituent bodies who
desire another definitely evangelical institu-
tion for the training of young men and wom-
en for Christian service.
Two other unique features constitute the
"reason-to-be" for Yeotmal: a Biblio-centric
curriculum and training with a rural basis.
Firsthand study of the Bible with the acquir-
ing of skills necessary to do that are con-
sidered of primary importance in a country
where the price of a library of even modest
proportions is practically prohibitive. Skill
in the inductive method of Bible study helps
the minister to "rightly divide the word of
truth" when he is limited to very few study
helps. The purpose of the "rural basis" is to
acquaint the future pastors with the prob-
lems that are unique to the rural parish. It
is hoped that in time a program may be de-
veloped which will equip the student to pro-
mote some concrete improvements in agricul-
ture and animal husbandry in the villages in
which he may serve. This knowledge may
be a means by which the minister may help
support himself and thus directly increase the
Indian church's self-supporting potential.
The chapel bell is ringing; so let us join
Thomas and Sarkar and walk with them.
At the door are the shoes of those who have
arrived before us. We take ours off, too, and
walk reverently into the little room where
others are praying silently. Matthew, the
leader for today, stands and announces the
opening hymn. The service is in English,
as are all classes. This is the only common
medium of communication. Our friends
come from many language areas: Hindi.
Marathi, Gujerati, Bengali, Malayalam, and
Kanarese. Matthew has chosen to speak to-
day on the words of the Apostle Peter, "God
is no respecter of persons." He recreates the
setting of those memorable words and as he
proceeds we discover that it becomes his per-
sonal testimony.
"I used to think that somehow I was better
than those Christians who had come from
the lower castes of Hindu society," we hear
him say. "I used to remain somewhat aloof
from them. [We observe that he is immacu-
lately dressed in neat white clothes.] But the
Lord has shown me that He is no respecter
of persons, and that before Him I am noth-
ing. I am but a sinner saved by grace. From
now on I shall not think of myself higher
than I ought to think. I shall be no respect-
er of persons, but I shall have and enjoy fel-
lowship with all my Christian brothers.
Please pray for me."
It has not been easy for him to bare his
inmost thoughts. We bow in prayer and
praise. We thank Him for the faithfulness
of His Spirit and for the power of His truth.
We thank Him for the sure and quiet way
in which learning at the foot of the cross
takes place. It is the wisdom that is "foolish-
ness with men" but which is the "power of
God." This is what we cherish at Yeotmal,
for "other foundation can no man lay than
that is laid, which is Jesus Christ."
Pray for our students and for all of us,
that we may be strong, not in the flesh, nor
in the wisdom of this world, but strong in
the "power of his might."
Yeotmal, Berar, India.
Modern Ravens
By C. G. George
(The writer is a student at Union Biblical
Seminary, Yeotmal, India. The experience
related in the accompanying article took place
during the summer of 1952 when the writer
with two fellow students were on practical
work assignments from the Seminary.)
"The ravens brought him bread and flesh
in the morning, and bread and flesh in the
evening; and he drank of the brook" (I
Kings 17:6).
What a wonderful story this is — a man
fed by ravens in a jungle place! Ravens are
the most cunning of birds. Usually they try
to get their food from men. Here contrary
to their usual habits they supply a man with
his food morning and evening.
Elijah the Tishbite. who was of the so-
journers of Gilead, told the words of Jehovah
Student body anil family of Union BlfdtetJ Seminary, after the revep- The men's hostel. I'nion 15ihlic.il Seminars Yeotiml with the hum
lion for (he Groffi. Jndglni by the lartandi uound their neeka the banyan tree in Front ' '
(iron* [Molly WM very welcome.
February 2, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
111
Some of the offirial representatives at the gnmnd-bl UlUllg of the Bethel Mennonite CoammH]
Church. Nov. 18. 1953. Left to right: Mr. Swanson and Mr. Moser, contractors; Mr. s>rh <-n-
brod, architect; Mr. Hulhert. Director, Near-West Side Planning Hoard; Mr. Jones. Director.
Near-West Side Community Council; Bro. James Lark. Bro. .J. I). Graber. Mr. Maslin. Plan-
ning Office. Chicago Housing Authority.
unto Ahab the king of Israel. He spoke in
the name of the living God of Israel, but the
words displeased the king. Consequently,
the king tried to kill the prophet Elijah. But
God who cared for him sent him to a lonely
place, Cherith, where he could hide himself
from the great wrath of the king. The One
who had sent him there had promised to
supply all his needs. Elijah obeyed and went,
trusting in Him from whence his help had
always come. Again he experienced the lov-
ing-kindness and the merciful care of the
Lord when the ravens brought him food
morning and evening.
Even today the Lord God takes care of
His children wherever they arc. Still His
promises are unchangeable. In spite of great
difficulties there are still ravens at His dis-
posal.
Recently four of us were in the Himalaya
mountains in the little country to the north
of India, Nepal. There in the service of the
Lord we tasted of His goodness in many
ways. On one particular occasion we felt
like modern Elijah's. While we were at our
work, gradually our money became less and
less and finally we had none at all. We were
several hundred miles from friends and al-
most 2,000 miles from home. For a couple
of days we were without food and there was
no one near to whom we felt we could go to
ask for food. There were no Christians in
that place. However, we were confident of
the presence and mercy of our loving and
living God. We were confident that He is
still faithful in fulfilling His promises. We
waited and suffered the difficulties, trying to
be thankful to God and trying to learn what
He had to teach us. We continued to send
our humble requests to the Storekeeper of all
heavenly riches and blessings.
Then on the third day we were provided
with bread and meat as if by ravens. In the
mail we received a gift of money; the source
of it we did not know. But we realize that
God's ravens are still in the Himalayas. We
received the gift with tears of joy and
thanked Him for His faithfulness.
Yeotmal, Berar, India.
New Bethel Church Building
Under Way
By Paul O. King
"Has the new church been started yet?"
"When will work begin on the new Bethel
Church?"
"When do you think you will have the
new church ready?"
These have been some of the many ques-
tions that have come to us these past several
months. They have come to us from many
places and from many people. Today we
have an answer to those questions and it
gladdens our hearts. The church has been
started and the construction is going ahead
at a good rate.
On a warm hazy morning, November 18,
the prayers and visions of many people were
answered and became a reality. On that
morning a group of people representing many
interests and groups met to participate in
the ground-breaking of the Bethel Mennon-
ite Church in Chicago. Because of the un-
certainty of the contractor's plans, notice was
given only one day in advance, but this was
enough for a good group to leave their work
and assemble themselves for this occasion.
The service convened with the singing of
several hymns. Bro. Paul King led in the
opening prayer. Then Bro. James Lark spoke
briefly, giving the visitors and friends some
of the vision and responsibilities given to
Bethel in this community. This talk was
followed by greetings from a number of the
civic and community agencies from the im-
mediate area. Representatives were present
and expressed greetings from the Chicago
Housing Authority, which builds and super-
vises the public housing in Chicago; the
Near-West Side Planning Board, which as-
sists in the city planning of this area of
Chicago; the Near-West Side Community
Council; the neighboring school principal;
the Police Captain of this district; and the
architect and construction engineer. Bro.
J. D. Graber then brought greetings from
the Mennonite Board of Missions and Chari-
ties and explained the interests and function
of the Mission Board in this church and
building program. The service closed with
the singing of a hymn and the doxology.
The new Bethel Church is now being built,
and construction will proceed as weather per-
mits. It is the building of a church in brick
and stone, but brick and stone do not make
a church. Neither do beautiful buildings and
high vision make the church a living and
working force. The church of Jesus Christ is
being built within the hearts and lives of men
and women, boys and girls, even as these
stone walls rise. But the task of the church
is only begun when the building is com-
pleted. The task of the church will go on
and the church will be a living force only as
it is led by the Spirit and meets the needs
around it.
This means that your task will go on. too.
It is your task to support this work of Christ
with your prayers and finances that the
church may be built within hearts and that
these souls then have a center of worship
and work. This is your responsibility. May
you accept it as you have done in the past,
as the plans of this church have become a
reality. Listen to the words of the Scripture,
"For God is not unrighteous to forget your
work and labour of love, which ye have
shewed toward his name . . ." (Heb. 6:10).
Chicago, 111.
Developing Nursing Services in
Mathis
Sister Lela Sutter, R.N., Hopcdalc. 111., is
doing a fine pioneering work in the Mathis,
Texas, community in developing nursing
services to the Mexican people. She has spok-
en to various community clubs and church
groups to develop an interest in a projected
maternity home for the Mexican mothers
which would also include follow-up care and
the teaching of child care in the home. The
need for this maternity home has been point-
ed up sharply by the fact that three newborn
babies have died in one week of tetanus be-
cause of improper care at delivery by Mexican
mid wives.
There are racial prejudices and indiffer-
ences to overcome. Lela herself has put forth
a sacrificial effort to prove the worth of the
project and her interest in it. An effective
testimonv of her interest is the fact that, as
she works in a private hospital from time
to time, she turns her wages into a fund for
purchasing equipment for the home.
Tentative plans for this maternity home
have been cleared with the Texas health
officials, and their requirements can be satis-
factorily met. These plans include a building
with an office, a bedroom for patients, a
workroom, a bath, a delivery room, and a
nurse's bedroom.
MISSIONS SECTION
112
GOSPEL HERALD
February 2, 1954
Sister Lela Sutter addressing a group of local people interested in the maternity home.
The service rendered by a maternity home
would be valuable in giving a witness of
Christian love and in opening hearts to re-
ceive the Gospel. Sister Sutter asks that this
work be remembered in prayer — praying that
the community may come to see the need and
be willing to forget their prejudices in work-
ing together for the good of their community.
Sister Sutter is one of the nine voluntary
service workers serving in Mathis. Besides
The Mennonite I-W Has an Im-
portant Role in Mental Hospital
Work
By Arthur Jost
(Mr. Jost is Administrator of Kings View
Homes, Reedley, Calif.)
Our Mennonite churches are much in-
terested in mental hospital work. It seems
that this interest is much more intense in our
own circles than in other segments of Ameri-
can society. Most of this interest stems from
the experience of Civilian Public Service men
in mental hospitals. Some concern for the
mentally ill had been shown by Mennonites
before CPS days, however.
CPS men took up assignments at mental
hospitals. Their parents visited them on the
job. Their ministers, other church leaders,
and faculty members from our Mennonite
schools called OU them. And Mennonite
families who had patients in mental hospitals
experienced for the first time a degree of
empathy and sympathy within their church
and community groups. These were some of
the things that led to greater Mennonite in-
k-rest in mental hospital work.
It is commonly thought in our Mennonite
groups that CPS tombed off the historic
movement of state hospital reform. Men-
nonite interest in mental health work as
fostered during and alter CPS came about the
same time that there was a general growing
interest in mental hospitals and hospital re-
form in this country.
MISSIONS SECTION
the public health nursing services there are
also programs of recreational and educational
activities and of building homes for Mexican
families. The unit gives an effective witness
through helping at the Mennonite Mission in
Mathis, as well as through their lives and
work among the Mexicans.
Office for Relief and Service
Elkhart, Indiana
Even though the service and work of CPS
men did not touch off this hospital reform,
the encouragement that CPS men gave to
humane and conscientious hospital admini-
strators cannot be underestimated. Another
thing that cannot be underestimated is the
service that CPS men performed as attend-
ants. The importance of the attendant was
emphasized by the National Association for
Mental Health, Inc.
The movement to recognize the mental
patient as an emotionally ill person and to
treat him as such is a historical development
similar to political and industrial revolutions.
Not all of society was ready to accept the
principles of this new movement in the care
of mentally ill. Neither is society entirely
ready to accept the progressive findings and
broad assumptions of phychiatry.
Since we as Mennonites have gone further
in accepting these principles, we have pro-
gressed far ahead of other groups, especially
church groups, in the care of the mentally ill.
The existence and services of Brook Lane
Farm, Kings View Homes, and Prairie View.
Philhaven, and Bethesda Hospitals are con-
crete witnesses to this fact.
Stntc hospital officials. Selective Service
officials, peace section counselors, as well as
the Mennonite churches as a whole have
readily accepted mental hospital service as a
Satisfactory service opportunity for I-W men.
This indicates that CPS mental hospital
work, though unplanned anil unchartered
and which was opportunistic in a sense, sort
of paved the w.iv for current I-W service op-
portunities in such work. Although most
written evaluations of CPS hospital service
are somewhat incomplete and inconclusive,
it seems to me that there is something in-
herent in that service which is deeply com-
patible or agreeable with our philosophy and
religion. And as a result we have accepted
this type of humanitarian service.
Even though Mennonite churches generally
are interested in mental health and mental
hospital work, not all 1-0 men faced with a
I-W assignment have accepted mental hos-
pital service as the assignment of preference.
In view of this fact, it is well to review the
merits of such service:
1. The assignee is part of a humanitarian
movement. He works with mental patients
who are treated as sick persons. They arc not
regarded as "different" from other human
beings, but are seen as personalities with
specific difficulties, conflicts, and needs. Be-
cause of their illnesses they are separated from
society and this separation has purpose and
meaning.
2. The assignee is a member of a treatment
team. New and applied treatment methods
look to the recovery of the patient State-
ments by noted psychiatrists are bold enough
to assert that early treatment will heal the
majority of mental illnesses. These treatment
methods require the co-operation of every
service, including the indespensable attend-
ant.
3. The assignee is a member of a rehabili-
tation team. Patients are no longer "sent
away" to a state hospital to deteriorate. Those
days are over. They recover and they are re-
habilitated. Hospitals aim at rehabilitating
every patient and this is accomplished to a
high degree. Atttendants and all other person-
nel of the hospital staff assist in shaping the
attitudes of relatives of the patient who come
to visit or who correspond with the patient.
4. The assignee has a stake in a positive
public mental hygiene educational program.
The general public is learning rapidly about
the nature and treatment of mental illness. As
more is learned about treatment, a greater
effort is made at prevention. Mental illness
is just like a true illness such as tuberculosis
and heart ailment. When it is accepted,
questions about prevention then follow.
5. The assignee is working on a "fron-
tier" with many possible vocational openings.
A careful survey of the opportunities in the
mental health field reveals an almost unlimit-
ed number of openings in many challenging
areas. Openings exist for physicians, psy-
chiatrists, nurses, psychologists, social work-
ers, attendants, farm managers, cooks and
dieticians, engineers, gardeners, carpenters,
and other vocations. The two years of I-W
service in mental hospitals can be a valuable
orientation or may be an introduction to one
of the above vocations.
6. The assignee is following the example of
Christ. We read in Matthew that Christ
healed the lunatic. We believe Christ healed
manv with mental afflictions. A conscientious
objector claiming a degrees of discipleship
above and bevond the claims of many con-
temporary Christians may well find a com-
pensatory purpose in the service of One who
with His disciples spent much time in minis-
tering to the least of these.— via MCC News
Service, Akron, Pa.
i February 2, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
113
Women's Activities
Sister Arlenc Sitlcr, director of Women's
and Children's Activities for the Mennonite
Central Committee, has recently accepted a
three-year appointment to serve in Korea.
Going out under MCC, she will be seconded
to the Children's Fund as business adminis-
trator for them in their Pusan Headquarters.
She is scheduled to sail from Los Angeles,
Calif., Jan. 30.
May we remember our sister as she goes
to serve in this very worthy cause, that God
may grant her health and protection.
• * »
On Dec. 10, 1953, our sisters in Virginia
made history when they organized as a dis-
trict sewing circle. Three sisters had been
appointed by the executive committee of the
Virginia Conference to arrange a slate of
nominees from which an executive committee
was to be chosen. The conference committee
had also appointed the presidents, secretaries,
and two other members of each circle to act
as delegates in voting for the nominees on
the slate.
Following the reading of the tentative con-
stitution which the conference committee had
drawn up, the slate of nominees was pre-
sented and the voting took place with the
following results: President, Mrs. Maud
Driver; Vice-President, Mrs. Wade Good;
Secretary-Treasurer, Mrs. C. K. Lehman;
Fourth Member, Mrs. Harvey Yoder; Fifth
Member, Mrs. Joseph Heatwole.
This meeting took, place at the Weaver
Church, Harrisonburg, Va.
• • #
Mrs. Maynard Reber, in charge of the
lowa-Nebraska cutting room, is happy to be
in her new, enlarged quarters which she
needed very much because of the growth of
the work. Both men and women donated
much of the labor, digging, building, paint-
ing, cleaning, and putting things in place.
In her article in the December Missionary
Challenge, Sister Reber says that she has not
been able to work as much or as fast as she
would like to because of considerable back
trouble. But she is hoping to have the shelves
filled soon again with cut garments of all
kinds and sizes. In her concluding remarks,
she asks us to pray for the workers when we
pray for our sewing circle officers. May we
honor Sister Reber's request.
• • *
Have you planned to attend the Women's
Day of Prayer this year? Have you made a
list of needs that you think should be re-
membered by Christians the world over? By
thinking of our personal spiritual needs and
of the worthy causes in the world which we
should support with prayer, and by planning
ahead, many more will be able to join in
united intercessory prayer. Be sure to read
Paul Erb's editorial and J. N. Kaufman's
article on the observance of this day of prayer
published in this issue of the Gospel Herald.
Read the suggested program and begin pray-
ing. Then you will not want to miss the
blessing of joining the Christians of your
community in prayer, of joining the Chris-
tians of the whole world in prayer.
Sister Esther Beck writes as follows from
Obihiro to Sister Minnie Grabcr:
"Perhaps you would be interested to know
that the women in the church here at Obihiro
have organized their own sewing circle.
They meet the first Wednesday evening of
each month, and how enthused they are in
their work! Just now they are knitting wool-
en socks and mittens for the children in the
orphanage. At the next meeting we have a
new project to suggest to them. The Chris-
tian director of a school for the blind in
( )bihiro has asked if we would help with
printing books for the school. They would
have a few classes to teach us how to do the
printing and then we could go ahead with
such work. It sounds like a good project for
us here. There is not much sewing we can
do for hospitals here since each patient must
furnish his own bedding, kimono, and all
such articles. The women are few in num-
ber, as yet only five, and in the next baptism
class there will be three or four more. But
though they are few in number, they are not
lacking in enthusiasm. They do need the
prayers of the sisters over there."
—Mrs. C. L. Shank.
The
Mennonite
Hour
On February 7 a fifth 50,00U watt station
will begin broadcasting The Mennonite
Hour. This is WOWO, Fort Wayne, Ind.,
which broadcasts on a frequency of 1190
kilocycles on AM and 96.1 megacycles on
FM. The program will be aired on Sunday
evenings at 9:00, C.S.T. With the broadcast
on WOWO we are discontinuing the pro-
gram on WSPD, Toledo, Ohio, and WTRC,
Elkhart, Ind.
The five 50,000 watt stations releasing The
Mennonite Hour should enable most people
in northeastern United States to hear the pro-
gram at some time each Sunday. KDKA,
Pittsburgh, can be heard in Ohio, Maryland,
and western Pennsylvania at 3:00 p.m.
WOWO will cover Indiana and Illinois at
9:00 p.m., Ohio and eastward at 10:00 p.m.
WBZ, Boston (1030 on the dial) and
WRVA, Richmond, Va. (1140 k.c.) can be
heard over much of eastern United States
and Canada at 10:30 p.m. E.S.T.; these two
stations can be heard as far west as Illinois.
We praise the Lord for opening these sta-
tions to us, giving a much greater potential
listening audience.
On Monday, January 18, the Radio Evan-
gelism Committee of the General Mission
Board met at The Mennonite Hour office
in Harrisonburg. This committee, with
J. D. Graber as Chairman, Truman Brunk,
Vice-chairman, and H. Ernest Bennett as
Secretary, was set up by the General Board
last summer to give guidance to the broad-
casting program of the church.
Missions Editorial
Teaching Missions in the Local
Congregations
For the past fifty years the Mennonite
Church has been developing its program of
praying for missions, giving for missions, and
sending out missionaries. Responsibility for
this interest in missions lies largely with the
local congregation which can promote mis-
sions through the following activities: Sun-
day school, worship services, YPBM, MYF,
summer Bible school, mission study classes,
and quarterly and special mission confer-
ences.
The Sunday school is not limited in pro-
moting missions to Bible lessons on missions
periodically used in the quarterlies. Care-
fully planned Spring and Fall Missionary
Day programs with missionary speakers dur-
ing assembly period will help pupils of all
ages to increase their knowledge of missions.
Children's department teachers and superin-
tendents have the quarter investment pro-
gram and the mission savings banks to use
for teaching giving for missions. Adult de-
partments can keep up mission interest by
taking on a missionary's support, cither as a
department or by individual classes.
The pastor can keep his congregation
awake to mission needs by preaching mis-
sionary sermons periodically and by securing
missionaries to preach during the Sunday
morning worship service, particularly on
Spring and Fall Missionary Days.
Missionary topics for YPBM on Sunday
evenings and special Sunday evening Mis-
sionary Day programs provide excellent op-
portunities for young people to discuss mis-
sions and for returned missionaries, relief
and voluntary service workers to tell of their
experiences in service.
The young people's organization, MYF or
literary, can develop interest in mission giv-
ing through a Youth Missionary Project each
summer. Local pastors and MYF sponsors
have here a means of providing fellowship
opportunities for the young people and at
the same time teaching missions.
Summer Bible schools have been doing a
fine job of promoting missions through the
missionary story hour and through mission-
ary offerings for various mission projects. In
1952, 643 schools with an average attendance
of 64,662 children gave $68,576.11 in mis-
sionary offerings.
Mission study classes provide excellent op-
portunities for getting acquainted with the
mission work of the church. Mission study
materials are available through our Mennon-
ite Publishing House.
MISSIONS SECTION
114
GOSPEL HERALD
February 2, 1954
Some congregations or group of congre-
gations conduct quarterly mission meetings
at which time outside speakers are brought
in. This provides an excellent opportunity
for local folks to get acquainted with mis-
sionaries.
— L. C. Hartzler.
Relief and Service News
MRSC Weekly Notes
Voluntary Service
At the present time there is an opening
for a nurse to serve in the Navaho Indian
work.
By July, 1954, there will be numerous other
opportunities for nurses to serve in Voluntary
Service in Puerto Rico and at Mathis, Texas.
A medical doctor is urgently needed to
serve in the medical program in Puerto Rico.
If you cannot answer these calls will you
pray that God may supply these needs for
the furtherance of His kingdom?
At the present time there are approximate-
ly eight folks enrolled in the February 3-16
orientation school who will be preparing for
further service in VS.
The I-W group and the VS unit in Kansas
City, Mo., have organized a weekly chorus
practice directed by John Hershberger in
preparation for the Easter Season.
The Newton and Hesston, Kans., I-W
units spent the week end of January 23 and
24 with the Voluntary Service Unit in Kansas
City in a fellowship meeting on Saturday
evening, singing for shut-ins on Sunday after-
noon and giving a program at the Gospel
Center on Sunday evening.
On February 7 the Kansas City VS Unit
will give the evening program at Garden
City, Mo.
A new unit home has been purchased for
the Kansas City unit which will provide
more housing facilities for a larger unit,
space for community children's work, and a
center for I-W activity.
Financial
Although a number of PAX boys are re-
ceiving releases there are a large number of
applications from our constituency pending
and the PAX support level will need to be
maintained.
This support is maintained through the
congregational monthly reliei and service
offering in addition to support lor MCC re-
lief, refugee aid, I-W services, and voluntary
service, and also our own voluntary service
and I-W services programs. Your support of
this offering and of this work is much appre-
ciated.
There is an urgent need lor I-W housing
loans to provide funds lor l.uilities lor our
I-W men in various places. Anyone iota
ested in helping this program may send their
MISSIONS SECTION
money marked for I-W housing loan direcdy
to the Treasurer, Mennonite Board of Mis-
sions and Charities, 1711 Prairie St., Elkhart,
Ind.
Released January 22, 1954
Office for Relief and Service
Elkhart, Indiana
MCC Weekly Notes
An Invitation to Summer Voluntary Service
Now is the time for interested young peo-
ple to make arrangements to participate in
the 1954 summer Voluntary Service program.
Summer VS like the long-term VS pro-
gram is an opportunity for young people to
express the love of God which they have ex-
perienced in Christ and an opportunity to do
something for Christ. Summer VS is a con-
venient length of time for young people who
wish to make such an expression, but are
not able to serve for a longer period.
Volunteers will be working with migrant
laborers, crippled and handicapped children,
the mentally ill, underprivileged children,
and in sanitoria. Projects ranging from 8 to
12 weeks in length will be available in the
United States and Canada.
Folders containing detailed information on
these projects will be distributed in Febru-
ary. Persons desiring information and appli-
cations for summer Voluntary Service should
write to: Mennonite Central Committee, Vol-
untary Service, Akron, Pa., or to their con-
ference headquarters. Canadian young peo-
ple should write: Mennonite Central Com-
mittee, 10 Union Street, Waterloo, Ont.
Food to Korea's Needy Children
Among the recipients of MCC relief in
Korea are a large number of children. In the
province in which MCC distributions are be-
ing carried on, there are currently about
4,300 Bible club children who receive one or
two cups of warm milk per day.
These Bible club children are youngsters
whose parents cannot afford the 50 cents per
month tuition at the public schools. They
meet several hours a day, usually beginning
around 3:00 p.m. These schools were organ-
ized by the Korean Presbyterian churches.
The children are taught some of the basic
primary school subjects as well as a course of
study similar to the Sunday school. In the
province in which MCC personnel work,
there are 186 of these clubs with a member-
ship of 16,000 children.
In the city of Taegu there are 12 refugee
schools with an attendance of about 7,500
children. Most of these schools have poor
buildings with rice paper windows, ground
(loors, little heat, long narrow benches as
desks, no lighting, and few school supplies.
These schools were started three years ago
when Seoul was evacuated. Even though sev-
eral hundred children have gone back to
Seoul with their families, the enrollment is
-.till high. It is here that MCC workers are
providing medical assistance.
In addition to Bible club children, mate
rial aid distributions arc being made to or-
phans, elderly people, and cripples. One of
the recent distributions described by Harold
and Pat Yodcr of Columbiana, Ohio, was
made in a place housing about 90 children,
many of them crippled, and 170 adults, many
also crippled and some mentally ill. These
persons were living in three 40- by 15-foot
tents and four small frame buildings.
Two of the tents house 40 persons each
and the third has 30 disabled, sick and men-
tally ill who must stay in bed constandy.
They do not have beds as we think of them,
but sleep on the floor as do most people in
the Orient. Fortunately this tent has a wood-
en floor raised about 18 inches from the
ground on which the people lie. Mrs. Yoder
went through this tent, giving clothing, es-
pecially warm bed clothes, to each person.
Each of the 260 persons in this institution re-
ceived a complete outfit of clothing from
MCC.
In addition to clothing, large quantities of
milk are being distributed. During October
and November one hundred 225-pound
drums of powdered milk were distributed to
Taegu's six milk-feeding stations. A seventh
milk kitchen in the Tae Meng Dong refugee
camp was given 24 drums of powdered milk
and eighteen 30-pound cans of Multi-Purpose
food for the period of Nov. 1 to Jan. 31.
From Oct. 30 to Nov. 30, 15,704 servings
were made in the refugee camp. Figures for
the city milk stations are not yet complete.
All of these distributions are possible as a
result of the contributions of Mennonite and
Brethren in Christ churches in the United
States and Canada.
Worker Arrives in Paraguay
Audrey Hartzler, R.N., of West Liberty,
Ohio, arrived in Asuncion, Paraguay, Jan. 9,
and is working in the Baptist hospital in the
city. She is an MCC worker who has been
seconded to that institution. Sister Hartzler
will be married to Robert L. Snyder, the
MCC business agent in the Asuncion center,
the week end of Jan. 23. Bro. Snyder's home
is in La Junta, Colo.
Newton, Kans., MCC Office Established
A regional MCC office has been established
at 213 North Pine St. in Newton, Kans, to
represent Mennonite Central Committee in-
terests in the local area and the central states.
Recently the office was moved from East
First Street to its present location. Elma
Esau serves as office administrative assistant.
The MCC relief clothing center continues
its functions in North Newton. All corre-
spondence regarding relief clothing and food
should lie addressed to that office.
Released January 15, 1954
Three More Workers to Sail for Korea
1 luce persons — one to work with orphans
and two PAX men — arc scheduled to sail for
Korea from Los Angeles. Calif., Jan. 30.
When they arrive, there will be 15 MCC
workers in Korea.
Arlcnc Sitlcr, Preston, Ont.. will be on
loan to Christian Children's Fund and will
be working as a business administrator of
orphan homes. Sister Sitlcr has had MCC
connections most of the time since 1944.
Daring that time she has served as secretary
February 2, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
115
in the Kitchener and Akron offices, relief
worker in England and Europe, worked in
the California migrant program, and assisted
in the work of Kings View Homes, Reedley,
Calif., and Prairie View Hospital, Newton,
Kans. She was director of women's and chil-
dren's activities at Akron before leaving for
Korea.
The two PAX men are Harry Harms,
Sardis, B.C., and Valentine Yutzy, Plain City,
Ohio. Brother Harms is the first Canadian
to enter the PAX program. When they ar-
rive, there will be four PAX men in Korea.
A unit of seven PAX men in Korea is antic-
ipated. These men assist in the operation
of the relief program and are engaged in
various rehabilitation services.
$13,000 Contributed for Jordan and Korea's
Children
More than $13,000 has been contributed
through the MCC dime cards project to pro-
vide milk and rice for hungry children in
Jordan and Korea. At least half of this
amount is being used to purchase rice and
the remainder is being used to pay for freight
to ship powdered milk which is available
without cost to MCC by the Department
of Agriculture at the point of storage. Figur-
ing the cost of rice at 10 cents a pound and
that three-fourths cup of uncooked rice will
result in three cups of cooked rice, $6,500
will provide 520,000 cups of cooked rice for
hungry children in Jordan and Korea.
This dime card project was started last
July. Contributions by Mennonite and Breth-
ren in Christ children in the United States
and Canada indicate an enthusiastic response.
"We Thank You"
Two recent "thank you" letters from the
recipients of MCC assistance abroad indicate
the gratitude with which such contributions
are received.
Here is one from Mousa Ahmed Muriah
of Jericho, Jordan: "I wish to write a letter
of appreciation for the work of the MCC unit
in Jordan. The clothing distribution has been
beneficial to our people. In particular I want
to say that the plan of providing layettes for
the new mothers is very good. The people
who have contributed this clothing should
have our thanks."
Another comes from Dr. Rakko, a resident
physician in the Neuland colony hospital in
Paraguay: "I wish to thank the MCC in
general for the help they have given in the
building of the hospital and in the hospital
work. Far too often we take for granted
the help given to us by MCC, congregations,
1 and individuals, but it should not be taken
for granted. At a clothing distribution we
received much-needed items lor the linen
closet. Recently we received 18 fruit jars
filled with dried fruit. Soon we hope to re-
ceive a sewing machine and probably also the
hospital equipment from the Gronau, Ger-
many, refugee processing center. During the
past year MCC has given us various other
; services and we wish to thank everyone who
I had a part. The Lord our God will reward
» i. each one."
MCC Services Bulletin Available
Persons interested in information regard-
ing the work of the Mennonite Central Com-
mittee in relief, refugee resettlement, peace,
voluntary service, mental health, and I-W
services can obtain such material by request-
ing the monthly MCC Services Bulletin.
This eight-page illustrated publication is
sent without cost to anyone requesting it.
The MCC Services Bulletin contains articles
and reports on the areas of need in which
Mennonite and Brethren in Christ churches
are serving through their Mennonite Central
Committee.
Ministers may wish to request copies for
distribution to their congregations. All re-
quests for the MCC Services Bulletin should
be addressed to Mennonite Central Commit-
tee, Information Service, Akron, Pa.
Released January 22, 1954
MCC Information Service
Akron, Pa.
From Our Churches
BRETHREN. MICHIGAN
(Pleasant View Congregation )
"In every thins give thanks: for this is the
will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
• On Dec. 23, Bro. and Sister Warren Shaum.
Goshen, Ind.. moved here to take charge of the
work. We are very happy to have them with us.
Sister Emma Culp has moved and is living
with her daughter, Mrs. Elmer Swartz, at
Turner. Mich.
On Dec. (i. Lenore Johnson and Chester A.
Leland were received into churcfa by water bap-
tism. We also enjoyed our communion (services
at this time. Bro. Ivan Weaver from Pctoskey,
Mich., was in charge.
The reorganization of our Sunday school re-
sulted in the election of Bro. Chester W. Leland
as superintendent and Bro. Elmer Johnson as
assistant .
Sister Ruth Culp is in Harrisonburg, \ a.,
taking nurse's training. Two girls are attend-
ing the six weeks' Bible school at Fnirview.
Mich.
We request an interest in your prayers for
the work of the Lord at this place. May God
richly bless you. Kathryn Leland.
ELKHART. INDIANA
(Olive Congregation)
The past year has brought many opportuni-
ties for service, and also blessings to the church.
In July, Bro. Walter Smcltzer sailed for Ger-
many, where he is serving in a Pax unit. He is
the third young man from our congregation in
this unit. Ruth Martin and Pave Martin were
in summer service units at Chicago and Sagi-
naw, Mich., respectively.
Several brethren helped with the building
project at Caney Creek, K.V.. and also in the
Flint. Mich., tornado disaster area.
Two carloads continue to go to our mission
outpost. Hudson Lake, each Sunday morning I"
assist the workers in the Sunday-school and
church services. We are grateful that we have
been able to reduce the debt on the new church
building to about one third the initial cost.
On Aug. 16, our chorus gave a program there
and Bro, Elno Steiner brought the message, and
on Dec. 2, the workers from Hudson Lake gave
the evening program at Olive, with Bro. Daniel
Stoltzfus delivering the sermon.
Our pastor. Bro. Steiner, and family moved
into their new home near the church, and held
open house for their many friends on the after-
noon of Oct. 11.
We were privileged to have two week-end
Bible Conferences. Aug. 1. 2. John Hess. Kitch-
ener. Out., brought three messages. Sept. 19,
20. John F. Garber, Alma, Ont., was the guest
speak e r.
At the business meeting on Aug. 12. super-
intendents were chosen to take charge of the
recently organized primary and junior depart-
ments, namely. Berniecc Martin and David
Yoder, respectively. Jacob W. Shank is the
adult superintendent, with Everett Eby an as-
sistant.
Phyllis Barkey of this congregation and
James Detweiler were united in marr.age it the
church on Oct. 1.1. May the Lord richly hies*
them as they labor at Elida. Ohio, where Urn.
Detweiler has been ordained tn serve as pastor.
On Sept. 0. Bro. Percy Miller. Field Secre-
tary of the Indiana-Michigan Mission Board,
gave an interesting account of the work at the
various stations in the district. In the evening,
the Ambassadaires Men's Chorus, from the
churches east of Goshen, presented a program.
Nathan Nusbaum, Goshen College student, led
discussions on China at the Wednesday evening
meetings of the MYF for eight ImsoilS and Bn>.
Austin Birky. n blind student, led devotions.
At the close of the series, the young people en-
joyed a "Chinese chopstick" supper at the home
of one of the members. The proceeds from their
Youth Missionary Project of popcorn and sor-
ghum were divided between the German church
building which the Pax unit erected and the
Bethany Christian High School to be construct-
ed at Goshen.
Evangelistic meetings were held Nov. 1(5 22,
Bro. Paul M. Miller of Goshen serving as evan-
gelist. His challenging messages and labors
with us were greatly appreciated.
We have received rich blessings from the
study of the book, "Doctrines of the Men-
nonites," led by the author, our bishop, J. C.
Wenger. in our Wednesday evening Bible class.
As we offer our sacrifice of thanksgiving to
God for His blessing, we implore His guidance
in paths of greater service for 1951.
Beulah Shank.
GLEN FLORA, WISCONSIN
(South Lawrence Congregation)
Christian Greetings to all :
"O give thanks unto the Lord : for he is goo<l :
because his niercv endureth for ever" (Ps.
US :1 ).
On Oct. 4 Bro. Norman Winner from Shel-
don brought us the morning message.
Some of us had the opportunity to attend the
meetings held among the Indians at Exeland
and llayward. Bro, Martin Weaver was the
evangelist.
Our bishop, Elmer Hershberger, conducted
the evening service on Oct. 25. At this time
we held our counsel meeting in preparation for
communion which was held on Nov. 1. Bro. and
Sister Hershberger and Bro. and Sister John
Erb from Detroit Lakes, Minn., were with us
for this service.
Bro. Dan Martin from Sheldon. Wis., gave
the evening message on Nov. 15 and also the
Thanksgiving message on Nov. 25.
The week end of Nov. 2S. 29 the three church-
es (Sheldon, Glen Flora, and Exeland I had a
peace conference with Bro. Paul Erb of Scott-
dale, Pa., and Bro. Paul Glanzer of St. Law-
rence. S. Dak., in charge. We enjoyed these
meetings.
Bro. and Sister Ralph Winner and daughter
of Ohio worshiped with us for two Sundays.
Bro. and Sister Dan Martin worshiped with
us on Dec. 27. and Bro. Martin gave the mes-
sage in the absence of Bro. and Sister Schrock.
who were visiting in Iowa and Kansas. Pray
for the work here that we may be faithful wit-
nesses. M- K.
.10HNSYILLE. OHIO
(Johnsville Congregation)
Dear Hkrai.D Readers:
"Oh that men would praise the Lord for his
goodness, and for his wonderful works to the
children of men !"
During the past year we have been holding
our services in a rented church building in the
village of Johnsville. We are grateful for this
privilege but are htoking forward to having a
building of our own.
The Lord has been blessing the work here.
We have only six families in our congregation.
We trust the Lord will lay it upon the hearts
of others to move into the community to help
in the work here. We need witnesses in the
community and workers in the church. This is
a rural community and people in general are
friendly and seem to appreciate the Christian
testimony. Good farms can be bought at reason-
able prices.
We are located in Morrow County on Route
42, halfway between Wayne County and Plain
City, Ohio. We enjoy having visiting ministers
and others stop to worship with us.
We were glad to have Sister Mary Swartzen-
116
GOSPEL HERALD
February 2, 1954
druber return home after having spent two
years at Espelkamp, Germany. We were richly
inspired as she spoke to us concerning the work
and also of her healing by the Lord after hav-
ing been seriously 01.
We are happy to be in His service in this
community. Should anyone desire more infor-
mation concerning the work write to Ray V.
Miller, Lexington. Ohio, Route 2.
Mrs. Ray F. Miller.
MINOT. NORTH DAKOTA
(Rock Way Gospel Chapel)
Dear Hebald Readers :
Greetings in Jesus' name : We thank God for
His many blessings to us.
On Nov. 9-18 Bro. Xelfion Kauffman conduct-
ed revival meetings. Two souls confessed Christ,
one an old grandmother who can neither read
nor write.
Our Christmas program was held on Dec. 20
with an attendance of eighty.
Mrs. Raymond Hanson asked me to thank
all who eo kindly remembered her with cards
and letters while she was at the sanitarium.
It is impossible for her to answer all of them,
but she did appreciate them and they were an
encouragement to her. Mrs. Hanson is now at
home with her husband and their six-year-old
son. The two little girls, ages 2 and 3, will have
to stay at the sanitarium yet but are improving.
Pray for this family that they may truly find
the Lord. Mrs. Earl Martin.
SARASOTA, FLORIDA
(Tuttle Avenue Mennonite Church)
Greetings :
We have many reasons to thank and praise
our heavenly Father for the wonderful blessings
received, both temporal and spiritual.
On Oct. 14 Bro. Paul Martin, who is in
charge of the work here during Bro. Myron
Augsburger's absence, was ordained to the min-
istry with Bro. Truman Brunk officiating. Bro.
Jason Weaver, Stuart's Draft, Va., was also
present. VVe had a very impressive service.
On Sept. 16 Bro. and Sister Michael Shenk of
Denbigh, Va., came to take up the work at the
Newtown Mission. This work is sponsored by
the Tuttle Avenue congregation. Pray for these
young people and the work to which they have
leen called.
Bro. Otis Yoder of Chicago had charge of our
evangelistic meetings, Nov. 22-29. Many were
led to consecrate their lives more fully to the
Lord.
Bro. Myron Augsburger was back with us
for the holiday season and for our communion
services on Jan. 3. During this time Bro. Mar-
tin and family took a few weeks' leave of ab-
sence because of his health. They are back
again and Bro. Martin is much improved. When
they returned they were surprised to find in
their kitchen a supply of groceries which the
congregation presented to them for a Christmas
gift.
On Jan. G Bro. Milton Brackbill preached for
us.
VVe had a series of lectures on the Taber-
nacle by Dr. I. V. Neprash, formerly from
Russia. They were very inspiring. May they
be the means of helping us to know and better
appreciate and honor our Lord and Saviour.
We solicit your prayers in behalf of the work
at Newtown and Tuttle Avenue.
Mary Brunk.
WEST LIBERTY. OHIO
(Oak Grove Congregation)
Dear IlKUAI.I) Headers :
VVe thank (!od for the many blessings we
have received.
Four of our members have entered vs under
the MCO during the past year. Pro. and Sister
I). Cliauiuev Kauffman are serving in Basel.
Switzerland; Ella Mae Hostetler at the -Men
aonlte Hospital in La Junta ; and recently
Audrey llarlzlcr Commenced B two-year term in
Asuncion, Paraguay.
God blessed us with a very successful summer
Bible Bchool. Bertha Yoder was superintendent
and our pastor. Pro. Nelson Killing, taught
the high-school class. About one half of our
children were from non. Mennonite QOmCSc A
number accepted ('lnisl at the close of Bible
school.
Our entire community was greatly blessed
this fall by a Hrunk Bros, revival, which was
held 1 1 Oct. i<> i" Nov. Bi ons week longer
than was originally planned,
During the holidays the three West Liberty
churches B] sored a Bible school. Instructors
were Nelson Kaulfinan, Wyse Graber, and Lev!
Hartzler. These meetings were much appre-
ciated.
For many years the children of Oak Grove
Sunday School have been supporting Mary Jean
Yoder from India. It was a pleasure, then, to
have Mary Jean, her parents, and sisters with
us one Sunday in October.
On Nov. 15 we had our fall communion serv-
ice. A class of eighteen young people were bap-
tized. Bro. S. E. Allgyer was present. He led
in prayer and afterwards spoke words of en-
couragement to those baptized. That evening
he died. He had served Oak Grove as pastor for
over 45 years. His life will be a blessing to our
church for many years to come. Some of his
quotations, such as "Never make a decision
when you are discouraged," and "Always re-
member who you are," are frequently recalled
by members of our congregation.
Plans are now under way to add a Sunday-
school addition to our church building during
the coming year. Leona Yoder.
SPRING GROVE, PENNSYLVANIA
(Garber Congregation)
Dear Hebaxd Readers:
Greetings : We have much to praise the Lord
for. He not only supplies our every need but
daily gives us many spiritual blessings.
Our summer Bible school was held last sum
mer with good interest. We had an average at-
tendance of 280. May the seed sown accomplish
that which the Lord would have it to.
We are very thankful for the visiting breth-
ren who brought us messages. Bro. B. Harnish
Noll, Rohrerstown, Pa., preached for us on
Nov. 15. On Jan. 3 Bro. Chester Harbold and
family visited our small group and Bro. Har-
bold preached for us. Bro. Richard Danner and
family of Hanover, Pa., were with us on Jan.
10. May God richly bless these brethren as they
preach the Word.
We would like to invite others to worship
with us. Pray for us, as a small group of
Christians, that we may work for Him till
Jesus comes. Alma Ruppert.
MISSION NEWS (Continued)
Bro. Elam Stauffer, missionary on furlough
from Tanganyika, preached for the College
Mennonite Church, Goshen, Ind., on Sunday
morning, Jan. 24. Bro. Stauffer is serving as
an instructor in the Winter Bible School at
Goshen College, Jan. 11-29.
Bro. Clayton Shenk, Lancaster, Pa., R. 6.
has been appointed by the Jewish Committee
of Lancaster Conference to have charge of the
distribution of Jewish literature. Anyone in-
terested in this work can contact him at the
above address.
Bro. Luke G. Stoltzfus, Philadelphia, Pa.,
closed a series of evangelistic meetings at
So. 7th St. Mission Church, Reading, Pa.,
with six confessions.
FIELD NOTES (Continued)
Sister Nora Mae Miller, long an important
part of our nursing work at La Junta, passed
away on Jan. 27. The funeral was held at
Protection, Kans., her childhood home, on
Jan. 30.
Bro. W. R. Hcrshberger, bishop at Garden
City, Mo., is reported to have suffered a para-
lytic stroke.
Bro. Gideon G. Yoder preached at a dedi
cation service for young children at Crystal
Springs, Kans.. on Jan. 17.
Announcements
Home Conference at the Fra/cr, l\i..
Church, Feb. 14.
Bro. and Sister Joseph A. Brunk. Harris
onburg, Va., have accepted the positions of
superintendent and matron of the Virginia
Mennonite Home, Inc., Harrisonburg, Va.
The building is fast nearing completion and
it is hoped to begin operation in the spring.
Illinois Music Conference at Morton, 111.,
March 20, 21.
Annual meeting of the Eastern Board of
Missions and Charities at Elizabethtown, Pa.,
March 9-11.
The Stumptown congregation, near Bird
in hand, Pa., has planned a Bible instruction
meeting to be held Saturday evening, Feb. 13,
and all day Sunday, Feb. 14.
Bro. Joseph Pantana, Elida, Ohio, will
speak of his experience in coming out of
Catholicism into Protestantism at the Morton,
111., Church on Feb. 7.
At the Hammer Creek Church, near Lititz,
Pa., the young people's topic for Feb. 14 will
be "Youth Observes the Lord's Day." The
speaker, Harold Haldeman.
On Feb. 7 "Reverence" will be the topic for
the young people's Bible meeting at Hess
Church, Lititz, Pa., with Roy Geigley as
speaker.
A European Trainees' Conference is to be
held at the Roanoke, 111., Church Feb. 26-28.
On Sunday evening the meeting is to be
conjoint with Roanoke, Metamora, and
Washington Calvary churches.
Sunday School Workshop at Morton, 111.,
March 5-7, with Gerald Studer, Mary Royer,
Alta Erb, Elizabeth Showalter, Paul M.
Lederach, and Roy Umble speaking.
Bro. Milton Brackbill, Paoli, Pa., will
speak to the Ambassadors for Christ at
Paradise, Pa., Church on Friday evening,
Feb. 7.
Bro. Raymond Kramer, Meadville, Pa., at
Hi-Way Chapel, East Greenville, Ohio, Sun-
day evening, Feb. 7.
Bro. Milo Kauffman, Hesston, Kans., will
give his stewardship lectures at West Zion
Church. Moundridge, Kans., Feb. 7-10.
Visiting Speakers
Jan. 17. Clyde Mosemann, under appoint-
ment to Uruguay, at East Chestnut St., Lan-
caster, Pa.
Jan. 24. Abner Stoltzfus, Kinzers, Pa., at
Walnut Creek, Ohio. Nelson Kauffman,
Hannibal, Mo., at Sandy Hill, Sadsburyville.
Pa. Paul M. Lederach. Scottdale, Pa., at
Pleasant Hill. Peoria. 111., morning: Dillon
Church, Delavan, 111., evening. Eli Miller,
Elton, Pa., at Pinto, Md. Abner Miller,
Cumberland, Md., at Roselawn, Elkhart.
Ind. Jacob L Rutt, Argentina, at Steelton, Pa.
Jan. 27. Elam Stauffer, Tanganyika, at
Roselawn, Elkhart. Ind.
Jan. 31. Paul M. Lederach. Scottdale, Pa.,
and Elam Glick, Belleville, Pa., at Weaver
Church. Johnstown, Pa., evening. Abner
Stoltzfus. Kinzers. Pa., at Crown Hill, Ohio.
Evangelistic Meetings
John H. Koppcnhaver, on furlough from
Argentina, at Hesston College, Jan. 22-31.
John David Zehr, Los Angeles. Calif., at
Fairvicw Church, near Albany. Oreg., Feb.
14-21. Andrew Jantzi. Manila, N.Y., at
Black Oak Ridge, near Hancock, Md., March
14-21. Kenneth Good, Morton. 111., at Cedar
Grove, Greencastle. Pa.. April 6-16.
February 2, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
117
TO BE NEAR TO GOD (Continued)
Jesus my Lord I soon shall see;
Glad day! Glad day!
Is it the crowning day?"
Saturday, February 13
Read Col. 3:15-25.
j There is a beautiful legend of a golden or-
j gan in an ancient monastery. Once the mon-
astery was besieged by robbers, who desired
to carry off its treasures. The monks took the
] organ to a river which flowed close by and
( sank it in the deep water in order to keep it
, from the hands of the robbers. And the
legend is that though buried thus in the
river, the organ still continued to give forth
j sweet and enchanting music which was heard
t by those who came near.
So our Christian lives may be: Whatever
life's river may bring around us we may have
the "peace of God rule in . . . [our] hearts."
If the "word of Christ dwell in . . . fus]
richly" and "whatsoever . . . [we] do" is
done "in the name of the Lord Jesus," ours
will be a happy family and the music of heav-
en will be ringing in our hearts and our
homes.
— C. R. Heisey.
CHURCH MUSIC (Continued)
This book was printed in 1761 in
Philadelphia by William Bradford. Only
a few copies are known to exist, and they
are in Eastern libraries. Lyon's prede-
cessors Walters, Tufts, Bayley, and Ad-
gate were not composers; they were mere-
ly compilers of hymnbooks and gave in-
struction for singers.
Undoubtedly for many people the
name of William Billings suggests real
pioneering in American Church Music,
and so it does. We as a Mennonite peo-
ple have one of his better-known songs
in the Church and Sunday School Hymn-
al, hi« Easter Anthem. The Rose of
Sharon was one of his numbers that was
very prominent and it was to be found
in Joseph Funk's Harmonia Sacra.
Billings was best known as a composer
and compiler of songbooks, but he was
also a teacher of singing classes. He was
a master of self-praise. In his preface to
his first publication, The New England
Psalm Singer, he says regarding his fugue
tunes:
"It has more than twenty times the
power of the old slow tunes, each part
straining for mastery and victory, the
audience entertained and delighted,
their minds surpassingly agitated and ex-
tremely fluctuated, sometimes declaring
for one part, and sometimes for another.
Now the solemn bass demands their at-
tention, next the manly tenor; now the
lofty counter, now the volatile treble.
Now here, now there; now here again,—
O ecstatic. Rush on, you sons of har-
mony."2
Billings was a Boston tanner, but be-
came greatly interested in music, though
1t self-taught. He seemed to be vaguely
j aware that there were rules of composi-
tion but indicated his opinion of them
in the above-mentioned publication
thus:
"For my part, as I don't think myself
confined to any Rules of Composition
laid down by any that went before me,
neither should I think (were I to pre-
tend to lay down rules) that any who
come after me were in any way obliged to
adhere to them, any further than they
should think proper: So in fact I think
it best that Every Composer should be
his own Carver."
But in spite of all his handicaps, Bill-
ings did a tremendous amount of good
for church music in New England. Bill-
ings' fugues have remained alive in the
South with the Sacred Harp singers.
Andrew Law brought into printed
church music several innovations. He is
best known for having placed the melody
into the soprano rather than into the
tenor part and he is also credited with
the substitution of "character notes" for
the regular symbols.3
Andrew Law was a contemporary of
William Billings, though in contrast to
Billings he was well educated and a com-
poser of taste. He wras opposed to the
florid style of church music. He was one
of our first writers on the subject of
music. It was in 1803 that he published
The Art of Singing in which he suggest-
ed the use of the four notes fa, sol, la.
and mi. They were represented by the
square, oval, triangle, and diamond
shapes for the notes. At first he simply
used these notes without the staff, but
placed them on different levels as if on
imaginary lines. Later he placed the
notes on the printed staff.
Some of the outstanding songbooks
which he published between 1767 and
1805 were Plain Tunes, Select Harmony,
Christian Harmony, The Art of Singing,
and The Musical Magazine.
Abraham Wood with his Columbian
Harmony, The Harmony of Harmony by
Jacob French, and Asahel Benham's
Federal Harmony were some of the les-
ser lights in church music around the
turn of the century (1800).
Although Daniel Read is quite well
known for his minor dirge, Broad Is the
Road, he was also a compiler of The
American Singing Book (1785) and The
Columbian Harmonist (1804). Timothy
Swan brought out The Songster's As-
sistant in 1800 and Jacob Kimball, Jr.,
in 1793 published Rural Harmony and
in 1800 was a coeditor with Samuel
Holyoke producing the Essex Harmony.
Samuel Holyoke was a composer, a
compiler of tune books, and a music in-
structor. He was an avowed opponent
of Billings' music. The following state-
ment is taken from his first publication
Harmonia Americana, which was pub-
lished in 1791:
"Perhaps some mav be disappointed
that fuguing pieces are in general omit-
ted. But the principal reason why few
were inserted was the trifling effect pro-
duced by that sort of music; for the parts,
falling in, one after another, each con-
veying a different idea, confound the
sense, and render the performance a
mere jargon of words. The numerous
pieces of this kind extant must be suffi-
cient apology for omitting them here."
Mention should also be made of Hol-
yoke's immense Columbian Repository
of Sacred Harmony. This was undoubt-
edly the largest hymnbook yet published
in the Colonies. The book measures nine
by twelve inches and is two inches thick.
It contained 472 pages and had 734
tunes. In a part of the advertisement he
gives this statement:
"It is presumed that there has no work
of the kind yet appeared in the United
States in which there is greater variety
of Style to be found, than in the present;
and should the encouragement be equiv-
alcnt to the time and labor bestowed
upon it, the design will be answered."*
As we sketch through the maze of com-
posers and compilers bringing us up to
the time of the two outstanding Amer-
ican hymn-tune composers Thomas Hast-
ings and Lowell Mason, we notice the
following authors and their books; Jona-
ihan Huntington with his Apollo Har-
mony and Classical Sacred Music. Bar-
tholomew Brown and Bridgewater Col-
lection, Stephen Jenks with the Delights
of Harmony, The Hartford Collection of
Sacred Harmony, and the Harmony of
/.ion. Warriners Springfield Collection.
and Oliver Shaw's book The Columbian
Sacred Harmonist.
M) George Hood. History ol Music in New England.
1846.
(2) Henry Wilder Foote. Three Centuries ol Ameri-
can Hymnody. 1940.
(3) Musical authorities seem to agree that Andrew
Law was the man who first used the shaped notes,
and that in 1803. These writers are Waldo S. Pratt
in the American Supplement of Grove's Dictionary
of Music, Frank T. Metcalf's American Writers and
Compilers of Sacred Music, and Nathaniel D. Gould
in Church Music in America. But I am unable to
agree with them. I have a first edition of a book
of tunes. The Easy Instructor by William Little and
William Smith, and it seems certain that It was first
printed in 1798 In Philadelphia. Carl Engel of the
Library of Congress believed it was printed in 1798.
three years before it was copyrighted in 1802. This
book contains the shaped notes. So possibly it is
more nearly correct to say that Little and Smith
were the inventors of the shaped notes.
(4) All quotations from songbooks not otherwise
credited are from copies in the author's possession.
Wellman, Iowa.
MARRIAGES
May the blessings of God be upon the homes
established by the marriages here listed. A year's
subscription to the GOSPEL HERALD is given to those
whose address is supplied by the officlatinf minister.
Anker — Yoder. — Earl Anker. Delaware con-
gregation, Thompsontown, Pa., ami Rena Yoder,
Allen.sville, Pa., congregation, by Elmer E.
Yoder, uncle of the bride, at the Allen.sville
Mennonite Church. Nov. 2S, 1053.
Hast — Iutzi. — George Bast, Wellesley. Ont..
congregation, and Darlene Iut«i. Tavistock.
Ont.. congregation, by Henry Yantzi at his
home. Dec. 26. 1953.
Parmer — Cassel. — Alton E. Parmer, Cedar
Grove congregation. Greencastle. Pa., and Doris
D. Cassel. Line Lexington. Pa., congregation, by
Arthur D. Ruth at the Line Lexington Men-
nonite Church. Nov. 29. 1953.
Steinman — Schlegal. — -Olin Steinman. Stein-
man congregation. Baden, Ont.. and Vernetta
Schlegal. Cassel congregation, Tavistock. Ont.,
bv Ilenrv Yantzi at the Cased Church, Nov.
14, 1953.
118
GOSPEL HERALD
February 2, 1954
BIRTHS
"Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord" (Ps. 127:3a).
Bender, Clayton and Rosetta (Bender), Tav-
istock, Ont., sixth child, Eugene Mark, Dec. 3,
1953.
Berkey, Mervin and Iris (McTimmonds),
Sheridan, Oreg., second child, Michael Lynn,
Nov. 12, 1953.
Brunk, Perry E. and Fern (Maust), Lan-
ham, Bid., first child, Sylvia Joy, July 22, 1953.
Buerge, Paul and Margaret (Berkey), Garden
City, Mo., third son, Robin Kenyon, Dec. 21,
1953.
Derstine, Garland A. and Marilyn S. (God-
shall). Souderton, Pa., second child, Carol Anne,
Dec. 6, 1953.
Frey, Marlin L. and Elva Ruth (Lehman),
Chambersburg, Pa., third child, second daugh-
ter, Laura Mae, Dec. 20, 1953.
Geiser, Irvin L. and Idella (Amstutz), Apple
Creek, Ohio, twins, Dorothy Mae and Donald
Ray, Jan. 1, 1954.
Gerber, Glenford and Lillian (Gerber), Kid-
ron, Ohio, first child, Cindy Lou, July 23, 1953.
Gerber, Titus and Esther (Baumgartner),
Apple Creek, Ohio, second child, Gerald Eugene,
Dec. 16, 1953.
Harshbarger, Mark and Florence (Miller),
Dagmar, Mont., third child, Earl, Dec. 8. 1953.
Helmuth, Alvin S. and Viola (Conrad), Louis-
ville, Ohio, a son, Stanley Jay, Dec. 27, 1953.
Hoover, Lester and Esther (Landis), Lancas-
ter, Pa., second son, Carl Eugene, Dec. 20. 1953.
Hostetler, John H. and Ann (Slabach).
Marshallville, Ohio, first child, Gary Lynn, Jan.
3, 1954.
Hurst, John B. and Cathryn (Martin), Nar-
von. Pa., first child, Sheryl Marie, Jan. 5, 1954.
Jantzi, Donald and Doris (Schaefer). Adams,
N.Y., a daughter, Carol Joy, Dec. 23, 1953.
Kaufman, Melvin and Lois (Whitehead), Go-
shen, Ind., second child, Gail Elaine, Jan. 10,
1954.
Kanffman. Richard H. and Eleanor (Snyder),
Lancaster, Pa., a daughter, Sylvia Lorraine.
Dec. 20, 1953.
King, Lloyd and Cena (Plank), Olev, Pa.,
fifth child. Thomas Nelson. Dee. 20, 1953.
Lehman, Orel and Ruth (Sommer), Dnlton,
Ohio, third child, Knthy Kay, July 2, 1953.
Martin, Charles E. and Susan (Martin)
Chewsville. Md., fourth child, second son, Mar-
vin Charles, Nov. 17. 1953.
Miller. Vernon and Margaret (Troyer), Man-
tun. Ohio, third child, Philip Edgar, Dee. 20,
1953.
Mishler, Lester and Liln (Rheinheimer) . La-
grange. Tnd., a son, Allen Leroy, Jan. 15, 1054.
Nussbaiim, Stanley and Irene (Flecker), Kid-
ron, Ohio, fourth child, Michael Dean, Jan. 12,
1954.
Peifer. Wilbur and Elva (Hosretter) , Man-
heim, Pa., third child, Darvl Eugene, Dee. 24,
1953.
R'-hrer, E. Warren and Martha Jane. Moylan,
Pn.. second son, Jean Michael, Nov. 18, 1953.
Shank, Raymond and Odela (Sutter), Dixon,
'n., fourth ehiid, first daughter, Lorraine Marie,
Nov. 11. 1953.
Kb'-Her. Barley and Emma (Mast). River
uMb Iowa, first child, Marnetta Pearl. Dec. 15.
1953.
Sh"wa1»er. Mark, Jr.. and Dorothy ( Shank" V
fnmhrla, Va.. first child, Dannv Mark, Dec. 31.
lit:,:!
Smwker, Richard and Hazel (Steiner). Dil-
t"" Ohio, third child. Shirley Marie. Oct. 20.
1953.
Strife. Clarence and Mary Grace (Olurrston ),
Shlnpennburtr, Pa.. necond child, first son, Na-
than Eui'cne. Jan. 9 W8 I
S'lit/ruan, Richard and Jennie fReifllnger),
Onrry, Pa., a daughter. Diane Kae. Jan. 9
Swartaentruber, Orley and Jane (Willey 1
Paris. France, first child, a daughter. Anne
Bemlce. Jan. 10, 1951.
I'lrlch. Arthur W. and Marianna (KronfV
Harrisburr Oreg., second son. Warren Arthur.
Dec 30. 1969
Wagner, Paul M. and Lnurn (Weaver)
Washington BorO, Pa., second son. John Marl,
(no date given).
Weaver, George M. and Marian (Ziniiner
man). Narvon. Pa., second child, first daughter,
Marie, Dec. 31. 1953.
Yocum, Frederick and Mary (Zimmerman),
Philadelphia, Pa„ a daughter, Mary Beth. Dec.
2, 1953.
Yoder, Andy Ray and Alma (Miller). Leon-
ard, Mo., second daughter, Arlene, Jan. 5, 1954
Yoder, Henry J. and Mary Ellen (Schrockl,
Hartville, Ohio, second daughter, Barbara Sue.
Dec. 3, 1953.
Yoder. Wilbur and Dorothy (Yoder). Colum-
biana, Ohio, first child, Alan Paul, Dec. 21,
1953.
Zimmerman, Harold M. and Verna (Hess),
Ephrata, Pa., second son, Philip Rav, Dec. 25.
1953.
OBITUARIES
May the sustaining grace and comfort of our Lord
bless these who orre bereaved.
Baer, Ephraim, eon of the late Henry and
Leah (Bowman) Baer, was born in Zurich. Ont..
Jan. 24, 1877; passed away suddenly at his home
Dec. 8, 1953; aged 76 y. 11 m. 15 d. In 1904
he married Lovina Nahrgang, who survives.
Also surviving are 7 sons and 7 daughters
(Oscar and Mervin, of New Dundee: Sylvester,
of Manitoba ; Moses, Jeremiah, and Martin, of
Bright; Allan, of North Dakota; Zelma, of
Elmira ; Leah and Mary, at home; Vinetta.
of India ; Barbara — Mrs. Gordon Bindernagle.
of Kitchener; Martha, of Toronto; and Viola —
Mrs. Roderick McKenzie, of Gait). From his
youth he was a faithful member of the Biehn
Mennonite Church. We praise God for calling
him home without suffering, for he fell asleep
to awaken with Jesus. Funeral services Dec.
II, were in charge of C. C. Cressman and
M. H. Roth.
Brunk, Mary Martin, daughter of the late
Henry and Fannie Martin, was born May 29.
1875. at Hagerstown, Md. ; passed awav Dec.
16, 1953, at Goshen, Ind. ; aged 78 y. 6 m. 17 d.
On Sept. 2, 1897, she was married to J. D.
Brunk, who preceded her in death in 1926. To
them were given 8 children. 5 of whom survive
their mother (Hermione — Mrs. Dorsa Yoder.
Fort Wayne, Ind.; Fannie — Mrs. Ha rrv Leath-
erman, Uniondale, N.Y. ; Mary — Mrs." Homer
Bartow, Goshen, Ind. ; J. Milton and Niemann,
both of Frederick, Md.). Also surviving are 12
grandchildren and one brother (J. Harry Mar-
tin, Hagerstown, Md.). Sister Brunk became a
Christian in her early years, and shared svmpa-
thetically in the active life of her husband.
This service, particularly in the interests of
church music, brought into their lives a wide
circle of friends.
The funeral services were held Dec. 19. at the
Culp Funeral Home and the Union Auditorium
of Goshen College. These services were in charge
of Levi C. Ilartzler. Sanford C. Yoder. and John
H. Mosemann, with interment in the Prairie
Street Cemetery, Elkhart. Ind.
Buseh, Anna Katherine. daughter of the late
Gottlieb and Marie (Rolland) Aschenbrenner.
was born Jan. 27, 1SS3. at Kassel. Germany;
died Jan. 5, 1954; aired 70 y. 11 m. 9 ,1. At
eight months of age she came to America with
her parents. She became a member of the M-n-
nonite Church under the ministry of the late
A. H. Leaman. For many years she was super
Intendent of the primary department of the
Mennonite Home Mission, Chicago. In 1915 she
was married to Ole Martenson, who preceded
her in death in March. 1935. On Feb. 18, 1937.
she was married to Fred C. Buseh. who sur-
vives her. She is also survived by one brother
(Fred. Downers Grove, 111.), n number of
nephews and nieces, and manv friends. On Oct.
25. 1953. Pro. and Sister Buseh came to the
Mennonite Home Mission for communion but
were unable to stay for services because of
Sister Bnsch's health. From that time on she
was not well. However, on the day of her
death she desired to visit some friends in Aurora.
III. After a pleasant time the couple left ami
started for their home in Glen Fllyn, and while
en route the Lord called her home to elory.
Funeral services were held Jan. 9. nt the Leon-
ard Funeral Home, Glen Ellyn. 111., in chanre
of J. Otis Yoder. Interment was made in the
Mt. Auburn Cemetery.
Ernst, Terry Lynn and Garry Lee. twin -
of Dean and Jacqueline Ernst, were born Dec.
21, 1953, and passed awny nt the St. Francis
Hospital. Colorado Springs, Colo., n short time
after birth. Graveside services were held at the
Rose Lawn Cemetery near Colorado Springs on
Dec. 24. by Jess Kauffman.
Feicht, Samuel E.. son of Gideon and Susanna
Meley Feicht, was born June 7, 1868 ; passed
away Dec. 20, 1953, at the Salem City Hospital,
Salem, Ohio ; aged 85 y. 6 m. 13 d. He leaves
one son (Oscar, of Salem), 4 daughters (Mrs.
Raymond Elser, North Lima. Ohio ; Mrs. Har-
land Schaefer. Mrs. Doris Dawson, and Mrs.
Albert Gray, all of Youngstown, Ohio), a broth-
er (Jonas, of Salem), 19 grandchildren, and 13
great-grandchildren. He became a member of
the Mennonite Church some years ago and re-
mained a faithful member until death. His wife,
the former Amanda Culp. whom he married
Dec. 18. 1890, preceded him in death June 8,
1948. Funeral services were held at the Midway
Church in charge of David C. Steiner, with
burial in the adjoining cemetery.
Grove, Amelia Gertrude, daughter of Peter
and Magdaline Butler Hirste, was born Aug. 7,
1877, near Cullom, 111. ; was called to her eter-
nal rest Dec. 29, 1953; aged 76 y. 4 m. 22 d.
Death was attributed to a heart attack follow-
ing a lingering illness. At the age of 12 she
accepted Christ as her personal Saviour during
evangelistic meetings conducted by Bro. John
S. Coffman. She became a member of the Men-
nonite Church and remained faithful through-
out her life. Prior to her marriage, she assisted
with the work at the Mennonite Home Mission
in Chicago for nearly two years. On Oct. 30.
1907. she was united in marriage with William
M. Grove. Two daughters were born to this
union. Her husband preceded her in death on
Sept. 11. 1929. A brother (Samuel) and a sis-
ter (Clara) also preceded her in death. Sur-
viving are 2 daughters (Magdaline Elizabeth —
Mrs. Noah Neuenschwander. Garden City. Mo.,
and Mary Amelia — Mrs. Walter Harms, Flan-
agan, 111.), 2 grandsons (Danny and David
Harms), and many nephews and nieees. Fu-
neral services were held at the Sycamore Grove
Church in charge of R. P. Horst and W. R.
Hershberger. Burial was in the Clearfork
Cemetery.
Hackman. Emma S.. daughter of the late
Jonas D. and Hannah (Shoemaker) Swartley.
was born in Franconia Township. Pa. ; died
Oct. 18. 1953. at her home in Telford. Pa., after
an illness of two years; aged 47 y. She was a
member of the Franconia Mennonite Church.
Surviving are her husband. Henry S. Hackman.
2 sisters (Mrs. Howard McClemmer. Harleys-
ville. Pa., and Mrs. Melvin L. Mover. Telford.
Pa.), and a brother (Abraham, Telford. Pa.).
Funeral services were held at the Franconia
Mennonite Church in charge of Menno B. Sou-
der and Elwood Derstine, with interment in the
adjoining cemetery.
Helmuth. stillborn son of Sam and Wilma
nelmuth. was born Nov. 7. 1953, at Canton,
Ohio. Surviving are his parents and one broth-
er (Ralph). Services were held at the grave on
Nov. S in charge of Allen B. Ebersole. assisted
by O. N. Johns.
Hull. Mamie, daughter of Jobe and Loy Dell
Hull, was born near Plainville. 111.. March 20,
1004: died in Levering Hospital. Hannibal. Mo..
Jan. 9. 1954; aged 49 y. 9 m. 20 d. She was
married to Earl Landingham and after his death
retained her maiden name. In August, 1950. she
became a member of the Hannibal Mennonite
Mission Church, and although her life was one
of many hardships and sufferings she gave her-
self wholly to the service of God and was a
faithful member until death. She is survived bv
3 children (James. Jackie, and Jov Dell) and
one half brother ( Omer Georse. Joplin. Mo.).
Funeral services were in charge of Nelson E.
Kanffman and narold Kreider. Interment was
made at Kinderhook. 111.
Martin. Hattie Louise, daughter of Noah
and Barbara Anna Flook Wilkinson, was horn
Nov. 1(1. 1888; died Dec. IS. 1953: .aged 87 v.
1 in 2 d. Her husband. Eli. preceded her in
death in 1948 Her only survivors are a number
of nieces and nephews. Sister Martin became
a Christian and was baptized on Nov. 15. 1948.
Shortly after this she was remarried to her
f>rmer husband. Eli. from whom she had been
divorced for a number of years, ne lived about
ten days after the remarriase. Those who knew
tier the closing years of her life can testify to
her radiant Christian testimony. Funeral serv-
ices were held at the Stiver Funeral Home with
Russell Krahill in charge. Burial was made
in the Oak Ridse Cemetery.
Miller. Raymond I. avoid, son of Mrs. Edwin
D Miller, was born at Middlebury. Ind.. July
8, 1914: was killed instantly in an auto crash
near Goshen. Ind.. Dec. 29. 1988; a red 39 y.
5 m. 21 1 lie was married to Violet Oswald on
March 27. 19°>7. He leaves to mourn his de-
parture, his wife. 5 children (Donna Eileene 15.
Gary I. avoid 12, Doris Jeanne 7, Michael Rav 3,
February 2, 1954
and Sara Marie 2), bis mother, the following
brothers and sisters (Elsie — Mrs. William Nel-
son ; Clarence, and Emma — Mrs. Jake Birky,
all of Valparaiso, Ind. ; Itoy, of Bristol; Edwin
B., of Elkhart; Harley and Alvin, of Middle-
bury ; Elmer, Ora, Ralph, and Vcrna — Mrs.
John llickel, all of Goshen; Sadie — Mrs. Harold
Yoder, of Syracuse, Ind.; Lcola — Mrs. John
Plank, of Leesburg, Ind.), and a large host_of
other relatives and friends. On Nov. 10, 1950,
he was preceded in death by his father, who was
the first to break the family circle. Funeral
services were held Jan. 1, at the North Goshen
Mennonite Church, where he was a member,
with 1'aul Miuiuger and liussell Krubill in
charge. .Burial was made in the Oak Ridge
Cemetery,
Nisley, Mattie, daughter of John K. and
Lydia Miller, was bom at Middlebury, Ind.,
Sept. 2, 1891 ; died at her home at Goshen, Ind.,
Dec. 4, 1953, after an illness of five months;
aged 02 y. 3 m. 2 d. Death was caused by a
brain tumor. She was a faithful member of the
North Goshen Mennonite Church until the time
of her death. Surviving are 3 daughters (Laura
— Mrs. Gerald Hoffer, Motley, Minn. ; Lena —
Mrs. Hurry Peachy, New Holland, Pa. ; and
Carol — Mrs. Robert Maust, Goshen, lud.), one
son (Le Roy, Goshen), and 2 sisters (Alice and
Mary Ann Miller, both of Middlebury). Her
husband and two daughters (Louella and Lydia)
preceded her in death. Funeral services were
held at the North Goshen Mennonite Church,
Dec. 8, in charge of Russell Krabill and Paul
Mininger. Burial was made in the Miuet
Cemetery.
Otto, Roger Eddy, son of Junior and Nancy
(Beachy) Otto, Hartville, Ohio, was born Dec.
10, 11)53, and passed away eight hours later.
He is survived by his parents, a brother (Wil-
liam Dean), a sister (Patricia Ann), his muter-
nul grandparents, a great-grandmother, and his
puternal grandmother. Graveside services were
held by O. N. Johns at the Hartville Mennonite
Church Cemetery.
Rohrer, Daniel H., son of the late Isruel and
Anna (Hess) Rohrer, was born near Leaman
Place, Feb. 14, 1871 ; peacefully departed this
life at the Lancaster General Hospital Sept. 29,
1953, a few hours after he had been struck by
a car as he was going to cross the highway ;
aged 82 y. 7 m. 15 d. In February, 1898, he was
married to Lydia K. Denlinger, who preceded
him in death. To this union were born 3 chil-
dren (Virginia, who died in infancy; Esther D.
— Mrs. C. B. Groff, and Israel D., of Lancaster,
Pa.). He also leaves 5 grandchildren, 4 great-
grandchildren, one sister (Mattie L. Rohrer, of
Virginia). He was a lifelong member of Mel-
linger's Mennonite Church. Funeral services
were held at the church in charge of Harry
Lefever, Reuben Stoltzfus, and Elmer Martin.
Burial was made in the adjoining cemetery.
Sears, Austin John, son of Chris and Burbaru
(Springer) Sears, was born Dec. 17, 1894, at
Tiskilwa, 111. ; passed away Jan. 11, 1954, after
a lingering illness ; aged 59 y. 25 d. He was
married to Amanda Bachman on Jan. 1, 1918.
This union was blessed with 3 children. Two
infants preceded their father in death. He
leaves to mourn his departure, his wife and one
son (Wayne, Tiskilwa, 111.), 3 grandchildren
(Lynda, Gary, and Billy), 5 6isters and 3 broth-
ers (Mrs. Hattie Nafziger, Oakland, Calif.;
Phoebe Nafziger, Tiskilwa ; Mrs. Alvin Smuck-
er, Buda, 111. ; Mrs. Harvey Sears, Mrs. Ira
Summer, and Mrs. Tilman Inihoff, all of Wash-
ington, 111.; Chris, Tiskilwa; Emery, Normal.
111.), and a host of friends. At the age of 15
he was baptized and became a member of the
Willow Springs Church. Memorial services were
held at Willow Springs Church, Tiskilwa. 111.,
on Jan. 13, with the pastor in charge. Burial
was in the Willow Springs Cemetery.
Stoltzfus, Mary, daughter of David and Re-
becca (Esch) Beiler, was born May 9, 1870, in
Lancaster Co., Pa. ; departed this life at her
home in Elverson, Pa., Dee. 19, 1953 ; aged 83 y.
7 m. 10 d. On Jan. 31, 1892, she was united in
marriage to Mast Stoltzfus, who, with two
sons, preceded her in death. Surviving are 10
children (Emma — Mrs. David S. Yoder; Anna —
Mrs. John H. Yoder, where she had her home ;
Ada — Mrs. Jacob K. Mast, David, Job, Moses,
Jesse, all of Elverson, Pa. ; Miriam — Mrs. Levi
Mast, Oley, Pa. ; Elmer, Yellow House, Pa. ;
and Mast, New Columbia, Pa.), 91 grandchil-
dren, 54 great-grandchildren, and 3 sisters
(Emma Beiler, Katie Stoltzfus, and Susie Yo-
der). She accepted Christ as her Saviour in
her youth and lived a faithful Christian life.
Funeral services were held at the Conestoga
Church by Millard Shoup and Ira Kurtz. Burial
was made in the Mast Cemetery.
Stutznian, Mary Adaline, daughter of Levi L.
and Amanda (Yoder) Plank, was born March
GOSPEL HERALD
119
YOUR PUBLISHING HOUSE
ANNUAL MEETING
Mennonite Publication Board
Plain Mennonite Church, Lansdale, Pa.
February 17, 18, 1954
10:00 Prayer Period _
11:00 Business Session:
Wednesday Morning
_ Russell Krabill
Reports — President, Financial Agent, Treasurer, Auditors, Publishing
Agent, Publishing Committee, Curriculum Committee
Wednesday Afternoon
1:30 Prayer Period
Russell Krabill
Mennonite Literature for Non-Mennonite People Ernest G. Gehman
Field Reports —
Mission Fields L. S. Weber
Book Store _ _ Christian E. Charles
Tract Department
Mail Contacts
Business Session (Continued)
Harold Brenneman
Lois Yake
Wednesday Evening
7:00 Devotions
Our Foreign Literature Program
Christian Literature for a Literate People .
Thursday Morning
9:00 Prayer Period
Business Session (Continued)
Homer F. North
A. J. Metzler
Paul Erb
Russell Krabill
Thursday Afternoon
1:30 Prayer Period
_ Russell Krabill
What Should Be the Extent and Scope of Our Publishing Work
John C. Wenger
Discussion Period (by Board Members) J. Silas Graybill
Amos W. Weaver
Howard L. Good
Harold Bauman
Thursday Evening
7:00 Devotions
The Publication Process —
Writing and Editing
Printing
Sales and Distribution —
Financing
Paul T. Guengerich
Paul Clemens
_ Ellrose D. Zook
H. Ralph Hernley
Paul W. Shank
E. C. Bender
Travel Information
By Train: Pennsylvania Railroad to North Philadelphia Station; transfer from there two blocks to
North Broad Street, Reading Station and take the train to Lansdale, Pa.
Brother John E. Lapp, Route 1, Lansdale, Pa., will appreciate early information concerning the
time and place of guests' arrival.
11, 1S94, at Bellefontaine, Ohio; departed this
life Jan. 5, 1954; aged 59 y. 9 m. 24 d. Death
was caused by coronary thrombosis. She ac-
cepted Christ as her personal Saviour in her
youth and united with the Walnut Grove Men-
Donite Church, later transferrins her member-
ship to the Plain View Mennonite Church,
Aurora, Ohio, where she held her membership
till death. On March 11, 1915. she was united
in marriage to John A. Stutzman. To this
union were born 4 daughters and one son. She
was preceded in death by one daughter (Naomi i
who died in infancy, her parents, and 2 brothers.
She leaves to mourn her departure, her com-
panion, 3 daughters and one son (Lauretta
Mrs. Garth Wilcox; Eva — Mrs. William Ncff.
and Neva — Mrs. David Danner [twins] ; and
Clifford, all of Kent. Ohio), 11 grandchildren,
one brother (Harvey, of Geauga Lake, Ohio),
and many other relatives and friends. Funeral
services were held at the Bissler Funeral Home
in Kent, conducted by Elmer Stoltzfus and
Eugene Yoder. Burial was made in the Stand-
ing Rock Cemetery.
Swartzendruber. Orval C., son of Christian
and Magdalene (Bender) Swartzendruber. was
born near Wellmau, Iowa, Nov. 19, 1901 :
passed away at his home Jan. 8, 1954; aged
52 y. 1 m. 19 d. He was baptized in his youth
and became a member of the West Union Men-
nonite Church. On Aug. 16, 1925, he was
united in marriage with Ellen Gingerich. who
preceded him in death March 21. 1940. To this
union two sons were born (Daniel Dale, of Par-
nell, and Marlin, at home). Besides his two
sons he leaves to mourn his departure 2 grand-
children (Reginald Lynn and Vicki Diann
Swartzendruber), his aged mother, 3 brothers
(Milo. of West Virginia; Earl. McAllen, Texas;
and Willard, South Gate, Calif.). 2 sisters
(Louisa — Mrs. Clark Gingerich. Wellman,
Iowa; and Katie — Mrs. Ezra Brenneman, Ka-
lona, Iowa), besides many other relatives and
friends. Funeral services were held at the West
Union Church Jan. 11. with G. G. Yoder. Har-
vey Yoder. and J. Y. Swartzendruber officiating.
Swope, Rebecca, daughter of the late Sem S.
and Mary (Lahman) Weaver, was born at Mt.
Clinton. Va.. Dec. B, 1S77 ; passed away Dec. 23.
1953; aged 70 y. 15 d. She married Perry Swope
on Sept. 7. 1!K)5. She is survived by her hus-
band. 5 children (Lelia. at home. Dayton, Va. ;
Hazel — Mrs. Powell Wenger, Fentress, Va. ;
Sem W.. Ralph D.. and Howard P.). and one
sister (Sadie — Mrs. Lewis Rhodes), all of Har-
risonburg, Va. She also leaves 22 grandchildren.
In her youth she accepted Christ and united
with the Mennonite Church. On Jan. 5, 1951.
120
GOSPEL HERALD
February 2, 1954
For 8-12-year-olds
Ten of a Kind
By Edna Beiler
—A series of eventful stories about
an enthusiastic gang of boys and
their beloved Uncle Al, preacher
and Sunday-school teacher.
How they became ten of a kind
provides absorbing reading for
boys and girls. $1.50
The almanac with "plus" features
The 1954 Family Almanac
When you get the Family Almanac you get
more than a weather forecaster or a guide to the
movements of the heavenly bodies, valuable as
such information is.
Plus these you also have short, inspirational ar-
ticles about home furnishings, the home library,
vacation ideas, and meal planning.
All this is yours for 30<>; $3.25 a dozen; $25.00
a hundred.
Eastward to the Sun
By Sanford C. Yoder
An interesting trip that climaxed in the
50th anniversary celebration of the India
Mennonite Church. An enjoyable travel
book with a positive Christian emphasis.
$2.85
Songs of the Church
Ed. by Walter E. Yoder
You will enjoy singing the beautiful
new and old songs in this excellent song-
book. For choruses, winter Bible schools,
youth groups, informal singing groups.
$1.00; $10.85 a dozen; $80.00 a hundred.
MENNONITE PUBLISHING HOUSE, SCOTTDALE, PENNSYLVANIA
she suffered a paralytic stroke from which she
never recovered. Although she was a shut-in,
with poor eyesight and unable to walk, she
continued to take an active interest in daily
worship. Funeral services were held at the Alt.
Clinton Church, Dec. 25, with C. K. Lehman
and S. H. Rhodes in charge.
Trimmer, Cora Belle, daughter of William and
Elizabeth Crossau, was born May 19, 1871), near
Weldon, 111.; died Nov. 11, 1953, of a heart
condition at the Fairmont, Minn., Community
Hospital; aged 74 y. 5 m. 23 d. In her youth
she accepted Christ as her Saviour and united
with the church of God near Decatur, 111., later
transferring her membership to the Alpha,
Minn., Mennonite Church of which she was a
faithful member until death. In February, I8O0,
she was married to Charles Trimmer. To this
union five daughters were born. Her companion
and one daughter preceded her in death, bur-
viving arc -1 (laughters (Bcssu — Mrs. IOarl
Turner, Sherburn, Minn.; Doris — Mrs. Buasel
Shearer, Jackson, Minn. ; Olivia — Mrs. Arthur
Anderson, Granada, Minn.; and Mildred — Mrs.
Hen Johnson, Sherburn, Minn.), 10 grandchil-
dren, 5 great-grandchildren, and 2 brothers
(Charles, Amery, Wis.; aud John, Price, Utah).
She attended church services just three days
before her death. Funeral services were held at
the Alpha Mennonite Church in charge of C. J.
Garber and Noah Landis. Burial was made in
the Sherburn Cemetery. . „
Zook. Kathryn Mae, fifth daughter of J. N.
aud Malissa Jane (Steele) Durr, was born near
Mtasontown, Pa., Jan. 27, 1SS7; passed away at
the Blair Memorial Hospital, Huntingdon, Pa.,
Jan. (!, 10.r»l; aged (SO y. 11 in. 11 d. Death re
suited from complications following an opera-
tion to which she submitted on Dec 30, 1053.
In March, 1S00, at the age of 12 she accepted
Christ as her Saviour aud became a member of
the Mennonite church. When she was twelve
years old the family moved to Martinsbiug. Pa.
On Feb. 1. 1000, she was united in marriage tO
Uriel S. Zook, 01 Allcnsville, l'a. From the time
of their marriage until about 1030 they made
their home and reared their family on the farm
near Allcnsville. About 1030 they moved to
their present residence mi Allcnsville.
Twelve children were horn into the family,
three of which died in infancy. Surviving are
the husband, S sons and one daughter (KUrose.
Seottdale, l'a.; Fthel M.- Mrs. Raymond It.
Peachey. Belleville, Pa.! Lester J., Allensviiie,
l'a.; Melviu S., Daltou, Ohio; David M., Colum-
biana, Ohio; Le Roy A., Mt. Union, Pa. ; Hoyd
I., Allensviiie, Pa.; Alphie A., Belleville, Pa. ;
and Merle K., Seottdale, Pa.), 31 grandchildren,
4 sisters (Mary— Mrs. Henry Kamer, Duchess.
\lta • Annie — Mrs. Edward Miller, Inwood,
W Va • Hannah— Mrs. Daniel Otto, Springs,
Pa • Laura— Mrs. Isaac Metzler, Accident,
Md.'), and one aunt (Kate Colerain, Willmore,
Pa ). She was preceded in death by one sister
(Sarah Elizabeth, wife of Andrew Brenneman,
Elida, Ohio). Her father passed away in No-
vember, 1034.
Si6ter Zook served as a Sunday-school teacher
for a number of years in the Allensviiie Men-
nonite Church of which she was a member since
her marriage; As a companion of the deacon
she assisted her husband faithfully in his re-
sponsibility in the church. Her mother passed
away when she was about two years old. From
her youth she was faithful to her Lord and
Saviour and she leaves to those who survive a
Christian testimony and the assurance that she
is with the Lord whom she loved and served.
The funeral services were in charge of J.
Klrose Ilartzler and Paul Both, assisted by A. J.
Metzler. They were held on Saturday afternoon,
Jan. 0, at the home and the Allensviiie Men-
nonite Church. Burial was made in the Allens-
viiie Mennonite Cemetery near by.
ITEMS and COMMENTS
Four years ago a Catholic women's organi-
zation in Milwaukee began a campaign to
"Put Christ back into Christmas." The
movement has had a wide influence. This
year Fort Wayne had a 3-day "Christ Child
Festival." Davenport \ *Qe)J:t}ants sponsored
50 billboards displaying the Nativity scene.
A Portland, Oreg., artist produced a Holy
Family poster, thousands of copies of which
were displayed throughout the state. Charles-
ton, S.C., and many other cities had parades
of religious floats. Many British cities dis-
played posters of the Nativity scene. The
United Church of Canada issued a statement
which said, "If Canadian Christians will
really put more of Christ into Christmas,
then this Christmas season will be a truly
happy one." Then a six-point program for
Christmas observance was outlined, includ-
ing "stress giving rather than getting." Elk-
hart. Ind., had a massed choir of 500 voices
which presented a program in the city's busi-
ness district. A lighted creche with life-size
figures stood on the lawn of the municipal
building. Although some of this emphasis
may be pretty much on external things, it is
certainly an improvement over a Christmas
season dominated by Santa Claus, com-
mercialism, and liquor.
• • •
The waters of the Dead Sea contain bil-
lions of tons of salt, bromine (used in anti-
knock fuels'), potassium chloride (enough for
the world's need of potash fertilizer for 3,000
years), and magnesium chloride (the world's
largest known concentration).
Pope Pius XII told members of the United
Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization
rf|;r^ '|'the eventuality pi hunger is still haunt-
• millions of human beings.'1-
NllN3>iiJV/tt V %
AHVNIW3S IVOnrif 7j t ••
GOSPEL HE
In the defence and confirmation of the gospel" "How heautiful are the feet of them t
gospel of peace'
VOLUME XLVII.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1954.
NUMBER 6
God Is Omnipotent
By Elmer G. Kolb
That God is all powerful is nowhere
more wonderfully portrayed than in the
first chapter of Genesis. The distance
between nothing and something is so
great that only a being of infinite power
could bridge the gap. His omnipotence
is evident in the microscopic world, as
well as in the telescopic world. Immen-
sity may have a tendency to stagger hu-
man imagination, but the small forms of
life and matter also reveal God's mighty
power. We would fate equal difficulty in
creating a microbe or an elephant. Hu-
man ability would encounter similar
problems in producing an atom of dust
or a galaxy of stars. Size and quantity
are relatively simple after the genesis of
life and matter. The creative act was the
key to the universe.
Blind, unbelieving man has endeav-
ored to take matter out of God's creative
hand and to explain its origin. He has
always had to return without the answer.
In the September, 1953, issue of the Sci-
entific American, the fundamental ques-
tions in science are reviewed. While
these articles represent scientific thought
and the average reader may have diffi-
culty in understanding many terms and
propositions, they do remind us of the
greatness of our God. However, in these
articles God is not mentioned. Wilbur
M. Smith, in referring to these articles,
states that this is his observation and
that it also reveals that there are great
mysteries in our work! which scientists
confess that they have not been able to
solve.
The commotion of physical forces
about us can be terrifying. The designs
of evil men may disturb us. Wicked spir-
its may well-nigh bring us down in de-
feat. Into this need the Almighty God
has revealed Himself. He is the one who
is all-powerful, the God to whom noth-
ing is nor shall be impossible. This is
a part of revelation. He has informed
us of His ability in His Word. This pro-
vides an advantage to men and women
of faith. "Through faith we understand
that the worlds were framed by the word
of God, so that things which are seen
were not made of things which do ap-
pear" (Heb. 11:3). "O Lord, how mani-
lold are thy worksl in wisdom hast thou
made them all: the earth is full of thy
riches" (Ps. 104:24). "I have more under-
standing than all my teachers: for thy
testimonies are my meditation. I under-
stand more than the ancients, because
I keep thy precepts" (Ps. 119:99, 100).
A true understanding of the omnipo-
tence of God is necessary if we are to wor-
ship and serve Him aright. Our under-
standing of His power will be reflected
in the manner and character of our wor-
ship.
Any effort to acquaint us with the true
nature of our God is to be appreciated
and utilized. A group of young people
were asked the question: "Do you think
Gtxl understands radar?" Nearly all an-
swered, "No." This reveals the fact that
while our modern youth are becoming
acquainted with the unleashing of great
physical powers, they need a correspond-
ing increase in knowledge and faith in
the omnipotent God. Our God is not
too small to meet modern needs of His
creatures. The omnipotence of God is
rather difficult for us to comprehend,
since we are finite in our understanding
and only acquainted with imperfect
love. God has power to do anything He
wills to do. Since He is all-knowing and
also love, this makes omnipotence safe.
When power is governed by love and
right, then we need not fear. Power
alone would be unpredictable and cap-
ricious. God is able to tlo anything, but
He will only do those things that are
consistent with the rest of His nature.
Since we are limited, our idea of omnipo-
tence may raise many absurd questions.
Someone may raise the question as to
why God allows Satan to solicit men to
evil; or why God does not put a stop to
these awful wars. We live in a moral uni-
verse in which the testing and proving of
men is going on continually. The oppor-
tunity to do right is only posisble if there
are opposite choices and possibilities. Ex-
planation may not always be posisble for
what apparently seems to be inability on
God's part. His delay may be evidence
of His mercy. The faith of Abraham as
expressed in Gen. 18:25 is helpful at this
point. "Shall not the Judge of all the
earth do right?" Knowing this of our
Eather dispels all fears as to the future.
No forces can assert themselves that are
not under His knowledge and control.
The knowledge of God as omnipotent
and faith in His ability to perform that
which is His sovereign will, is beauli-
Eully illustrated in the life of the three
Hebrew captives. "Our God whom we
serve is able . . ." (Dan. 3:17). While*
they were not certain as to what was the
will of God for this occasion, whethei
it be deliverance or no, they entertained
no doubts as to God's ability to delivei
them. They knew from history and ex-
perience that God merits all the confi-
dence that can be placed in Him. There
is no record of His inability to perform
that which He willed to do.
The promises and declarations of God
only take on meaning as we believe thai
He is omnipotent. A limited God means
limited ability to provide that which He
has promised. As aids to our faith He
invites us to reflect upon His work about
us. His eternal power and Godhead are
evidenced by His visible creation. This
created world presents convincing argu-
ment for God that man is without ex-
cuse. Rom. 1:20. The preservation of
this present order is by the word of His
power. Heb. 1:3; Col. 1:16, 17. The ele-
ments are under His control. Ps. 107:25-
29.
How precious His promise of His con
tinual presence with us becomes when
we know that nothing can befall us apart
from His permissive will. We can onl\
have confidence as we step into the fu-
ture with one who is equal for any situ-
ation. His power and authority gives us
rest in His constant care. His promise of
Power
By Edna M. Mcrtz
The world today, so power-mad,
Is seeking far in vain
The cure for all its maladies,
Relief from want and pain.
Man at his best is not prepared
To meet life's darkest hour,
Yet will not recognize the Lord
And His almighty power!
The greatest force on earth today,
Yet known to such a few,
Is the power of a life indwelt
By God's own Spirit, true!
Thine be the power, Lord, we pray,
Thou Sov'reign Majesty,
Thine through the hoary years of time,
And through eternity!
Ft Wayne, In<L
122
GOSPEL HERALD
February p, 1954
enabling grace for withstanding the at
tacks and devices of Satan and the limit-
ing of them to ability to bear them, gives
us no reason for defeat. Even Satan him-
self needs to flee as we resist him in the
name of our victorious Christ. By this
same token the warnings given us take
on real significance. They are no idle
threats. The certainty of His warnings is
just as sure as are His promises.
The resurrection of Christ reveals to
us the power of Cod that is effectual in
quickening men and women that were
dead in trespasses and sins. No other
power is available to bring about this
spiritual transformation. This power
will be further manifested in the com-
pletion of redemption at the resurrection
of the body. These past demonstrations
of God's power should place godly tear
within us as we contemplate the future.
He has authority and power that will
summon all from the grave— those "that
have done good, unto the resurrection of
life; and they that have done evil, unto
the resurrection of damnation" (John
5:29). Before that august assembly where
the fate of men and angels is revealed
there will be no unbelievers as to the
omnipotence of God.
Our worship of God will largely de-
pend on an intelligent understanding of
His power. Since man is able to exercise
authority and power, as his faith in God
decreases God is robbed of the worship
He alone deserves. Only those who un-
derstand His power as revealed to us in
His Word and as is evident in creation
are able to worship Him aright. Moses,
Daniel, David, and the prophets, as they
beheld His majestic power through com-
munion with Him and in revelation and
visions, fell down and worshiped in awe
and reverence. Our own worship experi-
ences will be more meaningful and re-
warding as we meditate upon the great-
ness and power of our God. Rev. 19:G
gives us a picture of those who see and
know God as He is. Their thunderous
praise was the spontaneous expression
of their devout and worshipful hearts as
they saw their omnipotent God in all
His majesty. "Alleluia: for the Lord
God omnipotent reigneth" (Rev. 19:6).
l'ottstown, Pa.
It is of no avail for us to be Mennon-
ites if we have not received from Cod the
f>ower to become His children, if we
uve not had ihe personal experience
which makes new creatures of us.
—Pierre Widmei.
Is Christ Crowded Out?
By Edna Harm an
As we passed through this past Christ-
mas season I felt a new burden— we as
Christians look at the world, we com-
plain about the Saviour's advent being
so commercialized, and true it is. But
are we followers oi His preparing our
hearts lor Him, or are we too crowding
out the Prince of Peace, only in another
way?
1 wonder if we, like the innkeeper, do
not find ourselves so busy preparing beds
tor guests, getting hurried meats tor
friends, planning nice sociable times and
beautilul homes— so occupied with things
for ourselves, we do not hear the still
small voice say, "Won't you stop and
pray?" "There is a soul in distress; his
load is hard to bear; he knows not faith
in me. O my child, won't you take time
to talk, and encourage, and pray with
him?" But, no, we ieel the day is so
near done, and our work is only halt
begun. And we do not go, and we do
not pray. The blessed Christ turns sadly
away, in search of someone else that will
listen, and give Him room, and His will
obey.
Over the countryside hidden away
among lonely mountains and sprinkled
through the cities are laithtul souls who
are earnestly laboring tor Him; they
have learned the joy that is found in
serving their Lord. But could their load
be lightened if we at the home base
would more otten hold them up to the
throne in prayer?
Perhaps in the morning your mind is
clear and fresh, you feel strength suth-
cient to crowd two days' task into one.
You hurry on piling task upon task, and
the sweet gentle voice ot Christ pleads—
"I've a precious worker across the water,
laboring among strange race and clan.
He is happy in lus labors ot love, but he
needs your prayers lor strengdi lor his
task. 1 can help so much more it you
pray. My child, won't you pray?" And
we turn away so much occupied with
our own little work— we just cannot hnd
time to read our Bible and pray. Our
hearts grow cold, our nerves bayed and
tense, our Christ and 1 1 i > cause is lor-
gotten; yes, He is crowded out.
Why should we blame the innkeeper:
lie did not know ili.it a special guest
should come that clay— he too could look
back and say, "It 1 had only known!"
() Christian friend, be up and awake
using every opportunity lor service to
Him. Let us not be so mululv occupied
with our own little lives. I lien we will
Our Readers Say-
We want to praise God for Barney Ovensen's
article on "Scotield's Helps." It certainly in-
spired our souls to read of somebody who feels
the same way about the subject. — Isaac and
Verna Kaufjman, Lancaster, Pa.
* * *
I am writing now to express appreciation for
Ralph Buckwalter's recent article on angels.
I believe our lack of thought on the subject
of God's ministering spirits may deprive us of a
great deal of comfort we would otherwise enjoy.
Also, I was very happy to see a reasonable
expose of the latest Kinsey Report. In this
I feel Dr. Amstutz has performed a real service.
— Mrs. C lyde Kraus, Denbigh, Va.
* * *
... I have no objection when a man states
his position fairly, but to treat a dead man's
product as it [Ovensen article on Scotield's
Bible] did >s grossly unfair. Several of us took
our Scofield Bibles and compared some of his
deductions, where he seeks to tell his readers
that Scotield is not "orthodox" nor "Christian" ;
that is going too far. To disagree with such
men is altogether a different matter.
Just to give one rash statement : "The w hole
Sermon on the Mount, according to 'Scofield's
Helps,' does not need to be obeyed by the
Churc'i of Christ. Scofield says: "These prin-
ciples fundamentally reappear in the teaching
of the Epistles" (p. 1000). ... I like writers
. . . to tell the truth. This is but one unfair
statement. — C. F. Derstine, Kitchener, Ont.
not need to say, "I did not know it was
Christ 1 had turned away, when I did
not take time to pray ."
One busy little modier told how she
realized her lack in neglecting to take
time oil to be alone with Cod in prayer.
She repented, told her little tots as she
withdrew to her room Uiat this was her
quiet time to talk widr Jesus. One dav
the neighbor children came at diis spe-
cial time. She heard her little ones whis-
pering and tiptoeing about as they came
inside tor a toy, and this is what she
heard them say, "We must be very quiet
cause Monnnie is in her room talking
to Cod." Along with her own devotion
a lesson had been taught.
May we as middle-aged and older peo-
ple realize, as never before, what a won-
derful avenue and opportunity (yes,
duty) we have in prayer as a work tor
our lord. Prayer is hard work, when we
really pray. Who ot us do not feel the
debt we owe to our Cod for our salvation
alone, and to think oi all the mercies
thrown in besides.
Come, friends, let us awake and pray!
Han isonburg. Va.
GOSPEL HERALD
ESTABLISHED ISOS AS SUCCESSOR TO GOSPEL WITNESS lISOSI AND HERALD OF TRUTH It 084 I
PAUL ERB, EDITOR JOHN L. HOR ST. MILLARD C. LIND. CONSULTING EDITORS LEVI C. HART2LER. MISSIONS EDITOR
1 ii i SOlflL HERALD II A RE L I C IOUB WIIKLT PUILIIHIO IN T M K IIIIIHIH OF THI HINNONI II CHURCH BY TNI MENNONITE PUBLICATION BOARD. SCOTTDALB. PA.
INTIHIO A* IICONO CLASS MATTER IN ISO* AT THE POST OFFICE AT SCOTTDALB, PA., UNDER ACT OF MARCH 1. 1ST*. SUBSCRIPTION PRICIi SJ OO PER YEAR. THREE YEARS
IN ADVANCE. SS OO, FIVE YEARS IN ADVANCE, Sit SO. SAHPLE COPIES SENT FREE ON RBQUEST. SEND ALL MATERIAL FOR PUBLICATION TO OOSPEL HERALD, SCOT T DALE. PA.
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
February 9,
GOSPEL HERALD
12*
EDITORIAL
Our Amish Brethren
The Old Order Aniish, a religious
group of about 1G,000 baptized members,
frequently get public notice in the press.
Tbeir nonconformed costumes and way
of life intrigue artists and photogra-
phers. Tbeir community life and their
success in keeping standards so dilferent
from those of surrounding society give
sociologists some most interesting stud-
ies. Their stern adherence to positions
which sometimes challenge tbe law
brings them to the front pages of news-
papers.
Religious News Service has just re-
ported from Washington that a Penn-
sylvania congressman has placed in the
Congressional Record a letter he re-
ceived from an Amish bishop. The let-
ter has also been transmitted to the
Ways and Means Committee which is
considering President Eisenhower's rec-
ommendation that Social Security be ex-
tended to agricultural workers.
In his letter the bishop says:
We of the Old Order of Amish Mennonites
are opposed to insurance in any form, according
to the tenets of our religion. We hereby request
that members of our sect be excused from re-
ceiving a Social Security number . . . whether
they work for others in agricultural lines or
trades or are self-employed. We have no ob-
jection whatever to paying the Social Security
tax, but we do object to having any number
assigned to any of our people, except as to
employers. . . . We do object to having any of
our people placed in a position where any in-
surance would be available to them at any time,
now or in the future.
Fundamentally, we cannot accept subsidies,
welfare, or old-age pensions. Our churches
provide for our poor and needy with food,
raiment, shelter, hospital, doctor bills, and other
necessary expenses. We arc also willing to help
our neighbors of any other denomination or
sect, or even our enemies. We apply the Golden
Rule : "Love thy neighbors as thyself."
This is a very serious matter with us and we
urgently request that you give our objections
based on religous scruples your most favorable
consideration.
No doubt this letter poses to our legis-
lators an unusual problem. They are
familiar with those who try to avoid
taxes but want benefits; they have people
here who have no objection to the taxes
but do not want to receive the benefits.
Our Amish brother has certainly put his
people in a favorable light by taking
this unselfish position.
No doubt some Mennonites agree with
this Amish position. Most of us feel that
in a welfare state we can co-operate
wherever moral and Scriptural prim i
pies are not involved. We believe, how
ever, that our members should continue
in a spirit of brotherhood to carry a
responsibility for one another. We must
continually be on guard lest we surren-
der to the government our Christian
concerns of love, and lest our trust come
to rest in a secular state. I lie position
of our Amish brethren should help us in
our self-examination. It should admon-
ish us all to be more concerned with
giving than with getting.
Another situation which has given the
Amish much publicity, particularly in
Pennsylvania, is the attempt to enforce
the compulsory school attendance law.
The Amish say it is against their con
science to send their children to s( hbol
beyond the eighth grade. Attempts 10
modify the law to meet their position
have failed. Law enforcement officers,
it would seem, have no choice but to
enforce attendance. Their supply 61
state funds depends upon that. And so
Aniish fathers, one aftei another, have
spent a few clavs in jail, until some
friend, presumably non-Ainish, p.ivs the
fine. Compromise plans drawn up b\
the state have not been accepted In the
Amish. And so a continuing conflict is
in prospect.
It may be that in this matter the
Amish are not in such a favorable light.
It is hard for others to see that the i<
quired education is wrong. Vnd there
are some who feel that the motive is 1101
so much religious conviction .is the- de-
sire to get work out of these older chil
dren.
Religious liberty and freedom ol con-
science is a privilege that none ol us
wants to see taken awav. We all appre-
ciate the efforts which om governments
take to meet every demand ol the con-
science. We insist on the right of the
Amish, as well as any other group, to
take a stand on matters of conviction.
But we would also insist that we must
make ourselves worthy of our privileges
by the elimination of every unworthv
motive and of every selfish demand.
Our conscience must be built on the
Word of God rather than upon personal
desire or group custom.
It is unfortunate that occasionally the
attitude toward the Amish becomes prej
udired on account of reports of wrong
conduct. Dancing and di inking and
immorality and other kinds of scandal
ous conduct are deserving of no toler
ance, and certainly have no justification
among nonconformists like the Mention
ites or Aniish. People nia% think we are
different, but they should never have to
think we are wicked. We deserve to lose
our liberties it we cannot maintain a
gocxl repute.
We rejoice at reports of a growing
conscience among the Amish on some of
these matters. There are Vmish preach'
ers and writers who are attacking in .1
spiritual way the problems ol their con
gregations. There is a widespread awak-
ening on missions and evangelistii tea
timony. We pray for real spiritual
growth among them.
We note that the bishop who wrote
to Washington spoke ol their group as
Amish Mennonites. In this he was right.
The Amish and the Mennonites are not
the same, as is commonly supposed. Rut
they are related, and come from the
same Anabaptist beginnings. In the last
decade of the seventeenth centuiv there
was a division among the Brethren ol
Switzerland on questions of discipline,
and the followers of Jacob Amman came
to be called Amish. The division has
persisted to this day. The tw.> groups,
however, have long been in process of
coming together, and we trust somedav
the lilt can be entirelv healed.— E.
Can This Be Said of You?
The story is told ol Gordon Maxwell,
missionary to India, that he went to .1
Hindu teachei and asked him il he
would teach him the language. The Hin
du replied:
"No, Sahib. I will not teach you my
language. You would make me a Chris
tian."
Gordon Maxwell replied. "You mis
understand me; I am simph asking you
to teach me your language."
The Hindu replied again. "No, Sahib.
I will not teach you. No man can live
with you and not become .1 Christian.*'
—Selected.
A belief in the inseparable relation-
ship between faith and works has been
our Mennonite heritage.— Mary Rover.
124
GOSPEL HERALD
February 9, 1954
Prairie View Hospital — Frame-
work for Service
(This article is written by Myron Ebersole,
administrator of Prairie View Hospital, the
mental hospital being built by the Mennonite
Central Committee near Newton, Kans. It is the
second of a series describing the philosophy, the
services, and the facilities of Prairie View Hos-
pital which is to begin operation early in 1954.)
Then Jesus travelled through all Gali-
lee, teaching in their synagogues and
proclaiming the gospel of the Kingdom,
and curing every kind of disease and
infirmity among the people. So His fame
spread through all Syria; and they
brought all sick persons to Him, who
were suffering from various diseases and
pains— demoniacs, epileptics, paralytics:
and He cured them.— Matt. 4:23. 24,
Weymouth.
These verses express two basic con-
cerns in Christ's ministry which have
also become the basic elements in the
service program of the church today in-
cluding the mental health program. In
the first place, Christ went about serving
the basic spiritual needs of His fellow
men. Secondly, Christ was concerned
with the suffering of fellow men and
responded with what might be called a
service of Christian social concern.
Prairie View Hospital is to be a tool for
the implementation of these two basic
elements in Christian service for the
mentally ill.
What type of service will Prairie View
Hospital offer? What kind of patients
will be accepted? What kind of treat-
ments will be used? What does a mental
hospital offer to the community? These
and other questions are being asked as
the dream comes nearer reality.
Prairie View Hospital is being estab-
lished as a treatment center for those
who can be helped in a comparatively
short time. One of the nation's Leading
psychiatrists stated a few months ago
(hat more than HO per cent ol the men
tally ill can be helped il they are given
proper treatment early enough in their
illness. It is with the realization that
recovery is possible for many that the
hospital will in the first instance offer
treatment lor early cases of mental ill
ness. I bis is not to say that cases ol
longet Standing cannot be helped or ate
not OU] concern. Selected cases will be
hospitalized where the psychiatrist be
lieves we can help. It is hoped that
means ol serving others who need longer-
term cate might be found in fostet homes
or in latei expansion of the hospital.
1 reatment lot the acutely ill will be
of as great variety as is necossarj and
possible. "Psychotherapy" is the term
whic h covers various l>asi< t\ pes <>i I > eat
ment. "Psyche." the hist part <>l the
Word, means emotions, the will, the sen
sations, the desire! instiiuts, memory,
and othei thought processes. "Therapy"
means tieatment. I 'led tOgethei the
term "psychotherapy" covets all t\prs ol
treatment for the mentally ill. PsydtQ
therapy is also used to describe the work
of the psychiatrist, the psychologist, and
other trained staff members. Through
talking to the patient and allowing the
patient to talk about his problems, they
help him gain insight into his condition
and attempt to help re-educate him in
more normal ways of thinking. This
often leads to a consideration of basic
spiritual problems and opens the door
for a spiritual ministry of reconciliation.
This type of treatment in the hospital
is often used in connection with other
types of treatment. Frequently it is con-
tinued after dismissal from the hospital
as the patient again relates himself to
the "normal" life.
For some illnesses, electro-coma treat-
ment is proving to be a very effective
agent for relieving stresses and permit-
ting development of new thought pat-
terns. A very similar treatment which
will be used is called insulin treatment.
Although it is difficult to understand
these treatments, there is no reason to
fear them. They will be administered
only under the prescription and super-
vision of a fully qualified medical man
and for a specific purpose. In certain
illnesses they offer the quickest and most
effective relief.
There are also several activities known
as "adjunctive therapies." Among these
are recreational, occupational, and in-
dustrial therapies. Recreational therapv
might be described as constructive relax-
ation of a physical or a mental nature.
It will include use of music, exercise, in-
door and outdoor activities, reading,
group or individual activities, all of
which will be planned to meet personal
needs. Occupational therapy is usually
creative use of personal abilities in mak-
ing various handcraft items such as
leathercraft, sewing, and woodwork. In-
dustrial therapy is usually participation
in such work as gardening, manufactur-
ing, or in the case of the hospital, work
connected with preparation and serving
of food and buildings and grounds main-
tenance. These activities help the pa-
tient regain his personal feeling of worth
and ability to cope with the problems of
life. Involved also in the adjunctive
therapies is physical exercise which has
soothing qualities. Furthermore, these
activities provide opportunity for inter-
personal contacts with staff members in
which the patient often gains basic in
sights into his problems. It is in these
relationships that attendants, nurses, and
othei stall members can make Christian
love and concetti cilei live.
Full use of worship experiences and
personal religious counseling will be
made in helping the patient relate him
self to God and find answers to am spit
itual conflicts which might he .1 p.ut ol
his emotional illness. Frequently tins
ma\ lead to a fresh experience of the
grace of God. \11 of these therapies or
treatments will he- applied within the
framework of a Christian homelike at
tnosphete and in a rural setting both of
It Happened —
TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO
(From Gospel Herald, January 24, 1929)
The new church [Tampa, Fla.] is
nearing completion, and Sunday, Jan.
20, is the time ... for dedication services.
Trenque Lauquen [Argentina] re-
ports a very successful Daily Vacation
Bible School . . . average attendance was
forty-five.
Bro. Daniel Kauffman . . . moved from
Falfurrias, Texas, to Tuleta, Texas.
(From Gospel Herald, January 31, 1929)
Brother T. M. Erb passed to his re-
ward . . . Jan. 25.
There were few who escaped the in-
fluenza, which was quite severe and re-
sulted in a number of deaths in the com-
munity [Filer, Ida.].
(From Gospel Herald, February 7, 1929)
Bro. C. D. Esch, on furlough from the
India Mission, . . . under a doctor's care
at Johnstown, Pa., has recovered suffi-
ciently [to resume teaching at Johns-
town Bible School].
Deacon Jacob T. Harnish was or-
dained to the ministry [Strasburg, Pa.,
Jan. 31].
[Mission and charitable receipts for
Dec. 1928, $24,590.52.]
which are also essential parts of this
framework for service.
In addition to serving the patients in
the hospital, Prairie View Hospital will
provide counseling services for out-
patients through a counseling center to
be established in Newton. Guidance
services are to be set up for children who
have emotional problems with an effort
to help parents understand the particu-
lar problem which their child may be
de\ eloping.
Prairie View- Hospital is the frame-
work which our Mennonite brotherhood
offers for a service "in the name of
Christ." The framework is only the
hasis. in one sense onlv the foundation.
I heir aie mam things vet lacking. We
will add to the structure as together we
follow Christ in ministering to the needs
of suffering humanity.— via MCC Infor-
mation Service.
The Christian answer to slavery was
not a direc t crusade but a love between
slave and master which was bound to
destroy the institution of slavery.
—Donovan Smucker.
February p, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
Magdala, the Home of Mary Magdalene
Fifteen Minutes in Bible Lands
By Anis Charles Haddad
The shore of the Lake ol Galilee bends
round in a series of graceful bays. The
mingled pebbles and sand are strewn
with tiny delicate shells of white, which
ire so plentiful that at times they almost
resemble wreaths of snow. The vivid
blue ol this blessed lake sparkles in the
unshine and reflects the brown sails of
fishing boats. The warm colors of the
lifts are here very fine, in white, yellow,
ind pale red.
Everywhere we see beauty— the oval
lake, the dreaming flowery shores, where
Lhe pink blossoms of the oleanders lean
n the low line of the shore, like a line of
jaint in a tender picture. Peace lies like
. benediction over the still blue waters
>f the lake: the peace of silence, of soli-
ude, of sacred memoryl
As we stand on a projecting rock look-
ing toward Magdala, we try to repeople,
in imagination, the shores of this blessed
lake, by the light of the remains with
winch they are strewn.
Of all the great and "exalted cities"
which once crowned the borders of the
lake and to which our Lord vouchsafed
His earthly presence, no portion or rem-
nant remains. Once these shores were
lined with almost continuous cities, vil-
lages, and gardens. It would seem as il
all relics of the Bible story had been
watted away, and that with them had
vanished the charm of the old, pleasant
days when this lake was a place of de-
light. But these vacant shores, with their
swift and tingling lite departed, keep
conjuring up the voice thai said, "Woe
unto thee."
The situation of Magdala makes it
easy to understand why it had been in-
tended to build a "fort" here. It was
indeed a military position of consider-
able importance. Many Israelitish towns
bore the name of Magdala, as may be
seen in the Old Testament.
Magdala was very near to Jesus' home
and to the scenes of so many of His teach-
ings. Doubtless in the time of our Lord
it was of far greater importance, for
heaps of rubbish cover the traces of re-
mains that lie between the present hov-
els and the shore. In the neighboring
fields nourished the "indigo plant,"
whence the name given to Magdala in
the Talmud— the "city of color." Its
women were skilled in weaving linen and
producing fine cloth. There were in
ancient times about eighty shops of
weavers of fine wool, and three hundred
shops were devoted to the sale of pigeons
for purposes of sacrifices. These gentle
birds which once found their homes by
the thousands in the hills and cliffs
formed a valuable commercial item.
They have long been supplanted by the
fierce vulture which now reigns supreme
In 1 lie hovels of Magdala.
The village, now so degraded, was
lormcrly a center of art and industry.
Commerce had developed rapidly in Gal-
ilee, shortly before the birth of our Lord,
and in His davs its inhabitants are re-
puted to have possessed a higher moral
and religious tone than the dwellers 111
Judea, who regarded the Galileans with
a feigned contempt born of envy.
The word "Magdala" lias come to
have in modern ears a certain "moral"
significance. But we must not lonjet that
a o
it was purely a geographical designation.
The chief interest ol Magdala lies in the
All men have lheir frailties, and
whoever looks for a friend with-
out imperfections will never find
what he seeks.
fact that it was the birthplace of Mary
Magdalene, and from it to all appear-
ances she took her name. Its forlorn
condition seems to be in significant keep-
ing with the incident that has given to
it a history. Through its connection
with Mary Magdalene, its name has now
been incorporated into all the languages
ol the Christian world.
Magdala is said to have been destroyed
because of its licentiousness. But what
reason have we for associating Mary
Magdalene with immoral character? The
notion appears to be based upon the
identification of "Mary Magdalene" with
the "sinner" whose name Luke, out of
delicate kindness, refuses to mention,
the penitent who entered the house of
the Pharisee to wash with her tears and
to anoint with perfume the feet of the
divine Saviour.
All that we really know about Mary is
that she came from a place named Mag-
dala and she was one of the "holy worn
en" who followed the Saviour in 11^
apostolic wanderings in Judea, in order
to attend to His wants by placing at His
disposal their own resources.
If we may take it on the authority of
the rabbis of Tiberias, Mary Magdalene
had aroused public indignation in the
city and along the shore by her having
made an awful divorce and having en-
tered into a new marriage with a pagan.
Married in the first instance to a few,
she is supposed to have deserted him hi
order to follow an officer in the service
of Herod Antipas, garrisoned at Mag-
dala.
The last belief having regard to Orien-
tal notions, would point not to her hav-
125
nig lived a dissolute life, but rather to
her having at one time been "menially"
affected, and to this affection having sev-
eral times returned. Mary Magdalene,
one of the most laithlul and beautitul
characters in the Bible, has thus been
misrepresented by legend.
Suffering and suilul 111 Galilee,
changed by the almighty power ol God,
we think ol the scene in which she was
a pnvileged partaker — the hist witness ol
the resurrection ol her Deliverer. She
gave us the example ol hope to the un-
happy. One who has loved the story of
her redemption by the Master lias pic-
tured her beside itis cross and early at
ffis tomb. Ibis woman ministered to
her Saviour with the gilt that she could
bung. It has been suggested that she
possessed 11101 e worldly goods than most
ol Christ's followers. Possibiv the min-
istry was a very simple and lrugal one.
But at any rate she was "rich enough"
in soul to want to be helptul, and the
Master gratefully accepted the help
which was tfie token ol her trust and
ihanklulness.
11 such a change took place 111 Mai\
Magdalene, how can we despair ol our-
selves or of anyone else? One demon,
seven, or a legion, are all the same to
the Lord: none can resist His power.
Let us then count on His help in battling
all forms of sin.
• • •
Magdala must have been a very dil-
ferent place then. The state ol things
was, no doubt, very much belter in
Christ's day, when the population was
dense, and the soil carefully tilled. Some-
where perhaps under these unshapely
mounds ol earth and the piles of black
basalt, lie the ruins of the once prosper-
ous lakeside town, which in ancient days
sent its tribute in wagons to the Temple
at Jerusalem. But it is impossible to
conceive a poorer place than this spot is
now. At the present day it is a wretched,
insignificant, and pititul-looking village.
There are not more than thirty one-story
flat-roofed cabins, built of mud and
stones, most ol them without a window,
so that the only light comes in at the
door: a pillar of stone and mud in the
center of the one chamber, helping to
support the roof of earth, laid upon a
bed of reeds and branches from the scrub
near at hand. As elsewhere, one half ol
the lloor is a little lower than the other:
the higher part being the family Quar-
ters: the lower reserved to the fowls,
goats, and, perhaps, the ass of the house-
hold. Here on the roofs of these poor
hamlets the people have built them-
selves arbors ol palm brant lies and olean-
der boughs for sleeping on the roof in
hot weather. W hen summer comes, Mag-
dala must be a fiery furnace! It seems to
have crept down to the shore in self-
defense to escape the suffocating heat of
the cliff reflected upon it. villagers
crouch against the mud walls or draw-
lake water in empty petrol tins. The
visitor is instantly surrounded by hordes
126
GOSPEL HERALD
February 9, 1954
of half naked children who hold out
their hands! Slovenliness and misery
reign on every side. The whole heap is
dignified only by one palm tree which
rises in the midst and waves a benedic-
tion over the memories of the past.
Magdala is shaded on either side bv
rows o£ stately eucalyptus trees or thick
hedges of yellow mimosa filling the
spring air with delicious fragrance. An
old ruin of a tower rises beside this,
veiled in part by a few fig trees and some
poplars, oleanders, Christ-thorn shrubs,
and other growths of the locality. Spots
of red plowed land dot the slopes be-
hind. Here and there one sees a patch ol
green, but the air of desolate wretched-
ness over the whole scene is touching.
Herds of oxen and goats and Hocks of
sheep browse knee-deep in the rich grass.
A small brook trickles from the higher
ground toward the lake, through a fringe
of brambles, wild mustard, coarse grass,
and dung hills, with a sprinkling, here
and there, of thorny shrubs, and a plen-
titul display ot black basalt, scattered
over the ground.
Romantic indeed must have been the
situation of Magdala, the palms and bal-
sams of Gennesaret around it, the blue
lake in front, the hills beyond, and be-
hind the stretch of valley with the pic-
turesque Horns of Hattin terminating
the view. Surely it was rich in all the
"contributes of beauty and grandeur."
A thick jungle of oleander thrives near
Magdala, in whose branches birds of
Various forms and of brilliant colors
carol the melody of their song.
Nothing indeed serves to keep green
the memory of bygone times but the
(lowers which still, on the return ol
spring, clothe the land. Although they
are the direct descendants of the flowers
of the field that served to illustrate the
discourse of Christ, they now bloom in
a solitude with none to "consider them."
Old City, Jerusalem, Jordan.
The Revelation of Jesus Christ
By J. L. Stauffer
(Second Parenthesis or Inset between
the 6th and 7th Trumpet)
23. The Little Book, the T emple, the
Altar, and the Two Witnesses.
Rev. 10:1—11:1}
The apostle now sees anothei might)
angel come down Erom heaven. Some
have thought that this is Jesus Christ,
hut He is not another angel, lie is not
an angel at all at any place in the book
of Revelation. Perhaps the might) angel
referred to may be Michael the arch*
angel, lie does appear latei 1)\ name in
chaptci twelve.
This angel has a little hook in his
hand and there lias been much conjec-
ture as to its identity. 1 lie little hook is
taken h\ |ohu and eaten. It was sweet
at Inst and bitter later. It has heen
called the title- deed to the earth. Others
have thought it was the prophetic por-
tion of the Book of Daniel. In the face
of the lack of identity we may assume
that the Lord will reveal its meaning in
His own time and way.
The angel declares that there shall be
time (delay) no longer, and that the
mystery of Go'd will be finished with the
sounding ol the seventh trumpet. If the
word "time" is used here as it is else-
where in Revelation, then it could mean
that the judgments will all be over with-
in less than a year of time.
In chapter 11:1-13 we have some new
things that are different from anything
formerly seen by John.
He is told to measure the "temple of
God, the altar, and them that worship
therein." This parenthetic portion is
evidently taking John back to the veiv
beginning of tbe tribulation period be-
cause the Antichrist or beast is not yet
officially repealed, but he is to lead the
Gentiles tor forty-two months, which is
1,260 days or three and one-half years.
Men are born for one another.
Bear with thy neighbor, there-
fore, or teach him belter. — Mar-
cus Aurelius.
Next it is revealed that there are two
witnesses, later called two prophets who
represent God in the city of Jerusalem,
"spiritually called Sodom and Egypt."
during this period of forty-two months.
These men are also called the two olive
trees and the two candlesticks standing
before the God of the earth.
These prophets are miracle workers.
One has the power to smite the earth
with plagues as often as he will. The
other shuts up the heaven that it rains
not during the time of his prophecy. Do
they prophesy for forty-two months be-
fore the Antichrist is revealed, and as
soon as he is revealed, he kills the proph-
ets? Or does part of their ministry over-
lap considerably with the Antichrist? 1
do not know the answer, inasmuch as
they are described in the parenthetic
peiicxl and consequently we do not know
how they lit into the chronology of the
sei ics ot plagues.
Who are these prophets? They are not
named and therefore we cannot name
them with absolute certainty. We do
know that Moses smote the earth with
plagues while he was here. We also
know- that Elijah litciallv shut up the
heaven that it rained not lot three years
and a hall. Will it he Moses and Elijah!
Certainly 11 would he within the realm
ol possibility, and what these prophets
have done to a disobedient and wicked
people, they could easih repeat
Vgain, we know that Moses and Elijah
appeared on the Mount ol rransfigura
tion and talked with oui l ord about the
decease that He would accomplish .11
Jerusalem. Vctsc S speaks ol the same
thing that Moses and Elijah spoke about
on the mount.
Further we are told by Peter (who was
forbidden by our Lord to tell of the
Transfiguration incident until after the
resurrection of Christ) under the inspira-
tion of the Holv Ghost that the Trans-
figuration scene was a preview of the
second coming and kingdom of Jesus
Christ. Matt. 16:28; II Pet. 1:16-18.
These prophets are slain by the beast
and their bodies are left lying on the
street of Jerusalem for 3j days after
which they are raised to life and ascend
into heaven in response to the invitation,
"come up hither."
The merriment of the impenitent
earth-dwellers (11:10) over the dead
prophets is short-lived. The witness of
God through the prophets was a torment
to the people. What will these people
think when they reach the lake of fire
because of their rejection of the Gospeb
Elements of the Effectual
Christian Testimony
By Moses G. Gehman
The love of God is the essence of the
true witness. The vital Christian testi-
mony, such as God can bless, is first and
foremost that reciprocal love, flowing
from God to man, from man to God,
' shed abroad in our hearts by the Holv
Ghost which is given unto us," transmit-
ted from heart to heart, God as love the
source, man the medium. This love of
God binds together, not only two or
three, but the whole Church of Jesus
Christ, by it is "knit together in love."
Love is that heavenly virtue "which
binds everything together in perfect
harmony."
A lip testimony without this divine
essential, says Paul, is "sounding brass,
or a tinkling cymbal." The love that
gives weight to one's testimony never
reckons. "Christ loved the church and
gave himself for it." We need to be bap-
tized with that sacrificial love (Mark
10:39) which Jesus alone can give before
we can have an effectual testimony for
Him. The disciple who well may have
heard and felt the heartbeats of Jesus
(John 13:23-25) in a later day wrote:
"Hereby perceive we the love of God.
because he laid down his life for us:
and we ought to lay down our lives for
the brethren." Only as the church is
leadv to give as Christ gave can a world
"dead in trespasses and sin" be recon-
ciled to God. Again, let us hear our Lord
speak: "A new commandment I give
unto vou. That ye love one another: as
1 have loved you, that ye also love one
another. bv this shall all men know that
ye are mv disciples, if ye have love one
to another." Love gives life to one's tes-
timonv. whether given by lip, pen, or
general deportment. Says one: "If thou
neglectest thy love to thv neighbor, in
vain thou professest thv love to God; for
by thv love to God thy love to thy neigh-
February p, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
127
Dear heavenly Father,
We come to Thee with gratitude tor
the many blessings Thou hast given us.
Help us to use these gifts in service lor
Thee to others.
We thank Thee lor the inspiration we
receive from the study of Thy Word.
May this inspiration be translated into
more dynamic Christian living for the
alvation of others.
Help us to develop more fully our
opacities to love and serve Thee by fill-
ing us with Thy love. Give us greater
understanding and sympathy for the
jroblems of others. May our daily per-
onal contacts leave a greater testimony
or Thee.
We thank Thee for "the hope that
ieth within us" to inspire us as we daily
'press toward the mark ... of the high
railing ... in Christ Jesus."— Ellen B.
Kauflman.
A Prayer for This Week
jor is begotten, and by the love to thy
neighbor, thy love to God is nourished."
Therefore, let us love, give and forgive,
tor love is of God, yea, "GOD IS LOVE."
Another essential for a real Christian
estimony lies in the fact that the chil-
dren of God "pray one for another."
This prayer concern is mutual as far as
he love of God is shed abroad in the
hearts of church members. The human
>ide of every consecrated preacher of the
Word cries out with Paul: "Brethren,
pray for us." A second time he calls on
the same church, "Finally, brethren,
pray for us that the word of the Lord
may have free course." As the channel
of mutual prayer is open the Word of
God finds lodging in the hearts of such
as are seeking for the truth. The prayer-
ful preacher will always recognize those
who are (II Cor. 1:11) "helpers in
prayer." Every group worshiping the
true God in the true way has such. We
need more. God bless every "helper in
prayer," though unsung or unheard they
may be! The congregation and the min-
istry are to blend their prayers (Rom.
15:30) together in behalf of the cause of
Christ: "Now I beseech you, brethren,
for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for
the love of the Spirit, that ye strive to-
gether with me in your prayers to God
for me."
So also the God-anointed minister will
pour out his heart in true prayer over
, his congregation, in private and in pub-
j lie, in behalf of the spiritual depth and
1 edification of every individual member
in his flock. Our Lord, as in everything
else, sets the example of prayer inter-
cession. John 17. The apostles besought
and interceded in behalf of Christ's fol-
lowers (Ephesians, Colossians, etc.).
Love toward God, love for "one anoth-
er" as children of God, coupled with
"Love your enemies, bless them that
curse you, do good to them that hate you,
and pray for them which despitelully
use you, and persecute you"— warm love
and fervent prayer will give a might}
impetus to the Gospel message as it is
heralded forth by the church militant.
A third and innate retpjisite for the
strengthening ol the Christian's testi-
mony is that we assemble ourselves to-
gether and exhort "one another: so much
the more as ye see the day approaching."
No Christian can remain alive spiritual-
ly outside the assembly of the saints
where such a fellowship is at all possible.
"It is not good that the man should be
alone" applies to the saint relation as
well as husband and wife relation, of
whom it was first spoken. Such as would
retain the fear of God in their hearts
must walk with them that fear Him.
To mold one's character after the good-
ness of God, and to get the lull blessing
of the assembly of holy Christians we
must needs, as did Paul, enter into "the
fellowship of his [Christ's] suffering."
Using the words of another: "Happy is
the heart to whom God has given enough
strength and courage to suffer for Him,
to find happiness in simplicity and the
happiness of others." The greatest truths
are ever known through the heart; hence
the need of being "with him" in close
fellowship if we would go forth in effec-
tive witness. Our Lord ordained twelve,
that they should be "with him"; then
(Mark 3:13, 14) He "sent them forth."
Being thus with Him, heart spoke to
heart and they learned more of His mis-
sion in the world than they could have
gotten in any other way. In suflei ing and
service we learn real fellowship with
Jesus. God says: "He that walketh with
wise men shall be wise." Nothing bless-
es one's heart more for effective testi-
mony than the "assembling of ourselves
together" on the Lord's day.
Nothing so mars the testimony, and
very often causes the Christian to lose
his testimony entirely, as does the free
mingling with people of the world, sole-
ly on a business, social, political, or any
material enterprise. The Word says: " \
companion of fools shall be destroyed."
The Christian in the worldly group for
the sake of the company "is a cake not
turned." The prophet Hosea further
says of such mixed gatherings (7:9):
"Ephraim, he hath mixed himself among
the people .... Strangers have devoured
his strength, and he knoweth it not: yea,
gray hairs are here and there upon him,
yet he knoweth it not." The secret of an
effective Christian testimony in this area
is given by Paul to the Corinthian
church: "Come out from among them,
and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and
touch not the unclean thing."
As children of our heavenly Father,
let us "love one another," "pray one for
Prayer Requests —
1 Requests for this column must be sigmd)
Pray for Bro. J. D. Graber, that he may
have sale journeying, and that he may
be able to bring real blessing to our
foreign mission churches.
Pray that the Lord will find the doctor
so badly needed in Puerto Rico work.
Pray that Sister Aha Housour may secure
her visa for Indonesia, where she
hopes to teach in a Bible school of the
Evangelize China Fellowship.
Pray for a mother with a number ol
small children who is severely tempted
of Satan.
Pray for an unsaved husband and fa-
ther, that he may be united in the
Spirit and service of God with his
family.
another," assemble ourselves together,
and "exhort one another," and our tes-
timony for our Jesus will be honored
by Him.
Denver, Pa.
Don't Blame My Hands
Thomas K. Beecher despised deceit in
any form. Finding that a clock in his
church was habitually too fast or too
slow, he hung a placard on the wall above
it, reading in large letters: "Don't blame
my hands— the trouble lies deeper."
That is where the trouble lies with US
when our hands do wrong, or our feet, or
our lips, or our thoughts. The trouble
lies so deep that only God's miracle pow-
er can deal with it. Sin goes deep; but
Christ goes deeper and changes the heart
and the will. -Selected.
Lingering Blessing
By Edna M. Mcrtz
How the blessing must have lingered
On each bowed disciple's head;
Then the Great Commission's challenge,
"Go ye, witness in my stead."
Yes, the blessing surely lingered,
Thrilling those on Olivet.
Down the years of time it echoed;
In our hearts it lingers yet.
Ft. Wayne, Ind.
128
GOSPEL HERALD
February p, 1954
OUR SCHOOLS
Principles of Christian Courtesy
By Mrs. Justus Holsinger
A Hesston College Chapel Talk
Courtesy has been defined as respect
for the rights and feelings of others.
It demands that we should never neglect
the small acts ol kindness and polite
forms of correct conduct. Courtesy there-
fore is the foundation ol all good man-
ners.*
Courtesy is respect for the rights and
feelings of others. What does this mean?
I believe it may be compared as being
toward man what reverence is toward
God. When we think of God— His infi-
nite power, His absolute knowledge, His
eternal goodness, His loving care of
individuals like you and me— we cannot
help being filled with a leeling of rev-
erence. Just so, when we think of other
persons— strangers, friends, family, fel-
low students, teachers— and try to consid-
er what really are their rights and feel-
ings, we cannot help being filled with
a feeling of respect, and that respect
becomes courtesy in our behavior.
Courtesy, therefore, being respect for
the rights and feelings of others, rights
and feelings similar to our own, demands
the observation of the Golden Rule:
"Whatsoever ye would that men should
do to you, do ye even so to them." You
want other motorists to dim their lights;
so you dim yours. You want room to
eat comfortably at the table; so you
avoid crowding others. You like to have
your friends introduce you to those
whom you do not know; so you also in-
troduce your friends to others. You like
to have others show appreciation to you;
so you show appreciation. These exam-
ples show the Golden Rule in action in
courtesy; you respect the rights and feel-
ings of others as you want them to re-
spect yours.
Now if courtesy is observing the Gold
en Ride, one would surely expect Chris-
tians to be the most courteous people on
earth but are they? We all know main
fine Christian people who arc examples
Of courtesy, but we must also admit that
many Christians sadly la(k courtesy.
Some even seem to pride themselves on
rudeness and crudeness as though the)
feel that courtesy is worldly and there
lore to be avoided. 1 once knew a mini-*
tei who apparently prided himsell on his
passion foi souls, a desire to see them
saved from eternal death, and yet he
wen! out on the highway disregarding
not only the laws ol courtesy, but also
the laws ol the Btate, and a< tually en
dangered the lives ol many people. Some
Christians are rude and tactless in theii
speech, priding themselves on telling the
truth, and leave a trail ol hurl feelings
on their Way. Certainly it is a very great
discourtesy to ridicule or otherwise em-
barrass another person in the presence of
a group, and yet how often we find Chris-
tians doing this very thing. In another
instance a family who had been invited
to a meal at the home of Iriends not onlv
neglected to come after accepting the
invitation but even failed to make the
slightest apology to their hosts. Some
Christians demand first and special at-
tention in shops and offices and stores,
often asking for unnecessary favors, ap-
parently to display their own impor-
tance.
You might add other and more strik-
ing instances, but 1 think that these will
show that too often we Christians are
not the most courteous people on earth,
and when we fail, why is it? Instead of
observing respect for the rights and feel-
ings of others, which is the basis for good
manners, we follow the law of bad man-
ners, and that is the law of self alone-
self-assertion, self-importance, self-grati-
fication. Bad manners focus attention on
self, but good manners never make an
individual conspicuous.
The Bible gives a number of direct
commands to observe courtesy, of which
I want to quote just three: "Finally, be
ye all of one mind, having compassion
one of another, love as brethren, be piti-
ful, be courteous: not rendering evil for
evil, or railing for railing: but contrari-
wise blessing; knowing that ye are there-
unto called, that ye should inherit a
blessing" (1 Pet. 3:8, lJ).
"And the servant of the Lord must
not strive; but be gentle unto all men,
apt to teach, patient" (II Tim. 2:24).
"Remind them to be submissive to
rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to
be ready for any honest woik, to speak
evil ol no one, to avoid quarreling, to be
gentle, and to show perfect courtesy
toward all men" (Titus 3:1, RS> |.
We have been speaking of courtesy as
it is generally thought ol in society, but
I was asked to speak on Christian cour-
tesy. What is Christian COUTtesy? Is it
different from worldly courtesy? Is it
more, or less? Jesus in the Sermon on
the Mount mentions the COUTtesy of the
publicans and sinners, lecogni/ing that
lliev observed the common courtesv ol
greeting each other according to the 'cus-
tom ol thai dav. lint (hen He challenges
His disciples with words like these: "If
you do only what others do, what do vou
moir than they? He ye pcr\cct. as vour
heavenlv Lithei is perfect in His kind-
ness, even to the unjust."
We have said before that the observ-
ance ol courtesv implies the use of the
(.olden Rule. Is it possible that Jesus
would ask of us more than that? Let us
note llis words immediately alter giving
the Golden Rule: ". . . for this is the law
and the prophets." I believe that Jesus
has given to us a way of life that is even
above the law, and' that is the way of
love. It would surely be courteous to
give a coat if it were asked of us— but
what does Jesus say? It would be cour-
teous to go one mile if it were asked of
us— but what does Jesus say? It seems to
me therefore that where courtesy is re-
spect for the rights and feelings of oth-
ers, Christian courtesy must go higher
and include love for others. That means
wanting lor others more than I want or
expect; it means doing more than I
would have done to me.
Here is a pertection for which we all
need to strive, and to which one can
never attain as long as there is his own
self demanding to be loved. This love is
more important to Christian courtesv
than a knowledge of all the polite ac-
cepted forms of behavior for all circum-
stances. I believe that an individual mav
be completely untrained in etiquette
and its polite forms, yet if that person is
filled to overflowing with love for God
and his fellow man, his acts will be acts
of courtesy. Love for others makes for
good manners, but love for self is the
basis of bad manners.
What are the characteristics of Chris-
tian courtesv? With love as its basis, its
characteristics will be those of love,
which are when to us in I Cor. 13:4-8.
O
Christian courtesy is patient. When
your work and study do not produce the
results you expect, when others seem
unable to see your viewpoint, are vou
patient?
Christian courtesv is kind. Are you
considerate of a new student and willing
to go out of vour way to help him or
anyone else who has difficultv adjusting
to class or campus life?
Christian courtesy is not jealous. If
others have more dates, or better grades,
or get the positions you wanted in school
organizations, are vou jealous? Christian
courtesy is not boastful. Do you boast
of your accomplishments in the class-
room or on the ball field? Christian
courtesv is not arrogant. 11 you have
more money, a better car, or carry great-
er responsibilitv than the next person,
are you arrogant? Christian courtesy is
not rude. When someone asks a perfect-
ly sell-evident question, or it is your
duty to criticize, are you tactful?
Christian courtesy does not insist on
its own wav. If vour roommate prefers
to do things differently, to go to bed at
a different time, or il vou can not agree
on how wide to open your window, do
vou insist on your own way? Christian
courtesv is not irritable. Even when vou
are tired, or not feeling well, or loaded
down with work, can you maintain a
sweet disposition? Christian courtesy is
not resentful. When the decision goes
against you on the ball field, or you are
left out of activities, do vou hold a
grudge? Christian courtesy does not re-
joue in wrong. Do you get a certain kick
(Continued on pag* 141)
February g, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
TEACHING THE WORD
Religious Education— An Answer
to Modern Social and Religious
Conditions
By Horst Geri.ach
I German student now attending E.M.C.]
In almost every circle of the various Chris-
tian denominations it is known that religious
education is the most important part of the
church of today. In Germany we say: "Was
Hanschen nicht lernt, lernt Hans nimmer
mehr!" (What little Jack does not learn big
John will never learn.) Of course, there is
no rule without exceptions, and so it is in
this case. Rut this word has a lot of truth in
it. Although most circles which are responsi-
ble for the welfare of the church know that
religious education is very important, not
everybody acts that way.
If we look back into the Old Testament
history, we will always find that the Israelites
became idol worshipers and neglecters of the
faith of their forefathers when they were
neglecting the teaching of the Word of God
to their children. If we look to the success
of the Counter Reformation, we have to ad-
mit that the Catholic Church gained a big
territory of former Protestantism back, be-
cause they started to teach their followers
better and put a larger emphasis on teaching.
They used, of course, different methods, but
their main success was because of teaching.
If we look at Communism as one of the non-
Christian religions, we have to admit that
there are many more Communists in the
world than all of the Christians put together.
Nobody today is going to say they gained
their membership because they rested after
their revolutionary wars, but we again have
to admit that it was because of the teaching.
If we look to the evangelization of Europe
in the seventh and eighth centuries A.D., we
find that Europe became Christianized
through the teaching influence of different
monks who worked in Northern Europe as
missionaries.
Tf we have now proved through various
examples what teaching has produced in the
Christian Church and in other areas, we
should be able to transfer that to our situa-
tions today. If we only study history to know
history, tben we mark history as a dead
science. Rut if we try to make an applica-
tion with the things we have learned through
history, history can and should be a living
science for us and should be a very valuable
aid in our future decisions. History is going
to prove whether we have adjusted ourselves
to that fact or not today.
Having presented the historical facts, we
have to look into the Rible. whether there
is anything about teaching or not. There
is. for instance in Matt. 28:20, a verse where
our Lord and Master commands us to go
and teach all nations. Since this command-
ment was given about 2,000 years ago, much
time has passed by, and yet we know today
that not even half the world's population has
been taught. One reason for this is that
teaching of religion is not the easiest thing
in the world. Another reason is that wc
don't have enough volunteers who would
like to go and who would be able to go. A
third reason is the fact that we seem not to
have enough money to back missionaries
the way they should be supported as far as
finances are concerned. The fourth and last
reason is that people through all ages have
hardened their hearts against the teaching of
religion and that especially in our time
science doesn't seem to harmonize with re-
ligion as far as the "smart" people are con-
cerned.
These are facts which seem to be very dis-
couraging, but they are no reason to give up.
It always has been proved that the Christian
power rises with difficulties and that we get
weaker when everything yoes smoothly.
Another question is. Who should be the
object of religious education? Christ says
all nations, and wc start arguing that we
can't get into the countries behind the "iron
curtain." The door has been shut in some of
them for quite a while, and some have closed
the door recently. One reason that the doors
were shut is probably the fact that the church
did not take the part in those countries which
she was supposed to take, but instead favored
the upper class and did not help everybody.
Another reason is that the church had be-
come too formal and had grown over the
people instead of staying on the people's
level. Rut we still have enough open coun-
tries, so far as borders are concerned, where
missionaries can go in. There is still room
enough to expand one of the biggest mis-
sionary programs the world has ever seen.
If then our concern and our pocketbook
should not be big enough to run foreign mis-
sions, there is still plenty of room left at
home. Riizht next door where our neighbor
lives and of course in our home church there
are opportunities.
Tn general we find three different types
of people as far as age is concerned. Older
people and especially older women enjoy the
Gospel very much. The middle-aqed and
especiallv bovs and girls in the upper teen
ace think there is still quite a while till
eternitv. and cive themselves to enjoyment,
rather than to religion. The third class are
the children in various aces below fourteen.
Children are in cerieral vcrV cnsv to t"cb:
of course it takes patience and a eood meth-
od, but still it is the best time to teach some-
one something.
Havinc observed all those facts we should
come to the answer of our theme. The tecb-
nioues of livine are cettinc farther ahead
each day. Machines are found and improved
each dav. Thev make work easier and fas-
ter. The result is that labor unions and other
129
organization demand shorter work hours at
the same or higher pay rate. In most cases
it is granted to them. With the great ad-
vance of having fewer working hours at
the same pay rate, the people find that they
have more time for recreation. They are
looking for something to entertain them-
selves for the rest of the day. The recreation
industry did not watch this situation with
her hands in her pockets, but started to de-
velop something that gave the people some
kind of satisfaction. Anyhow it appeared
that way. Since there was not always the
best staff offered, the people were led away
from God and His church. Our answer
should be to let the church step into this
open space and teach the people the knowl-
edge of God and the knowledge of the risen
Saviour. Let the church sharpen the ap-
petite of each individual for spiritual things
so that wc might be able to find satisfaction
in them.
Alcohol, nicotine, and other unhealthy
products make up each year a bigger part
in the general expenses of the average per
son. The result is a neglect of the body's
need in favor of its pleasure. But man knows
the way out of that. He tries to get some of
his money back again, either through crook-
ed business or through stealing. The papers
are full each week of bark holdups, auto
stealing, and even government officials in-
volved in corrupt affairs. What is God's
answer to this problem? "Thou shalt not
steal," says God in His commandments.
What is the church's answer in this matter?
Teach the people to keep the commandments
and follow the Lord.
In the last forty years two world wars and
more than thirtv smaller, but equally terrible
wars, have shaken this earth. People of all
nations were taught to hate their neighbors.
Millions of soldiers were trained to handle
weapons to kill other people. Medals of
honor and promotion were granted to those
who were able to report a high rate of killed
enemies. Thousands of soldiers were per-
secuted if they did not participate in this
cruel business. Rillions of dollars were wast-
ed to produce high-power propaganda ma-
terial to make people more hateful. Each
war did finally come to an end, although
none of them settled problems, but instead
brought new ones. Millions of soldiers who
were taught that killing was the highest aim
in life found themselves useless at home and
could not adjust themselves to the new con-
ditions. The result was that they went back
to their old trade, but using it now on their
fellow man, and we find that the murder
cases are rising each year. Millions of police-
men over the world are hunting for murder
ers. The answer in this case is to teach the
people to love their neighbors and stay awav
from war and get reconciled with God. That
is a very big field where religious education
is the only answer.
Furthermore, war and the growing up of
Communism has brought up a big hate
amonc nations and continents. It has been
proved that MacCarthyism. big speeches, and
force are powerless aspinst people who have
the devil in their hearts. Relicious education
(Continued on page 141)
130
GOSPEL HERALD
February
9> 1954
FAMILY CIRCLE
Who Profits Most?
Who profits most? Tis not the man
Who, grasping every coin he can,
Unscrupulously crushes down
His weaker neighbor with a frown.
He is not worthy of his trust,
And friendless, knows his gold is dust.
He loses what he sought to gain,
And finds instead of pleasure, pain.
Who profits most? It is not he
Of life's great opportunity,
He is not mourned — why should he be? —
Who shirks responsibility,
Who hermit-like himself withdraws
To live apart from human flaws,
To scoff at mortal frailties?
He turns away — no vision sees.
Who profits most? It is the man
Who gives a boost where'er he can;
Who's on the square in all that's done,
And trusts and helps the other one,
Who puts his task above mere self,
And values friends and counts them wealth.
Who profits most? Is that your quest?
It is the man who serves the best.
—Anonymous in "Sunshine Magazine."
Vital Statistics Report
By Ammon Kaufman
Births
In the fourth quarter of 1953 the Gos-
pel Herald reported 472 births. Five
adoptions were reported. Only 3 sets of
twins, one of sons, and two of son and
daughter, or one set for every 157 single
births, were reported.
Largest family reported was 15 chil-
dren. Given names numbered 165 males
and 169 females. Used most (male) Dale
15; Daniel 10; David 19; James 17; John
10; Lee 13; Robert 12; Ray 19; Richard
10; Wayne 10; (female) Ann 30; Jean 18:
Kay 17; Linda 10; Marie 17; Ruth 12.
I.ea, Lee, Lynn, Robin, and Kav were
used Eor both sexes. Family names num
bered 258. Yoders led with 26, Followed
by the usual names.
For the year 1958 births averaged
nearly 5 per day. Twenty scis ol twins
were reported oi one Eoi ever) 85 single
i>ii ilis. (8 1 is national avei age.)
Days with highest number <>i births:
March 25, June 27, Sept, IS, and Oct, 16,
cadi with 12; Dei . 29, 1 1 i Feb. 1 I and
April 3. 25; June 20. Sept. 12. and Nov.
22, each 10; eighteen days had only cue
and L!.r> Only two births. Jan. 25, March
9, Aug. 13, Sept. 19. and Nov. 9 had n<>
births.
Ma rriagrs
Marriages numbered 163, with 120
held in churches, chapels, mission ita
tions, and one in a banquet hall; by 107
bishops and ministers. Only five officials
had five or more weddings. For the year,
Sept. 5 had 13 weddings, followed by
June 6, 20, each 12; June 27, Aug. 15,
each 11; and Oct. 10, 10. One hundred
and forty days reported no weddings.
Two hundred and ninety-four bishops
and ministers (five reports missed the
official's name) officiated at these 624
weddings. H. E. Lutz had 16; Elmer G.
Martin 15; Henry Nauman 12; Homer
Bomberger, J. Paul Graybill, Roy S.
Koch, and Mahlon Witmer, each 1 1 ; and
Moses K. Horst 10.
Deaths
Deaths number 142 for the quarter.
One son and one daughter were still-
born. Fourteen deaths resulted from acci-
dents (10 auto, 3 drowning, 1 fall). One
bishop, one minister, and 3 deacons were
reported. These people lived a total of
9,001 y. 2 m., or an average of 63 y. 10 m.
2 d. Seventy-seven or 55 per cent lived
beyond 70 years.
Average age for the year was 64 y.
9 m. 1 d. (Average national age 68.)
Three hundred and seventeen, or 56 per
cent, lived beyond 70 years. The church
lost 7 bishops, 7 ministers, and 7 deacons,
and had 28 deaths by accidents during
the year.
Deaths by Ages
4th
qu. yr.
Age not given 1 5
Under one year 4 31
1-9 4 10
10-19 8 16
20-20 4 12
30-30 4 13
40-49 i 2 15
50-50 17 53
00-09 20 or,
70-79 40 141
80-89 31 141
00 99 7 29
100- 0 1
142 502
Itirths. Marriage*. Deaths
4th 4th 4th
qu. yr. qu. yr. qu. vr.
No. data 4 4 13 18
Jan. 1 137 0 32 1 50
Fob. A 124 2 41 1 53
March 1 127 0 42 0 48
April I 127 3 51 3 55
Mnv R 122 3 52 3 43
June 9 137 7 87 1 41
Jul} 22 102 t 40 4 43
Air,-. 12 108 17 02 15 41
Sept. 122 152 42 55 38 44
Oct. IBB 170 50 05 37 42
Nov. 88 137 33 50 35 50
Dec 14 151 1 44 3 49
IV) tab 472 1700 103 024 142 502
By Slates, Provinces, and Foreign Countries
ltlrlhs Marriages Deaths
lih 4th 4th
qu. yr. qu. yr. qu. yr.
Place do!
given 3 0 1 2 0 0
Ala. 13 0 1 0 0
Ari«. 0 1 0 0 0 2
Ark. 14 0 0 0 1
Calif. 2 7 13 0 2
OOBB. 2 4 0 0 0 0
Colo.
6
10
0
2
0
o
Del.
1
15
0
3
0
0
Fla.
2
9
0
2
1
2
Ga.
0
1
0
0
0
0
Idaho
2
0
0
3
0
1
DOL
27
91
3
18
7
37
Ind.
48
104
21
08
10
55
Iowa
21
09
8
31
8
30
Kans.
11
42
3
13
4
15
Ky.
2
6
0
0
0
0
La.
0
1
0
0
0
1
Md.
10
49
4
15
2
10
Mich.
18
53
2
11
5
10
Minn.
3
10
0
4
0
0
Miss.
5
10
0
0
0
1
Mo.
7
15
0
3
2
10
Mont.
1
11
0
1
0
1
Nebr.
12
32
2
8
8
10
N. Mex.
0
0
0
0
0
1
NY.
7
32
8
15
2
8
N. Dak.
1
6
1
1
0
1
Ohio
50
200
27
73
28
87
Okla.
2
5
2
2
2
3
Oreg.
14
51
2
10
6
17
Pa.
100
590
00
235
39
102
Tenn.
1
2
0
0
0
0
Texas
0
0
1
1
0
1
Va.
20
79
5
27
4
14
Vt.
0
2
0
1
0
0
Wash.
0
1
0
0
0
0
W. Va.
2
2
0
2
0
5
Wis.
1
2
0
0
0
0
Alta.
4
12
2
9
2
5
Ont.
10
70
9
49
6
50
Sask.
0
2
0
1
0
1
Argentina
1
1
0
0
0
0
I: i^f f" q Tf ! n
LCBIH XVI Lil
o
1
o
ft
n
u
Ethiopia
0
2
0
1
0
i
France
0
0
0
1
0
0
Germany
0
0
0
1
0
0
Mexico
1
1
0
0
0
0
Puerto Rico
1
5
1
1
0
0
Switzerland
0
1
0
0
0
0
472
1700
103
024
142
502
Summary of five years
Births Marriages Deaths
1949
1277
599
543
1950
1400
041
588
1951
1595
712
540
1952
1S79
674
591
1953
1700
024
502
Vital statistics reveal some interesting
facts.
Mennonites are liv ing in 37 states, and
about half of the other 1 1 have Men-
nonites or Amish residents, but no re-
ports come from them.
Births are reported much more
promptly than the others. 624 marriages
are a little more than one to a congrega-
tion in the Mennonite Church. If not
reported the newlv weds are deprived of
a year's free subscription to our Gospel
Herald. Some large congregations re-
port very few marriages, which is shown
liv the names of the officiating ministers.
Are thev losing their voting people? \
number of our I-W brethren are getting
married. The church leaders should
make special effort to get the GoSPEl
1 [erai d to them.
Obituaries should be reported prompt-
1\ because murk alwavs relatives in oth-
er states are anxious to get the informa-
tion.
Davids* ille. Pa.
Man is no mere unit of societv or digit
in a state's total population, but is indi-
vidually the object of divine love and
mercv. and, when redeemed, is the sub-
ject of delight and rejoicing in heaven.
— Erland Waltner.
February 9, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
TO BE NEAR TO GOD
Sunday, February 14
Read Eph. 3:14 21.
A lady in London tells us that she could no
longer stand the strain of her many duties,
and had a nervous collapse. An unutterable
depression filled her mind, and for weeks
she suffered from physical and mental weak-
ness. One day she read that if a straw were
laid in the Gulf Stream in line with its
currents, the essential quality of the Gulf
Stream water will flow through the straw.
It occurred to her to wonder whether, if
a human life should put itself willingly in
the flow of God's spiritual power, all of that
power should not in essence pass with healing
strength through that life. She determined
to try it. She placed herself mind and spirit
in the direction of the flow of God's power.
Not all at once, but presently, like dawn steal-
ing across the darkened world, the quiet
strength of God came into her life, endowing
her with vitality and amazing capacity for
outstanding constructive work.
Monday, February 15
Read Col. 1:21-29.
A certain congressman once voted for a
mischievous measure. He knew that he was
wrong, but he stifled his better judgment
in obedience to the demands of influential
persons. Not long afterward, while on a
visit to his home, he met an old friend on the
street. After they had exchanged greetings,
the friend frankly told the law-maker how
disappointed he was with that vote. "You
voted wrong on the question, John," said
the friend. "You surely knew it was wrong.
How did you happen to vote that way?"
"Well, yes," admitted the congressman, red-
dening. "I'm afraid it was not the right way
to vote. But you have no idea what pressure
was brought to bear on me!" "Pressure!"
echoed the friend. "But, man, where were
your inside braces?" No character is strong
that is not reinforced with inflexible princi-
ples and convictions — "inside braces."
Tuesday, February 16
Read Neh. 8:9-12.
D. L. Moody once noticed that many of
his students were sad. "I am quite sure,"
said Charles Alexander, "that I was one of
them, for I had been studying that sentence
in the New Testament where it says that
every idle word shall be accounted for. I
had usually been of a lively disposition, try-
ing to cheer the fellow who was disheartened,
but when I began to study that verse I
thought I was wrong. I had been trying to
get my face so that no smile would ever come
upon it. In one of his morning talks Mr.
Moody said, 'Do not think that this verse
means that you shall never have a happy
word. A cheerful word is not an idle word.'
So I became cheerful in the Lord's work from
that time on."
Our Lord says, "Be of good cheer ....
My joy I leave with you that your joy might
be full."
Yet deeper, if a calmer |oy
The Father's love shall raise,
And every heart find sweet employ
In His eternal praise.
Wednesday, February 17
Read Acts 7:1-10.
"The God of glory," what a descriptive
term! The sight of God given to Abraham
called him out of his environment, from his
interests and objects, from his friends and
relatives, from everything in the world. "He
went forth, not knowing whither he went."
Abraham did not know the way, but God
had said, "I will show you the land." He
went out in the obedience of faith. If we
went out in that way at our very first start
with fhe Lord Jesus, it was the obedience of
faith. If we follow on, at the end of our
way "the God of glory" will "present . . .
f us 1 faultless before the presence of his
glory with exceeding joy."
The God of heaven praise.
At whose supreme command.
From earth I rise and seek my ioyr
At His right hand.
He calls me to forsake
Earth's wisdom, fame, and power.
And Him my only portion make
My shield and tower.
Thursday, February 18
Read Ezek. 36:26-28 and I Cor. 5:17.
To hew a block of marble from the quarry
and carve it into a noble statue; to break up
the wilderness and turn it into lovely flowers:
to melt the lump of iron and forge it into
watch springs: all these are mighty changes.
Yet they come short of the change which
every child of Adam requires, for they are
merely the same thing in new form, the
same substance in new shape. But man
needs a change as great as a resurrection
from the dead. He must become a new
creature. Old things must pass away, and
all things must become new. He must be
born again, born from above, born of God.
Not a stain: a new creation:
Ours is such a full salvation:
Low we how in adoration —
Tnside the veil.
Friday, February 19
Read I Cor. 1:21. 22: 5:5: John 14:15-17.
Righteousness is not wrought out for us,
but it is wrought out within us — fulfilled in
us. The blessed Spirit first disentangles the
marble block from its native quarry — that is
His great work in regeneration. But having
done that. He proceeds to His positive work
of bringing that block into conformity to the
imaee of Christ. As the sculptor produces in
the liberated block of marble the very image
of the person he represents, so the Spirit by
"working" produces in you and in me, in
His own matchless way. His own image — the
"new man, which after God is created in
righteousness and true holiness" (Eph. 4:24).
(Continued on page 141)
IS I
A MAN SEES THE LIGHT
Sunday School Lesson for February 21
(John 9)
A man is excommunicated from the syna-
gogue, from the Jewish religion. As today,
as always, such an act occasions much talk.
The disciples, parents, the neighbors, the
Pharisees, and the Jews arc interested in this
man.
Who was the man they put out? From
birth till he was of age he had not seen with
his natural eyes. Perhaps he had seen many
things with his spiritual eyes, especially since
Jesus had come to his country. One day as
Jesus passed by, His loving eye fell on this
blind man, a beggar no doubt. Jesus saw in
him a great opportunity to present Himself
as the Light of man.
How was he healed of his blindness?
Notice the simple faith and the simple meth-
od. Hut what a thrilling experience! Can
we imagine it? Surely his parents and
neighbors would be excited along with him.
And it was natural that all people would be
curious, for this was not known that a man
born blind could get eyes with which to see.
Why should such a great kindness lead to
excommunication5 The divisive issue was
Jesus. What did the man with new eyes
think of Jesus, and what did the Pharisees
think?
Trace the steps that led to the healed man's
belief in Jesus. "A man called Jesus." "a
prophet," "if ... not of God he could do
nothing," "who is he. Lord5" "I believe,"
"he worshipped him." And there a cour-
ageous testimony for Christ. This man ma-
tured in his personal faith in Jesus so that he
received salvation. He had eyes to sec and
to him Jesus gave life. And in faith he
worshiped. It is a beautiful story of the
growth of faith.
In great contrast do the Pharisees stand
out. They were morally and spiritually blind
and would not have their eyes opened. Jesus
tried so often to heal them. They were really
in a dilemma. He had violated the Sabbath.
Therefore He was a sinner. But how could a
man cut off from God perform such a mira-
cle? They heard the voice of experience, a
very clear testimony, but would give God the
glory and not the man Jesus. The longer
the controversy continued the more angry
they became, until they in rage cast him out.
What was their blindness? One would
think even a child could see the light in this
case. Thev didn't want to believe, because
Jesus' teaching undermined their traditions
and rules. "None so blind as thev who will
not see." Thev were too proud to learn
truth. "Dost thou teach us?" I doubt if they
ever forcot the man's unanswerable testi-
monv. "One thing I know, that, whereas
T was blind, now I see."
Jesus cave a great revelation of Himself
as the Son of God. and at least one man
was born into the new kingdom. How Jesus
must have wept at the darkness of the rest!
— Alta Mae Erb.
Lesson based on "International Sundav School Les-
«ons: the Internttional Bible Lessons tor Christian
Teaching." copyrighted 1951 by the Division of Chris-
tian Education National Council of the Churches of
Christ in the U.S.A.
132
GOSPEL HERALD
February 9, 1954
FIELD NOTES
Items to appear in this column for any issue of the
following Tuesday must reach Scottdaie by Wednes-
day morning.
Bro. W. R. Hershberger, bishop of the
Sycamore Grove congregation, Garden City,
Mo., passed away as a result of a stroke on
Wednesday, Jan. 27. The funeral was held
on Jan. 30. Our condolences are extended
to the bereft family and congregation.
The annual Christian Life Conference was
held at the Johnstown Bible School on Feb.
6, 7. Guest speaker was Bro. Wilbur Yoder,
Middlebury, Ind.
T. K. Hershey brought a farewell message
to the Zion Church, Beckersville, Pa., on
Jan. 31.
All correspondence pertaining to the pas-
toral work of the Zion Mennonite Church,
Beckersville, Pa., should be directed to Dr.
Noah K. Mack, R. 2, Elverson, Pa., until
further notice.
Bro. and Sister Ralph Palmer, Denbigh,
Va., expect to spend 1954 passing out tracts
in cities in the Southern States. They will
appreciate your prayer and financial support
as they sow the Gospel seed in the large
cities over the land.
The Pennsylvania congregation, near Hess-
ton, Kans., resumed services on Feb. 7,
after being deprived of the use of the church
building for a few weeks because of repairs
and redecorating.
Bro. Wm. McGrath, student at Goshen
College, gave his testimony as to how he
Table of Contents
121 — God Is Omnipotent
Power (Poem)
122 — Is Christ Crowded Out?
Our Readers Say
123 — Our Amish Brethren
124 — Prairie View Hospital — Framework for Service
It Happened
125 Muqdula. the Home of Mary Magdalene
126 — The Revelation of Tesus Christ
Elements of the Effectual Christian Testimony
127 — A Prayer for this Week
Prayer Requests
Lingering Blessing (Poem)
128— Principles of Christian Courtesy
129 — Religious Education — An Answer to Modern
Social and Religious Conditions
130— Who Profits Most (Poem)
Vital Statistics Report
131 — To Be Near to God
Sunday School Lesson for February 21
132— Field NoteB
Calondarr
133 — Mission Newi
Your Treasuror Reports
134 — Camp Rehoboth
135— Servinq the Dhamtarl Christian Hospital
Bar* Feet In Jerusalem
136 — A New Version of "The Ninety and Nine"
New Hope for India's Masses
The Christian Faces Communism
137 — The Mennonite Hour
Servlco with a Smell
136— MRSC Weekly Notes
MCC Woekly Notes
Women's Activities
139 — From Our Churches
141— Births
142 — Marriages
Obituaries
143— The Book Shelf
Items and Comments
became a believer with the Mennonite broth-
erhood and gave a message to the congre-
gation worshiping at Plato, Ind., on Sunday
evening, Jan. 17.
Correction. — Apologies to Bro. J. L. Stauf-
fer and to our readers for the insertion of
extraneous matter in his Revelation studies
in the issue of Jan. 26. The last three para-
graphs in small type on page 93 do not be-
long in that article. They will appear in their
proper place in a later article.
A Christian Life Conference was held at
the Perkasie, Pa., Church, Jan. 23, 24, Bros.
Norman Kraus, Goshen, Ind., and Lawrence
Burkholder, Princeton, N.J., were the speak-
ers.
The regular quarterly mission workers'
meeting was held at the Blooming Glen, Pa.,
Church on Monday evening, Jan. 25. The
theme was "Improving Our Sunday Schools."
Bro. Alvin Becker, representing the North-
ern Bible Society, spoke at the Prairie Street
Church, Elkhart, Ind., Sunday evening, Jan.
24, on the power of the Word to transform
the lives of men.
Bro. Orland Gingerich, Baden, Ont., was
ordained to the office of bishop on Jan. 24.
Bro. Robert Keller, 718 Broadway, Sterling,
111., states that his future address will be
Box 574, 1711 Prairie St, Elkhart, Ind. Bro.
Keller is to serve as Pastoral Services Co-
ordinator and editor of a I-W publication,
working under the direction of both the
Peace Problems Committee of General Con-
ference and the Relief and Service Commit-
tee of the Mission Board.
Misprint. — In a birth announcement in
the Dec. 8 issue the name Fyffe was mispelled
TyfTe. The correct announcement should
read: Direl and Polly (Worthy) Fyffe, sec-
ond child, first son, Joseph Ray, born Oct.
29. 1953, Relief, Ky.
The Conservative A.M. Bible School, held
at the Pleasant View Church, near Berlin,
Ohio, has an enrollment of 184.
Bro. Eli J. Bontrager, well-known bishop
of the Old Order Amish Mennonite Church,
Shipshewana, Ind, but at present in Sara-
sota, Fla.. celebrated his eighty-sixth birthday
on Jan. 19.
Bio. Glen Whitaker, La Junta, Colo, is
giving a series of messages on the Book of
Revelation at the East Holbrook Church,
Cheraw, Colo.
The congregation at Alpha, Minn, should
have been included in the list of those who
furnished a Christmas dinner at the Sioux
City, Iowa. Rescue Mission, in the Field
Note occurring in the Jan. 12 Gospel Herald.
A history of the Rerea congregation. Birch
Tree, Mo., written bv Sister Mary I. Detwiler,
has recentlv been published. Copies can be
secured at 75 cents by writing to Sister Det
wiler, c-o Daniel Kauffman, Hcsston. Kans.
Bro. Clayton Somniers was ordained to the
ministry for the group worshiping at Koko-
mo, Ind., on Sunday. Jan. 31, at the Howard-
Miami Church. Kokomo. Bro. Anson Horn-
er was in charge.
Bro. Joe C. Driver, La Junta, Colo,
preached for the Mt. Zion congregation, Ver-
sailles, Mo, on Sunday, Jan. 31. The group is
worshiping in the Prairie Valley schoolhouse
while the church is being remodeled. Bro.
Driver recalled worshiping at the place where
the schoolhouse stands about eighty years
ago, before the church was built. The first
building was erected in 1876 and the present
one in 1905.
Bro. F. S. Brenneman, who is in Samoa in
I-W service, conducted a unique service in
his home when his son Lawrence was bap-
tized and the ordinances of communion and
feetwashing were observed, on Sunday, Jan.
10.
Bro. Amos D. Shank, minister in the Han-
over, Pa, congregation, was recently con-
fined to the hospital for some time because of
a broken ankle.
Bro. P. J. Malagar was elected moderator
of the India Conference in its annual session
in January. American members of the Ex-
ecutive Committee are S. Paul Miller, treas-
urer, and Edwin I. Weaver and Paul Conrad,
additional members. The other officers and
members of the committee of fourteen are
Indian brethren.
Announcements
Bro. H. Clair Amstutz, Goshen, Ind, will
be the speaker for the Men's Fellowship meet-
ing of the Willow Springs, 111, Church on
Feb. 12.
The Cedar Grove congregation, Green-
castle, Pa., will hold its annual mission meet-
ing, Feb. 20, 21.
(Continued on page 140)
Calendar
Annual Meeting Mennonite Publication Beard. Plain
Church. Lansdalo. Pa.. Feb. 17-18.
Annual Christian Day School Meeting, Exisman'i
Church. Manhelm. Pa.. Feb. 20.
Christian Life Conference, E.M.C.. Harrisonburg, Va..
Feb. 20, 21, 1954.
Iowa-Nebraska Mission Board mldyeerr meeting at
Manson. Iowa. Feb. 23, 24.
Annual Ministerial Meeting of the Lancaster Con-
ference District, at the Millwood Meetinghouse.
Gap. Pa.. Feb. 24. 25.
1954 Conrad Grebel Lectures, by G. F. Hershberger.
at E.M.C.. Harrisonburg. Va.. March 17-20.
Spring Missionary Sunday, MaTch 21.
City Mission Workers' Round Table. Detroit Mennon-
ite Church, March 24-26.
Annual Meeting Illinois Mission Board. Pleasant Hill.
East Peoria, 111.. April 22, 23.
Semiannual meeting. Commission for Christian Edu-
cation. St. Jacobs. Ont., April 30, May 1.
Conference on Christian Community Relations, E.M.C..
Harrisonburg, Va.. May 8. 7.
Home Sunday, Mar 9.
Annual meetlna Mennonite Board of Missions and
Charities. Western Mennonite School. Salem.
Oreg.. June 18-20.
Peace Sunday. July 4. 1954.
Annual Meeting Southwestern Pa. Conference, place
undecided. Aug. 1-4.
Annual meeting Iowa-Nebraska Conference. West
Union. Pamell, Iowa. Aug. 10-13.
MYF Annual Meeting and Workshop, Laurelville
Camp. LaurelTllIe. Pa.. Aug. 14-20.
Annual meeting South Central Conference. Assembly
of God campground, near Eldon. Mo., August
17 20.
Annual Meetlna Illinois Conference. East Bend.
Fisher. 111.. Aug. 24-26.
Fall Meeting. Commission for Christian Education.
Laurelville Mennonite Camp, Laurelville, Pa..
Sept. 27. 28.
Study Conference of Child Evangelism. Laurelville
Mennonite Camp. Sept. 29, 30.
Fall Meeting. General Council of Mennonite General
Conference. Laurelville Mennonite Camp. Oct.
February 9, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
ISS
Go Preach • MISSIONS ' Give Pray
The General Board Headquarters lor Missions. Relief, and Service: 1711 Prairie Street. Elkhart. Indiana. Telephone. Elkhari 2 27BS.
Mission News
Bro. J. D. Graber arrived in Calcutta, In-
dia, on Jan. 28 after five days' delay in Hong
Kong.
Sister Nora Miller, who served for many
years in the Mcnnonite Hospital and School
of Nursing at La Junta, Colo., passed away
on Jan. 27. The Alumni Association of the
School of Nursing at La Junta is developing
a nursing scholarship in memory of Sister
Miller. Around $2,000 is needed to com-
plete this $5,000 scholarship.
Two nurses will be needed at the Kiowa
County Memorial Hospital, Greensburg,
Kans., by early spring. Interested persons
should contact Bro. Samuel Janzen Admin-
istrator.
The annual Argentine Youth Retreat will
be held at the Trenque Lanqucn Camp-
grounds, Feb. 24 to March 5. Staff members
and speakers include Martin Obregon, Nel-
son Litwiller, Agustin Darino, Pedro Lanik,
John Litwiller, R. Frank Byler, J. Delbert
F.rb, Ana Abat, Ernesto Suarez, and Samuel
McWilliams.
Work among the Navaho Indians was the
theme of a home missions service held at the
Peoria Mennonite Church, 111., on Sunday
evening, Jan. 24.
The World Day of Prayer has been desig-
nated again this year on the first Friday in
Lent, March 5. Make this a day of prayer
for missions, or select some other day more
suitable to your calendar for such a prayer
emphasis.
Bro. and Sister John Kreider, Hesston,
Kans., will be installed as superintendent
and matron at the Mennonite Gospel Cen-
ter, Kansas City, Mo., on Sunday morning,
Feb. 14, according to present plans. Bro.
and Sister Frank Raber, present superin-
tendent and matron, have accepted a call to
serve the Argentine Church, Kansas City,
Kans.
Bro. Wilbur Hostetler, missionary on fur-
lough from India, is conducting a study series
on Tndia during the February midweek
services at the Prairie St. Mennonite Church.
Flkhart, Ind.
Bro. Edwin I. Weaver, Dhamtari, M.P., Tn-
dia, is directing an evangelistic Bible camp
at Bhothli, seven miles from Dhamtari, with
the help of regular and volunteer workers.
He reports that the Tndia press continues to
carrv articles critical of the U.S. attitude and
policies. Let us pray for Tndia and her gov-
ernment.
A group of students from OMRS gave the
program for the Toronto Youth Fellowship
at the Morningside Mennonite Church, To-
ronto. Ont.. on Friday evening, Jan. 29.
Sisters Minnie Graber, Esther Graber, and
Mary Groh, Flkhart, Ind., spoke on the
World Day of Prayer program conducted by
the Women's Missionary Sewing Circle Or-
ganization of the North Main St. Mennon-
ite Church, Nappanee, Ind., on Friday, Feb.
5.
The nursing students from the Dhamtari,
India, hospital are helping with the evan-
gelistic Rible camp at Rhothli by visiting the
women in their homes and conducting a
special meeting for the women in the after-
noons which includes a Rible lesson and an
easy health lesson. Sisters Irene Weaver and
Nancy Conrad take turns accompanying the
girls in this work.
Bro. J. D. Graber reports that he found our
relief workers in Korea and Formosa carry-
ing on a significant witness through their
material aid and medical programs. He was
impressed with the vitality of the Christian
church in Korea with which our relief work-
ers have established good contacts.
Bro. William Hallman, missionary on fur-
lough from Argentina, conducted baptism
and communion services at the Spanish
Church,. Archbold, Ohio, on Sunday, Feb. 7.
He will give an illustrated talk on Argentina
at the Clinton Brick Church east of Goshen.
Ind., on Wednesday evening, Feb. 10, and
speak at the Clinton Frame Church. Goshen,
Ind., on Sunday, Feb. 14.
Bro. Luke Birky, Aibonito. Puerto Rico,
is scheduled to speak regarding the medical
program in Puerto Rico in the following
churches: Feb. 12, Thurman, Colo.; Feb. 14,
evening. La Junta, Colo.; Feb. 16, Cheraw,
Colo.; Feb. 18. Perryton, Texas.; Feb. 21,
Hydro, Okla.
Bro. Vern Miller, pastor of the Gladstone
Mennonite Mission, Cleveland, Ohio, will
speak regarding the work in Cleveland to
the following congregations during February:
Feb. 14, morning. Midway. Columbiana.
Ohio; Feb. 14, evening. North Lima, Ohio:
Feb. 21, Pleasant View. North Lawrence.
Ohio.
Bro. Harvey Miller, missionary to Luxem-
bourg, will conduct a series of evangelistic
meetings at Fspelkamp, Germany, during
passion week.
Bro. and Sister John Friesen, missionaries
on furlough from Tndia, are now living in
Dr. Fred Rrcnneman's house in Moundridge.
Kans. Dr. Rrenneman is doing his I-W
service in the Samoan Islands.
Sister Verda Hostetler, daughter of Rro.
and Sister Wilbur Hostetler, missionaries
recently returned on furlough from India,
has registered for the second semester at
Hesston College and Rible School. Hesston.
Kans.
Bro. and Sister Dan D. Miller, who have
served as host and hostess of the General Mis-
sion Board headquarters in Elkhart for a
number of years, plan to leave soon to spend
several months in Oregon. Their son, Elmer,
Your Treasurer Reports
One aspect of the Relgium mission pro-
gram about which there has not been much
publicity is the work being carried on by
Pastor Grikman. When the Mission Roard
was conducting relief work in Relgium prior
to establishing mission work, the stafT there
came in contact with Rrother Grikman and
greatly appreciated the work which he was
doing among the Russian refugees who arc in
Relgium. At that time they worked very
closely with Pastor Grikman and found him
to be a man of deep Christian experience and
a clear belief very similar to that of our own
church. During the years this contact has
become closer and a number of years ago
the Roard !>egan to give some subsidy to Pas-
tor Grikman's work.
We feel that this part of the Relgium pro-
gram is playing a significant part in bringing
a Christian witness to the Russian refugees
who are yet in Relgium. Contributions are
needed for this part of the Relgium program
in order to continue our support and assist-
ance to Pastor Grikman. Contributions
may be designated for Pastor Grikman's
Ministry in Relgium.
H. Ernest Bennett, Treasurer
Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities
Elkhart, Indiana.
is doing his I-W service at the Lebanon.
Oreg., hospital.
Bro. J. Frederick Erb, pastor of the Detroit
Mennonite Church. Mich., preached for the
Prairie St. Mennonite Church. Elkhart, Ind..
on Sunday morning. Jan. 31.
After completing a study of Puerto Rican
Missions, the Walnut Creek MYF group.
Walnut Creek. Ohio, held a Puerto Rican
supper on January 27, at Harlan Immcls. A
typical Puerto Rican meal of rice and beans,
as the main dishes, was served. lister
Hershey, returned missionary from Puerto
Rico, was the guest sneaker.
Kyodan Contemplates Sending Missionary
Amami Ooshima island, which lies be-
tween Okinawa anil Japan, will be returned
to Japan at the end of the year, according to
Foreign Minister Okazaki. To meet the need
of the 215.000 inhabitants to learn more of
Christianity, the Kyodan (National Christian
Church of Japan) is planning to send a mis-
sionary to the islam!, and has appointed a
committee to make the arrangements. The
committee will make a trip to the island in
the middle of January to investigate the situ-
ation. At present there are two native Prot-
estant ministers and a Catholic church on
the island. — Japan Christian Activity News.
134
GOSPEL HERALD
February p, 1954
Camp Rehoboth
By Robert Stoltzfus
God Moves In
There is a spot in Illinois that has become
increasingly dear to many children and youth
of Chicago. Four years ago the spot was
just ten acres of ordinary sand hill. Then
God moved in. His love moved the Bethel
Church in Chicago to fast and pray that the
children from that church and Dearborn also
might have a summer camp. God moved
Bro. Lark to build a cottage on this spot
which he did with the help of those whom
God moved to donate their time as carpen-
ters, plumbers, and electricians. God moved
the Rensselaer, Ind., congregation to erect a
kitchen and dining hall. God moved the
Plato congregation, Lagrange, Ind., to build
a dormitory to replace the large tent used the
first two years of camp.
Summer camp for Chicago children has
been provided at Camp Rehoboth since the
summer of 1949. This contact with the com-
munity brought the church face to face with
community needs that could not be passed by.
The Field
A survey conducted by the Illinois Confer-
ence in August, 1949, revealed that the area
in which the camp was located was settled
mainly by people who had saved their money
and purchased a home in the country. They
also estimated an immediate community of
1,500 souls with not more than 500 church
members. The population during and since
the survey has been increasing rapidly, as
many more are moving into the area. Only
one pastor resided in the community, al-
though there were five churches listed. About
66 per cent of the people were listed as
farmers. Fourteen per cent worked in Chi-
cago and 11 per cent worked nearer to the
community. This community is notorious for
its taverns.
The Program
Bro. James H. Lark has directed the work
from its beginning. Workers on the field
have included Bro. and Sister Steve Plank,
formerly from Arthur, 111.; Bro. and Sister
Aaron Slabaugh, Mylo, N. Dak.; Bro. and
Sister Linwood Landis, Dublin, Pa.; Bro. and
Sister Otis Yoder, present workers at the
Mennonite Home Mission in Chicago; Sister
Melissa Johnson, Saginaw, Mich.; Bro. and
Sister Orie Koerner, Cullom, 111. Different
individuals from the Rensselaer, Ind., con-
gregation have assisted the workers at various
times.
These workers have set up a program of
thorough Bible instruction. Children's and
adult Bible classes were started shortly after
the Larks moved to the camp in December.
1949, following a fire in their Chicago resi-
dence. Summer Bible school was started the
following summer and has continued through
this past summer when there was a high
attendance of 144 and a low of 72. Boys'
clubs and girls' sewing classes have also been
carried on during the past year. Two con-
verts have been baptized. There has also
been a continual service of love to the needy
homes in the community. This program is
being continued.
Fruits
This sowing has produced its fruit in many
ways. Eleven souls have recently responded
to the call of Christ to repent and follow
Him. They are now under instruction and
one of them is already winning others for
Christ. We trust that the tide of wickedness
has also been stemmed to some extent in the
community.
Immediate Needs
An article by Bro. J. D. Graber in the
Nov. 24, 1953, Gospel Herald informed the
church that Camp Rehoboth is now the re-
sponsibility of a larger part of the church.
He has invited you to fellowship with this
work by communicating to our necessities in
a physical way. We trust that our fellowship
in Christ shall be strengthened as we con-
tinue in Him.
The pictures illustrate some of the im-
provements which need to be made on the
property. Besides these there is work to be
done on Rensselaer Hall. This buildnig,
originally intended for a dining hall and
kitchen, is now being used as a worship
assembly room. The interior has not been
finished in every detail, and the local board
has made plans to complete this hall.
The semirural nature of the community
necessitates a bus to gather the children for
Sunday school, to return them to their homes
after midweek Bible instruction, and trans-
port them to and from craft and sewing
classes. A bus donated by the Rensselaer
congregation has served the purpose for three
years. The board decided that a newer bus
would be cheaper than repairs for the old
one, and a much more satisfactory bus has
been purchased.
The Challenge
These are the immediate physical needs
that the General Mission Board looks to you
to supply. How we desire your prayer help
as God seeks lost souls in Hopkins Park!
Pray for the children. Pray for the parents
that homes may be established where the
children will receive Christian teaching. God
calls you to fellowship in a larger way with
what some speak of as another race. May
you be moved by God to taste and see that
they are not only our blood brothers but they
are one with us in Christ.
Hopkins Park, R. 1, St. Anne, 111.
The Church
Not long ago a fine old church building
burned to the ground. The next morning the
newspaper carried this story: "The old Park
Street Church burned to the ground last
night. The fire department and the insurance
company agreed that it was a total loss. But
they were wrong. The church was not
touched. The fire reached only the building.
The church is not a piece of property, but
a group of people. For the time being, the
church will meet elsewhere, but soon they
will build a new place to worship." — Denver
Church Bulletin.
LnrgQ Oakfl shade most of the ten acres, but there is a spot largo
enough for a large ball diamond ami garden plot, The landscaping can
be done by groups such as you see here, but lime, fertilizer, and srasi
-.red will also do much in malting the camp it place of brant) for
Chicago children during (lie summer.
Hro. and Sister Kobert Stoltzfus moved into tbis residence in August.
19."):?. To conserve fuel and protect tbe framework of the building, the
local board has asked that the roof be shingled and a few exterior im-
provements be made.
February 9, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
Serving at the Dhamtari Christian
Hospital
By Lena Graber
(The following is taken from a letter writ-
ten by Sister Graber to the church in America
that supports her. — Ed.)
The work here at the hospital continues
to be very interesting. There are so many
different kinds of cases that come for treat-
ment. And then besides this we have the
student nurses to teach and to supervise. So
our days get very full. This year we have
four classes to teach, that is, first year, second
year, third year, and fourth year. The first
three years are the general nursing course and
the fourth year is midwifery. I am finding
this so interesting. Here, as you know, we do
all the normal deliveries. I have seven stu-
dents in the fourth-year class. Four of the
students are our own and three are from
another Mission Hospital about 150 miles
away. They are all fine Christian girls.
The patients appreciate all the extra at-
tention they get because we are teaching.
More mothers are coming for prenatal care
than ever before. They like it so much better
when we nurses examine them. But when we
find abnormalities, they do not object when
we call the doctor in.
In the third-year class we have five stu-
dents, in the second-year class we have nine,
and in the first-year we have ten. The first-
year students are still preliminary students.
They will be writing their preliminary exams
the end of September. Then, if they pass, wc
will have an acceptance service for them in
the chapel. At that time the girls get their
caps and the boys get an emblem to sew on
their shirt pockets.
On February 12, 1954 we will have our
first graduation exercises for the four girls.
I wanted to wait for their graduation until
Miss Nafziger returned. She and I started
this class and the girls wanted to wait un-
til she returned for their graduation. It is
thrilling to be in on the ground floor of nurs-
ing history of our church in India.
We are appreciating our new administra-
tion building and our two new wards. We
feel we can give so much better nursing care
in these new wards and certainly from the
teaching angle, they are excellent.
I must tell you of one of our interesting
patients. Her name is Asha. This name
means Hope. We named her Asha because
we didn't have any hope for her survival at
first. She was born prematurely and at birth
weighed only one pound and four ounces.
She was only 13 inches long; her head was
eight inches around and her feet were one
and one-quarter inches long. Well, she lived,
and when she was three months old, she
weighed exactly three pounds and four
ounces.
The mother or the father or both have
been coming morning and evening to bring
mother's milk for Asha. This morning the
mother spent most of the morning sitting on
the floor by the baby's crib holding Asha.
(We believe in giving the baby TLC which
means tender loving care and so we have
allowed the parents to hold her from the
beginning.) They are an unusual Hindu
Indian couple. They are very ordinary poor
folks who make cigarettes for a living. But
they do love this baby, even if she is a girl.
It is very unusual for an Indian man to show
so much interest in a baby, especially a girl.
We have been telling the Gospel story to
the parents. I do not know how much they
are understanding. But every once in a while
the mother will say to me, "You didn't expect
the baby to live, did you?" Then I tell her
that I surely did not expect her to live, but
that I believe that God must have something
special in mind for Asha. I am hoping that
this baby will be the means of us getting to
An OB patient in the Dhamtari Christian Hos-
pital. Nurse is Lena Graber.
visit in their home after thev take the baby
home. We want to follow her up not only for
the baby's sake but for the parents' sake also.
Won't you help us pray for Sona and Durga
Ram and Asha?
Then I want to tell vou about Janki Bai
and Pattiram. and their little bov whom
thev named Samuel. I think I may have
written about this couple before. They have
been so interested in becoming Christians.
When they left the hospital this last time, I
asked them when they were going to take
baptism, publicly acknowledging that they
are Christians. They said that as soon as
the rains are over, not only they, but some
other members of their family also want to
become Christians. We have been praying
for this couple for two years now. Janki was
brought here and we never expected her to
live. But the Lord healed her in a marvelous
way. We never thought she could have a
baby again but she said that she prayed for a
son and God gave her one just as He gave
Samuel to Hannah. That is whv she named
her boy Samuel.
Today is one of the big religious holidays.
135
They arc worshiping Ganesh, one of the gods.
At the end of the celebration they take him
out and dip him in the tank to cool hi moff
When one hears all their dancing, playing,
and singing, it makes one think of that verse.
"Why do the heathen rage, and the people
imagine a vain thing."
Thank you for your continued interest in
India. This is a young church and they are
looking to the home churches for support and
prayer.
Dhamtari, India.
Bare Feet in Jerusalem
By J. B. M \ k 1 in
It is a beautiful morning in Jerusalem on
this December day. The air is fresh, the
sun is shining brightly, and there is a little
white frost on the ground. Today it is neces
sary to do some business in town. How shall
we go uptown in Jerusalem, walk or take
the bus? It would be interesting to walk and
watch the people, but it takes fifteen to twen-
ty minutes. Since we have a full schedule
today, let's hop on the bus.
Israel has a good transportation system
consisting of a railroad from Jerusalem to
Haifa, taxi service, and buses. A good many
people travel by train, which is not expensive
traveling, but in America with your stream-
lined luxury trains you would call this way
of traveling third class. The regular taxi
is the most comfortable way to travel, but it
is also the most expensive. The service taxi
is reasonable and a comfortable way to get
around in Israel. One sometimes has to wait
thirty or forty minutes if he takes a service
taxi because the driver wants the seven-
passenger car to be full when he starts out.
Long-distance traveling in Israel is cheaper by
bus if one is not too particular about com-
fort and the smell and looks of his fellow
passengers.
Let us get back to our city bus and have
a look at it. These buses are built to handle
many passengers. I have counted as many
as eighty people on a bus. There are seats
for about twenty people and the rest have
to stand. The bus drivers in Jerusalem drive
fast, and the streets are crooked, and one has
to hang on the best he can, but the com-
pensation is that one gets to his destination in
a hurry.
But on this particular bus on this cool,
frosty morning was a man in his bare feet.
He no doubt was on his way to squat down
on the sidewalk in some conspicuous place
in the business section and beg. In Israel you
do not find too many beggars but a number
are permitted to beg. Usually they are dressed
very poorly, sometimes in bare feet, and thev
certainly know the psychology of an Ameri-
can tourist in their pathetic appeal of musical
begging. Not all of these beggars are genuine
and the barefooted, raggedy-dressed person
may some other dav be transformed into a
verv respectable-looking gentleman, as we are
told. I can't forget the barefooted passenger
MISSIONS SECTION
136
GOSPEL HERALD
February p, 1954
because it was a cold morning, and the
danger of stepping on his toes was great in
that full bus. The barefooted man with his
ugly, dirty feet stirred up my mind and I
went home meditating and wondering what
God wants to tell me from my observation of
the man with bare feet, on a cold frosty
morning, in a crowded bus in Jerusalem.
Bare feet, cold feet, ugly calloused feet,
crippled feet — has the Bible anything to say
about one's feet? Yes, God has a lesson for
me about feet in the Scriptures. Good old
Strong's Concordance has over two hundred
and fifty references about feet mentioned in
the Bible. Think and meditate on the fol-
lowing: Luke 1:79 — "To give light to them
that sit in darkness and in the shadow of
death, to guide our feet into the way of
peace"; Luke 10:39 — "And she had a sister
called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and
heard his word"; John 13:14— "If I then,
your Lord and Master, have washed your
feet; ye also ought to wash one another's
feet"; Acts 14:10 — "[Paul] said with a loud
voice. Stand upright on thy feet. And he
leaped and walked"; Rom. 10:15 — "And how
shall they preach, except they be sent? as it
is written, How beautiful are the feet of
them that preach the gospel of peace, and
bring glad tidings of good things"; Eph.
6:15 — "And your feet shod with the prepara-
tion of the gospel of peace"; I Cor. 15:25 —
"For he must reign, till he hath put all ene-
mies under his feet"; Eph. 1:22 — "And hath
put all things under his feet, and gave him
to be the head over all things to the church."
No doubt the man with bare feet on a bus
in Jerusalem needed Christ and the forgive-
ness of sins more than anything else. One
could mention many sins, but the outstand-
ing sin in Israel is unbelief in Jesus Christ.
Not only is Christ rejected but many in Israel
arc boasting atheists and do not believe in
either Old or New Testament as the inspired
Word of Clod. Educationally and culturally
there is no want in this land, but spiritually
there is an appalling want among thousands
who are spiritually impotent, and they need
to hear the voice of God to stand upright on
their feet and be made whole through Jesus
Christ the Son of God.
Is not the man with bare feet on the bus
in Jerusalem a challenge that there are city,
town, and village populations with hardly
any Christians? God knows the church is
not witnessing to the Jew. It is true that very
few have openly come out to be Christians
and the missionary often is a witness without
converts, but that does not say we have no
responsibility to preach. Israel is a new field
for our church and the home people should
not look for the spectacular, because if
Stephen would prearb in Jerusalem today,
no doubt he would repeat what he said in
Acts 7, "Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised
in heart and ears, ye do always resist the
Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye."
Nevertheless, even if the preaching and death
of Stephen seemed to be in vain for the time
being, it was not long until Saul was ron-
MISSIONS SECTION
verted and became Paul, the Hebrew Chris-
tian.
How can Israel call on the name of God
to be saved if we do not send people to
preach? Will you, my dear reader, take time
to prayerfully read the Jewish sections in the
Book of Romans, chapters 9 — 11, and see
how these people are blinded to the Gospel
and Jesus Christ? The Christian has feet,
feet that God wants, feet that are willing to
walk the streets of Jerusalem, feet of which
God can say, "How beautiful are the feet of
them that preach the gospel of peace, and
bring glad tidings of good things" to my
people Israel.
Jerusalem, Israel.
A New Version of "The Ninety
and Nine"
There are ninety and nine that safely lie
In the shelter of the fold;
But millions are left outside to die,
For the ninety and nine are cold —
Away in sins delusive snare,
Hastening to death and dark despair,
Hastening to death, and none to care —
For the ninety and nine are cold.
"Lord, Thou hast here Thy well-fed sheep;
Are they not enough for Thee?"
But the Shepherd made answer, "Millions sleep
On the brink of eternity —
And these my sheep within the fold
Care not for the dying outside the fold,
On the brink of eternity."
But none of the ransomed ever knew
How the heart of the Shepherd did yearn;
Nor the travail of soul that He passed through
For His sheep without concern.
The millions of earth His way to teach,
The millions of earth except through each
Of His sheep without concern.
"Lord, whence are those marks in hands and
side,
And whence the scars of Thy feet?"
"They tvere made for those for whom I died,
Both saved and wandering sheep."
"Lord, tvhen wilt Thou come to claim Thine
own f"
"Not till the wandering the tray are shmvn,
Not till the wandering my Word have knoivn.
My wandering, dying sheep."
Ah, ninety and nine, dost thou hear His voice?
Forth then to the work so great;
Bevond life's span there is no choice
For those outside the gate.
If they're brought at all. it must be now —
Then, ninety and nine, don't question how,
Oh. sheep of mine, go quickly thou.
Else for them — and you — too late.
For no other way had He to reach
But all through the churches, apostate-riven,
And up from the world's rough steep.
There'll arise a glad cry to the gates of hem-en.
"Reioice. I am finding my sheep!"
And the angels shall echo around the throne.
"Reioice. for the dying the uvy are shown.'
Reioice. for the Shepherd brings back His own.
His wandering, perishing sheep!"
(Copyright, ro.'o by Thomas S. Stephens. Used
bv permission of the Great Commission Pray-
er I ngui, 808 North La Salle Street, Chicago,
III.)
The
Mennonite
Hour
On January 24 The Mennonite Hour began
a regular release over WSAN, Allcntown,
Pa., at 10:30 p.m. This station is found at
1470 on AM dials, 99.9 on FM. Beginning
February 7, WFRM, Coudersport, Pa., will
begin broadcasting the program at 12:30 p.m.
WFRM operates on a frequency of 600 kc.
Both of these stations are being sponsored
by local groups involved in mission work in
the area.
An up-to-date, attractive schedule card has
just come off the press listing all the stations
currently broadcasting The Mennonite Hour,
together with the time of broadcast and dial
setting of the stations. These may be secured
for personal use and for distribution by writ-
ing The Mennonite Hour, Box 22, Harrison-
burg, Va.
The following letter, which recently came
to Bro. Lewis Strite, Chairman of the Men-
nonite Crusaders, Inc., sponsors of the Men-
nonite Hour, indicates somewhat the extent
of this witness:
"It is about ten years now since we were at
Sideling Hill during CPS. Many things have
happened since that time. We spent two
years in Ethiopia and are now in La Plata.
Puerto Rico. At the moment, however, I am
in the British Island of St. Kitts. There seems
to be a great need among these people. We
have come to investigate the possibility of
starting some church work here.
"I want to share with you an incident that
happened yesterday. We went to the De-
partment of Education to get some informa-
tion from them. Before allowing us to have
the information the lady said she had to
know who we were and why we wanted the
information. When I mentioned that we
were Mennonites she had a big smile and
said, 'I listen to the Mennonite Hour from
Ouito.' She had no idea what kind of or-
ganization it was. We were glad to explain
things in more detail for her.
"May the Lord continue to bless The
Mennonite Hour. May it be used to His
honor and glory and lead many to accept
Him." Sincerely yours,
John E. Lehman
La Plata, Puerto Rico.
God Leads to Israel
God was marvelously working before we
came to find for us a home in Israel. In His
providence lie had reserved for us a second-
floor furnished apartment in the quiet south-
eastern section of the citv. As we entered our
new home which had been vacant for five
years waiting for "the right Christian couple"
as our landlady said, we read above the door,
"lie shall preserve thy going out and thy
coming in from this time forth, and even for
evermore" — a constant reminder of His keep-
ing presence. — Roy and Florence Kreider
letter.
February p, 1954
GOSPEL
HERALD
137
A VS Opportunity
Young people are needed in the Voluntary
Service program among California migrants.
Their work would include teaching craft
classes as Hen Lehman of Berne, Indiana, is
doing with boys of California migrant labor-
ers. A nurse, two women, or a married
couple are currently needed. In addition to
Bible and craft classes, volunteers direct
recreation, conduct worship services, and do
family visitation.
Men interested in farming and agricultural
experimentation are invited to consider serv-
ice opportunities with the STICA agricul-
tural development in Chile and Paraguay.
Four men are currently needed in this pro-
gram their period of service would be two
years.
All projects with exception of the migrant
program are approved for the employment
of I-O men. For more information, write:
Mcnnonite Central Committee, Voluntary
Service, Akron, Pa., or the Office for Relief
and Service, 1711 Prairie St., Elkhart, Ind.
New Hope for India's Masses
Eighty-five per cent of the people of India
are illiterate. These constitute one third of
the world's illiterates.
India's illiterates are the victims of schem-
ing men who prey on their ignorance. The
majority of them are in debt all their lives,
and generally they do not know the amount
of the debt. The moneylenders keep them in
a state of semi-slavery and physical emacia-
tion. Theirs is a fear-haunted, shadow-filled,
disease-ridden existence.
There are in India 700,000 villages in
which are some 300,000,000 persons who
can neither read nor write. Often the villages
are isolated because of poor roads. The vil-
lagers themselves are busy from dawn to
dark trying to grow some food tor a starving
population. The problem has been how to
reach with a literacy program so many mil-
lions scattered in so many villages. To meet
just this situation, Dr. Frank Laubach has
devised a cheap, revolutionary, quick method.
Now only six short weeks are needed to
make one literate. Surely this is the hour of
new hope for the masses of India.
The Christian churches and missions of
India have been most active in the literacy
program. Their chief aim has been to have
a Bible-reading church. But it has also
proved to be a marvelously efficient evan-
gelistic agency. Hundreds of Hindus have
been won to the Lord through adult literacy
classes. — From The Alliance Weekly.
The Christian Faces Communism
This is the title of a pamphlet by Rev. and
Mrs. Gilbert H. Baker (Episcopal, Lingnan
University), and published by the Woman's
Auxiliary to the National Council, 281
Fourth Avenue, New York 10, N.Y. (25^).
The material is arranged as a panel discus-
sion or a dialogue. Ex-missionaries from
China now working in the U.S.A. will find
this a very suitable method to present the
problems of Communism and the lessons to
be learned from our China experience to any
church group. Baker recommends dividing
it into two discussion periods.
Baker's treatment of Communism as an
ideology is very fair. Although he unequiv-
ocally rejects Communism as a way of fife, he
still shows clearly what its appeals are.
"Many young Chinese felt that the western-
ized port cities like Shanghai or Hong Kong
with their movies, night clubs, and appeals to
enjoyment had nothing to offer in compari-
son with the sterner but more purposeful task
of rebuilding their country in the interior."
As to Chinese Christians, he concludes that
we may trust them to meet the Communist
challenge, "provided we don't insist that true
Christian discipleship necessarily implies ap-
proval of the American way of life, or even
democracy. St. Francis, for example, had
never heard of either, and he probably had
very erroneous ideas about government and
the nature of the universe, but he was a good
Christian." — China Bulletin.
Missions Editorial
Service with a Smell
An uuaginauvc fish dealer uses the above
slogan 111 all his advertising. It brings a
knowing smile when seen lor the lust nine.
But the same phrase can be used to describe
service pcrlorined by Christians lor sclush
purposes.
1 believe that it was Francis ot Assisi who
said, "You cannot serve until the poor lor-
givc you lor die bread you give them." True
giving is completely outgoing. It does not
make the receiver beholden to the giver in
any way. It is pcrlorined ID a spirit which
recognizes that the receiver has as much
right to what is given as the giver. It is
never given for the purpose ol receiving
again.
Christian people in the ovcrpopulatcd,
economically poor areas of the world look
on Americans as especially favored by God
in the matter of wealth. To them our wealth
is a gift from God. They, therefore, do not
feel that it should be used as a means lor
bargaining, but should be shared without any
expectation of return.
The idea of an eye lor an eye and a tooth
for a tooth stems back to Old Testament
times. But Jesus says, "Give to him that ask-
eth thee, and lrom him that would borrow of
thee turn not thou away" (Matt. 5:42). The
salvation which Jesus brought cannot be bar-
gained lor. A place in heaven cannot be
bargained lor.
Ihe idea of using our gifts or our service
to get concessions or reward for ourselves,
be it nothing more than praise, is contrary to
Christian stewardship or Christian service.
We are not motivated by bargains or returns,
we are motivated by love to do all things "in
the name of the Lord Jesus" and "unto the
Lord."
The poet Lowell has rightly made Christ
say,
He who gives himself with his gilts feeds three.
Himself, his hungering neighbors, and me.
The same can be said of our service for
others. We give ourselves to those we serve,
imitating Christ who came "not to be min-
istered unto, but to minister and to give him-
self a ransom for many."
May our service to God and our fellow
men be free from all selfish intent and desire
lor personal gain. — L. C. Hartzler.
There are in Israel 118,500 Moslems, in-
cluding 20,000 Bedouins; 39,000 Christians,
mostly of Eastern Orthodox churches, and
15,500 Druzes— From The Alliance Weekly.
MISSIONS SECTION
138
Relief and Service News
MRSC Weekly Notes
Voluntary Service
Sister Miriam Renno, Belleville, Pa., re-
turned to assist as housekeeper at the General
Mission Board Headquarters, Elkhart, Ind.,
on Feb. 8.
A ground breaking ceremony for the ma-
ternity home in Mathis, Texas, was held
on Feb. 7 at 3:00 p.m. The Voluntary Service
Builders Unit planned to begin construction
the following morning. The planning and
financial backing for this maternity home
has come from the Mathis community.
This maternity home will be of valuable
service to the Mexican mothers of that com-
munity, and we are grateful for answered
prayer and the Lord's blessing in this new
work.
Sister Emma Landis, HarleysvUle, Pa.,
completed two years of Voluntary Service on
Jan. 16 in Puerto Rico. Her service as a
kitchen worker in the La Plata Mennonite
Project was greatly appreciated. We are
grateful for young people with a desire to
serve in this way.
On Jan. 18 Bro. Ray Dick, Buhler, Kans.,
received his release from I-W service after
having served his two years. Bro. and Sister
Dick have been serving the last part of their
term in Voluntary Service in the Mennonite
Hospital, La Junta, Colo.
On Feb. 2 James Snyder, Kalona, Iowa,
received his release from I-W service after
completing the two years. Bro. Snyder has
been serving in the Voluntary Service Unit
in La Plata, Puerto Rico.
There are several I-W men who had served
Voluntary Service terms prior to the drafting
of I-O men and are now in the process of
receiving their releases from Selective Service.
The nine folks in the present VS orienta-
tion school are: Mary Bowman, New Ham-
burg, Ont.; James Lepley, Reedsville, Pa.;
Mabel Miller, Wilmot, Ohio; Paul Payne,
McVeytown, Pa.; Ruby Shank. Harrison-
burg, Va.; Louis Yodcr, Belleville, Pa.; Fred
Miller, Iowa City, Iowa; and Mr. and Mrs.
Ray Yoder, Nappanee, Ind.
These folks are enjoying classes, work proj-
ects, and a group life together which will
prepare them to serve more effectively and to
make a meaningful contribution in their
places of service.
Summer Service
More definite plans are now made for the
Slimmer Service program. There will be
units serving in city and rural missions,
children's and old people's homes, children's
camps, as a MYF youth team, a student-in-
industry project and plans are pending for a
migrant unit in central U.S.
Sometimes young people cannot find ex-
pression for their desires to serve because
MISSIONS SECTION
GOSPEL HERALD
they cannot give a long period of time. In
these instances, Summer Service is the an-
swer. Volunteers can serve for periods rang-
ing in length from six weeks to three months.
There are opportunities to serve in a real
way in Summer Service. There are oppor-
tunities to learn valuable lessons. To receive
specific information about the unit in which
you are interested or for an application form
write to Mark Lehman, Director, MRSC
Summer Service, 1711 Prairie St., Elkhart,
Ind.
There is a set of colored slides on Sum-
mer Service available for MYF or any other
interested groups. Write to Publicity Office
at the above address.
I-W Services
The Ft. Wayne, Ind., and Des Moines,
Iowa, I-W units have recently contributed
sizable amounts to the Prairie View Hospital
building program. The church greatly ap-
preciates this fine interest from the I-W men.
The films "A Time For Greatness" and
"Voice of the Deep" are being shown to
various I-W units throughout Kansas, Mis-
souri, Colorado, and Iowa during the latter
part of January and the beginning of Febru-
ary.
Released January 29, 1954
Office for Relief and Service,
Elkhart, Ind.
MCC Weekly Notes
UMT Discussion in Current Congress
Unlikely
On the basis of a recommendation by the
Office of Defense Mobilization that universal
military training not be considered at this
time and the acceptance of this recommenda-
tion by President Eisenhower, it is evident
that UMT will not be an issue in the current
session of Congress.
This recommendation by Defense Mobili-
zation director Arthur S. Flemming stems
from reports from that office and the Na-
tional Security Training Commission. The
latter recommended that conscription by Se-
lective Service continue and that UMT be
operated at the same time.
In his report to the President, Director
Flemming suggested that further study be
made to determine the size, composition, and
training of reserve forces. The President has
called for a presentation of this further study
by April 1, 1954.
Even though UMT will apparently not
come up for consideration in this Congress,
it is possible it may be presented in future
sessions. UMT proponents will undoubtedly
continue their strong efforts. On the other
hand, there are no indications that opposition
to UMT in Congress will be weakened.
Historic Peace Churches to Meet
Approximately 150 representatives of the
historic peace churches — Brethren, Friends,
and Mennonite — will meet on the Bluffton.
Ohio, College campus July 15 to 18. 1^54.
for a study conference to discuss the subject
—"The Meaning of Christian Lo\e."
February p, 705^
This conference is planned by the Con- 1 1
tinuation Committee consisting of a repre- 1 >
sentative of each of the historic peace church- I «
es. The purpose of the conference is to study I <
the implications of Christian love in personal I J
and community relationships and the rela- j •
tionships of Christian love to the whole social «
order.
The program will consist of addresses, 1
discussion groups, and panel discussions. '
Names of speakers and other program par- «
ticipants will be announced shortly.
Approximately 50 persons will represent
each of the peace churches. The attendance
at this conference will be the largest since the
first one held in Newton, Kans., from Oct.
31 to Nov. 2, 1935. Out of the Newton meet- t
ing grew the Continuation Committee which
today consists of W. Harold Row, Elgin, 111.,
representing the Brethren; Errol T. Elliott,
Richmond, Ind., representing the Friends;
and Orie O. Miller, Akron, Pa., representing fc
the Mennonites.
This Committee exists as a vehicle where- i
by these three groups keep in touch with each ;
other. As occasion presents itself, the Com-
mittee calls such meetings as the study con- 3
ference planned for this summer. These
meetings consist of the discussion and study
of problems of common concern affecting the
peace churches. Such meetings — usually in .
small groups of 20 to 30 persons — have been
held about once a year since 1935.
Released January 29, 1954
MCC Information Service, Akron, Pa.
Women's Activities
To leaders of local circles:
The fiscal year tor the Women's Missionary
and Sewing Circle Organization is rapidly *
drawing to a close. March 31 marks the end
of the year. Has your local unit contributed :
to the district and general projects? To have I
your contribution included, it will be neccs- I
sary to act now.
We call special attention to Uruguay Mis- I
sionary Home Furnishings and to Nursing I '
Education.
Fifty cents per circle member per year is|
the suggested way for raising our $3,600 1
budget for Nursing Education. Some groups
will need to and will want to give more.,
1 lomemakers' groups and missionary socie-
ties are invited to give to Nursing Education 1
through their WMSCO district treasurers.
The suggested plan for raising the funds
for the Uruguay missionary homes is:
$5.00 for average-sized circles.
$7.50 or more for large circles.
As they are able, small circles.
Donations for these two funds, as all other |
donations, should be sent through your dis- I
trict treasurer. — Mrs. J. D. Graber.
• • •
Mrs. Robert Fisher, literature secretary for
the Iowa Neli r.i ska district, gives an interest-
ing account in the December Missionary
Challenge of the furnishing of the I-W home
in Iowa City by the women of that area.
The house and furniture having been pur-
chased by the Mission Board, all was ready
February p, 1954
for the women to take over and make a
home for the boys. Each circle was given a
bedroom to equip with draperies, curtains,
lamps, rugs, mirrors, and whatever else was
needed to make the rooms cozy and cheery.
This plan called for personal interest and
initiative, challenging all to do their best.
A good word may be said for the I-W unit
personnel also. Mrs. Fisher says, "These
young people are filling a real place in the
Mennonite Church in Iowa City. . . . The
church appreciates the spirit of friendliness
to help that these young people manifest."
• • •
Have you started making plans for your
annual reports? Your promptness will be
very much appreciated. By being on schedule
you can lighten the work of your servants,
your officers.
• • •
The manuscript for the 1954-55 Daily
Prayer Guide is nearly completed. It has re-
quired hours, days, months of faithful work.
Will you do your part in this vast prayer
effort by placing your orders early? Will you
help see that every one in your family, in your
church, in your district is provided with a
1954-55 Daily Prayer Guide?-Mrs. C. L.
Shank.
From Our Churches
ALLENTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA
(Allentown Mission)
Dear Hkkald Friends:
We are happy for the privileges and oppor-
tunities we have enjoyed and we look to the
Lord for great things to come.
We praise the Lord for the increasing attend-
ance in our Sunday school, which will soon de-
mand more space than our building provides.
Take a peek into our Sunday-school work. Some
workers must leave home an hour or more be-
fore starting time to drive the 25 miles to church
and pick up their carload of children and adults.
We have clean ones, dirty ones, crippled, poor,
rich, colored, and while. We are glad for all who
come,
We are grateful for the three girls and the
three families who live in the city and give n
daily Christian witness. Also for the Ellis
Landis family who plan to move into the city
in the near future.
We miss Bro. and Sister Floyd Clemens who
left us for 1-W work in Vermont. We are glad
for the five new workers who have joined us
recently.
We are also happy to report that seven of our
homes have been blessed with new babies this
past year.
In our Tuesday evening services we are study-
ing the Book of Hebrews. Our pastor, Alvin
Detweiler, is the instructor.
Jail services every fourth Sunday afternoon
are a high light in our work. We praise the
Lord for one who accepted Christ several
months ago. Pray for her.
In December Raymond Bucher gave a message
entitled "With Christ in Polio." Especially was
it appreciated because the crippled children from
the (Jood Shepherd Home near by come to our
Sunday school in wheel chairs.
Over New Year's week end we enjoyed a
Christian Life Conference with Bro. Charles
Hostetter as speaker. A quartet participated
each evening.
At a recent business meeting it was decided
to sponsor the Mennonite Hour over Allentown
station WSAN, heard every Sunday evening at
10 :30.
We are praying that souls may be saved.
Pray with us.
Lois Mus8elinan.
GOSPEL HERALD
It IRC II TREE. MISSOURI
(Berea Congregation)
For two years the Lord bus blessed this area
in allowing His children to put greater trust in
Him. It has not been our choice. To many this
scarcity of rain has seemed a real misfortune.
But we as God's children choose to call it au op-
portunity to witness to God's unfailing help.
True, it is discouraging to plant, to Cultivate,
and then to see plants die for lack of rain. \V '•■
couldn't irrigate, because our water supply la
from cisterns and ponds only. We later had to
haul water from Birch Tree. The town permit
ted the people to have water for slock and
driukiug purposes, and we were thankful Cor
this. Crops were scarce. Farmers sold cattle at
reduced prices, retaining only stock they could
winter in face of the feed shortage. A few peo-
ple, not of our group, sold their farms and
moved away. But we needn't let discourage-
ments overcome us. We just need to stop and
realize that all depends on the Lord. When
He opens His hands the blessings of crops and
easier liviug overflows. We realize our depend-
ence upon God.
Although we don't always understand why
God orders things as lie does in different times,
we can know His purposes are good, and for the
good of His people. Often in conversation we
have been able to witness by saying, "God will
send rain when He sees best, and He will take
care of us." We thank Him for the blessing of
being able to trust Him. He has not failed us.
We are indeed thankful thut our government
made it possible for hay to be sent into this area
at reduced prices Ceiling price was $22 a ton.
.Most hay sold near that figure. We were made
more conscious of our fellowship in the Lord by
the donation sent to Birch Tree by the confer-
ence district. This helped much in providing
hay. Brethren, we thank you for this expression
to us of brotherly love. You through the con-
ference have helped us. God bless you for it.
We are also gruteful to the Mennonite Service
Organization at Hesston, and to the churches of
Kansas for their generous gift of food supplies
they sent to us. We as a congregation wish to
express sincere appreciation and thankfulness to
you for your gift. We trust God to reward you
with joyful blessings for your kindness.
Now you have helped us in our natural needs.
We crave a continued help for our spiritual
needs by your prayers.
There is another way you can be a blessing to
us. Whenever you are traveling this way, come
to visit us. We would love to have you come.
Loving Him and loving you,
The Berea Congregation,
Oney Hathaway, Pastor.
LOVVVILLE, NEW YORK
(Conservative Amish Mennonite)
Greetings of love in the name of Him who
hath redeemed us and through whom we have
fellowship though we are scattered in various
parts of the world.
Three brethren have been with us the past
fall conducting series of meetings. B. Charles
Hostetter, Harrisonburg, Va., held a conference
on Oct. 9-11. John Shenk, Denbigh, Va., was
our fall evangelist, Oct. 14-23: and I. D. Burk-
hart, field secretary for Goshen College,
preached the Word on Nov. 22, 25, and 29.
Bro. Richard J. Zehr, our minister, has pur-
chased the farm near the Croghan Church form-
erly owned by our late bishop, Bro. Joseph J.
Zehr. A surprise housewarming was given them
on Dec. 11. Our best wishes go with them in
their new home and upon their labors, both tem-
poral and spiritual.
Our summer Bible schools were held in July
and August. Pine Grove Mission, under Leon
Slartin, had an enrollment of 90, with an aver-
age mi tendance of SO. The Congregational school
at Lowville, under Elias Zehr, had a record at-
tendance of 300, with an average of 320.
We are also conducting weekly religions edu-
cation (dasses in five different schools in this
community. Some of the pupils are from other
Protestant denominations.
The attendance at Pine Grove Mission re-
mains in the eighties, comprised mostly of local
children and the workers. Rarely more than
one or two adults attend, but we still feel that
our labor is not in vain.
The four garden projects, planted to oats,
white beans, potatoes, and peas, brought an
estimated net return of $500. These projects
were mainly for the young men. as the sisters
had sewing circles for their projects. The chil-
dren's quarter fund reached over $290. Our
youth are also distributing 2,000 copies of The
Way monthly to cities and villages within reach.
189
Seventeen Wayside Gospel signs and two net*
of signs have been erected. We appreciate the
zeal of the young people and the Co-operation
of the parents and others who help to make this
work possible.
Remember this congregation in your prayers.
May all of us be true to Him in all our ways,
both in spiritual life and in activity.
Luella R. Moshier.
LYNDHIRST. VIRGINIA
(Mt. View Congregation)
Greetings to all :
In the year just passed did we use our talents
and time to the upbuilding of God's kingdom,
or did we use all our time for self? May each
one begin this year with a greater determination
to win souls for Christ.
We had our fall commuuiou on Oct. 11 with
our bishop, Bro. Franklin Weaver, bringing the
message.
Four of our young men are in I-W service at
the Mental Hospital, Williamsburg, Va.
Our deacon, Bro. J. B. Bridge, is in poor
heultb at present. We pray that he be healed if
it is God's will.
We have teachers' meeting and prayer meet-
ing each Wednesday night.
We were happy to have Bro. and Sister Josef
llerschkowitz with us on Dec. 0, with Bro. Josef
bringing the morning message. During the eve-
ning service he gave some of his experiences.
Come and worship with us. Visitors are al-
ways welcome.
Viola B. Tisdale.
WAYNESBORO. VIRGINIA
(Spriugdale Congregation)
"O magnify the Lord with me, and let us
exalt his name together."
Bro. Metzler, working in connection with
MCC. in the interest of canning fer relief, was
with us on the evening of Dec. 0. On Jan. 25.
twenty-six persons from six congregations
worked at the portable canuer to process beef.
The cauner is located at Harrisonburg.
Yesterday afternoon one of our older members,
Lydia Andrews, was buried. While health per-
mitted, her place was seldom empty at church.
Bro. Fred Augsburger and family from the
mission at Youngstown, Ohio, worshiped with
us on Jan. 24. Bro. Augsburger brought the
morning message.
Bro. Byard Shank, Mt. Crawford, Va..
brought a message on stewardship on fall Mis-
sionary Day.
Others ministers worshiping with us and tak-
ing part in our services are William Martin.
Slengee Mills, Pa ; J. 0. Gingerich, Detroit lakes,
Minn., and B. B. King, Scottdaie, Pa.
Savings from Missionary Savings Banks and
quarters invested amounted to $228.55.
The annual business meeting of our district
was held at Springdale on Dec. 31. This meet-
ing is a means of each congregation sharing
reports of their activities with others.
Four little colored boys are being cared for
in the Lester Weber home until our Virginia
Mission Hoard can establish an orphanage.
The blessings of God have been ours. May we
continue to serve Him.
Anna Mary Burkholder.
SARASOTA. FLORIDA
(Bayshore Congregation)
Dear Herald Readers i
Greetings in Jesus' name Let us praise Him
for His long-suffering and His kindnesses toward
us and for the blessings bestowed upon us daily.
In our Sunday-school reorganization I'riah
Mast was elected Sunday-school superintendent
and Olen Eicher assistant.
In November we were encouraged to live clos-
er to God in revival meetings conducted by
Bro. M. L. Troyer of Elida. Ohio. Our pustor's
father. Bro. Andrew ISrcnucman. a retired min-
ister from Elida. Ohio, was with us during this
time to assist with the services.
A thanksgiving program of music and talks
was presented by a Gospel team from Messiah
Bible College, Grantham. Pa. The MYF served
the evening meal to the group.
Our pastor, Bro. T. H. Breuneman. spent ten
days in Puerto Rico in December fulfilling his
bishop duties there.
The MYF render varied programs every two
weeks this winter. One Sunday morning each
month they give out tracts in various sections
of Sarasota. They give a program at the Wel-
fare Home the first Sunday afternoon of each
month.
140
GOSPEL HERALD
February 9, 1954
The Christian Home Builders (young married
people; have been making improvements in the
Sunday-school building. Tile flooring has been
laid in several rooms.
Many of our northern friends have returned
for the winter season and also new ones have
come in. A Gospel team from E.M.C. presented
us with a New Year's program.
We pray that the Lord may bless all of you
during the coming year. We ask an interest in
your prayers.
Dorothy Miller.
SARASOTA, FLORIDA
(Fiuecrat't Tourist Congregation)
Dear LIehald Readers :
"Praise ye the Lord. Praise ye the name of
the Lord; praise hiin, O ye servants of the
Lord'' (l's. 135:1).
On Thanksgiving morning the brethren Albert
Wyse, Midland, Mich., and J. C. Kauagy, Belle-
ville, Pa., brought us messages Lhat made uts
realize how richly our Father hath blessed us.
In the evening we had praise and prayer serv-
ices.
in November our hearts were saddened by
the departure of Sister Schrock. Although near-
ly eighty years of age, she came to summer Bible
school and said she enjoyed it so much she
didn't want to miss.
Uur tourist congregation reorganized with the
following officers elected : S.S. SupUs., Ira Sheuk
and Andy Oberholtzer; Secy., 1'ius Kauagy;
Church Chor., J. B. Kauagy; S.S. Chor., Abram
Kraybill; Ushers, Harvey Tice and Simon
llershberger ; Y. P. Committee, lioinau Slabaugh
and David Perry Yoder.
Uur Tuesday evening meetings are in charge
of J. B. Kauagy, music director, and Nelson
tilick, teacher of Bible history and geography.
Wednesday evening cottage prayer meetings
are appreciated in the community. Thursday
evening prayer and Bible study are conducted
at the church. These evening meetings are a
great help in acquainting us with Cod's Word.
The Sarasota Welfare Home has again ex-
pressed appreciation for the monthly messages
of cheer in singing and preaching.
The sewing circle has been reorganized with
Sister Clara Helmuth of Indiana as president ;
Mis. Fred Yoder, Iowa, vice-president; Mrs. W.
T. Yoder, Kansas, Secretary ; Mrs. Ira Sheuk,
Ohio, as helper.
On Dec. 0 we had counsel meetings at which
time Bro. Frank Stoltzfus brought us the mes-
sage. The evening of Dec. 13 we had preparatory
services and on Sunday we commemorated the
suffering and death of our Lord. Bro. Leroy
Stoltzfus of the Lancaster Conference had
charge of these meetings.
Our Christmas messages were brought by
these brethren: Eli K Zook, Belleville, Pa.;
Harry Stutzman, Berlin, Ohio; Noah Zehr, Mid-
dlebury, Ind. ; and Joseph Nissley, of Florida.
The evening of Dec. 24, Harry Stutzman told
of his trip to Europe und Palestine. On Dec.
27 Bro. Levi Troyer and wile, missionaries on
the isle of Haiti, brought challenging messages.
Other visiting brethren that brought to us
the Word of Uod were Mahlon Miller, Burton,
Ohio; Walter Kbersole, EDlizabethtown, I'a.;
Andrew Brenneman, Elida, Ohio; J. L. Horst,
Scottdale, l'a.; and Milton Brackbill, Paoli, Pa.
We welcome tourists and visiting ministers to
win-ship with us.
On Jan. 10 Bro. Otho Shenk brought the
morning and evening messages at Ida Street
Mi.ssion at Tampa, Fla.
Bro. Kay. Shenk, Cottage Oity, lid., held re-
vival services Jan. 21-81.
Nellie Nissley.
FIELD NOTES (Continued)
Bro. Henry Gindcr, Manhcim, Pa., bishop
(ii tlu- Brethren in t in ist Church, at the
S. Christian St. Mission, Lancaster, Pa., Sun-
day evening, Feb. 14.
Bible Instruction meeting at the Stump-
town, Pa., meetinghouse, Feb. 13, 14. Speak-
ers: Fmanuel Peachey, Belleville, Pa.; A. J.
Metzlcr, Scottdale, Pa.; |. C. and Paul R.
Clemens, Lansdale, Pa.; Lester Miller, Ox-
lord, Pa.
Dedication of the Pinecraft Conservative
A.M. Church, Sarasota, Fla., Sunday after-
noon, Feb. 14.
Goshen College Alumni home-style dinner
at Paradise Church of the Brethren, three and
one half miles southeast of Smithville, Ohio,
Feb. 12, at 7 p.m.
Stewardship Lecture Conference, Milo
KaurTman speaker, and sponsored by the
Ontario Christian Workers' Conference, al-
ternating at Waterloo and Elmira every
evening from March 29 to April 4, with
four lectures at each place.
Missionary Conference at Blooming Glen,
Pa., Church, Feb. 27, 28, climaxing with a
farewell service for the John Koppenhaver
family.
Annual Bible meeting at the Landisville,
Pa., Church, with Melvin Lauver and Jacob
Kutt as speakers.
Ordination services for a minister at the
Valley View Church, Stuarts Draft, Va.,
Sunday evening, Feb. 14, 7 p.m. Votes to
be taken Friday evening, Feb. 12.
Christian Workers' Normal at Johnstown
Bible School, closing with commencement
exercises, Feb. 10, 11.
Baptismal and communion services at the
Yellow Creek Church near Goshen, Ind.,
Sunday morning and evening, Feb. 28, with
Bro. Ray Yoder in charge.
One Young People's Institute only will be
held at Laurelville Mennonite Camp, Mt.
Pleasant, Pa., R. 2, this year. The dates are
Aug. 7-13. Plan now for your vacation dur-
ing that week. Communicate with C. F.
Yake, Sec'y, Scottdale, Pa.
The Ohio Young People's Institute will
be held July 31 to Aug. 6, 1954.
Visiting Speakers
Jan. 17. Millard Shoup, Narvon, Pa., at
Mt. View Church, Lyndhurst, Va. Earl
Buckwalter, Hesston, Kans., at Greensburg,
Kans.
Jan. 24. B. B. King, Scottdale, Pa., at Mt.
View Church, Lyndhurst, Va., Paul Ver-
ghese, Princeton, N.J., at the I-W center at
Brattleboro, Vt., also Jan. 23. Henry Becker,
Bihar, India, at Prairie St. Church, Elkhart,
Ind. John G. Hochstetler, Creston, Mont.,
at Rainy River, International Falls, Minn.
Harvey Birky, worker in Children's Bible
Mission, Birmingham, Ala., at Bayshore,
Sarasota, Fla. Josef Herschkowitz, Harrison-
burg, Va., at Rocky Ridge, Quakertown, Pa.
)an. 31. O. O. Miller, Akron, Pa., at Bay-
shore. Sarasota, Fla., evening. C. A. Graybill,
Martinsburg, Pa., at Stahl, Johnstown, Pa.
Henry Weaver, Jr., Elkhart, Ind., at Crystal
Springs, Kans. Henry Lutz, speaking to the
I-W men at the Fairfield Hospital, Newtown,
Conn. David Steiner, North Lima, Ohio, at
Maple Grove, New Wilmington, Pa. B.
Charles Hbstetter, Harrisonburg, Va, at
Goshen College Church, Goshen, Ind.
Evangelistic Meetings
E. S. Garber, Nampa, Ida., at Casv.ulia.
Greg., beginning Jan. 24 and continuing for
ten days. C. F. Dcrstine, Kitchener. Out.,
at Sharon Church, Plain City, Ohio, April
(> I v Kenneth G. Good. Morton, III., at
Pleasant Hill. Peoria. 111.. March 9 14; Bel-
mont, Elkhart, Ind., March 21-28. Mervin
Baer, Carlisle, Pa., at Risser's Church, Eliza-
bethtown. Pa., beginning Feb. 14. George
R. Brunk, Harrisonburg, Va., at Pinecraft
C.A. Mennonite Church, Sarasota, Fla.,
Feb. 14-24.
You call yourself wealthy and rich; but
Paul meets your riches, and with his own
voice prescribes for the moderating of your
dress and ornament within a just limit. "Let
women," said he, "adorn themselves with
shametacedness and sobriety, not with broid-
ered hair, nor gold, nor pearls, nor cosdy ar-
ray, but as becometh women professing
chastity, with a good conversation." Also
Peter consents to these same precepts and
says, "Let there be in the woman not the out-
ward adorning of array, or gold, or apparel,
but the adorning of the heart." But if these
also warn us that the women who are ac-
customed to make an excuse for their dress
by reference to their husband, should be re-
strained and limited by religious observance
to the Church's discipline, how much more
it is right that the virgin should keep that
observance, who has no excuse for adorn-
ing herself, nor can the deceitfulness of her
fault be laid upon another, but she herself
remains in the guilt.
The characteristics of ornaments, and of
garments, and the allurements of beauty, are
not fitting for any but prostitutes and im-
modest women; and the dress of none is
more precious than of those whose modesty is
lowly. Thus in the Holy Scriptures, by
which the Lord wished us to be both in-
structed and admonished, the harlot city is
described more beautifully arrayed and
adorned, and with her ornaments; and the
rather on account of these very ornaments
about to perish.
Hear one who is faithfully consulted for
your advantage and profit. Be such as God
the Creator made you; be such as the hand
of your Father ordained you. Let your coun-
tenance remain in you incorrupt, your neck
unadorned, your figure simple; let not
wounds be made in your ears, nor let the
precious chain of bracelets and necklaces
circle your arms or your neck; let your feet
be free from golden bands, your hair stained
with no dye, your eyes worthy of beholding
God. Overcome dress, since you are a virgin;
overcome gold, since you overcome the flesh
and the world. — From Cyprian.
Here is one way in which you may succeed
in living the ideal life: After you get through
telling how other people ought to live, take
your own advice and show them how it is
done. — Selected.
All your strength is in your union,
All your danger in discord;
Therefore be at peace henceforward
And as brothers live together.
— Henry Wads worth Longfellow.
tFebruary 9, 1954
OUR SCHOOLS (Continued)
out of seeing others break a school regu-
lation, and then do you enjoy seeing
them get punished for their wrong?
Christian courtesy rejoices in the right.
Even when a decision or plan may be to
your own personal disadvantage, and
you recognize it to be right, can you
rejoice?
Christian courtesy bears, believes,
topes, endures all things. Can you al-
ways look for the good in others, believ-
ing them right until proved wrong? Can
pou take punishment like a man, always
keep an optimistic outlook? Christian
:ourtesy never ends. When all others
lose their courtesy, when a mob spirit
:akes hold of a group, can you keep your
aalance?
Can I— can you— pass this test? Alone,
fiever, but we can do all things through
Christ who strengthens us.
About a year ago coming from Kansas
City we decided to drive over the campus
)f the Haskell Indian Institute at Law-
ence, a large government school for
Indians. It was just after mealtime and
itudents were coming out of the dining
lall, going over the campus in groups of
wo or three or more. Without even
tepping from our car, we were im-
pressed by the quiet dignity and courtesv
>f those Indian students in a government
ichool, shown in their attitude toward
ns and each other.
What impression do people gain of
3ur campus? The casual visitor, the
salesman who comes to the office, the
raarent who comes for a visit, the min-
ister who comes to hold meetings— what
impression do they get? It was said of a
certain man that he "is the most beauti-
ul person I ever saw— what I mean bv
beauty is his grace of character, his kind-
ly generous manners, his brightness of
mind, and his perfect purity and white-
ness of soul." My prayer for Hesston stu-
dents is that people may say of you that
"they are the most beautiful young peo-
ple we ever saw— what we mean bv beau-
ty is their grace of character, their kindlv
generous manners, their brightness of
mind, and their perfect puritv and
whiteness of soul."
•Handbook ol ChrlMlcm Etiquett«, by Mr«. William
B. Riley. St. Paul, Minn.: Bruce Publishing Co.; 1945.
TO BE NEAR TO GOD (Continned)
Wltnessinq Thy power to sav» me,
Setting free from self and sin;
Thou hast bought me to possess me.
In Thy fullness, Lord, come in.
Saturday, February 20
Read Phil. 3:1-10.
God would have the tendrils of our heart
clasped around Christ, not trailing on the
earth; there is a place there for them; there
is security there, satisfaction there, and no-
where else. Christ is not only man, but God.
He knows our sorrows, our feelings. And
He is the resource of His people as they travel
through this world more helpless than others,
for they are without natural resources. A
GOSPEL HERALD
Christian does not act only from honor, or
still less from ambition, but he docs that
which is right because Christ is before him
as his motive. Christ is God's one resource
for us in everything, and He may well be
the believer's also.
Jeius. I am resting, retting
In the joy of what Thou art,
I am findinq out the greatnei*
Of Thy loving heart.
— C. R. Heisey.
TEACHING THE WORD (Continued)
has to offer something better, something that
can overcome the devil and his evil forces.
It is also known that different people and
different nations feel themselves superior to
other nations. Some consider themselves as
Cod's own people, some as the Aryan race,
some as the "Grand Nation." Others have
tried to snuff out certain races; some are try-
ing to make other people slaves; some are
still trying to keep certain races away from
equal rights. The Bible teaches that all peo-
ple are equal before God whether they be
Jews or Greeks, whether they be white or
colored. It is the privilege of the church
to present this matter to its members and to
teach, and to convince other people of trm
great truth.
It is also known that the number of broken
homes is increasing each year, ft is not only
that divorced people spoil the rest of their
lives completely and perhaps the hope ot
eternity also, but the one suffering most is
the child. Finding no refuge in his strug-
gling parents, having perhaps bad company
among the neighborhood children, the child
grows up pretty wild. Since the teaching of
Christianity in public schools is in general
prohibited and many teachers are ungodly
themselves, the child grows up without the
saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The answer of religious education in this
case is to teach the parents that they in the
first case don't let it come so far, and second-
ly, if it should have happened, to take care of
the children as far as spiritual welfare is
concerned and to teach them that after all
Jesus loves us all, even though our close
friends and relatives seem to forsake us.
There are also people who grow into the
church and there are those who are converted
by the grace of God. Rut this does not say
that a regenerated church member gets after
his regeneration a complete knowledge of
God and His works, ft might give him a
better understanding. Nobody is wise
enough to educate himself without any guid-
ance. If someone should try it, he surely ends
somewhere where he himself would not
want to be. Nothing growing in our culture
will bring forth good fruit if it grows wild.
It has to he cultivated, sprayed, and watched.
It is the greatest test of religious education in
this case to teach the full truth and to guide
and direct and to make the truth of the
Word a living matter to anyone who has ears
to hear and eyes to see. in order that the
Scriptures may become more meaningful.
There are various channels through which
Christianity can he presented. The first one
can be a teaching sermon, like the Sermon
111
on the Mount, which should be an example
to everybody who knows the Lord. A second
channel is the Sunday school, with its differ-
ent classes from the kindergarten to the
adult, where laymen teachers and professional
teachers have a very fine chance to make use
of their talents and to cultivate them, bring-
ing the Gospel to a smaller group and dis-
cussing the Word. There arc other ways to
teach smaller groups and find the will of
God, like the family altar, summer Bible
schools, parochial schools, and mission sta-
tions. The most important, however, is the
life lived by professing Christians, teaching
others to live a more Christlike life.
Religious education has always played a
big part in the church. The ups and downs
of the church have followed its cultivation or
its neglect. Religious education is the an-
swer to our religious and social conditions
if we realize that we have an opportunity to
help other people to live victorious lives, to
pass on religious inheritance, to win souls
tor Christ, and to teach the greatest Life ever
lived and the greatest Book ever written.
Harrisonburg, Va.
BIRTHS
Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord" (Ps. 127:3a)
Albrerht. Nevin and Carolyn (Bontranr).
Klkhnrt. Ind.. third child, Sharlcne Jan.
1 Aradt, Fred and Arlene (Miller). Bartvflle
congregation. Ohio. second child, Barbara Diane,
Jan. 10. 1054. _ ,
liatinian. Leonard and Evelyn n.arrctn.
Hagerstown, Bid., second child, VA»\*e Ann. Dec
". 1053. _
Beaehy, Moses and A. la (Miller), Harriaon-
burg, Va.. second son. John Myron, Jan. —
Bnrbaker, Aaron and Esther (Oberhpltjer),
Lititz. Pa, ninth child, eighth son. Jool Dean.
*Cnristner, Vernon and Ltla (Chupp), Middle-
bury. Ind.. seeond child. Pharolette Kay. Dec.
23 1053
Derstine. Gerald G. and Benlafa (Hackman),
Ogema Minn., second child, first MM, Phillip
Gerald! Nov. 5. 1053. „
BietzeV Reuben 8. and Gertrude (Albrecnt),
Bay Tort Mich., fourth child, first son, David
Edward, Jan. 0. 1054
Fash. Elon II. and Lorene (Nofidjer), Arch-
bold Ohio second child, firwt daughter. Mary
Rcth. Jan. 8. 1054. •
FyfTe. Audie and Irene (Roberts). ABDlanfl,
Kv sixth child. Ruth Len. Dec. 20. 1053.
Gnsrho. J. Mahlon and Miriam Ruth (Bon
tracer) East Lanainjr, Mich., first child. James
Mahlon, Jan. 12. 1054.
Gross. Wayne and Ada (Hoatetler), Wash-
burn III., third child, second daughter. I-nann
Ruth. Jan. 10. 1054. „ . Wl_ ,
Gunrz. Henry R. and Bnna illaltcmant. lei-
ford Pa., fourth child, third daughter. Janice.
Dec' 20. 1053. .
KaufTinan. Curtis and Varna (Eaah), Sprins-
field. Orcg.. a daughter. Maxine Joyce. Nov. 17.
1868.
Kauffman. Norman and Marcaret (8tnt»
man I Goshen. Ind., second son. Kerniit .Tame*.
Jan. 20. 1054. „ , , ,
I,andis. Howard G. and Lydia (Btolrafus).
Lancaster. Pa., first child. Howard Carl. Dec.
22. 1053.
Lehman. Leo C. nnd Ethel (Horst), Cham-
bershurg Pa., first child, Norma Jean. Jan. 18.
185*. ^
Lehman. Paul and Erma (Yoder). D.-nhurn.
Va.. first child. Wayne Roy. Jan. 0. 1054.
I.einbarb. Oscar and Laurene (Bontrajrer).
Clnrklake. Mich., fifth child. Sharon Kay. Dec.
5. 1053.
142
GOSPEL HERALD
February 9, 1954
Miller, Reuben J. and Phyllis ( Snyder 1. Den-
ver, Colo., first child, Richard Jay. Jan. 4, 1054.
Miller, \V . Ray and Dorothea (Messiek), Ren-
ton, Ohio, third child, Rarbara Jean, Jan. 21.
1054.
Myers, \V;tlt<T arid Caroline (Icher), Hunter-
town, Ind., first child, Linda Kay, Jan. 13. 1054.
Neuschwander, Paul and Rlancbe (Stutz-
man), Albany, Oreg., fourth child, third son.
James Edwin, Dec. 2, 1953.
Oswald, Raymond and Alma (Bonn), Weal
Point, Nebr., fifth child, second son, Delvan
Roy, Dec. 5, 1953.
Richer, Laurence and Edna (Huber), Del-
phi*, Ohio, third child, Shirley Ann, Dec. 27.
1953.
Sauder, Gerald B. and Marv (Mayer), Tel-
ford. Pa., first child, Mary Reth, Nov. 29. 1953.
Schloneger, Paul and Hilda (Myers). Arch-
bold, Ohio, second daughter, Victoria Sue, Dec.
22. 1953.
Stoll, Isaac and Marie (Gingerich), Jerome.
Mich., fourth child. Rita Ann, Nov. 17, 1953.
Stoll. John and Doris (Bechtel), Jonesville,
Mich., first child. Dean La Mar, Nov. 13. 1953.
Showalter. Paul and Nancy (Miller). Mead-
ville, Pa., third child, second daughter, Margret
Ann, Jan. 8. 1954.
Springer. Elmo and Irene (Litwiller). Elgin.
Til., first child. Sue Reth, Jan. 18, 1954.
Stauffer, Edward and Beba (Eisenberger).
Peach Rottom, Pa., fourth child, James Edward.
Jan. 17. 1954.
Stauffer, Milton and Pauline (Beck), Mt.
Oilead, Ohio, second child, Jean Marie, Oct. 25,
1953.
Steiner, Nathan and Bertha (Neuensehwan-
der), Dalton, Ohio, fifth child, Ernest Earl, Dec.
15. 1953.
Styer, Kermit and Edna (Benner), Souderton,
Pa., fourth child, second son, John, Jan. 18,
1954.
Thompson, Herman and Rhoda (Shank), Har-
risonburg, Va., second daughter, Patty June.
Jan. 20, 1954.
Troyer, Levi and Anna (Troyer), Hartville
congregation, Ohio, first child, David Lee, Jan.
23, 1954.
Weaver, Harold K. and Iona (Souder), Col-
legeville. Pa., seventh child, third daughter,
Sylvia Jean, Jan. 24, 1954.
Yoder, Alvin D. and A. Margaret (Zook).
Belleville, Pa., first child, Wanda Joy, Deo.
22, 1053.
Zehr, Melvin and Lois (Reiser), Manson,
Iowa, third child, second son, Richard Allen.
Jan. 6, 1954.
MARRIAGES
May the blessings of God be upon the homes
established by the marriages here listed. A year's
subscription to the GOSPEL HERALD is given to those
whose address is supplied by the officiating minister.
Krb — Beltz. — Wayne Brb, Hartville, Ohio,
Mennonite congregation, anil Kathryn Belts,
First Christian Church, nt the bride's home con-
gregation by the local pastor, Jan. 18, 1954.
Click — Lapp.— Norman Click, Stumptown
congregation, Lancaster Co.. Ph.. anil Viable
Lapp, Conestoga congregation; Morgantown,
I'm., nt tin' Conestoga Onnrch by Ira A. Kjtrtz.
Jan, 23. L954.
Jewltt — Karcher. Clayton Jewitt, First
Mennonite Ohnreh, Kitchener, Onto ami Jean
Karcher, by H. S. I l.iiini.in nt the Bethany
United Missionary church. Kitchener, Ont.,
Oct. 31, 1953.
K..H. — Gebman. Robert 0. Kolb, Vincent
enngregatiun, Spring City, Ph., and dhidys II.
Ci'hman. Francipiiin, Ph., congregation, bv Ed
win A. Soulier, assisted by Norman Bechtel and
Matthew Kolb, at the Vincent Church, Jim. 23.
(954
Lapp — Ring, Ji b R. Lapp and Loretta M
King, both nf the Maple drove congregation.
Atglen, Ph.. by Aaron F. Slollzfns. ■aalatod bv
Leroy 1>. Untitle, at the Maple drove Church.
Jan. IB. 1954.
Martin — Oilier. Amnion II. Martin. Reiff
congregation, Bagerstown, Md„ and Ellen II
Dlller, Miller congregation, LeUersburg, Md., bj
Moses K. Ilnrst nt the home of the bride. Jan,
21. 1954.
Martin — Watts. .1 ph Benner Martin,
Hershev congregation, Dover, Pa., and Bettj
Ann Waits, Melltnger congregation, Lancaster,
Pn l > v Rimer O. Martin at the homi of the
bride, Jan 16, 1954.
Martin — Zimmerman. — Ivan W. Martin,
doodville. Pa., congregation, and Ruth Zimmer-
man, Bowmansville, Pa., congregation, by J.
Paul draybill at the Ooodville Church, Jan. 9.
1954.
Reed — Martin. — Marvin Reed. Martindah-.
Pa., congregation, and Crace I. Martin, Lichty
congregation. East Ear], Pa., by J. Paul dray-
bill at the home of the bride, Jan. 9. 1954.
Schott — Meyers. — Olen Robert Schott. First
Mennonite Church, Kitchener, Ont., and Alice
Marie Meyers, at the Zion Evangelical United
Rrethren Church, New Hamburg, Ont., by the
local pastor. Jan. 16. 1954.
Shenk — Myer.— Mahlon H. Shenk, New Dan-
ville congregation. Lancaster, Pa., and Almeda
Jean Myer. Stumptown congregation. Bird-in-
Hand, Pa., by Elmer G. Martin at the New Dan-
ville Church. Jan. 13. 1954.
Short — Short. — Joseph Dale Short. W. Ban-
croft congregation, Toledo. Ohio, and Alice
Marie Short, Central congregation. Archbold,
Ohio, bv Freeman Aschliman, assisted bv Jesse
Short, at the Central Church, Dec. 27. 1953.
Slagell — Harder. — Chester E. Slagell. Hydro.
Okla.. congregation, and Ruth Harder, Seventh
Street Mennonite congregation. Upland. Calif.,
by Sherman Maust at the church. Dec. 22. 1953.
Ruth — Wienss. — Paul L. Ruth. Souderton.
Pa., and Marjorie Wienss. Beatrice. Nebr.. by
Jacob J. Friesen at the First Mennonite Church.
Beatrice, Nebr., Nov. 20, 1953.
Thomas — Herr. — Abram B. Thomas. Oreville
Mennonite Home congregation, Lancaster, Pa.,
and Magdalena Herr, Weaverland congregation.
East Earl, Pa., by J. Paul Craybill at his home,
assisted by Jacob Harnish. Jan. 16. 1954.
OBITUARIES
May the sustaining grace and comfort of our Lord
bless these who are bereaved.
Alderfer, Ellen T.. daughter of Irvin R. and
Mary D. (Tvson) Landes. was born in Mont-
gomery Co.. Pa.. Feb. 6. 1889; died in drand
View Hospital. Sellersville, Pa.. Dec. 3. 1953 ;
aged 64 y. 9 m. 27 d. On July 17. 1910. she was
baptized and received into the Franconia Men-
nnnife Church, where she remained a faithful
member until death. She was a Sunday-school
tencher for many years hut later had a heart
condition which handicapped her. Ry permis-
sion of her physician she was permitted to at-
tend services but kept away from the crowds by
hearing the sermons through the loud-speakers.
She was married to Henry K. Alderfer on June
11. 1910. Two sons were horn who died in their
infancy. She is survived by her husband, an
adopted (laughter (Mrs. Raymond Bauer. Spring
City, Pa.K 2 brothers (Isaiah T. Mainland.
Pa., and Henry T.. Doylestown. Pa.K and 3
sisters (Susan — Mrs Harvej N. Alderfer. nar-
levsville. Ph. : Mary — Mrs. Norman Reinford.
Schwenkville, Pn. ; and Martha — Mrs. Eugene
Kerr, Collegeville. Pa.). Funeral services were
held at the Franconia Mennonite Church Dee.
7. in charge of Menno Sunder and Elwo.nl
Derstine. Interment was made in the adjoining
cem etry.
Church, H. I>ester. s,.n of Linvllle and LnutRS
(Howell) Church, was born Mny 5. 1902 In
Ash Coiinlv. North Carolina ; passed nwav Not.
20. 1953. at University Hospital. Philadelphia.
P.i : nged 51 y. 6 m. 15 d On Feb. 7. 1922. he
wan married to Lorn Adams. To this union
were born 7 sons. Two infant sons preceded him
in death. Surviving are bis companion. 5 sons
(.Inmes Carol Kirkwood. Pa.: Ray, Franklin.
Claude, ami George, all at home), his parents,
niie sister (Ella — Mrs. Paul Hawthorne. Kirk-
wonil. Ph.), 3 brothers (Earl. Kirkwood Pn. :
I.ee. Northeast, Md.. and Webb. Pench Bottom.
Pa.V and 2 grandchildren. He wns unable to
work for six months. Severn! week prior to his
departure he confessed Christ ns his Saviour.
In October he wns baptized and received into
church fellowship in his home. Funeral services
were held nt Mt. Vernon Mennonite Chapel. 0\
ford. Ph.. in charge of ,T. Lloyd Kreider. Burial
was made in the Little Britain Presbyterian
Cemetery.
Martin. Mrs I.ovlna. daughter of the late
Mr and Mrs .T.ihn Tleints. was born Nov. 12.
1907. In Wellesley Township. Ont.; died Jan.
17. 1954, nfter a lengthy illness at the Kitch-
ener-Waterloo Hospital; need 4ft v. 2 m. 5 d.
She in survived by her husband (Flins MnrtitO,
one daughter (Doris, at home), one son (Walter.
Waterloo, Ont. t. 5 brothers (Aaron Gingrich,
West Montrose: David Gingrich, Kitchener;
David Heintz. Wallenstein ; Norman Heinta,
Kitchener; Eli Heintz, Waterloo), and 4 sisters
(Mrs. Israel Musselman, Floradale ; Mrs. Ira
Snvder. St. Jacobs; Mrs. Sylvanus Shantz. New
Dundee, and Mrs. Ezra Frey. Wallenstein). A
brother and a sister preceded her in death. She
gave her heart to the Lord and united with the
Mennonite Church in her youth. Funeral serv-
ieea were held at the St. Jacobs Mennonite
Church. Jan. 20. in charge of Roy S. Koch,
ns-isted by Paul Swarr and Urias Martin. Bur-
ial was made in the St. Jacobs Mennonite Ceme-
tery. m{
Mason, Rosa May. was born in Pennsylvania
Sept. 11. 1892; passed away Jan. 9, 1954; aged
(11 y. 3 m. 28 d. When three years old she
moved to Broadway. Va.. and made her home
with her grandparents, the late Mr. and Mrs.
Jonathan Stainer, where she grew to woman-
hood. On Dec. 6. 1911. she -was united in mar-
riage to Ceorge M. Mason. To this union were
born 3 sons and one daughter (Harold and
Raymond. Broadway Va. : Herman. Timberville.
Va.. and Bernice — Mrs. Frost Fulk. of Broad-
way). She is also survived by 7 grandchildren.
In her youth she united with the E.U.B. Church
and later with her husband united with the
Mennonite Church to which she remained faith-
ful until death. Funeral services were held at
Trissel's Church. Jan. 11. with Norman Derstine
and Timothy Showalter in charge.
Miller. Nancy Lee. stillborn daughter of Dale
and Betty (Troyer) Miller, was born Jan. 14,
1954. at St. Elizabeth Hospital, Lincoln. Nebr.
Surviving are her parents and grandparents
(Mr. and Mrs. John Miller, Milford. Nebr.. and
Mr. and Mrs. A. L. Troyer. Shickley. Nebr.).
Craveyard services were held on Jan. 14. at East
Fairview Cemetery near Milford, Nebr., ia
charge of Ammon Miller.
Oesch. Caroline, wife of Joseph Oesch, was
born in Hessen, Germany, Feb. 16. 1861 ; peaee-
fullv fell asleep at the home of her daughter.
Mrs. Rudy Oesch. Zurich. Ont.. Dec. 29. 1953.
after an illness of 7 months; nged 92 y. 10 m.
13 d. She came to Canada in her early youth.
Predeceased by her husband and 2 sons (Charles
and Henry), she is survived by one daughter
and 2 sons I Lizzie — Mrs. Rudy Oesch, with
whom she made her home during her illness,
Samuel, and David, all of Zurich. Ont.). 18
grandchildren, 47 great-grandchildren, _ and 2
great-great-grandchildren. Early in life she
united with the Zurich Mennonite Church and
served the Lord faithfully until He called her
home. Funeral services were held in the Zurich
Mennonite Church, Jan. 1 with Jesse Short and
Albert Martin in charge. Burial was made in
the doshen Line Cemetery.
Schmueker, Aaron, son of Jacob and Catherine
(Schloneger) Schmueker. was born in Stark
County. Ohio. Nov. 24. 1883: died at his home
near Louisville. Ohio, Jan. 18. 1954; nged 70 y.
1 m. 24 d. In 1901 he accepted Christ as his
Saviour and was received into the fellowship
of the Beech Mennonite Church. He continued
in this fellowship until the end. On Dec. 23.
1909. he wns united in marriage to Lydia E.
Miller. To this union were bom three sons. On
Sunday. Jan. 17. he was at the church service
as usual. On his way home he. with his son
Carl, stopped to call on his aged mother. While
there he suffered n light cerebra hemorrhage.
When he arrived home, he could still speak to
his companion, but soon became unconscious and
continued so until Monday afternoon when he
passed nwny. His father and 2 brothers preced-
ed him in death. He is survived by his compan-
ion 3 sons (Carl, nt home; Tester and Wilbur,
both of Louisville. Ohio), 6 grandchildren, his
mother. 3 sisters (Mrs. Lydia Miller. Anna, and
Mrs. Ella Manrer, all of Louisville. Ohio), and
many other relatives and friends. Funeral serv-
ioes were conducted from the Beech Mennonite
Church by O. N. Johns and Ray Bair. Interment
wns mnde in the church cemetery.
Swnrtz. Clara D.. daughter of the late John
I. and T.vdin (MilO Derstine. was horn in Bed-
minster Township, Pa.. June 6. 1889: died Pec.
B, 1953; aged 54 y. 0 m. 2 d. She was a faith-
ful member of the Deep Run Mennonite Church.
She wns united in marriage to Isaac F. Swarta,
Dec 25, 1912. To this union were born three
daughters On Dec. 7 she complained of pain
and soon became unconscious; the next morning
she tinseed nwny. She is survived by her hus-
band. 3 daughters i Mrs. Arthus Lenthrrman.
Plpersvllle. Pn. : Miriam and Mne, at home),
nnd the following brothers and sisters. (Mrs.
Charles Detweiler, Mrs Hannah Overholt. and
Mrs Harry Cahman, Perkasie, Pa.; Mrs. John
d Leatherman, Ottsville, Pa.; Isaac M. Der-
February </, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
143
stine, Pipcruville, Pa. ; Mrs. William Gahmori,
Pcrkasie, Pa.; and Howard M. Derstine, Bloom-
ing Glen, Pa.), besides many other relatives and
Mends. Funeral services were held Dec. 12,
jat the Deep Run Mennonite Church in charge
1 of Erwin Nace and Omar Showalter. Interment
I was made in the adjoining cemetery.
Zehr, Amanda, daughter of the late Jacob and
Barbara Bender, was born in East Zorra, Ont.,
' March 11, 181)1; passed away at her home in
'pavistock Jan. 12, 1954 ; aged 62 y. 10 m. 1 d.
She entered the bonds of matrimony with Menno
ilEehr in November, 1915. She was a member of
; the East Zorra A.M. congregation. Two eons
J preceded her in death. She leaves to mourn her
■departure her husband, 4 sons and 2 daughters
J(Henry and Viola — Mrs. Wilfred Kropf, of
^■Fhilipsburg ; Stanley and Elroy, of Tavistock ;
Jpjorne, of Bright, and Ida, at home), two broth-
'|{eru and 3 sisters (Noah and Manaeseh, of East
"lESorru ; Emma — Mrs. Albert Oesch, of Milver-
Jlton ; Ida — Mrs. Simon Bender, of Ailsa Craig;
^Khristina — Mrs. Norman Roi, of Eaet Zorra),
'pO grandchildren, one aunt, and a host of other
jtelatives and friends. Funeral services were
■conducted at the East Zorra A.M. Church in
jl-harge of Jesse Short and Henry Yantzi. Burial
■was made in the adjoining cemetery.
I Zehr, Katherine, daughter of Jacob and Fan-
[Jiie (Boshart) Jautzi, was born at Wellesley,
■put., Jan. 27, 1879 ; went to her eternal reward
■Jan. 15, 1954, after a three-day illness resulting
from a heart attack; aged 74 y. 11 m. 18 d.
On Sept. 15, 1.S9S, nt Milford. Nebr., she was
■united in marriage to Peter Zehr with whom
Mshe shared the joys and sorrows of life for 55
.wears. In 1918 they moved to Oregon where
Abe resided until her death. She is survived by
■her husband, 0 children (Eda — Mrs. O. M. Con-
lrad, Tangent, Oreg. ; Milton, Albany, Oreg.
Alary — Mrs. Lloyd Lind, Salem, Oreg.; Oliver,
■Lebanon, Oreg. Viola — Mrs. Hugh King, Tau-
lgeut, Oreg. and Bay, Shedd, Oreg.), 3G grand-
Ehildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and a host of
'Ether relatives and friends. Two sous (Alvin
End Wilbert) and a brother (John B. Jantzi)
•liprecedcd her in death. In her youth she accepted
'Kjhrist as her personal Saviour, united with the
iElenuonite Church, and was a faithful member
Kintil God called her from earthly cares to her
Keavenly home. Funeral services were held at
Khe Fairview Mennonite Church with N. M.
■Birky and N. A. Lind in charge. Burial was
Uniade in the Riverside Cemetery.
1 Ziegler, Henry, son of Abraham and Chris-
1 [liana (Mctzler) Ziegler, was born in North
..■Lima, Ohio; passed away Jan. 22, 1954; aged
M)9 y. 8 m. 8 d. On Dec. 19, 1875, he was united
lin marriage with Martha Lehman, who died in
■1940. To this union five children were born,
■three of whom preceded him in death. Surviving
Ere 2 children (Cora — Mrs. Stelvin Coy, and
■Laura — Mrs. Bert Rohrer, both of Columbiana,
jBhio), 9 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren,
great-great-grandchildren, and one sister
?i(Mr8. Annie Stauffer, Leetonia, Ohio). As a
Eyoung man he confessed Christ as his personal
■Saviour and united with the North Lima Men-
nonite Church, where he was au active member
in many ways. For the past number of years he
made his home with his daughter and son-in-law,
Bro. and Sister Bert Rohrer. Funeral services
'were held at the North Lima Mennonite Church
in charge of David C. Steiner and James Steiner.
Interment was made in the adjoining cemetery.
Ziegler, Leah, daughter of the late Mr. and
Mm. David Martin, passed away at her home in
Florndale, Ont., following a brief illness ; aged
t>2 y. 3 m. 13 d. Her first husband, Joseph W.
Snyder, preceded her in death in 1935. In 194<J
she was married to Cyrenius Ziegler of Flora-
dale, who mourns her passing. Besides her hus-
band, she is survived by 3 sons (Oscar Snyder,
Klmira, Ont.; Eden Snyder, Petersburg; Milfred
Snyder, Conestoga), one daughter (Lucinda Sny-
der, Floradale), one brother (Paul Martin,
IBlmira; 3 sisters (Mrs. Levi Martin, Elmira ;
Mrs. Rebecca Gingrich, Waterloo; Mrs.
Ephraim Snyder, St. Jacobs), and 4 grand-
children. Funeral services were held at the
Floradale Mennonite Church, Dec. 5, in charge
jof Oliver Snider and Rufus Jutzi. Interment
was made in the St. Jacobs Cemetery.
That friend who serves, and seeks for gain,
And follows but for form,
Will pack when it begins to rain,
And leave you in the storm.
— William Shakespeare.
THE BOOK SHELF
Books reviewed In these columns may be ordered
Irom the Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale, Pa.
Riven Fetters, by Sallie Lee Bell; Zondcr-
van Publishing House; 1S>53; 215 pp.; cloth,
$2.50.
Riven Fetters deals primarily with exact-
ly what the title implies: the deliverance
which Jesus brings to souls who touch Him.
Adah and Judith, Jewish sisters, iecl their
intense hatred lor each other dissolve into
nothingness when their lives touch His. The
letters ot bondage under which Jewish slaves
lived were shattered by His mighty power.
Fetters of sin, which bound both Jew and
Gentile alike, needed the merciful touch ol
the Master.
There are fetters of pain and terrible suf-
fering throughout the story — which Jesus
erased. Unholy passions can bind a soul with
frightening certainty — but Jesus can break
them, too, and put virtue where lust once
ruled.
Sallie Lee Bell brings the Jew and Gentile
together— loosed from the fetters of racial
prejudice by their personal contact with
Jesus.
The characters, Jew and Gentile alike,
move in and out amid scenes and villages
and countries of Bible times. Other books
dealing with the early Christian era have
perhaps portrayed a more vivid historical pic-
ture of the time of Christ. But this doesn't
seem to be Mrs. Bell's first concern. She
uses history to some extent. But the point
of the book is spiritual rather than historical.
You'll think about your own hatreds and
fears and sins and unholy thought as you
read Riven Fetters. You'll see hope for your
own bondage as you feel the eyes of Jesus
on your own soul. You'll be assured that
His power is the same today, and with
Adah and Judith and Ctesiphon, you'll reach
out to touch Him just where you are. —
Marie A. Yoder.
ITEMS and COMMENTS
Mrs. Susie Jessel of Ashland, Oregon, who
claims to have the power of healing in her
hands, has an average night's take of $500.
Thousands of patients flock to her from all
over the country. A local undertaker, ac-
cording to Time, claims that last year he
buried 18 of Susie's patients and says, "Susie
is the biggest business in town for every-
body."
• • •
American missionary giving today must
be directed less to supporting missionaries
who are "helping the poor heathen" and
more to aiding young churches overseas to
carry out their own programs, according to
Dr. Windburn Thomas, American missionary
to Indonesia. Since white is the color of colo-
nialism to many Asians, Dr. Thomas urged
that top priority should be given to mission-
ary candidates from Negro, Indian, and
oriental groups.
• • •
Hundreds of African "prophets" with sep-
aratist churches have risen in Africa as one
expression of the rising nationalistic spirit.
Segregation in the established churches, it is
explained, is one reason for this trend. "When
missionaries and Christian workers will not
recognize an African on the streets of Dur-
ban or Johannesburg," said a recent speaker
at Buckhill Falls, "when they insist that an
African visiting in their homes enter through
the kitchen instead of through the front door,
then the African's only logical explanation is
that the missionary is more interested in
maintaining the superior status of the white
man than in preaching the Gospel."
• • •
A record number of 10,700,000 married
women in the United States hold paying
jobs, according to a survey recently published
by the Census Bureau. This is 350,000 more
than last year, and 3,000,000 more than dur-
ing World War II. According to the survey
of each 100 working women, 57 were mar-
ried, 27 were single, and 16 were widowed
or divorced. About one half of all single
women were employed, as compared to one
fourth of all the wives.
• • •
The New Jersey Supreme Court has tor-
bidden the distribution of the King James
V ersion of the New Testament in the public
schools of that state. In a unanimous decision
the court ruled that the "works" were sec-
tarian. The ruling was expected to have far-
reaching effects on the work of the Gideons
in that state. One of the present emphases
of the Gideons is the distribution of the New
Testament or other portions of the Bible in
public schools.
• • e
The Lagrange, Indiana, American Legion
has taken action requesting changes in the
draft law concerning conscientious objectors.
"The term conscientious objector be rede-
fined to provide that religious training and
belief must be demonstrated by the individ-
ual's overt acts, personal habits, religious at-
tendance, and general conduct for a period
of at least two years prior to the time the
individual claims exemption as a conscien-
tious objector and placing the burden of prov-
ing eligibility for such classification upon the
person claiming the same." The American
Legion also asked that conscientious objectors
be required to do noncombat duty in the
armed forces. The action grew out of the
tense situation in that county resulting from
the refusal of some young Amish men to do
civilian work.
• • •
Frank C. Peters, Mennonite Brethren pas-
tor at Kitchener, Ontario, has been elected
president of Tabor College at Hillsboro, Kan-
sas, succeeding J. N. C. Hicbert, who re-
signed because of ill health. He has moved
to Tabor for the second semester and will
assume his office of president in August of
1954.
144
For 8-12-year-olds
Ten of a Kind
By Edna Beiler
—A series of eventful stories about
an enthusiastic gang of boys and
their beloved Uncle Al, preacher
and Sunday-school teacher.
How they became ten of a kind
provides absorbing reading for
boys and girls- $1.50
Eastward to the Sun
By Sanford C. Yoder
An interesting trip that climaxed in the
50th anniversary celebration of the India
Mennonite Church. An enjoyable travel
book with a positive Christian emphasis.
$2.85
Songs of the Church
Ed. btj Walter E. Yoder
You will enjoy singing the beautiful
new and old songs in this excellent song-
hook. For choruses, winter Bible schools,
youth groups, informal singing groups.
$1.00; $10.85 a dozen; $80.00 a hundred.
Mennonite Publishing House
Scottdale, Pennsylvania
GOSPEL HERALD
The Rural Bible Crusade carries on work
throughout the Midwest from Ohio to Colo-
rado, encouraging Bible memorization in the
public schools. Over 100,000 public school
pupils will enroll in Crusade's Scripture
memory program in this school year. More
than 18,000 boys and girls have learned 500
verses through the Crusade since it began
in 1937.
• • •
Julias K. Hofmann, a deaf printer of Min-
neapolis, Minn., with his wife conducts the
Gospel Witness to the Deaf. As one part of
their work, they sent out 5,000 Christmas
cards this past December, all to deaf people.
Mr. Hofmann, who has not heard a sound
since he was stricken with scarlet fever at
the age of four, claims that most of Amer-
ica's estimated half-million deaf are "living
in spiritual darkness." His cards went to deaf
in all 48 states, Hawaii, Canada, Australia,
England, Ireland, Scotland, Norway, South
Africa, and New Zealand.
• • «
Letters urging the elimination of drinking
from office Christmas parties were sent to
6,500 Pennsylvania business firms by the
State Temperance League's Christmas Safety
Committee. A campaign against Christmas
drinking was also conducted by the National
Safety Council.
• * *
Six hundred pure-bred goats have been
offered the Heifer Project to the Home Mis-
sions Division of the National Council of
Churches for shipment to Puerto Rico. The
first shipment of 300 arrived in Puerto Rico
on December 16. Goats' milk supplies a
serious vitamin deficiency in the Puerto Rican
diet and the demand for goats far exceeds
the number available. The goats recently
sent will be loaned to poor families to be
used for milk and breeding purposes. Any
offspring of a loaned goat is the property of
the family to whom it was given and then
the loaned goat is returned to Home Mis-
sions to be loaned again.
» * •
War Release Services-National Catholic
Welfare Conference has been approved by
Selective Service for employmnt of conscien-
tious objectors assigned to civilian work. Job
opportunities with War Release Services will
consist largely of work with refugees in Eu-
rope. An important aspect of this work dur-
ing the coming year will he the processing of
refugees for migration overseas. Only three
Roman Catholic religious objectors are in-
cluded among 4,000 men who have obtained
work assignments satisfactory to their draft
boards. However, the agency said that many
objectors have been employed by Catholic
hospitals and institutions in various parts
of the United States without regard to their
religious faith.
• • •
A Methodist conscientious objector who
refused to accept alternative civilian service
was ordered by a Chicago court to spend two
days a wefjr)^ jail for the next five_vears
"JAV ,.'/,'
February p, 1954
and to pay a lodging fee of $2.00 for each of
the 520 days of internment The unusual
sentence was fixed in order to permit this
objector to work five days so that he could
continue to support his mother. Rather than
accept this sentence, he accepted service in
the army.
• • •
Drinking among Americans has increased
twelvefold since the repeal of the eighteenth
amendment. The Methodist Board of Tem-
perance said in a statement marking the:
twentieth anniversary of the repeal of prohibi-
tion, "In 1933 the per capita consumption oi
alcoholic beverage in the United States was
1.59 gallon," said the executive secretary.
"In 1943 it was 14.07 gallons and by 1952 it
was 18.66 gallons per person." Arrests from
drunkenness increased from 831 per 100,001
population in 1932 to 2,066 in 1952. Amer
ica has 7,000,000 problem drinkers, the high-
est crime bill in the world, and the highest
rate of alcoholic consumption, except foi
France.
• • •
An Arkansas man has proposed to the
Treasury that the motto "In God We Trust'
should appear on all United States' currency
as it does on some of our coins. The mottc
began appearing on coins in 1864 as a result
of a suggestion made to Treasury Secretary
Salmon P. Chase.
• • •
In spite of the closing of China as a mis-
sion field the number of Protestant forcigr
missionaries under American boards in-
creased from 15,000 to 18,000 during 1952
Roman Catholic missions showed a similar
growth.
• • •
The Methodist Church has purchased the
Colonial and Worrall Hospitals in Rochester
Minn., world-famed medical center. The new
combined hospital will be the fifth largest
of the seventy hospitals the Methodist Churci
operates in the United States.
• • •
A young Indian leader, M. M. Thomas, oi
Travancore in India, recently told the For
eign Missions Conference of the Nationa
Council that Asia is in the midst of total so
cial revolution and peoples of the West car
only hold the appeal of Communism in check
by recognizing the social aims of the revolu
tion and guiding Asians toward their accom
plishments. The young Indian pleaded foi
greater understanding among missionarie:
that "some sort of social democratic revolu
tion is necessary in order to solve the prob
[ems inherent in the country's outworn feuda
society."
• • •
A suggestion by the United Temperenct
Society of Connecticut that a priest or min
i;>ter be invited to attend office and factor
Christinas parties was accepted by som«
thirty business firms in that state. In addi
tion. more than two hundred concern
pledged not to have any liquor at thei
Christmas festivities.
n a 1 1 kiA&nt^M
11
GOSPEL HERALD
'In the defence and confirmation of the gospel" "How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace'
VOLUME XLVII .
.TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1954
God Still Loves
By Harold Bauman
As we gather to worship on the Lord's
day, we Christians claim a great deal.
We claim we have the message that gives
guidance to a blind race. We claim we
have the message that opens the doors to
abundant living. We claim to have the
message that deals with the eternal fu-
ture. This is all wrapped up in this
verse, "For God so loved the world."
God did love. How wonderful these
words are! They tell us of the compul-
sion, of the necessary fact that we must
come to know God. And how plain and
simple these words arel For God so
loved that He gave, that we might have
a certain experience, a certain life re-
sult.
And yet, how difficult these words
must have been to the Pharisee Nico-
demus who first heard them, who all his
life had trusted in his good works! I
trust that no one is trusting in the things
that he has done to bring him into the
presence of God. It's only because God
so loved.
What is this love? It is not just mere
affection; it is not just that I like some-
body; it is not just that I don't hate him.
That isn't love. This love that Jesus
speaks of here is the highest form that
we find in the New Testament. It is a
love that understands, that has a pur-
pose. God understood this world that
He loved. He knew that it was foul; He
knew that it was sinful; He knew that it
had a terrible stench to it. God knew all
of this and yet He loved with a purpose,
and that purpose was to redeem and to
win.
Why did God love? Because God saw
beyond the sins of men to their souls.
God always sees beyond the sin of a man
to the fellowship He can have with him
if he says, "Yes," and comes to know
Jesus as Saviour. We sing, "The love ol
God is greater far, than tongue or pen
can ever tell." Yes, we have experienced
that love when we have experienced re-
demption. "God so loved the world."
He loved it, understanding its sin; He
loved it with the purpose to redeem, thai
He might fellowship with us. When we
come trusting the righteousness of Jesus
Christ for salvation, then we can have
that fellowship with God.
These verses tell us the extent that
God loved, even to the giving of His Son.
The story that is old ought to become
new and fresh every day. Jesus died for
me. Jesus became my Saviour because
He loved me. "God so loved." The
depth of it is displayed on Calvary's
cross. This love is beyond the compre-
hension of our minds. No book about it
could have ever been written, except that
God would have displayed it first and
told men what to write. Into history the
love of God came so that men might not
only hear but also see. And many still
do not believe even after they have seen.
This love reaches back into eternity,
where the Godhead decided that it
would be by the way of Calvary that the
world should be redeemed. This love
broke into human history at Bethlehem,
became plain and bare for all to see on
Calvary's cross so that men cannot mis-
take that God so loved the world.
I sat in the county jail and talked to a
woman who had run the whole gamut of
sin. She said she had nothing to hide;
God knew it all. She had come to a place
in her experience where she was broken
and ready. It was a simple task to show
the love of Calvary and the forgiveness
that God has promised. As she accepted
that message, "God so loved the world,"
and accepted God's forgiveness, this
truth became new once more: "God so
loved" for me. God so loved and God
still loves sinful men.
What is the world like that God still
loves? I can't portray it; all I can do is
to just make some suggestions. Dr. M. A.
Darroch, home director of the Sudan
Interior Mission, gives a number of mis-
sion facts in a recent release from which
some of the following are taken.
The world that God loves has a fast-
growing population. In the last thirty
years the world's population has in-
creased 500 millions. Each day there are
born some 233,000 babies. Each day
there die about 109,000 people. So in
one year's time there are 44 million more
people in this world than there were
when the year began.
Do they know Jesus Christ? It is esti-
mated that within the past generation
one billion people have departed from
this world. More than three fourths of
them, 750 million people, did not know
the name of Jesus Christ; they had never
NL'MBKR 7
jus is the world that God
the world thai we live in.
ten years, Africa has in-
140 million to 200 million
many of them know Jesus
the last five years, Japan has
ri6T"only replaced what she lost during
the war, but has increased 1 I million
people. How many of them know Jesus
Christ? The church is losing the race
against the population. In spite of all
the increased missionary work, there are
400 million more unevangeli/ed today
than there were thirty years ago. The
church is losing the race against time.
This is the world that God loves through
us.
The world in which we live is experi-
encing political and economic tensions
and the lear of war. Ii is said that the
only reason there isn't war today is be-
cause men are afraid of their own weap-
ons. Each side knows that if Russia or
the United Stales starts war, within a
very lew hours millions and millions of
people will no longer live.
People today are afraid. They are
afraid of the rulers of other nations.
They are afraid of the weapons of other
nations. The information that our rul-
ers have given to us concerning the weap-
ons is so staggering that one wonders
what other weapons they have that they
have not disclosed to the public. Those
who deal in nuclear science say that if a
hydrogen bomb of a large size were set
off on the west coast, in four or five days
the atomic dust would cover the country,
taking lile wherever it went. This is the
world in which we live. This is the world
thai God loves.
Praise
By Ruby Reno
When saints of God with one accord
Come to the temple of the Lord
To offer praise,
Tis then the courts of heaven ring,
And angels 'round the throne do sing
His glorious praise.
For never was such mercy known
As that which in our hearts has shone
The perfect light
To transform souls of deepest sin
To souls which glory to Him win
By truth and right.
Akers, La.
146
GOSPEL HERALD
February 16, 1954
Evil is sweeping the world. A recent
army decision releases liquors ot all
kinds to the officers in their mess halls.
They used to have to go outside the a; m 5
camps, but no longer so. The delin-
quency of youth in the large cities is in-
creasing. The officers simply do not know
what to do with the young people, be-
cause the parents haven't done anything,
the schools can't do it, and the officers
don't know what to do. This is the
world that God loves in spite of the sin,
in spite of the fear, in spite of what
seems to be ahead. This is the world
that God still loves, because He lets it
stand.
The world in which we live has in-
creased opposition to the Gospel of Jesus
Christ. Doors are closing over the world
to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In just
the short generation that I have lived,
we have seen doors close year after year.
Our missionaries who went to China
came back to tell their experience. The
door has closed to 400 million people in
China.
The door is closing in India. Many
missionaries thought it would never
close. Yet today our missionaries have a
great deal of difficulty getting visas to
go to India. The doors to Argentina and
other South American countries have al-
ways been in a precarious position, espe-
cially in Argentina. The doors are clos-
ing. Those who have toured Japan say
that Japan is even beyond the place
where the Gospel can make much im-
pression. Why? Because when MacAr-
thur called for thousands of missionaries,
the church sent just a few. The Japanese
people were disappointed. Japan itself
may become a closed country.
The opposing religions are advancing
across the world. It is staggering to know
the increases that they are making, even
in the United States. First of all, the
Catholics have increased in Africa alone
in about fifteen years some ten million
members. In our country, the Catholics
establish a new church every day and a
half, some two hundred churches in this
country in one year's time.
Mohammedanism is advancing in the
Near East and even in this country.
Mosques are being erected in many
cities. The Mohammedans in Africa
alone sent out over 4,000 trained mis
sionaries in one year, compared to the
5,000 that the Evangelicals had there all
the time.
There are 18 Buddhist churches in
Christian America and 72 Buddhist Sun-
day schools.
Shintoism is the state religion of Ja-
pan. In 1917, the annual pilgrimage
Was made by some 700,000 people. Last
year three and one-half million people
went. The non-Christian religions are
being used by the devil to counteract in
every way the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
They are on the move. Is Christianity
moving?
It is estimated that Communism gains
nine million members every year besides
those that they get when they take a
whole country. One hesitates to think
what will happen in these countries in
another generation, when truth will not
be available, but only propaganda. The
devil is on the move through the atheist
religions of the world. As we examine
the world in which we live, we find a
world which has increased in material-
ism, decreased in spiritual warmth, and
has become pagan.
Let us see where the Protestants fit
into this picture. While the population
of the world has increased 32 per cent,
the Protestants have only increased 20
per cent. It is interesting to notice the
missionaries the different groups have on
Our secular life in this world is
only a fragment of some larger
life of higher spiritual dimensions.
Arnold Toynbee.
the field. These are given not to dis-
credit any group, but just to look at the
facts. The Seventh-Day Adventists are
the highest of any religious group. They
have one foreign missionary for every
150 members. The Presbyterians have
one missionary for every 3,000 members.
The Southern Baptists have one foreign
missionary for every 10,000 members.
Our Missionary Day bulletin indi-
cated we have one foreign missionary
for every 330 members. In comparison
to some of these others that sounds good,
but I trust it won't let us sit easy. One
thing that has disturbed me a great deal
is the report of those who have toured
the world. They come back and they
say the thing that strikes them is the
luxury of America. We are getting used
to big incomes. We are getting used to
having everything we need. As Bio. J. D.
(.ruber said, "It is drying up the Wells
ol spiritual giving." I trust it won't hap
pen t() This is the world that God
loves.
(.cxl still loves this world through Hi*
people. This is the only way that Cod
has to work— through those who love
Him and who have given their lives to
rfim, VVe have the Gospel of redemp-
tion from sin. It wants to tree men. but
it can onl\ tree them as thev hear about
Our Readers Say-
Please stop my Gospel Herald. The article
on the front page, Jan. 26 issue, I consider mis-
leading. If we are sure that we are saved, there
is no room for the word '"hope." Without hope
there can be no salvation. — Christian B. Glick,
Gordonville, Pa.
» • »
... I keep abreast of current news, but I
often marvel at the news items in the Herald.
Many of them I have missed. Usually they are
most pertinent, valuable, and significant . . . —
Joseph F. Boer, Sarasota, Fla.
it. We have the Gospel of eternal hope,
but it can only be hope as they have
faith in it through the truth they re-
ceive. We say it is a powerful Gospel to
meet the need of sin and sickness and to
give peace of mind to men. Do we pass
it on? Are we concerned that men shall
hear and shall know?
There is only one way in which the
Gospel shall be spread— people as indi-
viduals must take the responsibility to
do it. "God so loved the world" that He
gave His only Son. Paul says, "Now
then we are ambassadors for Christ, . . .
we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye rec-
onciled to God." That is our message.
That is our position as messengers. Each
individual Christian is to be a messenger
of reconciliation, because God so loved
and still loves. This kind of witness will
be given only when God's people see
themselves witnessing at the sacrifice of
self. This is love.
At an infidels' club a noted lecturer
had delivered a scathing; attack on Chris-
tianity and dared any man to answer
him. A gas fitter arose and said: "I have
been a member of this club for five vears.
Six months ago 1 lost my job and was ill.
Not one of vou came near me, though
my illness was known here. But a man
and his wife came and nursed us and
provided for us; otherwise neither my
wife nor I would be alive today. That
man is a citv missionary whom I had
once driven from my home with threats.
W hen 1 was well enough to think, I
asktxl myself why he had been so kind to
me, and 1 could not tell. So I asked him.
and he told me that he had done it for
the love ol Christ 1 say that a religion
which will bring a man to the bedside of
one who has hated and cursed him,
which makes him return good for evil
(Continued on Page 1S2)
GOSPEL HERALD
ESTABLISHED I0OO AS SUCCESSOR TO GOSPEL WITNESS (ISOB) AND HERALO OF TRUTH I3«4
PAUL ERB. EDITOR JOHN L. HOR ST, MILLARD C. LIND. CONSULTING EDITORS LEVI C. H ARTZLER. MISSIONS EDITOR
THE OOSPIL HERALD IS A RELIGIOUS WIIKLf PUBLISHED IN THI INTIBIITI OF TMI HINNONI 1 1 CHURCH ST IHI HINNONITI PUBLICATION BOARD. SCOT T DALE, PA.
KNT KNKD AS IICOND CLASS M A T T t H IN ISO* AT THI POBT OFFICS AT SCOTTOALt, PA.. UNDER ACT OF MARCH 1. I BTS SUBSCRIPTION PRICE- HOC PC R TEAR. THREE TEARS
IN ADVANCE, • BOO. FIVE YEARS IN ADVANCE. BUBO. SAMPLE COPIES SENT FREE ON REQUEST SEND ALL MATERIAL FOR PUBLICATION TO OOSPEL HERALD. SCOTTOALE, PA.
PRINTIO IN U.S.A.
February i6, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
1-17
EDITORIAL
Christian Humanism
There is a godless humanism which
makes man the source, the subject, and
the end of all religion. This humanism
needs no revelation from above, no di-
vine enabling for its work. It is devoted
to human happiness and welfare, but is
of the earth earthy and has no regard
for God's superintendence, nor for the
eternal ends to be served. For the hu-
manist social welfare is equated with
salvation.
In the effort to steer clear of such a
false philosophy many Christians veer to
an opposite extreme. They make rec-
ognition and worship of God the whole
of religion. They emphasize eternal sal-
vation to the neglect of the alleviation of
conditions which sin has brought. They
are other-worldly to the extent that they
are unconcerned about making a Chris-
tian impact upon their environment.
Their religious expression becomes so
personal that they lose all social obliga-
tion.
We must come to see that there is a
Christian humanism. God's love created
man in the image of God. God's care
has attended man throughout the cen-
i turies of history. He has a mind to his
distresses, and has in His Word revealed
a way both to eternal salvation of the
soul and to happiness here below. God's
will comprehends both the heavenly and
the mundane spheres, both time and the
post-historical ages.
Only that man is truly Chirstian who
recognizes his relation to God and to the
Saviour, Jesus Christ, and who also is
aware of his needy fellow man and has
a loving respect for him. How can a man
say he loves God if he does not love and
serve his brother? How one-sided is the
faith that in an upper room contem-
plates heavenly joys and is oblivious of
the degradation in the cellars and the
streets below him.
Jesus said that the command to love
one's neighbor is "like unto" the com-
mand to love God. The word actually
means "equal to." These commands are
a matched pair, not a major and a minor.
There is laid upon every Christian, every
lover of God, the compulsion of a social
sense. He must find ways to express
loving-kindness to his family, his neigh-
bors, his enemies, the hungry, the cold,
and the lost of every culture and clime.
This must not be an occasional charity,
but the everyday expression of his heart.
It will seem perfectly natural to him to
link together the healing of the body
and the healing of the soul. The hands
which he clasps in prayer will also be
strong to lift the burdens of those he
walks among. He will not need to de-
cide between the spiritual and the ma-
terial, for he will have learned to blend
the two. So, as a servant of God, he has
also become a servant of man. He is a
Christian humanist.— E.
What Is Our System of
Giving?
It is generally accepted that systematic
giving is taught in the Scriptures, both
in the Old and New Testaments. Main
people also agree that tithing is one o!
the best systems to use if we want to
make sure that our giving is commtibu
rate with our income. It is also true
that many Christians, once they get into
the spirit of giving, are not content to
limit their gifts to the tithe.
Our concern at this time, however, is
not so much the system we use to deter-
mine how much to give as what system
we use in allocating our sifts.
There are a number of categories into
which people's procedures in giving can
be classified. (1) Those who are inter-
ested most in giving to local causes
where they feel they can see how the
money is used and in which they feel
they may get some benefit themselves.
(2) People who give almost entirely to
projects in which they have a personal
interest. These may be projects at home
or abroad; they may have to do with
missions or charities; they may concern
persons or institutions; they may be
church or community causes; they mav
be denominational, interdenomination
al, or undenominational; but always
they fall into the line of a personal proj-
ect of the giver. (3) People who prefer
to give to budget causes, thus allowing
others to decide where and for what
purpose the money is used. (4) People
who give liberally to support all pro-
grams of the church— missions, relief,
education, district and general confer-
ence work, local church work— and then
reserve a certain portion to gi»e to
causes and people that have a persona]
appeal to them.
We will let the reader decide into
which classification he belong*. Perhaps
he can recognize himself; maybe he
can see others. We will let each one
decide also as to which category be-
thinks offers the most possibilities for
good. Hut we do want to point out
certain dangers and hold up certain
ideals inherent in our systems of giving.
There is a danger of becoming self-cen-
tered in our giving and thus not support-
ing any cause in which we do not have a
personal interest. There is a danger in
becoming proud ol our judgment as to
what are the best causes to support.
There is a danger that we become poor
stewards in our giving by supporting un-
worthy causes and diverting our money
from needy reliable organizations and
institutions. Much money has been wast-
ed by giving to causes that have a high
emotional appeal but which spend most
of the money on their own upkeep and
organization and accomplish little or
nothing for the cause which thev pretend
to represent.
Certainly we should hold to the ideal
of being good stewards in our giving as
well as in all other phases of life. This
means that Ave should be well balanced
in our giving procedures and methods.
One of the safest rules for giv ing efficient-
ly and to worthy causes is to support
both our local and general church pro-
gram loyally and liberal 1\ . This is not
to say that we should have no private
projects in the community and church in
which we are interested and which we
support. But we should never do so at
the expense of the program of the
church. Church membership implies fi-
nancial support as well as loyalty along
other lines.— H.
It is estimated that 52 per cent of the
patients occupying hospital beds in the
United States are in hospitals for the
mentally ill, but only 3 to 5 per cent of
the nurses employed in the hospitals are
currently working in psychiatric institu-
tions.
w
148
The Revelation of Jesus Christ
By J. L. Stauffer
24. The Seventh Trumpet. Rev. 11:14-19
The seventh trumpet now follows the
parenthesis or inset regarding the little
book and the two prophets. There are
great voices in heaven announcing that
the "kingdoms of this world are become
the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his
Christ; and he shall reign for ever and
ever."
The saints in glory represented by the
twenty-four elders fall upon their faces
and worship God and give thanks to
Him.
The nations are angry and God's
wrath is come. The time of judgment
and reward has also come.
The temple of God was now opened in
heaven. Notice that there are two tem-
ples in Revelation. We have noticed the
one on earth in the city of Jerusalem
(Rev. 11:1), and now the one referred
to in Rev. 11:19. We know that there
was no temple in Jerusalem at the time
this message was given to John, nor since
that time.
In connection with the sounding of
the seventh trumpet, it will be noticed
that the same phenomena occur as under
the seventh seal with the addition of
great hail.
All students who endeavor to under-
stand the Book of Revelation meet with
the same problems as to the order of
events. Some seek to solve the problem
by holding that the three series, seals,
trumpets, and vials, run concunently so
that each seventh plague culminates at
the same time. Others admit the difficul-
ties and make no attempt to find unity
in the book and by figurizing truth, they
evade (through the symbolism) the diffi-
culties. Others hold to a spiral arrange-
ment of the contents.
It appears clear that the seals are the
first series of judgments. The seven vials
are called the seven last plagues. Rev.
15:1. This naturally brings the seven
trumpets between the first and third se-
ries. The fact that the phenomena oc-
curring at the opening of the seventh
seal, blowing of the seventh trumpet, and
the outpouring of the seventh vial are
the same with some evidence of progres-
sion, is strong reason for believing that
they, the seventh of each series, syn-
chronize and end at the same time.
Further evidence pointing to the
above solution is the fact that the trum-
pets are contained in the seventh seal
and are not begun until the seventh seal
is broken. The vials are contained in the
seventh crumpet and are not poured out
until the seventh trumpet is blown.
In other words, the phenomena begun
in the breaking of (he seventh seal de-
scribed as "voices, thunderings, light-
nings, and earthquake" continue
throughout the blowing of the sc\en
trumpets. With the blowing ol the se\
enth trumpet the phenomena are con-
tinued ana intensified throughout the
GOSPEL HERALD
outpouring of the vials, with the addi-
tion of hail. With the outpouring of the
seventh vial, the same phenomena are
named with the addition of "great hail."
Thus the voices, thunderings, lightnings,
earthquake, and hail continue through-
out the second and third series of plagues
or judgments and all three sevens thus
sychronize together at the pouring out ol
the seventh vial. With the pouring out
of the seventh vial, there comes a great
voice out of the temple in heaven and
from the throne, "It is done."
The Everlasting Now
By Lorie C. Gooding
Today I live Eternity
Encompassed in an hour,
As all the sun of summertime
Is found within one flower.
Who lives with the Eternal Christ
To Time need never bow.
Each moment, day, and hour is
The Everlasting Now.
Holmesville, Ohio.
A Tragic Death
By a Sister
She's dead. Hers was a lingering ill-
ness. Crippled from birth, there was
only a short period in her whole life-
time that the roses bloomed in her
cheeks, and that period, borne on the
spirit of revival, was of a short duration.
Her death was to be expected.
Yes, she's dead. She always was an
odd duck— never seemed to have many
friends. There was only a very short
write-up in the newspaper. Just the
headlines, "Mrs. Prayer Meeting died,"
and then followed a few casual remarks.
Why didn't she ha\e more friends?
The few who really knew her have never
ceased to ponder the question. To that
few she was a priceless jewel in their arc
of friendship.
Let's work a little arithmetic. We'll
say the congregation has a Sunday morn-
ing attendance of three hundred. Prayer
Meeting saw fifty (we'll be liberal) men.
women, and children assembled. (Puts
you in mind of the ten who were
cleansed and only one returned to give
thanks to the Master, doesn't it?)
Now, let's see if we can find the two
hundred and fifty missing persons. There
was the night the Joneses arrived at
Prayer Meeting, onlv to discover the
Smiths weren't there. The next time tin-
smiths went and found the Jones l.imih
missing— so each family concluded the
other had quit, and that was the end ol
that. (What was the use of going, any-
way, if the rest of the little clique wasn't
February 16, 1954
It Happened —
FIFTY YEARS AGO
(From Herald of Truth, Jan. 28, 1904) -
On the 20th ol Dec. 1903, our new ►
meetinghouse was formally opened for
worship, Bro. J. N. Durr, Blair Co., con-
ducting the service [Strasburg, Franklin
Co., Pa.].
[Bro. Samuel Weaver ordained deacon £
at Lauver's Meetinghouse. Juniata Co.,
Pa., Dec. 9, 1903.]
(From Herald of Truth, Feb. 4, 1904)
Short Bible Term at Goshen College
during January was well attended, the
instructors from outside the school being
Pre. John Blosser of Rawson, Ohio, and
S. G. Shetler of Davidsville, Pa.
Pre. Joseph Ziegler . . . died Jan. 19,
1904, at . . . Zelienople, Pa., aged 88 y.
10 m. 8 d. . . . Funeral Jan. 21 at the
Old Harmony M.H., . . . services con-
ducted by David S. Lehman of Mahon-
ing Co., Ohio.
The first quarterly meeting of the
Mennonite Sunday school was held at
Slate Hill, Pa., Thursday, Jan. 14, 1904.
there?) For some with small children,
night meetings (they said) were taboo,
but further investigation would reveal
that Prayer Meeting was about the onh
type of night "entertainment" that the
children were allergic to!
Some said they couldn't understand
the leader of the Bible study— a change
of teachers proved fruitless. There was
the family who responded to a Sunday
morning challenge to avail themselves of
the Bible study on Prayer Meeting night.
I' pon arrival the) found singing had
been substituted for Bible study. They
concluded that it wasn't so important
after all, if it could be shoved in the
corner that easilv. An educated member
of the congregation was overheard to say
that they "couldn't stand the rag-chew-
ing!" Some said that when the Sunday-
school superintendents and teachers de-
cided to attend, it would be time enough
for them to start! And so on and on.
Well, she's dead. There won't be
man^ Rowers at her funeral, probably
less tears. There are onlv a few. a very
few, that will get homesick for her. But,
for those few, her memory will ever
abide in their hearts. To them she was
precious!
If you have that type of person in \our
community, I challenge you to get ac-
quainted with her!
February i6, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
149
The Teaching of Hebrews on
Eternal Security
By Marjorie Burkholder
The Epistle to the Hebrews gives such
conclusive evidence as to the erroneous
aspects of the doctrine of eternal security
that it is inconceivable any Christian
would err from the truth.
Be not carried away by divers and
strange teachings, for it is good that the
heart be established by grace." It is de-
plorable that so many Christians— even
in our own denomination— are permit-
ting themselves to be carried away from
God's explicit teaching on eternal securi-
ty. The preventative to becoming misled
by a false doctrine, as the writer of this
spistle says, is a heart made firm by
jrace, the undeserved favor of God,
which operates in and through His
Word, and roots in the heart the saving
truth.
Now the proponents of this doctrine
the fclaim that persons who have fallen into
iin, or need warnings as the Hebrews
iid, have never been born again. This
in turn would necessitate the belief that
the epistle was written to unsaved Jews.
But herein lies the first conclusive ar-
gument against the theory of eternal
security, because these Jews were Chris-
tians, as will be shown.
In Heb. 3:1, the readers are addressed,
'Holy brethren." The word "holy" is
often used as a designation for Chris-
tians. It is the address used when one
Christian speaks to other Christians. To
deny that the writer was speaking to
Christians, as he calls them, would be to
say he is calling them something which
they were not. This would make the
writer of the Hebrews a liar. Did God
use liars to write His inspired Word?
Again in verse 14 of the same chapter,
the readers are admonished as being
'partakers with Christ." Surely unsaved
Jews would not have been "sharers of
Christ." It was to those who believed
in Christ, who had actual experience
with the Holy Spirit and embraced the
whole Christian system, who could be
called partakers of all its benefits in this
life, and in the life to come. This verse
then concludes by exhorting the readers
to hold fast the beginning of their confi-
dence to the end. The thing they were
to hold fast was "the be"innin£ of . . .
[their] confidence," that which made
them sharers with Christ. Surely the
writer was not asking them to hold fast
to something which they had never pos-
sessed.
That the readers were Christians is
proved also in chapter 6, verse 10, where
God promised to reward their work of
administering to His people, "saints,"
a service which had love for its motive
and God for its end. Love to God and
help to God's saints always go together.
This contributing to the support and
comfort of the poor Christians gave full
proof that they had a common cause
with them. This was another thing that
proved they were in a state of salvation.
Another passage that explicitly reveals
that the readers possessed salvation is
Heb. 10:32. It states that they were
illuminated, or more accurately trans-
lated, "having been enlightened." Now
It is easier and less cosily to build
straight boys than to reclaim
crooked men.
according to II Cor. 4:6, one who has
been illuminated has been so lighted by
God shining forth from his heart. We
know God cannot shine forth from the
heart of an unbeliever.
That the readers themselves had full
knowledge that they were the children
of God, is another evidence that they
were born again. Hie latter part of
10:34, "Knowing in yourselves that ye
have in heaven a better and an enduring
substance." They were reminded by the
writer how they had submitted to suf-
ferings and persecutions and even ac-
cepted with joy the taking of their own
personal property because they rejoiced
in knowing they had valued possessions
better and abiding. Thus only a child
of God can have this assurance of a pos-
session in heaven.
Concluding this thought that the re-
cipients of this letter were Christians,
note that they were warned in 13:9 not
to let themselves be drawn aside by all
sorts of strange teachings. This implies
that they had the right teachings, the
one true doctrine, "Jesus Christ," and
the present imperative would further
imply that they had not been carried
aside yet. If they still possessed the true
faith, how absurd to claim they were
sinners. Also if they had not had the
right teachings, there could have been
no danger of their being carried away
from that which they had not possessed.
Another claim the advocates of eternal
security make is that a person truly born
again cannot be spiritually unborn, can-
not apostatize, but is eternallv saved.
This can lead to but one conclusion, that
no matter how this person lives or how
much sin he commits, he remains a child
of God and is saved in the end. There
is much evidence in this epistle against
accepting such a belief. In fact, nowhere
in the Scriptures, perhaps, is it shown
more forcibly than in 6:4-8 that there is
a grave possibility of apostasy. These
verses truly show the state of a back-
slider. The writer is speaking in a sol-
emn warning about those who have once
been enlightened (illuminated by God,
the true great light, shining forth from
their hearts), and who have tasted the
sweetness of the heavenly gift, and have
been made partakers of the Holy Spirit,
and what their fate shall be if they fall
away. He actually states that it is im-
possible to again renew such persons
unto repentance, because they have re-
crucified the Son of God. By recrucify-
ing Christ they are rejecting the only
available sacrifice left for sin. This
makes repentance impossible. It is very
difficult to understand how anyone cm
continue his belief in eternal security,
in the light of this Scripture, where the
author so definitely explains the possi-
bility of one possessing eternal lile, but
through his own undoing losing it.
Again in Heb. 3:12, 13 we notice a
warning to these Christian Jews against
the possibility of apostatizing from the
living God. It reads, "Take heed, breth-
ren, lest there be in any of you an evil
heart of unbelief, in departing from the
living God. But exhort one another
daily, while it is called Today, lest any
of you be hardened through the deceit-
fulness of sin." "A wicked heart of un-
belief in departing from the living God"
—that is plain language. "Unbelief" is
thus understood in the sense of once
having believed in the living God and
then having turned away from Him.
The writer here gives four degrees of
apostasy, consenting to sin (being de-
ceived by it), hardening of the heart
(giving way to sin), unbelief (result of
hardness), and finally falling away from
God, which is apostasy itself.
In 3:14 we have more evidence in fa-
vor of our argument. The writer says,
"For we have all alike become sharers
with Christ, if we really hold our first
confidence firm to the end." Here we
note these Christians are told that "to re-
main sharers with Christ, to be entitled
to the glories of the eternal world," they
must keep persevering in the Christian
life. Isn't it absurd lor the writer to
warn the Hebrews, that in order for
them to be sure of their inheritance with
Christ, their eternal life in glory, they
must be careful not to let go of their
first faith in Him, if the leaching of
eternal security, which claims that once
saved, always saved, is true? Why harass
his readers with so many warnings when
there was no danger. Surely an inspired
writer of the Holy Scriptures could not
have made such a blunder.
If it is also true, that after receiving
the truth, it is impossible to sin unto
death, what does Hebrews 10:26, 27
mean? We are told here in no uncertain
terms that if we willfully persist in sin-
ning after having received the knowl-
edge of the truth, there no longer re-
mains in reserve any otlifr sacrifice for
150
GOSPEL HERALD
February 16, 1954
sin. The eternal security teacher would
claim that "this knowledge of the truth"
was merely a perception and not a pos-
session of it. But a more literal transla-
tion here is "actually having received
the realization of the truth." If we are
a recipient of a gift, we do not merely
know about it but we actually have pos-
session of it. Just so it is when we have
received the truth.
Here the writer merges into one of
his sharpest warnings, that of the awful
judgment awaiting those who deliber-
ately keep on sinning. So we ask again,
Why does he frighten his listeners with
the expectation of an awful judgment
and the reality of eternal consuming
fire, if they are not held accountable for
their sinning after they once had the
divine, saving truth?
Now perhaps not all eternal security
advocates believe in predestination, but
these two beliefs are closely related. The
claim is that God forordained certain
ones to be saved and all others must re-
main outside of this elected group and,
in spite of their willingness to accept sal-
vation, they are doomed to be lost. But
such a belief is in direct contradiction to
the teachings in Hebrews. In 7:25 we are
told it is "those who come" who will be
saved. This implies "anyone" who
comes unto God through Christ, who is
their High Priest, Sacrifice, and Medi-
ator.
Also in 11:6 we have another instance
where it is clearly stated, that it is "he"
that comes to God and believes who is
rewarded for his faith. This in no way
intimates this privilege is restricted to a
designated group of people. The "he"
refers to "anyone" who believes two
things: first, that God exists, and sec-
ondly, that He becomes a rewarder to
those seeking after Him.
A final observation on the bearing of
the teaching of the Epistle to the He-
brews on the theory of eternal security,
is the author's insistence for a matured,
dynamic Christian life. In Heb. 5:11-
6:3, the author is very frank with his
readers. He minces no words in describ-
ing the status of Christians living on
milk instead of meat. This immaturity
had manifested itself in their dull sense
of appreciation, in their need of being
taught when they ought to be teaching
others, and in their lack of discriminat-
ing good from evil. Such a slate was not
conducive to their spirituality and if
continued it would lead to a life of
"dead works." Now in 9: 14 "dead works"
are referred 10 again, and in both places
such works seem to signify deserving
death apart from the purification by the
blood of Christ. So this can mean but
one thing, namely, to fail to mature in
the Christian life can mean spiritual
death. We quite readily see the author's
motive here for appealing to these Chris
tian Jews for a better life and a more
excellent way, so they would not lose
the glory which Christ attained lor them
by virtue of 11 is suffering and death.
The writer also encourages growth in
the Christian life in 3:13, by suggesting
the readers encourage one another to
cleave to the living God lest they be
hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.
The idea here is not merely that some-
one might finally be lost, but rather that
no start be made that may lead to a lost
condition. This suggests that a close
Christian fellowship is necessary for ma-
turing Christian growth, and if this is
neglected, some may become hardened.
An evil heart of unbelief, in verse 12
just preceding, means leading away from
God, giving in to sin. In the light of
these verses, may we ask, how can a once
saved person have assurance of eternal
life after becoming hardened by the de-
ceit of sin? With this evil heart of un-
belief, how can a relationship with God
be continued? This is exactly what eter-
nal security would have us believe. I
quote one of their teachers: "The re-
lationship once formed by God Himself
is not maintained by a consistent life,
Caesar's empire always does de-
cay after a run of a few hundred
years. — Arnold Toynbee.
nor can it be broken by unworthy con-
duct. Neither sin nor death can destroy
a relationship which is eternal." What a
delusive theory!
A need for fidelity to the end of the
Christian life is expressed in 3:11. The
writer had just been teaching the He-
brews about the "rest" which awaits
God's people. That heavenly sabbath,
made possible by the power of Christ's
death and resurrection, His people are
to enter at their resurrection. But note,
in this verse he says it takes labor and
diligence to enter this rest. Now we
know eternal security slates it is God's
grace alone which can bring us into
that glorious rest, to which we also agree.
Here they stop, but not the writer of
Hebrews. After receiving grace, he adds
it takes hearing and receiving: God's
Word to remain faithful 10 inherit eter-
nal rest. One who becomes negligent in
exercising these Christian principles and
in fellowship with His people, soon be-
gins to grow cold, indifferent, and give
way to doubt. Because of this unbelief
they fail to enter that heavenh rest, that
eternal bliss.
We next notice 6:11. Here the writer
expresses a desire that each one of his
readers continue to display the same dil-
igence in their faith so they van enjm
lull assurance of hope to the etui. Now
one who has full assurance of hope is
he who knows his sins are forgiven
through Christ and who will thus inherit
eternal life. So the diligence that is re-
quired to keep this full assurance of
hope is none other than continuing to
hear the Gospel, obeying its command-
ments, and accepting its promises. But "
one who through indolence loses this as-
surance of hope will forfeit his inherit- ^
ance. For it would be a contradiction
to profess to have assurance of going to
a place for which one's soul is not pre-
pared.
Another passage in the epistle, 12:7-1 1,
demonstrates the need for growth in the f
Christian life through the means of
chastisement by God. Only the saved are :
partakers of God's chastisement, for
verse 8 reads, "If ye are without chasten- 1
ing . . . then are we bastards, and not 1
sons." It is the Christian, then, who 1:
is disciplined and receives the peace of %
a righteous life. The writer next states L
the purpose for chastening the Chris-
tian: It is for his own good so he may
become a partaker of God's holiness. But .
the somber realization, we note here in n
verse 11, is that not all who receive God's
chastisement obtain its blessed fruit— it r-
is reserved for those who are exercised by '-
its means. So the concluding thought is t
that some of the;>e children of God could ..
not endure His chastisement, and so ^
could not remain partakers of His holi-
ness nor receive its valuable fruit, the as-
surance of a righteous life. With the in-
delible truth of these verses, where can *
the eternal securitv believer receive any
hope for eternal life unless he endures
God's chastening?
Finally we see the writer's relevant in-
duction: There are conditions for a ?!
Christian to meet in order to keep his ~
salvation. We note the first in 12:14-17, 1
"Ever strive for peace with all men and 8
for that sanctification apart from which \
no one will see the Lord," according to |
Weymouth's translation. Just previous, *
the writer had been speaking about the f
chastisement of Christians, so we have ?
no reason to infer that his listeners here *
were any other than those who had re-
ceived eternal life. But, as in many 1
previous passages, he is warning them l
again that diere is a possibility of their 1
being separated from God, if they do I
not constantly pursue peace with all 1
members of the body of Christ. This l
pursuit of peace is a part of the wider i
obligation, namely, all that which is l
comprised in "sanctification without I
which no one shall see God." Now we 1
readily agree with eternal security teach- 1
ings here, that sanctification is accom- 1
phshed through the sacrificial work of 1
Christ. It is a process bv which we be-
come set apart unto God. However,
these teachers say, once sanctified, always
sanctified. How can this theory be justi-
fied when verse 14 implies the possibil-
it\ ol losing this sanctification. when he
states that apart from it no one will see
the Lord? The conclusion of this pas-
sage then is. that a Christian, unless he
ever seeks a life of peace with his fellow
men and a sanctified life (by keeping de-
tached from the world and all its lusts),
cannot expect to enjoy holy presence
with the Lord.
Then the writer continues his warn-
w February 16, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
151
1 'ji
A Prayer for This Week
Dear Father,
We praise Thee for Thy infinite pow-
er which cannot be limited by time or
space. We thank Thee for Thy love, Thy
Son, and the plan of salvation.
We pray for those who are struggling
in hard places to spread Thy plan of sal-
vation; and let Thy piercing eye awaken
those who live selfishly in easy places. We
pray for our church; may it be a shall
of light in the community and may no
double standard of living darken that
Light.
Father, take all but truth and love
from our hearts, for only then can Thy
church grow. Forgive us any sin which
besets us. We pray for our enemies; those
who falsely accuse us and speak evil
against us. Grant us each day tolerance
and bigness of heart. Search us and con-
vict us that we may know Thy will. In
lesus' name, Amen.
J — Ann Jennings Brunk.
ing in \erse 15. There can be no other
interpretation here than that it takes
carclul diligence, being constantly on
one's guard, to keep from falling from
grace. Eternal security denies this pos-
sibility and claims no conduct or sin
whatsoever can cause a severance from
grace. So we again inquire, is the in-
spired epistle to the Hebrews right, or
the teachers of eternal security?
In the close of this passage, verses 16
and 17, the writer employs the illustra-
tion of Esau, who, in return for a single
meal, parted with his birthright, the
right and title to his inheritance, and
was rejected, as one who had been
tested and found wanting. This shows
his readers the great importance of be-
ing diligent in their conduct, lest they
forfeit their right to their heavenly
birthright. Thus the writer has been
very emphatic in his exhortation: There
are conditions for a Christian to meet
to keep his salvation.
In conclusion: It has been shown by
the teachings of the Epistle to the He-
brews that it was written to Christian
Jews; there was a grave possibility of the
readers apostatizing and falling from
grace; salvation is lor all who will vol-
untarily accept it; and growth in the
Christian life is essential for keeping
salvation to the end.
Since eternal security denies these
facts given in God's divinely inspired
Word, it should be classed as one of the
"strange doctrines" mentioned in 13:9.
If we accept the advice, repeatedly given
by our ministers, of holding to what the
Bible says regardless of our own personal
beliefs or the teachings of man, we will
remain safe in God's immutable truth
Harrisonburg, Va.
The Rapture— Which Church
By Gerald C. Studer
It is noteworthy that in the circles of
millennial belief revision is going on.
The revision is in the area of the so-
called "pre-tribulation rapture." It is a
wholesome thing when those who hold
cherished beliefs concerning the return
of our Lord are willing to revise their
doctrine to correspond with the world
happenings of the hour. There have
been many years in which it has not been
hard to believe that things were shaping
up for that time when "two shall be in
the field; the one shall be taken, and the
other left." Even those who do not hold
to this interpretation of prophecy have
loudly hoped that it would be true— no
one likes to endure tribulation.
Paul Billheimer, president of the
Great Commission Bible Schools, writing
in the Herald of His Coming (a Pente-
costal magazine that this writer received
through the kindness of some anonymous
friend), says that the martyrdom of
American Christians is imminent, that
America and Britain are already in the
process of becoming socialistic (com-
munistic) slave states, and that America
cannot escape. Then Mr. Billheimer
stops to say:
I know that some of you are saying that you
arc not going to be here when all of this takes
place. I know that you are comforting your-
self with the doctrine that the church is to be
raptured before the tribulation. With Dr.
Schvvarz I ask, "Which church?" The Korean
Church? The Chinese Church? The Czecho-
slovakian Church? Why should Americans
feel that we are any better than others?
Why should the American Church expect
favors over their brethren in other parts of the
world? Do not be too sure that you are going
to be taken out before these things come to
America. .Many of the best Bible students are
not sure that "Pretribulation Rapturism" is
supported by Scripture. The rapture itself is
clearly taught in Scripture. The time of the
rapture is not so clearly taught.
It is very difficult from Scripture to determine
the exact order of prophetic events and espe-
cially the time of the rapture. And t do not
think it can be proved that the church is to be
caught out before the tribulation.
For the nonmillennial-believ ing or un-
initiated reader, let it be said that "rap-
ture" is the word used by those holding
the millennial viewpoint to translate the
difficult Greek word "parousia." usually
translated "coming." Which church in-
deed?
We know not just how terrible tribula-
tion can be. We do know that Christ
said (Matt. 24:21), "For then shall be
great tribulation, such as was not since
the beginning of the world to this time,
no, nor ever shall be." We have heard
reasonably reliable reports of the treat-
ment of Christians in Korea, Russia, and
Prayer Requests —
(Requests for this column must be signed)
Pray for the Sycamore Grove congrega-
tion in their loss by death of Bishop
W. R. Hershberger, and in the prob-
lem of securing ministerial help.
Pray for God's blessing on the Publica-
tion Board meeting at Lansdale Feb.
17, 18. Pray for the officers and for the
Publishing House personnel. Ben
Brown, a Baptist editor, says he has
heard many public prayers for mis-
sionaries, but none for editors.
Pray for the blessing of the Spirit upon
the annual Youth Retreat at Trenque
Lauquen, Argentina, Feb. 24-March 5.
Pray for a father who is at present in a
hospital, and who desperately needs
deliverance from the power of sin and
Satan.
Pray for the Billy Graham evangelistic
campaign beginning in London. Eng-
land, on March 1.
China by the communists. It is hard for
us to imagine that it could be any worse.
After all, all that man can do is kill the
body. This the communists have done
and in some of the most horrible man
ners. We doubt whether such tribulation
of believers (and, for that matter, non-
believers too) has ever before in histon
covered so vast an area as this communis-
tic tribulation has. The only way in
which we can conceive of its becoming
still worse is to become still greater in
extent.
In Phil. 1:28. 29, the saints at Philippi
and, we believe, America, are admon-
ished to be "in nothing terrified by your
achersaries: which is to them an evident
token of perdition, but to you of salva-
tion, and that of God. For unto you it
is given in the behalf of Christ, not only
to believe on him, but also to sufier for
his sake." Peter instructs "them that
suffer according to the will of God (to]
commit the keeping of their souls to him
in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator."
Barnabas and Paul on their missionary
journey through Lystra, Iconium, and
Antioch preached and taught many,
"confirming the souls of the disciples,
and exhorting them to continue in the
faith, and that we must through much
tribulation enter into the kingdom of
God." It has been suggested that per-
haps the Scriptural truth, of which the
Roman Catholic doctrine of purgatorv
is the lie, is that many believers will have
the dross removed from their lives, not
after death, but in this life through trib-
ulation and persecution.
152
GOSPEL HERALD
February 16, 1954
At any rate, if there is to be a pre-trib-
ulation rapture, as many Christians be-
lieve, they must honestly face up to the
question, "Which church?" Perhaps
many more, along with Paul Billheimer
and, it is reported, Oswald Smith, will
come out with certain doubts, even as
these have.
Smithville, Ohio.
GOD STILL LOVES (Continued)
and love for hate, is a good thing for this
troubled life, and I take it for myself."
At the cost of self-sacrifice, the witness
will be made and we must be ready
for it.
The love of God will shine through
lives that are Christlike. One night, just
before the late Captain Bickel (mission-
ary to Japan) was retiring to rest, he met
at the deckhouse door an ex-ruffian who
had been wonderfully converted on one
of these voyages. Mr. Bickel was very
tired, but he had a little talk with the
man. He asked him if he would take a
Bible to a certain man on the morrow.
He shook his head. "No, no, Captain;
he does not need that." "But why not?"
"It won't do him any good." "But why?"
"Because it is too soon. That is your
Bible, and, thank God, it is now mine;
but it is not his Bible." "What do you
mean by that?" "Why, simply that he
has another Bible; YOU are his Bible;
he is watching you. As you fail, Christ
fails. As you live Christ, so Christ is re-
vealed to him."
Writing of this incident, Captain
Bickel said: "Friends, I did not sleep
that night. I had been called a thief,
liar, foreign spy, traitor, devil, in public
and in private, and had not flinched;
but to face this! 'As you live, so Christ
lives— in that man's soul, in that house,
in that village, in four hundred villages.
As you fail to live Christ, Christ is cruci-
fied again.' What wonder that 1 slept
not!"
What is our sense of personal witness
for Jesus Christ?
But God not only moves through
sacrificial witness in giving, not only
through Christlike lives, but also
through open doors. There are still
open doors. The General Mission Board
is in arrears of its budget. People arc
not giving to missions as they used to. it
seems. In Cleveland, a church building
is needed. The one they worship in lias
been condemned; they have to build. In
Puerto Rico, the hospital facilities (for-
merly a tobacco warehouse) that have
witnessed to the length and breadth ol
that island have been condemned. At
the cost to our church of $70,000, the
government will match with $2.00 ever)
$1.00 we give lot a new hospital. Will
ive have it? Or in Chicago, the Bethel
Church needs yet about $50,000 to give
the Gospel witness to the Negroes, ["here
.,,(■ open doors to the woi Id that I lod
still loves. Can He love the world
through us? That is the question,
God still loves this world, but He can
only love this world as His people allow
Him to love the world through them.
This is God's method. There is no other
method. And to us who are Christians
it will mean sacrifice; it will mean giv-
ing; it will mean praying. To some of
our youth it will mean going at God's
call. This is God's request. Have you
heard it this day?
I prayed: "O Lord, bless all the world,
And help me do my part."
And straightway He commanded me
To bind a broken heart.
I prayed, "Oh, bless each hungry child,
May they be amply fed."
He said, "Go find a starving soul,
And share with him your bread."
"Oh, stir the hearts of men," I prayed,
"And make them good and true."
He answered, "There is but one way—
They must be stirred through you."
Dear friend, unless you really mean
Exactly what you say;
Until you mean to work with God,
It's dangerous to pray.
Orrville, Ohio.
A Test of Spirituality
A test of spirituality is the way we
treat someone who has fallen from the
path of virtue. If we react to their mis-
conduct with anger or scorn or skirt-
pulling or simply a chilly aloofness, we
are not thereby taking a stand for right-
eousness, as we sometimes think. We are
simply revealing our own lack of spirit-
uality. "Brethren, if a man be overtaken
in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore
such an one in the spirit of meekness;
considering thyself, lest thou also be
tempted."
Why is it so necessarv to be meek and
kind in relation to such a one? Because
a person who is in sin is spiritually sick.
He is not normal. We need not expect
common sense or intelligence from him.
He is sick. He must be handled with kid
gloves, or else we will inflame his carnal-
ity still further and give him further
excuse for still more sinfulness. If he is
to be won back to Christianity, he must
see vital Christianity on the part of the
soul-winner, and the most vital essence
of Christianitv is love.— Stanley Shenk.
OUR SCHOOLS
Church High School Progress
Harold S. Bender
The Indiana - Michigan Conference
High School Board has been busy at
work, preparing for the establishment of
Bethany Christian High School by Sep-
tember, 1954, and reports good progress.
Final plans for the building were com-
pleted and approved on December I.
The builder has been selected and ex-
pects to begin work as soon as spring
weather permits, probably next March
15 or thereabouts. A type of construc-
tion has been chosen which is simple and
economical, yet fully meets the needs for
a good high school. The site has now
been purchased, consisting of about
eight acres, about one mile south of
Goshen College on highway #15, in-
cluding a well-built bam.
First work to be done on the site will
be the remodeling of the barn lor use
as an agriculture-shop building. This
can be done at small expense, provided
volunteet laboi 1 an be see urcd. Because
ol the nature of the remodeling, which
will be mostly laying a concrete floor,
and simple carpenter work, it is hoped
that most if not all the labor can be vol-
unteer. Work w ill begin soon, under the
direction of a subcommittee of the board
consisting of A. O. Hosteller. Annas
Miller, and Ora M. Voder. An appeal
will be made to the congregations for a
certain amount of work in December,
in the hope that the remodeled barn can
be used for storage of lumber and build-
ing materials for the school building.
While the financial campaign did not
produce the full amount requested, the
board is pleased with the fine response.
A total of about S72.000 has been sub-
scribed, of which over $45,000 has been
paid in. This was possible because of the
fine work of our soliciting teams in the
congregations. It is planned to have a
second financial drive early next sum-
mer, in the hope that the school can be
opened free of building debt.
Good progress has also been made in
securing a faculty. The principal, John
Steiner, now serving as superintendent
of the Berea Christian Academy at Elb-
1114. Kansas, has been appointed. A
music teacher has also been hired. Other
teachers are being contacted.
Equipment for the building, such as
classroom furniture, books for the li-
brary, etc., will be bought next summer.
It has been suggested that perhaps our
Sunday schools and other groups can be
enlisted to help furnish this equipment.
Steps will be taken in due time to ap-
proach them in regard to this need.
The board feels greatly encouraged by
the widespread support and interest in
the school as well as by the harmonious
working of the board itself. Every pros-
pe< t seems u> be good, and the continued
blessing of the Lord on this important
undertaking is gratefully acknowledged.
—Gospel Evangel.
A ftermath
By Ruth Giognocano
Where red blood flowed, green ivy vines have
grown;
Soft mosses pad the rough torn heaps of stone,
And nature smiles to see her clever guise
Of camouflage. But I with painful eyes
Look on and know — (How could I look else-
where?)
The scars have healed, but the deep wounds are
there.
Dear God, you too must look and know. But you
See mare. Beneath the fallen residue
Lie hopes crushed out by unforgiving hate.
But Man will build, again Man will create
New dreams. Yet all the while I am aware,
The scars have healed, but the deep wounds are
there.
February i6, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
153
PEACE AND WAR
Quakertown, Pa.
Are CO's Dangerous?
By John W. Miller
A. Staufler Curry reported some time
ago in the Gospel Herald that national
leaders in Washington foresee no more
trouble for the CO position. According
to these leaders the CO will find in the
United States charitable recognition in
any foreseeable time and circumstance-
even in the event of war with Russia. In
some ways this marks the successful end
of a considerable struggle. As Mennon-
ites we cannot help viewing with grati-
tude and respect tnis generous reaction
of a liberal nation.
This charitable recognition marks,
however, not only the end of a struggle
but the beginning of a new situation.
That the nonresistant position is now
respected by the leaders of our nation
means quite simply that we as Mennon-
ites are no longer considered dangerous.
The basic impulse of a nation is self-
preservation. The American people in
general and the present leadership of
the nation in particular apparently see
no threat in the nonresistant position to
the national welfare.
At least three factors have played a
role in this development. First of all it
became clear in World War II that tol-
erance for nonresistance did not lead to
its spread. Even in the best of circum-
stances only an insignificant portion of
the population will ascribe to such a
position. Secondly, even that small mi-
nority which has adopted this position
has proved itself for the most part to be
a worthy member of the body politic.
Thirdly, the catastrophic character of
modern war has made all people more
lenient to a position that renounces it
altogether. For these reasons it is easier
today than ever before to be a CO.
This whole development confronts us
with at least two far-reaching questions.
First of all: Can we survive this new
tolerance? There is no more hazardous
position spiritually than to stand for an
issue that is different but safe, that
marks one out, but demands no sacrifice.
It is in such a situation that Pharisaism
often runs rampant, and it is in such a
situation that we find ourselves today.
As long as the espousal of the CO posi-
tion cost even a little it served by itself
to screen out the carnal Christian. Now
that even this is gone and it can be both
more profitable and more comfortable to
go I-W than to go I-A, the room for
deception is enormously heightened. In
such a situation the church has only one
weapon: discipline, the right given to
her by her Lord (Matt. 18) to chasten
and if need be to purge from her midst
the unfaithful. Was there ever a time
when we needed to be more open with
each other than now in this period of
unheard-of tolerance? Was there ever a
time when we needed such earnestness in
testing the spirits as now? We must not
think only of the disgraceful flow of
stories about the misbehavior of certain
I-W men but of our total church life.
The witness of the whole church is at
stake.
Behind the question, Can we survive
tolerance? is, however, a deeper one: Is
it right that we should? Is not the very
fact of toleration itself a sign of sickness?
From the mouth of Jesus we have a clear
word: "If they persecuted me, they will
persecute you" (John 15:20). Does not
this word place a great question mark
over all the seeming advancement we
have made as a denomination in the last
fifty years? Does it not indicate that at
some crucial point our discipleship is
lacking? If as Mennonites we are no
more than a strange sociological phe-
nomenon, it is quite normal that now at
last we should be accepted by our Amer-
ican neighbors, as they have accepted
the Irish and the Slavs. If we, however,
are a church in the full sense of the word,
if we are Christ's disciples, then the sit-
uation in which we now find ourselves
is far from normal. There are deeper
questions to face, but few th.u are more
disturbing than this one: Why are CO's
no longer dangerous? Why has the world
stopped hating us?
Goshen, Ind.
One of the things which make a nation
or a people strong is its spiritual life.—
Rollin R. Roth.
Christ Is Not Enough
"Christ is not enough! Call out the
army!"
That is the statement that may well
be engraved upon American coinage in-
stead of the traditional "In God We
Trust." The ingrowing militarism of
America seeks to turn people from the
precepts of Christ and His commands
lor brotherly love, seeking now to train
its youth in the niceties of dropping
fire bombs on a city. . . . But Christ
said, "Ye have heard that it was said by
them of old time, Thou shalt not kill;
and whosoever shall kill shall be in
danger of the judgment: but I say unto
you, That whosoever is angry with his
brother . . . shall be in danger of the
judgment." Christ made no exceptions:
He did not indicate that hating and kill-
ing were forbidden unless approved by
the Joint Chiefs of Staff or even by a
legislature.
I have seen what fire bombs did to
Japan. By no stretch of the imagination
can one see Christ approving the mass
slaughter there . . . things like the 171
boys and girls boiled to death as they
sought refuge in their school's swim-
mine pool. Yet that is the program that
the .Men of Mars would call normal and
indoctrinate into the youth of our land.
Conscription, Universal Military
Training— education for young men to
appreciate the beauty of a bursting
bomb in the midst of the enemy. . . .
But Christ said, "Ye have heard that it
hath been said, Thou shalt love thy
neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But
I say unto you, Love your enemies, . . .
and pray for them which . . . persecute
you."
Our nation, "founded under God,"
would train its young men to destroy
the oil reserves and growing forests, to
lay waste farm lands, and to pollute
streams in its teaching of man's steward-
ship of God's gifts, and in its interpreta-
tion of the parable of the talents!
Up and down Japan I saw the results
of this destruction of these gilts of God
left to man's stewardship. The residts of
a nation bereft of its resources are terri-
fving— proof of our own inadequacy in
diplomacy and Christianity. Yet the mili-
tary-mind would have us bow to this pro-
gram, instead of adopting God's way for
the world.
To the militarists Christ is not enough
-their faith in Christ's teaching that
"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with
all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and
with all thy mind" is qualified by human
fear and rationali/ations, and replacing
God's guidance with bombers. That is
hardly adherence to Christ's second com-
mandment, "Thou shalt love thy neigh-
bour as thyself."
The compromise of churchmen— one
hesitates to say Christians— with Mars be-
gan with Constantine. It is the thing
that. non-Christians in foreign countries
(Continued on Page 16S)
154
GOSPEL HERALD
February 16, 1954
FAMILY
Contrast
By Lorie C. Gooding
/ wrap his blankets, soft and white,
About him, fold on fold.
(Some other woman's child tonight
Is crying with the cold.)
My window is a square of light
Crossed by moon-shadow bars.
(Some other woman's house tonight
Is roofless to the stars.)
Together here our heads we bow
And say our thanks for bread.
(Some other woman's children now
Go supperless to bed.)
We thank Thee, Lord, for food and care,
For lighted house, and warm.
(Be near, O Lord, to those who are
Exposed to all life's storm.)
Holmesville, Ohio.
A Meeting for Parents
By Nelson E. Kauffman
A matter of great concern for every
Christian parent today is, What are my
children being taught by others on mat-
ters of sex and how may I as a Christian
father or mother be able to do my duty
toward my child when he begins to ask
questions on the subject? How much
shall I tell my child? Shall I talk to him
if he does not come to me, etc.?
On Tuesday evening, Jan. 12, Dr. H.
Clair Amstutz of Goshen, Ind., was in-
vited to come to Hannibal, Mo., and
speak to the parents of the four churches
of northeastern Missouri. He discussed
the questions listed above and many oth-
ers in an open, frank manner and from
a thoroughly Christian standpoint. The
group of parents was impressed by the
emphasis of Dr. Amstutz that all fanulv
life is a part of sex instruction, onlv a
small part of proper sex instruction has
to do with the physical, and thai unless
children and young people receive love
in the home they cannot give love later
on in life. The group deeply appreciated
the meeting.
This is one type of adult activities and
meetings that we, as Secretary ol \dult
Activities for the Commission for Chris
tian Induration, would like to cncoura ;c
Sin h ;i meeting could be arranged For b)
the minister in consultation with his la}
men, l>\ the church council, by a group
of interested parents, or b) the Sunday
school Superintendents, but in anv case
CIRCLE
with the approval of the ministers. Such
parents' fellowships or discussion groups
might profitably be held in many church
communities several times a year. Fur-
ther suggestions along this line will be
given later.
If in your community there has been a
helpful type of adult activity that builds
the church and Christian homes, we
should like to know about it. Please
write to the Secretary of Adult Activities
giving the information.
Hannibal, Mo.
The Child Adopts a Mother
By Howard W. Rush
"Ya daiyu svetie moie doo dzerkov"—
"I give my flowers to the church," she
sobbed. It all took place on a bright Sun-
day afternoon of May, 1950, in the little
Russian-Ukrainian Baptist Church in
the large IRO Camp Lyssenko in Han-
over. Here were gathered about one hun-
dred Evangelical Christians for a special
Mother's Day program, sponsored bv the
Sunday school in honor of the mothers.
The children themselves presented most
of the program of singing, recitations,
and readings. The climax of the meet-
ing occurred when each child filed past
the table in the front of the Prayer Hall
(as these Christians call their meeting-
house) to pick up a small bouquet of
flowers for his or her mother.
What a happy crowd of children thev
represented! What if they did live in a
crowded refugee camp of 1.000 homeless
souls! What if many didn't even remem-
ber their old homes! What difference
did it make that these Ukrainian, Rus-
sian, Latvian, Estonian, and Polish chil-
dren were a part of a group of unwel-
come strangers in a land waiting their
turn to move on to still more distant
strange lands. You couldn't tell it bv the
children; they were as happy as the chil-
dren of Park School at recess. They weie
impatiently waiting for the end of the
program, when each would rush to his
mother with hugs and kisses to give her
the priceless bouquet. (Flowers are preci
oiis in a DP camp.)
In all this joyous expectancy there was
one exception. Eight vear old Xadia was
sitting on the fourth bench living; she
ha<l been trying to keep those violent
sobs inside, but thev couldn't be kept
there. When the last child from the rear
bench had picked up his prized llowcts.
Xadia quickly slipped from her seat and
walked forward with her flowers. 1 aving
them on the table, she sobbed, "I gi\e mv
Rowers to the church."
Not until after this service did we visi-
tors learn of the background of Nadia's
strange act and expression. Not long be-
fore, all was rosy for Nadia. She, with
her little brother and her parents, was
soon to sail for a new home in Australia.
All the immigration obstacles had been
surmounted, and all was in order for
their leaving— all except one thing. The
examining physician of the Australian
immigration team had recommended an
operation for her mother before they
sailed from Germany. It was unsuccess-
ful.
Of course, the family's high hopes were
blasted. Especially to Nadia the shock
seemed unbearable. She had been dread-
ing the long trip to the other side of the
world, anyway, except for the fact that
she knew she would be all right on the
big boat with Mommy and Daddy right
there with her and little Vasil. Also
Mamma had told Nadia, "God will be
with us on the boat. When we get to
Australia, we will have the same loving
Jesus whom we have here, and others
who love Jesus will be going there, too."
So she hadn't been afraid to go. But
what now? How could even Jesus take
her dear mother's place? Who can be a
satisfactory substitute for the mother of
an eight-year-old?
After I learned this background, I
had to wonder what passed through
Nadia's little mind that dav as she sat
there holding the flowers— flowers she
was to give to her mother. What caused
her to finally make the decision she made
—to give them to the church?
It must have seemed harder as she sat
there when she realized that all the rest
of her little playmates would be able to
do just what she wanted to more than
anything else— rush to Mother with the
flowers. The others would really be do-
ing so in a few minutes. Her inner pain
grew as she wondered how she would
feel a few moments from then when she
would see all the rest of the girls in their
mothers' arms. She'd want to give hers
to someone— to anvone! To whom could
she give her bouquet? Who would accept
the bouquet which was really meant for
her mother— would the kind Christian
sister who cooked their meager food for
them since her mommy was gone? Or
would the old lady in the next bar-
rack whom everyone called "Babushka"
(grandmother)? Might they refuse them?
Would her Sunday-school teacher accept
them from her? Then she quickly
thought of a dozen other "mothers."
"Yet these are other children's mothers."
she thought, "not mine, my very own
mother."
Onlv her keen insight as an eight-year-
old could have solved her problem and
got her out of the dilemma. All these
ladies of whom she had been thinking
were Christians, devoted to the same
Jesus her mother had loved. The whole
church— all the fellow Christians— shared
the same love toward Nadia that her
mother had shared. They couldn't give
her the individual attention that Mother
had given, but the source of their love
(Continued on Paiye 165)
February 16, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
155
TO BE NEAR TO GOD
Sunday, February 21
Read Philippians 2:1-11.
To compare ourselves among ourselves is
not wise. If we look to those who have less
than we do, we are in danger of thinking
higher of ourselves than we ought. If we
look to those who are superior, it will pre-
serve humility and spur us to diligence. As
we look to Jesus we have an example of per-
fect humility and the assurance that we may
have the "power of his resurrection" to work
in us, that He may work through us to do
His work in this sin-darkened world. We
are not to be in the world as others are. We
are to be in the world as He was. Before
His Father He prayed, "As thou hast sent
me into the world, even so have I also sent
them into the world." That includes us and
provides the standard of measurement for
our conduct and endeavor.
Monday, February 22
Read II Corinthians 6:1-9.
A lady heard a Scotch peddler pray as
follows: "O God, give me grace to need
grace. O God, give me grace to ask for grace
when I am given to feel my need of grace.
O God, give me grace to receive grace when
Thou givest the grace I need. O God, give
me grace to show grace when I have re-
eived grace from Thee, whether I get grace
hovvn to me or not."
Oh, what stupendous mercy shines
Around the majesty of Heaven!
Rebels He deigns to call His sons,
Their souls renewed, their sins forgiven.
Go, imitate the grace divine;
The grace blazes like the sun —
Hold forth your fair, though fee'-le light;
Through all your lives let mercy run.
Tuesday, February 23
i Read Luke 12:22-31.
It is not the Father's will that His children
hould be fretting and worrying about every
little- rosscurrent in their lives, as if they
and their affairs were not in their Father's
hands, or as if He had ceased to control them.
To rest in the divine love, and have calm,
assured confidence in the divine wisdom that
shapes our lives, is to have the very peace of
God garrisoning the heart and mind against
ill troubles in a world full of care and dis-
quietude.
Why should this anxious loc»
Press down your wearv mind?
Haste to your heavenly Father's throne.
And sweet refreshment find.
His goodness stands approved.
Unchanged fr.im day to day:
Come, drop your burden at His leet,
And bear a song away.
Wednesday, February 24
Read Psalm 138.
Spurgeon said, "In these days when reli-
gions are daily excogitated (contrived), and
new Gods are set up, it is God's will for us
to know how to act. Bitterness is forbidden
and controversy is apt to advertise the heresy.
The very best method is to go on personally
worshiping the Lord with unvarying zeal,
singing with all the heart and voice His
royal praise. Do they deny the divinity of
our Lord? Let us the more fervently adore
Him. Do they despise the atonement.2 Let
us the more constantly proclaim it. Had
half the time spent in councils and contro-
versies been given to praising the Lord, the
church would have been far sounder and
stronger than she is today. The Hallelujah
Legion will win the day. Praising and sing-
ing are our armor against the idolatries of
heresy, our comfort under the depression
caused by insolent attacks upon the truth,
and our weapons for defending the Gospel.
Faith, when displayed in cheerful courage,
has about it a sacred contagion. Others learn
to believe in the Most High when they see
His servant
Calm 'mid the bewildering cry,
Confident of victory."
Thursday, February 25
Read Galatians 5:22-26.
Give yourselves morning by morning to
be led by the Holy Spirit, and go forward
praising and at rest, leaving Him to man-
age you and your day. Cultivate the habit all
through the day of joyfully depending upon
Him to guide, to enlighten, to reprove, to
teach, to use, and to do in and with you what
He will. Count upon His working as a fact,
altogether apart from sight or feeling.
Only let us believe in and obey His Holy
Spirit as the Ruler of our lives, and cease
from the burden of trying to manage our-
selves, and then shall the fruit of the Spirit —
love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness,
goodness, faithtulness, meekness, self-control
— appear in us as He will, to the glory of
God.
Friday, February 26
Read Romans 8:1-14.
On the inside of the dome in the rotunda
in the capitol building at Washington are
painted a number of angels. When the artist
first showed his work the committee said,
"Your form and color are all right, but the
faces lack spirituality." Again he painted
and again was told the same thing. He tried
once more and received the same criticism.
Completely discouraged, he went to his
studio wondering why he could not paint to
satisfy his critics. It began to dawn on him
(Continued on Page 165)
The Good Shepherd
Sunday School Lesson for February 28
(John 10)
To the false leaders, the scheming shep-
herds who cast out the man once blind, Jesus
presented Himself as the Good Shepherd.
But this is a good look for everyone. It is
about the best figure used in the Bible of our
Lord. All can understand something of this
metaphor. Let us see Jesus —
As the Door to the sheepfold — the only way
into the fold of eternal life. How plainly Je-
sus says that by Him any one may be saved
and have then all the rights of the shepherd!
He lets the sheep in to rest and safety and
leads them out to pasture, rich pastures. (No-
tice this lesson is not a study of sheep but of
the shepherd.) Many, it might be some of
your pupils, are trying to enter the kingdom
by some other door than by Christ. There is
only one way to God and that is by Jesus
Christ. There are false Christs today.
As the Shepherd who knows His sheep. He
calleth each sheep by his name. Each is
known to Him and appreciated and under-
stood. We are not called sheep in general,
but each has a special identifying name, a
love name. Though every one else would
forsake us, He would not. Each is precious
in His eyes. Each has worth.
As a Shepherd who leads the sheep —
rather than d:ives them. He goeth before
us to find the rich pastures, to prepare them,
to know that the way is safe for us. to ap-
preciate what the difficulties will be. "He
knoweth the way that I take." "My foot
hath held his steps," declared Job.
As a Shepherd who gives His life for the
sheep. Christ gave His life for us to obtain
eternal life. Also each day He gives us life,
all that makes for rich living, abundant liv-
ing. The Christian rejoices not only in his
eternal inheritance, but in the fullness of
living he now enjoys, because Christ lives
in him. Jesus had already presented Him-
self as Bread, Water of Life, and Light. How-
are these related to life? Abundant life sug-
gests security indeed' "They shall be abun-
dantly satisfied with the fatness of thy
house."
As the Good Shepherd — who really loves
and cares for the sheep. He leads them and
finds sustenance for them because He loves
them. A hireling does not love the sheep
but works for money. The Pharisees, the
loveless leaders, served the people for the
gain to themselves. And they were robbers,
too, for they were trying to get into the king-
dom some way other than by Jesus. "The
goodness of God leadeth . . . [men] to re-
pentance." This is true even of the wander-
ing sheep. If one goes astray, He will seek
this lost one because He is a good shepherd.
He truly loves the sheep, even the erring.
Perhaps you have pupils who have not
yet entered the fold, or lambs (see Isa. 40:
11). or wandering sheep. All of these can
find a great heart of love in the Good Shep-
herd. Present Him in such an attractive way
that each and every pupil will rejoice in His
goodness and follow Him more trustingly
and depend on Him for their security.
— Alta Mae Erb.
Lesson based cn "International Sunday School Lei>
fons: the International Bible Lessons for Christian
Teaching." copyrighted 19i>l by the Division of Chris-
tian Education N'vicnal Council ol the Churches ot
Christ in the U S A.
156
COSPEL HERALD
February 16, 1954
FIELD NOTES
Items to appear in this column for any issue of the
following Tuesday must reach Scottdale by Wednes-
day morning.
"The Call of Today's Frontiers and the
Answer of Christian Faith" was the theme of
the Christian Life Conference at Goshen
College, Feb. 12-14.
One person was received by water bap-
tism on Jan. 31 at the East Bethel Mission,
Greenville, Va.
Bro. Kenneth G. Good, Morton, 111., gave
the commencement address at the Canton
Bible School at the close of the winter session,
Feb. 12.
Bro. Wilbur Hostetler, recently returned
from India on furlough, is giving a series of
midweek talks to the adult prayer meeting
at the Prairie Street Church, Elkhart, Ind.,
on "Missions in India Today."
Bro. Paul Mininger, president-elect of Go-
shen College, is attending Columbia Uni-
versity, New York, the second semester,
taking a course in the field of administration
of higher education.
The Winter Bible School at Fairview,
Mich., closed on Thursday, Feb. 11, with a
Christian Life Conference, followed by com-
mencement exercises in the evening.
A Youth Meeting was held at the Rockhill
Church, near Telford, Pa., Saturday evening,
Feb. 13. The time was largely devoted to a
missionary song service. Paul Kraybill spoke
on "Men Wanted."
Table of Contents
145 — God Still Loves
Praise (Poem)
146 — Our Readers Say
147 — Christian Humanism
What Is Our System of Giving?
148 — The Revelation of Jesus Christ
The Everlasting Now (Poem)
Tragic Death
It Happened
149 — The Teaching of Hebrews on Eternal Security
151— A Prayer for This Week
The Raoture — Which Church?
Prayer Reguests
152 — Church Hiah School Progress
153— Aftermath (Poem)
Are CO's Dangerous?
Christ Ib Not Enough
154 — Contrast (Poem)
A Meeting for Parents
The Child Adonis a Mother
155 — To Be Near to God
Sundav School Lesson for February 28
156— Field Notes
Calendar
157— Mission Newi
Your Treasurer Reports
158 — Guavate. Puorto Rico, Chapel Dedicated
l a Fortaloza
159 — First ImproBslons of Puerto Rico
Wo Live In the Jungle
160 — The Larger Services lo I-W Men
161 — Crime of the Century
162— MRSC Weekly Notes
MCC Weekly N->tos
Women's Activities
163 — From Our Churches
165 — Expressions of Appreciation
For Conscience' Sake
Marriage*
166— Births
Anniversaries
Obituaries
167— The Book Shelf
Items and Comments
Bro. H. R. Schertz, Metamora, 111., who
suffered from an infected blood vessel in his
leg while on a trip to Florida, is recovering
gradually.
The congregation at Hannibal, Mo., re-
cently voted to build a mothers' room in the
rear of the church building.
The Indiana-Michigan Conference has
asked Bro. Howard Hammer to conduct
revival meetings in the vicinity of Goshen
this coming summer.
Baptismal services were held at the Blough
Church, near Hollsopple, Pa., Jan. 31, when
six young people were received into church
fellowship, one of these being from the
"Thirty-eight" Mission.
A Christian Workers' meeting was held at
the Pleasant View Church, near Goshen, Ind.,
Wednesday evening, Feb. 10.
At the evening service at the Freeport, 111.,
Church on Jan. 31, Dr. and Mrs. R. E. Sheel,
missionaries who recently completed a term
of service at Kallose, Ethiopia, spoke and
showed pictures. They have had some con-
tacts with our missionaries in East Africa.
Ordination. — On Sunday evening, Jan. 31,
an impressive ordination service was held at
the Marion Church, Howe, Ind., when Bro.
John Mishler, was ordained to the office of
deacon to serve that congregation. Bishops
Oscar Hostetler and Lee J. Miller were in
charge.
The churches in the area of Bergton, Va.,
and Mathias, W. Va., hold their evening
meetings together when there is a fifth Sun-
day in the month. Representatives of about
fourteen churches and mission Sunday
schools were present at the Mt. Hermon
Church near the Va.-W. Va. line on Jan. 31.
On Sunday, Jan. 31, one person was re-
ceived into the fellowship of the Colorado
Springs Church by baptism. Two were re-
ceived by letter the previous Sunday.
Bro. Paul Peachey of the Eastern Mennon-
ite College faculty, Harrisonburg, Va., was
guest speaker at the Christian Life Institute
held Jan. 29, 30, at MCC headquarters,
Akron, Pa. He led studies in I Peter. Such
institutes are held about quarterly for the
benefit of the approximate fifty workers at
the MCC center.
A group of brethren from the Warwick
River congregation, Denbigh, Va., are con-
ducting services at the Southampton State
Prison Farm, about eighty miles distant.
Good interest is manifested, and some of
the men have been confessing Christ.
Notice to All Subscribers
A new service Is being started whereby all GOS-
PEL HERALD subscribers will receive a renewal no-
tice one month before the expiration of their paper.
This now service will give our subscribers the oppor-
tunity of keeping their subscriptions paid In advance
and thus avoid being billed (or past due charges.
We feel that all of our subscribers will appreciate
this new plan since it will place the renewal ol the
GOSPEL HERALD on the same renewal basis as all
of the other magazines they receive in their homes.
Subscribers are urged to send In their subscriptions
promptly upon receiving the renewal notice, so that
we can give thorn uninterrupted subscription service.
Subscription Department.
A district-wide prayer meeting was held
with the Albany, Oreg., congregation on
Sunday afternoon, Feb. 7. These meetings
have been continuing since the Brunk re-
vivals last year.
Bro. Merle Cordell, Greencastle, Pa., was
ordained to the ministry from a lot of three,
on Feb. 2, at the Marion Church, near
Chambersburg, Pa. Bro. Harvey E. Shank
was in charge of the service.
Bro. N. E. Troyer, West Liberty, Ohio,
well-known bishop and evangelist, passed
away Feb. 3. The funeral was held in the
afternoon of Feb. 7, at the Oak Grove
Church. May the Lord comfort the bereaved
family and church.
The Northern Illinois Regional MYF
meeting was held at the Mennonite Home
Mission, Chicago, 111., on Saturday afternoon
and evening, Feb. 13. Bro. Peter Wiebe,
Goshen, Ind., served as special speaker. The
I-W men serving in the area were invited to
this meeting.
Brethren J. G. Hartzler, Windom, Kans.,
and Harry A. Diener, Hutchinson, Kans.,
spent Sunday, Feb. 7, with the group wor-
shiping at Walker, Mo., in the interests of
organizing them as a congregation.
Bro. Paul Erb, of Scottdale, is giving a
series of six Sunday evening messages on
the Christian Life at the Kingview Church,
East Scottdale, over the period from Jan. 10
to March 7.
(Continued on Page 164)
Ca lendar
Annual Meet'ng Mennonite Publication Board. Plain
Church. Lansdale. Pa.. Feb. 17-18.
Annual Christian Day School Meeting, Erisman't
Church. Manhelm, Pa.. Feb. 20.
Christian Life Conference, E.M.C., Harrisonburg, Va..
Feb. 20, 21, 1954.
Iowa-Nebraska Mission Board midyear meeting at
Manson, Iowa, Feb. 23, 24.
Annual Ministerial Meeting of the Lancaster Con-
ference District, at the Millwood Meetinghouse,
Gap. Pa., Feb. 24, 25.
1954 Conrad Grebel Lectures, by G. F. Hershberger.
at E.M.C.. Harrisonburg. Va.. March 17-20.
Spring Missionary Sunday. March 21.
City Mission Workers' Round Table, Detroit Mennon-
ite Church, March 24-26.
Annual Meeting Illinois Mission Board, Pleasant Hill,
East Peoria. 111. Arril 22. 23.
Semiannual meeting. Commission for Christian Edu-
cation. St Jacobs. Ont.. April 30. May 1.
Conference on Christian Community Relations. E.M.C..
Harrisonburg, Va., May 6-8.
Home Sunday, May 9.
Annual meeting Mennonite Board of Missions and
Charities. Western Mennonite School. Salem.
Oreg.. June 18-20.
1954 Schedule for Laurelville: Writers' Conference.
June 26 to July 2: Familv Week. July 3-9: Boys'
Camp (ages 9-13). Julv 1016: Girls' Camp (ages
9-13), July 17-23; Junior Hiah (ages 13-15). July
24-30; Junior High (ages 1315). Julv 31 to Aug. 6;
Young People's Institute, Aug. 7-13; MYF Work-
shop and Annual Meeting, Aug. 14-20; Music
Week, Aug. 21-27; Missionary Bible Conference.
Aug. 28 to Sept. 2.
Peace Sunday. July 4. 1954.
Annual Meeting Southwestern Pa. Conference. Mar-
tinsburg. Pa., Aug. 1-4.
Annual meeting Iowa-Nebraska Conference, West
Union, Pamell. Iowa, Aug. 10-13.
Annual meeting South Central Conference. Assembly
ol God campground, near Eldon, Mo., August
17-20.
Annual Meeting Illinois Conference. East Bend,
Fisher. 111.. Aug. 24-26.
Fall Meeting. Commission tor Christian Education.
Laurelville Mennonite Camp. Laurelville, Pa..
Sept. 17. 28.
Study Conference of Child Evangelism. Laurelville
Mennonite Camp. Sept. 29. 30.
Fall Meeting. General Council ol Mennonite General
Conference. Laurelville Mennonite Camp. Oct.
I. 2.
February 16, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
157
Go, Preach • MISSIONS ' Give. Pray
The General Board Headquarters lor Mission!. Relief, and Service: 1711 Prairie Street. Elkhart. Indiana. Telephone. Elkhart 2 27B6
Mission News
Sister Grace Martin, Waterloo, Ont.,
daughter of Bro. and Sister }. B. Martin who
are now in Jerusalem helping to establish
a mission in Israel, suffered severe head in-
juries in a fall from an ambulance on her
way to work on Feb. 2 and remains in critical
condition in the Kitchener- Waterloo hospital
where she had been working as a nurse. Pray
for her recovery.
An order has been placed for the buildings
to be erected at Black Mountain, Ariz., for
our missionaries to the Navaho Indians, Bro.
and Sister Stanley Weaver. The buildings
are now in Albuquerque, N. Mex., and can
be sent up just as soon as construction can
be begun.
The first Winter Bible Institute of the
Japan Mennonite Mission was held January
10-17 at Kushiro and Obihiro. Carl Beck,
Ralph Buckwalter, and Pastor Maekawa,
former Japanese language teacher of Becks
in Osaka and now serving there as an or-
dained Free Methodist minister, served as
instructors. Classes were conducted in Pas-
toral Epistles, Bible Survey, Church History,
Mennonite History, and. Music Fundamen-
tals. Also special lectures on Japanese church
history, principles of evangelism, and church
growth were given by local Japanese pastors.
A chorus practice and evangelistic service un-
der the leadership of Pastor Maekawa were
held each evening. A high note of interest
was evident throughout the school. The
Holy Spirit used this institute to strengthen
the spiritual fellowship of the local congrega-
tions and to bring a number to make deci-
sions for Christ.
Bro. J. Weldon Martin, Mathis, Texas, will
be ordained to the Christian ministry on
Sunday afternoon, Feb. 21, by Bro. H. F.
Reist, Premont, Texas, assisted by Bro. Alva
Swartzendruber, Hydro, Okla. Bro. Martin
is in charge of the mission program among
Spanish-speaking Americans in Mathis.
Bro. and Sister Wilbur Hosteder, mission-
aries on furlough from India, are living at
2331 Prairie St., Elkhart, Ind., and Bro.
Hostetler is attending Goshen College Bibli-
cal Seminary this semester. Their telephone
is Elkhart 2-0496. Bro. Hostetler spoke to
the College Mennonite congregation, Goshen,
Ind., on Sunday evening, Feb. 7.
The Hokkaido Missionary Fellowship,
which includes all Protestant missionaries on
Hokkaido and of which Carl Beck was elect-
ed president for 1954, held its first tri-annual
meeting of the New Year at Sapporo, Hok-
kaido, Jan. 26, 27. Dr. Welsh, director of the
Overseas Missionary Fellowship which now
has 18 missionaries of the former China In-
land Mission serving in Hokkaido, brought
inspiring messages to the group. Missionaries
of all Protestant groups now represented on
Hokkaido total ninety.
Members of the Valley View Hospital
building committee, Glcnwood Springs,
Colo., spent Jan. 12, 13 at Rocky Ford and
La Junta, visited the Pioneers Memorial
Hospital under construction at Rocky Ford,
and consulted with Bro. W. J. Dye, admin-
istrator, Mennonite Hospital and Sanitarium,
La Junta, and Gertrude Roberts, technical
adviser from the Colorado State public health
service. The new 36-bed hospital to be con-
structed at Glenwood Springs will be oper-
ated by the General Mission Board.
Bro. and Sister Simeon Hurst, missionaries
on furlough from Tanganyika, spoke at a
district mission meeting at the Cressman
Mennonite Church, Breslau, Ont., Sunday,
Feb. 14. Sister Hurst also spoke at the OMBS
missionary night services at the First Men-
nonite Church, Kitchener, on Feb. 11.
Bro. Don Reber, who is currently engaged
in language study in Tokyo, came to Hok-
kaido for a few days in late January to con-
sult with the missionaries on the field in
regard to opening the fourth Mennonite
mission center. Don and Barbara Reber with
their three children are scheduled to move to
the field by the summer of 1954.
Takio Tanase, full time co-worker in the
Kushiro Mennonite Church, will return to
his home in Tokyo in February to make
preparation for attending Hesston College
and Bible School during the 1954-55 aca-
demic year.
Bro. S. M. King, missionary on furlough
from India, will speak at the OMBS mission-
ary night services at the First Mennonite
Church in Kitchener, Ont., on Thursday
evening, Feb. 25.
A House of Witness to the Jews was dedi-
cated at the First Mennonite Church, Kitch-
ener, Ont., on Sunday afternoon, Feb. 7,
to be associated with the House of Friend-
ship now operating in Kitchener, but to be
carried on at the residence of Bro. and Sister
Ross Goodall.
The East Union congregation, Kalona,
Iowa, has donated funds for a clothes drier
for the workers at the Mexican Mennonite
Mission home in Chicago. East Union is the
home congregation of Sister Barbara Snyder,
wile of the Mexican Mission pastor, Bro.
Marion Snyder.
The Henry Beckers arrived safely in Eng-
land on Feb. 3 en route back to India after
furlough. They are changing ships in South-
ampton to continue on to Bombay.
The Annual Missionary Council meeting
for Puerto Rico will be held at La Plata, April
22. 23, according to present planning.
An all-Mennonite missionary fellowship
meeting was held at the MCC center in
Osaka, Japan, on Jan. 4, 5. Nearly all of the
more than 50 Mennonite and Brethren in
Christ missionaries now working in Japan
were present. Bro. J. D. Graber brought
several inspirational messages. Experiences
Your Treasurer Reports
For some years Brother James Lark has
been operating a camp for children near St.
Anne. 111. This camp is known as Camp
Rchoboth and commonly referred to as I lop-
kins Park. Within the past year Brother
Lark has developed a feeling that this camp
should be placed under the direction of the
Mission Board and made a part of the total
witness which we arc trying to give in the
Chicago area. Those acquainted with the
program feel very strongly that there is a
great deal of church interest in the possibili-
ties of this camp and the Board was encour-
aged to assume responsibility and to set up
administrative facilities for the administra-
tion of the camp. Brother Lark has co-
operated in the planning of this move and
tcels that a significant program can be car-
ried on at Camp Rehoboth with church-wide
direction and support.
Following the last Annual Meeting of the
Board a local Board of Directors was appoint-
ed for Camp Rehoboth. This board has been
working actively in planning the further de-
velopments of this camp and recently has out-
lined a plan for repairing and remodeling
the buildings to make them more useful and
effective. In order to carry on this work, con-
tributions will be needed both for the build-
ing program and for operating expenses. To
further implement this work the board has
recently appointed Brother and Sister Robert
Stoltzfus to serve as superintendent of Camp
Rehoboth. I am sure that Brother and Sister
Stoltzfus feel the need of the prayers and
financial support of the church. See Bro.
Stoltzfus' article in the Feb. 9 Gospel Her-
ald.
Contributions are needed for this work
and may be designated for this project by
labeling the contribution for Camp Rchoboth
Fund. May we also solicit your prayer sup-
port for this program.
H. Ernest Bennett, Treasurer
Mennonite Board ol Missions and Charities
Elkhart, Indiana.
of God's leading and blessing were shared
by members of each of the mission groups
now laboring in Hokkaido. I lonshu, and
Kyushu. Japan. One tangible result of the
meeting was the decision to elect a representa-
tive from each mission to serve on a commit-
tee to help our peace witness.
Bro. William Hallman, missionary on fur-
lough from Argentina, will keep the follow-
ing appointments during the next two weeks:
Feb. 21, Bethel Mennonite Church. West
Liberty, Ohio; Feb. 27, illustrated talk on
Argentina to I-W men serving in Indian-
apolis, Ind.; Feb. 28. morning, worship serv-
ice, Indianapolis I-W men; Feb. 28, evening.
College Mennonite Church, Goshen, Ind.
(Continued on Page 164)
158
GOSPEL HERALD
Paul Lauver. pastor, opens the dedication service of the Gtiavate Chanel Wilbur Nachtigall
gave the dedicatory sermon, and his four children sang several songs, and several members of
the Guavate Church gave testimonies.
Guavate, Puerto Rico, Chapel Dedicated
By Paul Lauver
In the month of April, 1953, work was
begun at Guavate, a rural district of Cayey.
The invitation to go and preach the Gospel
there came from the people themselves, who
through a relative who is a member of the
Rabanal congregation, made their desire
known that we go and preach the Word of
God to them. The power of God was made
manifest in the lives of the people at Guavate
who opened their hearts to the message of
the Gospel. As a result, we have an ardent
group of believers there and praise God for
the work of the Spirit in their lives.
November 22, 1953, marked a milestone
in the work of the Lord at our Guavate sta-
tion when we dedicated a new chapel for
the glory of God and the preaching of His
Word. In two days the main work of the
chnpel was done, although I spent most of
the week there working. It is a simple 16'
x 22' building made with wood taken from
the local land, thatched palm leaf sides, a
tar paper roof, and packed clay floor, but in
the words of Don Primo, "it is a palace."
And truly it is a palace in the hearts of these
people who so recently have learned to love
the Lord and to serve Him. Nothing but
sickness would keep them away from serv-
ices even when they had to stand many times
in a crowded room, and it is a deep satis
faction and joy for them to have their own
comfortable chapel in which to worship.
The people themselves undertook to pay
for any expenses involved in the materials,
and on the day of dedication (30*68 hail been
spent, but much more than that had been
received through offerings at Guavate plus
help from other sources. The balance on
hand makes possible the payment of the
MISSIONS SECTION
benches as well as a few other small items
that need to be finished. All the men helped
on the building or, if they couldn't come,
they sent someone in their place. We ap-
preciate so much their clear testimonies of
what Christ has done for them.
Box 335, Cayey, Puerto Rico.
La Fortaleza
By Joseph and Tii.uk Nauraine
Two days before the celebration of the
first anniversary of the Commonwealth of
Puerto Rico, July 25, 1953, Mrs. Juana
Rodriguez Mundo, Senator-at-large for the
municipality of Rio Piedras. and Vice-Presi-
dent of the Roard of Directors of El Hogar
Del Nino, called and inquired if we would
be her guests at the coming anniversary re-
ception to be held at the Governor's residence.
La Fortaleza, in San Juan. We were happy
for this invitation and, no doubt like many
other people, we literally counted the hours
until we would be there.
At the appointed hour, 5:00 p.m., our
hostess called for us and after what seemed
an endless train of traffic, all wending their
way to San Juan, we finally arrived at our
destination. The guards immediately rec-
ognized Senator Rodriguez Mundo. With
the usual courtesy typical of the Puerto
Ricans, they opened the gate for us and we
climbed the stairway leading to the main
reception room of this old Spanish mansion.
Since setting foot in Puerto Rico a year
before, wc had seen many photographs of
Governor Munos Marin in public buildings,
but now for the first time wc were meeting
him personally. There he was, standing in
February 16, 1954
the center of the room, a powerful figure.
His white linen suit gave an added charm
to his warm personality. As the ADC an-
nounced our names individually he shook
our hands with that smile of deep sincerity
and personal interest. Then and there we I
knew why today, in the humblest hut in
Puerto Rico, Governor Munos Marin is
loved and respected.
We stopped first in the hall of mirrors and
then in several other rooms richly decorated
with luxurious draperies, historical murals,
and priceless paintings, each reflecting the
glories of an old world Spain. Then we de-
scended into the garden where already had
gathered the elite of Puerto Rican society
together with resident officials of the United
States government. Everyone was enjoying
himself under a canopy of luxuriant foliage
made brilliant by the rays of the descending
sun, and later by innumerable multicolored
lights. The huge cake flown by air express
with greetings from the Puerto Rican colony
of New York commanded the admiration
of everyone. Truly, both man and nature
spared no effort on this day to make this
first anniversary one long to be remembered.
As we moved among the hundreds of
guests we stopped here and there to be in-
troduced to someone of importance whom
our hostess felt we should know. On being
introduced people would exclaim, "Oh, you
are the Mennonite couple at El Hogar! Why,
we are glad to have you here. How did you
two get to Puerto Rico?" Before we could
answer the last inquiry our hostess would
say to them,
"Why, God sent them to us."
We would then take time out to explain
further to them how we were placed through
MRSC and of the kind of work that this
church agency is doing in various parts of
the world. It was surprising how much
these people knew of the industrial develop-
ment in the island, and how little they were
Side view of l.:> Fnrtaloza. the Palace of the
Govern. t. S.ui Juau, Puerto Kieo.
ft
February i6, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
159
informed of the church's response to the so-
cial and spiritual needs of the people.
Among our new-made friends at the re-
j ccption was a group of social workers from
I the States who for the past three weeks were
j conducting a research in the Welfare Pro-
; gram of the island. Each was an expert in
1 his field. We spent about two hours with
i some of the leaders of this group answering
I their many questions about the Christian
j motivation which led us to El Hogar, and of
I the same motivation which has led many of
I our church groups into fields afar to answer
I the needs of all people.
Some of these workers were from large
I cities in the United States. They had gone
I through college and had made a name for
I themselves; but this was the first time they
[had ever heard of Mennonites, of the MRSC,
[and the contribution our people were mak-
I ing toward a lasting peace. The four hours
Iwe spent at the reception flew all too quick-
Ily. When we bade our friends good night
land good-by it was with the promise that
I they would visit our home before they left
I Puerto Rico, and we their work when we re-
I turned to the States.
I The children were all asleep when we
[[reached home. Silently we crept into each
room, adjusted a pillow here and a blanket
there. On the face of each child in silent
repose was a smile of peace and content-
ment. In the quietness of our room we re-
viewed the day's event and gratefully thanked
God that, although we are not "pulpit mis-
sionaries," we can still give a definite wit-
ness for Christ to those whom perhaps we
would never be able to reach as missionaries.
Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico.
First Impressions of Puerto Rico
Allen Martin, Wakarusa, Ind., recently
[joined the group of Voluntary Service work-
Uers at La Plata, Puerto Rico, as a I-W man.
IjHe works as a mechanic servicing automo-
llbiles and the other small electrical equipment
of the La Plata Project. He writes thus
about his first impressions:
"The island fairly swarms with lizards,
frogs, and myriads of unidentified insects
which join in a mighty chorus at night that
makes the countryside fairly vibrate with
energy. The function of these ugly creatures,
however, is extremely useful. Their diet
consists of flies and mosquitoes — insects
which would make living almost impossible
without this governing balance of nature. . . .
I "The people on this part of the island live
In an almost unbelievably simple manner
fin thatched houses with a pig in the front
[yard as a garbage disposal unit. . . .
II "Living in the bunk house (here at the
j! Project) is an interesting experience which
lean help to build a wholesome Christian per-
sonality if one is desirous to be the best
that he can be in service for his Lord.
"The following is a routine day here at La
Plata: A loud clang from the mess hall bell
it 6:15 is designed to . . . hasten us in
preparations for breakfast. From 6:30 to 8:00
is breakfast and a devotional period. From
8:00 to 12:00 I work and listen to unintelligi-
ble sounds called Spanish, trying to catch a
word which will give me an inkling of what
is going on. The activities of the afternoon
arc much the same as those of the morning.
After supper at 5:00 there is usually chorus
practice, Spanish class, services at the hos-
pital, or some other group activity. . . ."
Approximately thirty folks make up the
Voluntary Service unit at La Plata. They
work in the hospital as nurse aides, doctors
orderlies. X-ray technicians, cooks, and dieti-
tians; on the project farm and in programs of
recreation and community health.
A fishing village on the southern coast of Puerto
Rico.
At the present time there is an urgent call
for a doctor in the hospital. In a few months
there will be openings for nurses and nurse
aides. Puerto Rico is a needy area of God's
vineyard. Have you given? Have you
prayed? Will you go?
Office for Relief and Service
Elkhart, Indiana
We Live in the Jungle
By Eldon and Jessie Ham 11 ion
We had just arrived safely home from
another trip "out of the bush." The time of
fellowship and relaxation with friends and
co-workers in Trujillo had been, as always,
most refreshing, but still it was good to be
home again with the tiresome journey be-
hind us. This had been a good trip — taking
only five hours for the fifty miles, as com-
pared to nine and thirteen hours spent by
us and other workers on previous trips! And
we felt humbly grateful to our watchful
heavenly Father for His protection again on
another trip through the jungle.
Jungle? Yes, we live in the jungle, that
"tangled mass of vegetation; dense inter-
mingled growth." God led us all the way
from Sheridan, Oreg., to Tocoa, Honduras,
to live and work among these people. We
arrived in Tocoa to stay on June 17, 1952.
Contrary to the opinion of the people living
here, we came to stay indefinitely, bringing
our family of three children (Elsie 9, James
8, Alice 5). The local people gave us about
six months to "get enough" of Tocoa. Now,
since the mission owns the property we arc
using, this missionary effort (under the aus-
pices of the Eastern Board and the support
of several Oregon congregations) is taking
a more permanent form.
Tocoa is settled in the heart of the large
Aguan valley, south and slightly west of
Trujillo. As the bird flics it would prob-
ably be near thirty miles. By the road it is
fifty. Each trip out to Trujillo, our only exit
by car to the coast, is a new adventure. We
travel through brush so dense that it scrapes
the pickup on both sides. We ford rivers
and streams and leave the road to skirt
through a pasture to miss a bad bridge or a
mud hole. Along the way, nestled back
among the trees, are little mud or stick
homes that an air view would not reveal.
The frequent rains are apt to swell rivers
overnight, or make a road impassable. We
are indeed thankful for our 4-whecl drive
Willys, for with any 2-whcel drive there
would be few trips without the risk of not
being able to get back when we want to.
We do not meet up with many wild ani-
mals on these trips, as may be the case in
other jungle areas. If there are many such
animals, they keep themselves back in the
bush. There are various kinds of monkeys
and smaller animals, and yes, there are
snakes, though we ourselves have seen few
of them. So our worst enemies as we travel
here are not animals, but bridges and mud.
The road we follow is an old, abandoned
railroad bed, which in order to make it level
has many bridges. They are very old, very
narrow, and very weak, and number over
fifty in all. So when it is at all possible we
try to drive through the dip instead of cross-
ing the bridge, and then sometimes we meet
the other enemy, mud. One visiting brother
making this trip with us remarked that a
driver needs two things to cross those bridges
— faith and nerve. We ourselves have said
that if we could not ask God's protection on
these trips, we would be afraid to attempt
them. We know He does go with us. and
we want to keep a simple faith, as expressed
by our five-year-old daughter. Before one
trip she remarked. "Mamma, if we get stuck.
Jesus can help us out, can't He? Because
He's strong, isn't He?"
Tocoa is also in the midst of a spiritual
jungle. There is a "tangled mass" of super-
stition and sinful practices. There is an "in-
termingled growth" of religious form and
sinful, worldlv amusements. The people
here do not neglect their religion to take
part in their dances and other unchristian
celebrations. NTo, thev carry on those things
in the name of religion, trying to mix the
two! It is pitiful to see how tightlv the vines
of superstition are clinging to the people.
Even for those who desire to be different,
thev are hard to untangle. We are burdened
to see how the dense growth of unbelief and
carelessness chokes out the good seed that
would spring up in some hearts.
But there are beautiful things in the jun-
gle, too. both naturally and spiritually. There
are lots and lots of beautiful birds, from the
very thin brown ones to the large colorful
MISSIONS SECTION
160
macaw. The many kinds of lovely butter-
flies are a constant joy to watch. We can
gain strength from studying the stately palm
trees and the different flowers, and we know
that the God who watches over them also
cares for us. The bright, starry, and moon-
light nights are serene and draw us near to
God. We can also learn from watching the
native men cut their way through some of
the dense growth here. It is very interesting
to watch them bend to their task, swinging
their long machetes. They cut with long,
sure strokes, both going and coming, and
often changing the machete from one hand
to another without even stopping the move-
ment of their weapon. And as they work,
the bush which might have looked impene-
trable falls away before them, leaving a
clear path.
So it is with us as we work for our Lord,
using as our weapon the Sword of the Spirit.
We may live and work in a place that at
times looks hopeless and impenetrable. But
we know that if we work faithfully, allow-
ing the Spirit to teach us how to use the
Word effectively, the spiritual jungle will
also fall away so that the Light may shine
in upon the people. We do enjoy working
with the people and long to see many of
them come to a real experience with their
Lord and Saviour. Yes, we live in the jun-
gle— and like it.
Tocoa, Honduras.
GOSPEL HERALD
Good clothes replaced his rags; proper care
and nourishing food soon brought color into
his cheeks. His entire being was changed.
The little lad whom the missionary expected
to die has come back to the world to live
and serve the Lord he loves. — From the Bi-
ble Society Record.
• • •
In the Philippine Islands the American
Bible Society conducts two fifteen-minute
broadcasts each week. One is given in Eng-
lish, the other in Cebuan, one of the dialects
of the islands. An increased interest in the
Bible is always noticed after these broadcasts
are heard.— From the Bible Society Record.
Bible Briefs
With the ending of the war and the awak-
ened interest on the part of the Japanese
people in the Bible, the Japan Bible Society
set as its goal the production and distribution
of ten million copies of the Scriptures in
three years. The program was carefully
planned and executed. A leading missionary
administrator in Tokyo has often remarked,
"Of all the projects and schemes for ad-
vancement in the immediate postwar years,
nothing has equaled what the Bible Society
accomplished by its Scripture distribution
program."
For those statistically minded, if these
Scriptures were piled up flat, they would be
thirty live times the height of Mt. Fujiyama.
The books would require three thousand
5-ton trucks to move them. — From the Bible
Society Record.
• # •
Among a group of fifty-four lepers brought
into a leper colony in Formosa was one boy
about fourteen years old that the missionary
called " the little lad whom Jesus loves,'' for
while be was in rags and pitifully thin trom
lack of food, his first question was, "lias
anyone here got a Bible?" He was a little
Christian lad and he did not know, in the
strange new surroundings, if he would find
any Christians at all. When he found a
strong Christian comnninitv and was wel-
comed warmly by the people, he was deeply
content. He knew his Bible well.
I-W,
ORK
ORSHIP
ITNESS
February 16, 1954
Co-ordination of the services of all branch-
es of Mennonites to their own men is an-
other important service MCC performs. In
locations where the men are from a number
of Mennonite branches, they are assisted in
their recreational, educational, and unit life
activities by MCC leadership. If there are
men not receiving adequate pastoral serv-
ices, their needs are brought to the attention
of their own church in order that such serv-
ices may be provided.
The Mennonite Relief and Service Com-
mittee is the channel for (old) Mennonite
participation in most of these MCC I-W
services. Hence, you may support them
financially through your congregation's
monthly relief and service offering. Your
prayer support is also earnestly desired.
Office for Relief and Service
Elkhart, Indiana
MISSIONS SECTION
The Larger Services to I-W Men
The Mennonite Central Committee since
its founding over thirty years ago has been
the co-ordinator for inter-Mennonite co-
operation in foreign relief, refugee aid and
resettlement, mental health, representation of
our peace concerns to the government, and
contacts with Selective Service. All of these
areas of service find their relationship to the
I-W program. Over forty Mennonite men
from the MRSC constituency are serving in
PAX which is closely related to the relief
and refugee programs; others are serving in
straight relief assignments. A number of
I-W's from our churches are serving in MCC
mental hospitals.
However, the relationship of the Mennon-
ite Central Committee to the I-W services of
the church is more immediate. During the
days of congressional investigation and plan-
ning on the present draft law, MCC pre-
sented the testimony of the Mennonite
churches regarding war and military service
to Congress and Selective Service officials.
After the passage of the Selective Service
law, contact was continued with Selective
Service officials as presidential regulations
were set up for drafting I-O men. When
drafting began, the Mennonite Central Com-
mittee organized an effective counseling
system through which men and pastors were
informed of Selective Service procedures and
methods for local and state contact with
Selective Service. A measure of this coun-
seling system's effectiveness may be seen in
the fact that there have been onlv four or five
convictions for failure to comply with the
law from the approximate total 3,000 I-W
men of all Mennonite branches. Through
this same counseling system, men are pro-
vided with a systematic means bv which
they can arrange for their assignments.
After the I-W men are on the job, they
continue to receive the benefits of MCC
work. The I-W Mirror, I paper for. by, and
about I-W men, is sent to each I-W man
twice monthly. An orientation booklet pre-
pared by MCC will aid I-W men in adjust-
ing and making their assignments a Chris-
tian service.
Volunteers are needed at each of the Mennon-
ite Central Committee mental hospitals — Kings
View Homes. Reedley. Calif.; Prairie View
Hospital. Newton. Kaiis.; and Brook Lane
Farm. Hagerstown, Md. Young people are need
ed as nooks, Rides, end maintenance men. Nurses
such as Gladys Swartz of l'hoenixville. Pa,, who
is pictured at work at Itrook Lane Farm, are
needed at these hospitals. Persons interested in
teaching crafts anil Bihle classes and doing car-
penter work are needed in the North Topeka
Kansas, community flood rehabilitation project
Three women and two men are needed at Junior
Village, a heme for underprivileged children in
Washington, 1VC. Their services will consist ol
caring f> r children and doing maintenance work
Ten young people are needed to care for crippled
and handicapped children at Good Shepherd
Home. Allentown. l*a. Orientation school!
which prepare young people for their period ol
voluntary Mrvioe are held at MCC headquarters
in Akron. Pa. The next schools are scheduled
for March and May.
MCC Information Service. Akron. Pa,
February 16, 1954
What Is India?
Is India the marbled Taj Mahal or the
eternal snows of Mount Everest? Is she the
ash-strewn waters of the Ganges or the rolling
pilgrims on her dusty roads? Is India the
leprous beggars with outstretched hands of
the whimpering babies with distended abdo-
mens? Is she the wealth of her maharajas or
the brilliance of her students? Is India the
crumbling ruins of the civilization of ancient
years or the roadside shrines strewn with the
husks of coconuts and dead marigolds? Is
she the crowded, dusty fairs with their danc-
ing girls, holy men, smoky fires, and garish
wares? Is India the majesty of the Himalaya
Mountains or the terraced green of her tea
plantations? Is she the fierce, undying hatred
between the Moslem and the Hindu or the
great gulf which is fixed between her leaders
and their ignorant, illiterate followers? Is
she the caste mark on the forehead, or the
deadened, hopeless stare of her pariahs? Is
India the beggar's battered bowl or the arro-
gant swish of the Brahman's silk coat? Is
she the sacred white cow, or the chattering,
thieving monkeys, or the black wings of the
vulture, or the iridescent colors of the pea-
cock? Is she Hindu funeral pyres or Moslem
stone-strewn graves? Is she the hopeless en-
tanglement of visions and dreams, despair
and fatalism?
India is all of this and, oh, so much more.
She is an empty gourd to be filled, a drooping
plant to be watered, a candle to be lit. She
is a valley of dry bones awaiting life, a
wounded traveler on the road of life needing
balm, a withered hand to be made whole, a
prisoner in the prison house of darkness await-
ing release. She is an empty heart to be loved,
a thirst to be slaked, and a hunger to be fed.
What is India? She is your responsibility
I in prayer before your God! The enemy is
creeping upon her like a stalking lion. He
swishes his tail as he waits — for she is a
worthy prey. She is now in one of God's
"striking hours" in the chronometry of the
years. Engrave her upon the palms of your
hands as you raise them in beseeching prayer
before the throne of grace. AND GOD FOR-
BID THAT YOU SHOULD SIN IN CEAS-
ING TO PRAY FOR HER!— Mrs. Hazel
I Lee, India, in The Other Sheep.
Prayer Is Thrust Power
"The harvest of the earth is ripe!" "The
time is come for thee to reap!" "THRUST
IN THY SICKLE!"
Thus reads, in inverted order, the last three
cryptic statements of Rev. 14:15. A "ripe"
earth, an open nation; thus can be described
the unprecedented opportunities of a calling
world, a waiting, ripened "harvest world."
Jesus upbraided His believing followers be-
cause of their blindness. They could observe
the tender green tuft as it split the sod and
accurately prophesy, "in four months, then
cometh harvest!" Still four months off and
they never missed. But their eyes were earth-
bound. In the world of undying souls, the
"field" was harvest-white and they couldn't
GOSPEL HERALD
see this harvest when it was upon them. We
thank God that our vast army of prayer war-
riors, some mobilized into prayer circles, some
carrying the battle alone, are harvest conscious.
Japan, Korea, Colombia, and Brazil. These
are more than places on the map to you.
They mean people, unreached people !
We are hearing Him say, "The time is
come for THEE to reap." This isn't addressed
broadly to the congregation. This is ad-
dressed personally to the Christian. That
means you; that means me. This is your
hour; this is my hour. Our time is come.
God has put a Sword into our hands. The
secret heart of a "ripe world" can only be
opened up and laid bare to the loving heart
of God by our using that Sword. The Sword
of the Word, and the Sickle of the kingdom
are to be "thrust in" for the reaping. Now
for the secret of the harvest process.
God speaks the final word. It is a power
word: "THRUST IN THY SICKLE!" Here
is the magnificent secret. The "Sickle" and
"Sword" are not in your hand. They are
in the hand of the harvester, the missionary
on the harvest field. What have you to do
with this? The answer is tremendous.
Recently I picked up a copy of the Spartan-
burg daily paper. General James Doolittle,
of Flying Tiger World War II fame, was
being quoted. He commented that "the jet
planes of today streak through the skies
backed by 10,000 pounds of 'thrust.'" He
said that the jets of tomorrow, which would
travel at 1,000 m.p.h., would be backed by
25,000 pounds of "thrust." It clicked in my
heart. Yes, that was it. That is the answer.
The power behind the Sickle of God mowing
into the pleading heart of the "ripe earth" is
the THRUST POWER OF PREVAILING
PRAYER. You don't "hold" the sickle, but
you "MOVE" the sickle. What a challenge!
Here is the secret of the "THRUST" in
modern evangelical missions as we move in
to reap the earth for Christ. — Dale McClain,
in The Missionary Standard.
161
New Outposts in Puerto Rico
The Lord has also led us to hold meetings
in Culebras, another rural district of Cayey,
on the road to Guayama where there is no
evangelical witness. Four services have been
held in the open air in front of a store in
the area and good interest has been shown.
The evenings arc very cool there; so we
feel the need of finding some house or build-
ing which we can use. The attendance has
run between 40 and 80. An elderly man and
several of his children have been converted
and are giving a good testimony. Soon he
will complete a new home and has invited
the three surrounding communities (barrios)
to celebrate with him. He said they are
expecting a roast pig feast, rum, and dancing,
but he is going to surprise them with a
Christian service and wants a chorus to sing
and instead of rum he is serving a fruit
punch. Pray for him as well as the new be-
lievers at Guavate and also for Dr. Ramos
and his wife! — Paul Lauver Christmas letter.
Missions Editorial
Crime of the Century
I lave you read correspondent Fred Jams'
article under the above title in the January
issue of Christian Life magazine? If not, it
will pay you to look it up. Missionary Jarvis
jolts your mind and emotions into action
with a few well-selected statistics and by
contrasting the life of the missionary with
the comforts of the ordinary American Chris-
tian.
Some of his statistics he takes from Billy
Graham: (1) Only 35 per cent of the world's
people have heard of Christ after 50 genera-
tions of preaching; (2) one American church
spent $500,000 on a four-year building pro-
gram meanwhile contributing $5U,U00 for
missions; (3) one thousand tribes in existence
today have no missionary; and (4) 1,700
languages in our world do not have a single
word of Scripture.
Jarvis further quotes denominational re-
ports on giving by noting that the average
American church member gave $41 to his
own church but less than SI. 50 to foreign
missions in 1953.
"We have been unfaithful doing 1,000
good, but secondary things that God never
told us to do," says Jarvis, "specializing in
the trivial, majoring in minors, feeding the
fat, promoting our puny homeside program
while the perishing world has rushed toward
hell."
He underscores the need for men mission-
aries. Many mission boards receive more
applications from women missionary candi-
dates than from men. He takes time to point
out some specific needs for literature in mis-
sionary lands, particularly Formosa and
Japan.
He shows that some mission boards and
missionaries lack financial support for their
program "when America which has one
minister for every 514 people and churches
with billions of dollars already invested in
brick and mortar, plush pews, expensive
organs, lavish stained glass windows, still
is foolish enough to spend more than a mil-
lion dollars a day to construct still more and
fancier churches. . . ."
You may not agree with Fred Jarvis. You
may feel that his statistics are overdrawn.
But you will have to admit his on-the spot
observations. And you cannot denv the sta-
tistics completely if you know anything at all
about the world's need today.
Nor can you escape your part in the crime
of the century by going on as you have been,
ignoring the tremendous spiritual and physi-
MISSIONS SECTION
162
GOSPEL HERALD
February 16, 1954
cal need of the world's forgotten millions
while you enjoy all the advantages of a lush
civilization. God give us men. Men to pray,
to go, to give! And women, too. God will
bless their consecration. — L. C. Hartzler.
Relief and Serviee News
MRSC Weekly Notes
Voluntary Service
Sister Irma Baechler, Zurich, Ont., has re-
cently completed a term of Voluntary Serv-
ice at the Saginaw Mission, Mich. This opens
an opportunity for someone who desires to
serve in this type of witness.
Four men from Ontario, Can., have begun
a short term period of service at Culp, Ark.,
helping to erect a broiler house on the mis-
sion farm. They are Cleason Weber and
Abner Brubaker, Elmira; Amos L. Martin,
Wallenstein; and Anias Martin, St. Jacobs.
At present there are the following service
opportunities for young people and older
ones who have no family responsibilities to
hinder in this type of witnessing.
Registered and practical nurses for the
Eureka, 111., Home for the Aged and the
Froh Bros. Homestead, Sturgis, Mich.
Nurses for Puerto Rico, Mathis, Texas, and
the Navaho Migrant Unit, Grants, N. Mex.
Girls to assist in mission stations.
A medical doctor for Puerto Rico.
An individual with bookkeeping experi-
ence for Puerto Rico.
A person with some science training for
x-ray work in Puerto Rico.
A person with interest in sociology for the
Eureka Home for the Aged.
Leadership and matron personnel in vari-
ous units.
I-W Services
The I-W group at Kalamazoo, Mich., gave
a program entitled, "Witnessing for Christ
in our Environment" on Jan. 17 at the Moore-
park Church, Moorepark, Mich.
As the result of an election by ballot, Paul
Yoder, Bremen, Ind., was announced as
leader of the I-W unit in Ft. Wayne, Ind.
Administration
The Continental Co-ordinating Committee
of the Ulrich Foundation and the General
Mission Board met in Elkhart, Ind., on Feb.
4 to discuss mutual concerns and working re-
lationships in Puerto Rico. Those present
were Harold Zehr and R. F. Ulrich of the
Ulrich Foundation; H. Ernest Bennett,
Dorsa Mishlcr, and Boyd Nelson of the Mis-
sion Board-MRSC stall; C. L. Grabcr repre-
sented the Mcnnonite Foundation, Inc.
Bio. Robert Keller, Sterling, HI., joined the
MRSC stall' on Feb. 8. Bro. Keller will be
serving as the co-ordinator of pastoral serv-
ices for the Peace Problems Committee of
General Conference on leave of absence from
the pastorship of the Science Ridge Congre-
MISSIONS SECTION
gation. Among other duties he will be edit-
ing a pastoral paper for (old) Mennonite
I-W men.
The MRSC will meet at the Elkhart
headquarters of the General Mission Board
on Thursday, Feb. 25.
Released February 6, 1954
Office for Relief and Service
Elkhart, Indiana
MCC Weekly Notes
Extension to Brook Lane Farm
Nearly Completed
A 10-bed extension to the hospital building
at Brook Lane Farm, the MCC mental hos-
pital near Hagerstown, Md., is nearly com-
pleted. While this addition will increase the
hospital's capacity to 39 beds, its purpose is
to provide segregation facilities whereby
Brook Lane Farm can extend its treatment
services to a greater variety of mental ill-
nesses.
Much of the construction has been done by
members of the communities surrounding
Brook Lane Farm, including Mennonites
and non-Mennonites. These persons also
made cash contributions to pay for building
materials.
Amos Martin, Smithsburg, Md., contrib-
uted his services as construction supervisor.
In this capacity he made arrangements for
securing volunteer labor. The value of con-
tributed labor and the use of trucks, tractors,
loaders, and graders amounted to $1,675.
The total number of man and machine hours
amounted to 1,451.
Brook Lane Farm staff members have also
done construction work. It is likely that
volunteers from the community will assist
with ground moving to landscape the hos-
pital grounds.
PAX Extends Services in Greece
The agricultural experimentation and re-
habilitation services of PAX men in Greece
are being extended into an area approxi-
mately 38 miles north of the present project
at Panayitsa where a sub-unit of PAX men
will have direct contact with 270 families.
This new unit will have its headquarters
in the village of Tsakones which is near the
Yugoslav border. Five PAX men have trans-
ferred from Germany to assist in the initia-
tion of these new services.
The people in Tsakones and surrounding
villages are refugees who arc victims of the
population exchange between Greece and
Turkey in the 1920's and suffering during
World War II and the civil war which fol-
lowed. Nearly all of Tsakones' buildings
were destroyed. Many of the cattle and draft
animals were taken or killed by the Commu-
nists. One villager upon returning after the
war said: "There wasn't even a cat to be
found."
The services of PAX men in this new area
will consist of controlled grazing and re-
sceding demonstrations, animal improvement,
and crop experiments. Tsakones is ideally
situated for these agricultural and rehabilita-
tion experiments as many persons pass
through this village. Thus the number of
persons who observe these demonstrations
will be many more than the 270 families in ^
the three villages in which the new unit will
be functioning.
The unit at Panayitsa, under the leadership *
of Elbert Esau, Whitewater, Kans., continues F
its demonstrations and experiments with new &
seeds, crops, and rotation systems, its animal V-
improvement and dry lot feeding, food can-
ning program and nursing activities.
PAX Matron En Route to Germany
Nettie Redekopp, Gnadenthal, Man., sailed
from New York Feb. 6 for Wedel, Germany,
where she will serve as matron for the PAX
men building 10 duplexes for Mennonite
refugees. During the past two years she has
been matron at the Waterloo, Ont., MCC
center.
Released February 5, 1954
MCC Information Service
Akron, Pa.
1:;
Women's Activities
The Howard-Miami Sewing Circle, Koko- c
mo, Ind., has an average attendance of 46, k
writes Mrs. Marvin Hershberger in the Gos-
pel Evangel. On special occasions they have k
had 65 present.
This circle always has two quilts in the t:
frames; they make comforters, bandages, t:
cut and sew rug rags, collect clothing, and
with their four electric and several treadle
sewing machines, they turn out many new T:
garments. One sister brings her portable t;
machine and buttonholer and makes all the r:
buttonholes for the group. K
Last winter they had a miscellaneous h
shower in the church basement for two rami- z.
lies in Brown County who were completely k
burned out. Groceries, home-canned fruit it:
and vegetables, dishes and cooking utensils, r
some furniture, and a large quantity of cloth- R
ing were contributed. is
In April and June the sisters enjoyed il- c:
lustrated lessons on Japan and Korea. In *
May they invited members of the Beachy k
and Amish sewing circles to a potluck din-
ner at which time Mrs. Norman Wingert, _
who spent three years in Europe as a relief
w orker under MCC, was their guest speaker.
In July the junior circle had charge of
the program, and in August was introduced
the plan of having the ladies of each Sunday-
school class give the program. This also
has created interest, as well as the visiting
speakers of whom they have had quite a
number.
Our Kokomo sisters have done nobly with ^
their projects each month; they have helped *
to meet some of the needs at Froh Brothers j?
Home for the Aged, Sturgis, Mich.; they a
made baby clothes for the Bethel Mission, *
Chicago, and furnished sewing supplies for ,
relief.
In addition to making many new gar-
ments, and sending nearly 1,500 pounds of t
used clothing to MCC, the circle sent over
1,500 pounds of grease to the Brethren Serv- 14
ice at Nappanee, Ind., which made more \
than 2.500 pounds of soap for Jordan, Korea, ,
and Germany. i
February 16, 1954
Possibly the Kokomo group has a unique
idea for producing vegetables. Their relief
director bought the bean seed, the sisters
planted it, and the MYF did the cultivat-
ing. The result was two thousand cans of
green beans for home missions and relief;
carrots, tomatoes, and vegetable soup also
added to the display.
• • *
Mrs. Gladys Rutt, relief worker in Jericho,
Jordan, writes in the February Women's Ac-
tivities Letter: "The greatest of all our needs
as we see it is the continued prayers of the
church at home that the light of the Gospel
may shine into this land and into the hearts
of the people."
Mrs. Rutt writes that they are continuing
the shirtmaking project. The worthy wom-
en whom they select to do this sewing (so
as to give them a means of earning) do very
neat work. They are paid about twenty
cents per shirt. The only obstacle for expan-
sion here is the lack of materials and money
to pay the small wage.
It is impossible to do much case work,
says Mrs. Rutt, but God surely led them to
one dear old lady who had been a nurse and
was willing to care for a three-month-old
baby while the mother was in the hospital.
She removed all the orange stickers from the
clothing and put it carefully in a box, ex-
plaining that she couldn't bear to have the
children step on anything that had the name
of Christ on it.
* * #
The February Women's Activities Letter
suggests Christian literature for Korea as a
February project. The relief workers have
asked for books of the following categories:
Bible stories, summer Bible school lessons,
life of Christ, theology, biographies of Chris-
tian leaders, Christian novels and essays.
Send your materials to MCC, Akron, Pa.,
clearly marked "Literature for Korea."
Financial contributions toward the library
in Korea will also be welcomed and can be
sent clearly marked for that purpose through
the regular WMSCO channels. — Mrs. C. L.
Shank.
From Our Churches
M..1
We
BECKERSVILLE. PENNSYLVANIA
(Ziun Mennonite Church)
Dear Herald Readers:
The evening of Jan. 12, 1054, we had ordina-
tion services when Bro. Jesse Yoder was or-
lained as pastor. Jesse is a student at North-
western University, Chicago, 111., at present.
I wish him God's richest blessings as he
misters to us. Bro. T. K. Hershey, who has
been our pastor, moved to Goshen, Ind.
Recent visitors in our community were Mau-
rice Landis, Lancaster, Pa. : Mark Swartzen-
truber, Greenwood, Del.; Stanford Mumaw,
Dalron, Ohio: Eli Niseley, Plain Citv. Ohio;
E. B. Frey, Pettisville Ohio; Lester Hershey,
.William llallman, and George Miller, mission-
iries on furlough. Bro. C. F. Derstine was
ruest speaker at our prophecy conference, Jan.
t-G, and on the evening of Jan. 7 he spoke on
'Qualifications of a Minister."
Our Harvest Home and Missionary Confer-
nce was held in November with Bro. Gerald
Hoffer, Motley, Minn., as speaker.
GOSPEL HERALD
Bro. and Sister T. K. Hershey celebrated
their forty-ninth wedding anniversary thin year.
Their two children, Beatrice (Mrs. William
llallman) and Lester, are both home on fur-
lough.
We ask an interest in your prayers.
Mrs. Paul Yoder.
CRESTVIEW, FLORIDA
Another milestone was reached by the church-
es in the Alabama area when a new church
building at Crest view, Fla., was dedicated.
Crestview is 50 miles southeast of Brewtou.
The work there is the result of S.B.S. being
held there for several years.
Bro. and Sister Benj. Martin have charge of
the work. Last fall a church building, not
large but very servicable, was built und on Jan.
20 was dedicated.
Bro. Edgar Denlinger was moderator of the
meeting, which opened with a song service led
by James Metzler. Bro. Wilbur Martin led in
the devotional period. The moderator then told
about the beginning of the work when Bro. Mer-
vin Shirk with a team of workers held the first
S.B.S. there in 1051.
Bro. Benj. Martin then traced the work from
the beginning to the present time, after which
the brethren ('. Richard Kling, Harry Lichty,
and Paul Metzler gave short testimonies con-
cerning the work there.
Bro. Henry Graber preached the dedication
sermon, using for a text II Chron. 6: IS. He
reminded us that there is always a note of glad-
ness in dedicating a new church building. He
told of the magnificence of Solomon's temple,
and that God's dwelling place is in heaven, but
that He also dwells in the earth and in His
church.
After the message Bro. Garber led in the
dedicatory prayer and Bro. Paul Shelly pro-
nounced the benediction.
Crestview is an army base city and Bro. and
Sister Martin need our prayers that they may
"hold forth the Word of life" to those who are
in darkness.
Paul R. Metzler.
DAG. MAR, MONTANA
(Coalridge Congregation)
Christian greetings:
"The Lord hath done great things for us;
whereof we are glad."
This past summer Bro. and Sister J. C. Ginge-
rich, Detroit Lakes, Minn., served as workers
in our congregation. We appreciated their serv-
ices. Our average attendance for the summer
was 18. We are always glad for visitors. Come
and worship with us.
From June 21 to 30 Bro. Martin Weaver
conducted evangelistic services here. One per-
son confessed Christ as his Saviour. In the
forenoons Bro. Weaver and his wife had charge
of summer Bible school with the aid of some
of the local members who served as teachers.
One evening Sister Weaver showed pictures of
Europe which they had taken while attending
World Conference in Switzerland.
^ In July we had two weeks of Bible school at
Fortuna. Ruth Drawbond and I were the teach-
ers. Only a few attended, but we feel the work
was worth while.
^ In September Bro. John Byler and wife from
Eureka, 111., were with us for an evening serv-
ice. And on Sept. 27, Bro. Floyd Kaufifman
and Bro. Henry Rhodes from Minot. X. Dak.,
worshiped with us and we had our fall com-
munion service.
Last spring we started a building fund for a
church building. We have had services in a
schoolhouse for many years.
In November a few of our group attended the
Peace Conference at Minot, and enjoyed the
messages given by the various speakers.
We ask an interest in your prayers for the
work here.
Mrs. Emmet t Drawbond.
HUTCHINSON. KANSAS
(Yoder Congregation)
Dear Gospel Herald Readers :
On Dec. 27, 1053, Carol Bontrager and Eu-
gene Schrock were married. At that time a num-
ber of our boys in I-W service were at home. Al-
so some that are away at school were here. Oth-
ers who have been gone have come back to stay
and we wele me them back home.
Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Swartzentruber spent
a few days here. They took my 6ister. Alice
Miller, back to Kalona, Iowa, where she teaches
at Iowa Mennonite School. Bro. Swartzentruber
was privileged to attend a Kansas coyote chase
when twelve coyotes were shot.
163
We were glad to have Leander Mast preach
for us on the evening of Jan. 10. A sinters'
quartet came with him and gave us u message
in song. A children's meeting was also conduct-
ed.
Bro. Harry Diener preached a stirring mes-
sage on Jan. 21 on "Who Is My Neighbor?"
Mary Headings.
KALONA. IOWA
(Lower Deer Creek Congregation)
Dear Renders of the Gospel Hkkald :
On Jan. 1 the annual business meeting and
the sisters' sewing circle met in au all-day meet-
ing. A potluck dinner was enjoyed. The fol-
lowing were elected to office : trustee, Homer
Hi- enueman ; church paper solicitor, Truman
Erb ; member on Library Committee, Mrs. Clark
Breuneman : member on Summer Bible School
Committee. Mrs. Herman Yoder; church cor-
respondent, Mrs. Chris Marner ; Church choris-
ter, Stanley Swartzendruber ; ushers, Marjorie
E. Yoder, Lucille Swartzendruber, Clair Bren-
neman. Leo Christner, Clarence Yoder. and
Owen Swartzendruber.
A group of men with aid of a few sisters
labeled cans of meat for relief after the other
work was completed.
Two of our ministers, Robert K. Yoder and
John Y. Swartzendruber, attended ministers'
conference at Goshen.
Our congregation has the following nine young
men serving in I-W service: Cleo Gnagey,
Sturgis, Mich.; Donald Troyer, Chicago, 111.;
Donald Erb. Denver, Colo.; Krvin Miller. Char-
lotte, Mich.; John Christner, Des Moines.
Iowa; Luke Yoder. Garfield Heights, Obi..:
Orlin IIocb>tetler. Pueblo, Co].,.; K r li -
stener, Amsterdam, Holland ; and Wilbur Troy-
er, Albany. Oreg.
In our Christian life it is a joy to help others.
Recently a day was spent cutting wood for our
two young ministers and Mrs. Leona Miller and
children.
The Iowa Mennonite School chorus gave a
Christmas program on Dec. 22. We thank God
for young people who are willing to testn'v.
May their testimonies ring true in their Uvea
as well as in those who hear them.
Mrs. Christ Marner.
MIDDLEIU RY. INDIAN A
(Forks Congregation)
Dear Christian Friends:
"Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing prais-
es unto our King, sing praises."
We praise God for what He has done for us.
Probably the most outstanding in the minds of
the members of our congregation is the ordina-
tion service when Donald Yoder. a young man.
was ordained to the ministry for our church.
We are enjoying his messages from the Word.
Throughout the summer we had viMting mis-
sionaries witb us. One Sunday we said good-by
to Bro. and Sister Weyburn C.roff and family
before they left for India. Bro. and Sister
Arnold Dietzel were with us for our fall Mis-
sionary Day.
In the fall Peter Wiebe from the Yellow
Creek congregation, Goshen. Ind.. was with us
for one week in a series of meetings. We en-
joyed his challenging messages.
These are just a few of tile things we praisv
God for. He has been very gracious to us.
Correspondent.
First Things First
It was to what we would call the lapsed
masses that our Lord preached the Gospel.
For He came not to save the righteous, but
to bring sinners to repentance. And how
needful it still is for the Church of Christ
to remember these things.
The woman (who lost the piece of money
—Luke 15) at once lighted a candle. Oh,
the immediacy of this matter! She took her
broom and began to sweep diligently. Oh,
the thoroughness of the Divine search!
Christian people busy themselves about so
many things. But the search for the lost
glory— are we specially busy about that?
First things first! And what the Church of
Christ primarily exists for is to seek those
who are lost.— Dr. Donald Davidson.
164
GOSPEL HERALD
February 16, 1954
MISSION NEWS (Continued)
The Caney Mennonite Church, located 18
miles southeast of Jackson, Ky., had its first
baptismal service Jan. 31. Seven young peo-
ple were baptized and taken into the church.
Bro. Edd P. Shrock had charge of the service.
Regular services were started on Caney Creek
in August, 1952. Average attendance is
around 50. The missionaries in charge are
the Wayne Wenger family, Hardshell, Ky.
Notice: The Caney Mennonite Church has
no connection with the Caney Creek Com-
munity Center located at Pippapass, Ky., and
featured in the book section of the January,
1954, Reader's Digest. This center is located
in Knott County, approximately 40 miles
from our Mennonite work in Breathitt Coun-
ty. There are four Caney creeks in Breathitt
County besides those in other counties in
Kentucky.
The Annual City Mission Workers' Round
Table will be held at the Detroit Mennonite
Church, Detroit, Mich., March 24-26. This
meeting is sponsored by the Urban Evan-
gelism Committee of the General Mission
Board, in co-operation this year with the
Committee on Economic and Social Relations
of General Conference.
Bro. Lester Hershey, missionary on fur-
lough from Puerto Rico, will participate in
week-end meetings at Greencastle, Pa., Feb.
20, 21, with Bro. B. Charles Hostetter, Har-
risonburg, Va. Bro. Hershey will speak at
the Neffsville Mennonite Church, Pa., on
Sunday morning and evening, Feb. 28. He
kept the following appointments earlier this
month: Salford Mennonite Church. Harleys-
ville, Pa., Feb. 7; East Petersburg Mennonite
Church, Pa., Feb. 14, morning; and Mellinger
Mennonite Church, Lancaster, Pa., Feb. 14,
evening.
Bro. Luke Birky, La Plata, Puerto Rico,
spoke at Denver, Colo., on Feb. 10 and
Limon, Colo., on Sunday morning, Feb. 14,
regarding the medical program in Puerto
Rico. He is scheduled to speak at Protection,
Kans., Feb. 23; Greensburg, Kans., Feb. 25;
Crystal Springs, Kans., Feb. 26; and Harper,
Kans., Feb. 28.
An evangelistic team from Ontario Men-
nonite Bible Institute, Kitchener, conducted
services in the Toronto Missions over the
week end of Jan. 29-31: Friday evening,
Morningside; Sunday morning, Danforth and
Ellesmere; Sunday afternoon, Geco; and
Sunday evening, Warden Park and Geco.
The Executive Committee of the General
Mission Board will meet at the Elkhart head-
quarters, Feb. 22, 23.
Sister Anna Kay Massanari, missionary
teacher in Puerto Rico, will be coming home
on furlough on Feb. 26.
Philhaven Hospital, Lebanon, R.D. 5, Pa.,
is in urgent need of one registered nurse, a
I-W man for nurses' aid, and two assistants
in the kitchen. (Philhaven is an active treat-
ment mental hospital.) Those interested
should write to Harry C. Swarr, Pres., E.
Petersburg, Pa.
Bro. John E. Gingrich, superintendent of
the Johnstown, Pa., Mission, is now at his
home and much improved, after having
spent considerable time in the hospital. More
thorough diagnosis revealed that his basic
trouble was not a heart condition, but rather
a faulty gall bladder, coupled with a run-
down nervous condition. With complete
rest for a while he should make a satisfactory
recovery. May we continue to remember
him in prayer.
Sister Florence Shantz, 108 Erb St. W.,
Waterloo, Ont., has accepted an appoint-
ment as full-time executive secretary for the
Women's Missionary Sewing Circle Organ-
ization. Authorization for such an appoint-
ment was made at the Annual Meeting at
Harrisonburg, Va., last June and the appoint-
ment made at *the recent meeting of the
WMSCO Executive Committee.
The Executive Committee of the Mennon-
ite Church in India appointed the following
delegates to General Church Boards and
General Conference at its Jan. 23 meeting:
Mennonite Board of Education, S. M. King;
Mennonite Publication Board, John Friesen;
Mennonite Board of Missions, Wilbur Hostet-
ler; and Mennonite General Conference,
J. G. Yoder.
The permanent residence visas for the
Nevin Horsts have been issued by the Ethio-
pia government after a long delay. Tenta-
tive plans are for them to sail Feb. 17 or 19
from New York City. A farewell service
was held for them at the Ephrata, Pa.,
Church on Feb. 14.
A farewell service for the Daniel Sen-
senigs and Mary Byer, missionaries reap-
pointed to Ethiopia, was scheduled for Sun-
day afternoon, Feb. 14, at New Holland, Pa.
The Sensenigs and Mary Byer were due to
sail on Feb. 15.
Bro. George Miller, missionary on furlough
from Honduras, spoke at the Clarence Cen-
ter, N.Y., Church on Feb. 14.
Sister Dora Taylor, Elverson, Pa., is sched-
uled to sail for Honduras from New York,
March 9. This will be her second term. Her
health is much improved.
FIELD NOTES (Continued)
Bro. Homer F. North was ordained to the
office of bishop for the North Main Street
congregation, Nappanee, Ind., and its mis-
sion outpost at Osceola, Ind., on Jan. 31.
Baptismal services were held at the War-
wick River congregation on Jan. 24, when
ten young people were received into the
church by Bro. Truman Brunk.
A German service was held at the Elmira,
Ont., Church on the afternoon of Feb. 7. Bro.
Notice
Tho Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp invito* any
families or others who are planning a vacation in
the Colorado Rockies to write tor a schedule ot the
Camp's summer activities, and to plan a vacation
around a scheduled week ol camping with other
Christian lamilies In restful relaxation and Bible
study. The program also provides tor time when
lamilios can do the things they desire. The Camp is
located 30 miles west ol Colorado Springs in the
Pike National Forest. Facilities will be available
lor a limited number ol tamllles during the summer.
Information may be obtained by writing the Rocky
Mountain Mennonite Camp. 1802 West Kiowa. Colo-
rado Springs, Colo.
E. M. Gishler, of the Mennonite Brethren
Church in Kitchener, Ont., preached.
Announcements
The annual ministerial meeting of the
Lancaster Conference to be held at the Mill- *
wood Church, Gap, Pa., Feb. 24, 25. Visiting
speakers are J. Irvin Lehman, Samuel L. ?
Martin, Jacob Z. Rittenhouse, and Ernest G. 3
Gehman. Several local brethren will also
serve. The brotherhood is invited to attend
this meeting.
Christian Life Messages to be given at the «
Salem Church, Wooster, Ohio, by Bro. J. L. i
Stauffer, Harrisonburg, Va., Saturday eve- «:
ning, Feb. 20, and all day Sunday.
Bro. Wm. G. Detweiler, Orrville, Ohio,
speaking at the Waldo Church, Flanagan, a
111., Sunday morning, Feb. 21.
Bro. Milo Kauffman giving Christian «-
Stewardship lectures at the Holdeman *"
Church, Wakarusa, Ind., Feb. 20, 21.
"The Eye — A Gateway to Our Mind" is the
topic for the Lititz, Pa., Young People's
Bible Meeting Feb. 21. Bro. Abram Metz, *
Bergey, Pa., will be the speaker. Bro. Milton fc
Keeler will give illustrated songs.
Visiting Speakers
Jan. 10. B. B. King, Scottdale, Pa., at East t
Bethel Mission, Greenville, Va.
Jan. 24. E. E. Zuercher, Elida, Ohio, at T
Portland, Oreg. S. C. Yoder, Goshen, Ind., ~
and Una Cressman, missionary to the Chaco, qr
at Kitchener, Ont., for a missionary farewell t
service. Floyd Sieber, Argentina Mission, at •£
Freeport, 111.
Jan. 31. J. Frederick Erb, Detroit, Mich, x
at Prairie St. Church, Elkhart, Ind. Noah i
E. Landis, Alpha, Minn., at Protection, Kans. r
John R. Mumaw, Harrisonburg, Va., at Orr- *
ville, Ohio. Edward Miller, Gulfport, Miss,
at Akers, La. Floyd Sieber, Argentina, at
Benton, Mich. Amos Horst, Clear Spring, _
Md, at Landisville, Pa. Silas Graybill,
Doylestown, Pa, at Warwick River, Den-
bigh, Va. Samuel Hosteder, Talcum, Ky,
at Clinton Frame, Goshen, Ind.
Feb. 7. Richard Martin, Elida, Ohio, at *
East Bend, Fisher, 111. I. E. Burkhart, Go-
shen, Ind, at Zion Church, Beckersville, Pa.
Wilbur Hosteder, home from India, at
Union Auditorium, Goshen, Ind. E. G.
Hochstetler, Woltord, N. Dak, at Howard-
Miami, Kokomo, Ind. Geo. R. Brunk, Har-
risonburg, Va, at Good ville, Pa.
Feb. 14. M. S. Stoltzfus, Gap, Pa, at
Stcelton, Pa, for a Bible Conference.
Evangelistic Meetings
Allen H. Erb, Lebanon, Oreg, at Portland,
Oreg, March 17-28. C. F. Derstine, Kitch-
ener, Ont., at Berlin, Ohio, April 20-27.
Richard Martin, Elida, Ohio, at Martins
Creek. Millcrsburg, Ohio, Feb. 4 to March 3.
Alvin Martin, Terre Hill, Pa, at East Peters-
burg, Pa. Daniel Smucker, Harrisonburg,
Va., at New town. Sarasota, Fla, beginning
[an. 24. Josef Hcrschkowitz, Harrisonburg,
Va, at Norristown, Pa, Feb. 7-14.
The Lancaster Conference is planning a
conference-wide evangelistic meeting to be
held in the vicinity of Lancaster from Oct.
17 to Nov. 7, with Howard Hammer as
evangelist.
?ebruary i6, ip$4
GOSPEL HERALD
165
TO BE NEAR TO GOD (Continued)
hat, in order to get spirituality into the faces
if his angels, he first must have it in his
icart. Cod heard his cry and gave him the
new life." He then went at his task again.
This time he succeeded in painting into his
ngels' faces that spirituality without which
lis work was useless.
Paul knew that everybody whose name
Vis on the church roll was not equally use-
ul to the work of the Lord. So when there
Ivas a delicate task requiring meekness he
ingled out "ye which are spiritual." Were
ye more exacting in our personal lives, the
zork of the church of which we are a part
fould be more exciting. We could receive
cavier assignments.
Spirituality is a quality of character which
jsults from the presence of God's Holy
pirit "which he shed on us abundantly
irough Jesus Christ" (Titus 3:6).
Saturday, February 27
•ad Romans 15:1-7.
Some places have strange names. Perhaps
is a hill in South Africa that has the
xangest. It is called "Help One Another
lill." The reason for its name is quite sim-
le. All hauling is done in the region by
agons drawn by horses. When a team has
lastcred the hill, it is expected, should it be
ecessary, that the team be taken from the
ragon and go back again to help some other
am, which may be struggling up the
Jgged road.
What a lesson for the Christians! To be
ver ready to lend a helping hand to some-
ne struggling along life's pathway is a
rvice blessed twice: "It blesseth him that
ceives and him that gives."
— C. R. Heisey.
FAMILY CIRCLE (Continued)
ras the same. Like her mother, they all
ad learned that Jesus loved them and
rere now loving Him and His little
nes. This was her answer to "Who is
Ow my mother?" "I give my flowers to
le church."— Eastern Mennonite Col-
ge Journal.
EXPRESSIONS OF APPRECIATION
We wish to express our sincere appreciation
J our friends, relatives, and neighbors for the
rayers offered in our behalf, and the words,
urds, letters, and deeds of kindness and sympa-
iy Riven to us in our recent trial and bereave-
lent in the departure of our dear little son.
lay the Lord abundantly reward each one for
our kindness and concern. — Mr. and Mrs. Dan-
1 K. Stoltzfus.
* » •
We wish to express our sincere thanks and
ppreciation to all who so kindly remembered
s with prayers, cards, gifts, fruit, flowers, and
isits during our illness. May God reward each
f you is our prayer. — Mr. and Mrs. Frank Z.
lartin. East Earl, Pa.
PEACE AND WAR (Continued)
cannot understand: How can a nation
claiming to be Christian become the
most efficient blood-letter, killer, and de-
stroyer of all history?
Educational, home, and religions
forces seek to give youth a good environ-
ment. Hut if you could have been with
me to see a few score of the military in
chapel services on Sunday— and thou-
sands of boys cramming Tokyo's jam-
packed beer halls and strip tease shows,
living in concubinage or patronizing
brothels, the orphanages with their half-
breed children, or the PX's in unmarried
women's billets openly offering contra-
ceptives, then you might appreciate the
moral atmosphere into which certain seg-
ments of our government would lead us.
Either schools, home, and religion are
wrong in seeking a good environment
for youth— or the jingoistic, nationalistic,
militaristic policy is wrong. Which pro-
gram is consistent with Christ's teach-
ings?
A national farm paper heads a story,
"Big Talk Won't Save Our Soil." It
points out that until we actually prac-
tice soil conservation nothing can be
done. Neither will talk— nor prayer-
save our nation against the encroach-
ment of the anti-Christian forces of Mars,
but only the actual practice of Chris
tianity. Until America's churchmen be-
come Christian in deed as well as word
we will pay the price of war upon war—
they are not taking leadership in estab-
lishing God's kingdom upon the earth,
nor will they do so as long as they even
by implication replace Christ with the
army!— Editorial from Dairy Goat Jour-
nal.
The Hershberger family wishes to thank each
lie of you for your many prayers and kind
emembrnnces by card and letter during the
ecent death of our husband and father, W. R.
lershberger. — Mrs. Ida Hershberger and Keith ;
i It. and Mrs. Morris Hershberger and Cyn-
hia ; Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Yoder, Jr.
For Conscience' Sake
By Peter B. Wiebe
Readers of the Gospki. Herald will re-
member a short article pertaining to
three young men who were denied [-0
classification in the "Peace and War"
section of the November 17, 1953, issue.
These men, Charles Wenger, Jr., Free-
man Wingert, and Manas Kuhns, were
found guilty in the Indiana Federal
Court November 5 for refusing induc-
tion into military service.
On January 26, 1951. these men were
called in by the judge of the same court
and sentenced for a term of two years'
imprisonment. In sentencing the men
the judge indicated that he believed they
were well able to make this experience
a witness to the constituency and the peo-
ple they will come in contact with. "With
God's help your cell can be turned into
a Seminary," the judge added, implying
that God uses these situations to teach
us the deeper spiritual lessons.
The judge expressed his uneasiness in
sentencing men who had been brought
up in a strong church community and
came from a group that had consistently
held to the peace testimony. He again
expressed that he believed the men to be
honest and sincere, but said it was be-
yond his power to reverse a decision of
the local board, especially when it had
been upheld by the Appeal board and
the Presidential board.
The court reminded the relatives and
friends present that men who seek the
conscientious objector classification
should evidence their eligibility by a
consistent life, active church member-
ship, and knowledge of the Scriptures.
May we again remind members of
"Peace churches" to consider carefullv
the obligation that rests upon us in pray-
ing for all young men who arc witnessing
for Christ, not forgetting to remember
the men behind bars in a very special
way. May young men not yet in draft
age live soberly and give diligence to the
understanding of the doctrine of non-
resistance.
Goshen, Ind.
MARRIAGES
May the blessings of God be upon the homes
established by the marriages here luted. A year's
subscription to the GOSPEL HERALD Is given to those
whose address Is supplied by the officiating minister.
Rosliart — Zehr. — Melvin Boshart, Baden,
Out., and Eileen Zehr. Millbank. Ont., by Sam-
uel L. Scbultz at the Wellesley Maple View
Church. Sept. 12. 1953.
Brawley — George. — Oscar Brawley, Guys
Mills, Pa., and Alice George, Meadville, Pa.,
botfa of the First Mennonite congregation, Mead-
ville, by Raymond L. Kramer at the church,
Jan. 3,"l954.
Burineister — Springer. — Glen Burmeister, Pe-
oria, 111., and Knlhryn Springer. Delvan, 111.,
by Marvin C. Reichert at the Peoria Grace
Lutheran Church, Dec. 27, 1053.
Doyle — .Miller. — Clarence Doyle and Iva Mil-
ler, both of the Mennonite Mission, Vassar.
Mich., bv Edwin Albrecht at his home. Grabill.
Ind.. Dec. 20. 1953.
Lirhti — Kennel. — David Lichti and Rith
Kennel, both of Wellesley, Ont., by Samuel L.
Schultz at the Wellesley Maple View Church.
April 22. 1953.
Mitchell — Ropp.— Alva Mitchell, Zion COncre-
gation, Hubbard, Oreg., and Anna Matilda
Ropp, Fairview congregation, Albany. Oreg ,
bv X. M. Birky at the home of the bride, Jan.
17. 1954.
Nofziger — Yurzi. — Elvin Nofrigei Mini Fannie
Susanna Yutzi, both of the Fairview congrega-
tion near Albany, Oreg., by N. M. Birky at the
home of the bride. Jan. 14. 1954.
Poole — Roes. — Clarence Poole and Ethel Roe*,
both of Poole, Ont.. by Snmuel L. Schultz at the
Wellesley Maple View Church. Sept. 10. 1953.
Roth — Jan til. — Ernie Roth and Marion
Jantzi. both of Wellesley, Ont.. by Samuel L.
Schultz at the Wellesley Maple View Church,
June 24. 1053.
Schlahach — Gingerirli. — Leroy Srhlabach and
Fanny Mae Gingerich of Flint. Mich., by Eman-
uel Swartzendruber at the Flint Mennonite
Church. Dec. 1. 1053.
Schwitzer — Martin. — John A. Schwitzer and
Mabel Martin, both of the Hopewell congrega-
tion, Kouts. Ind.. by Samuel S. Miller at his
home. Jan. 30. 1054.
Snyder — Hartzler. — Robert L. Snyder. La
Junta. Colo., and Audrey Ilartzler. West Liber-
ty, Ohio, both serving the church in Paraguay
under MCC. by Nelson Litwiller, Mission Board
Field Secretary for Latin America, in The Dis-
ciples of Christ Chapel, in Asuncion. Paraguay.
Jan. 20. 1954. Guests consisted of North Amer-
ican and German MCC personnel.
Ventra — Rios. — .Toe Ventura. Mennonite Mex-
ican Church. Chicago, 111., and Auralia Rios,
Chicago, 111., bv Mario O. Snvder at the Mexican
Church, Chicago, Dec. 13. 1953.
166
BIRTHS
To, children crr» an heritage of the Lord" (Pa. 127:3a).
Bennett, Ernest E. and Earla (Hostetter),
Elkhart, Ind.. third child, a daughter, Joan
Elaine, Oct. 28, 1053.
Blosser, Glendon and Dorothy (Nice), Belts-
ville, Md., first child, Floyd Glendon, Dec. 30,
11)53.
Boshart, Dennis and Esther (Wagler), Way-
land, Iowa, a daughter, Peggy Sue, Nov. 24,
1953.
Bower, Merton and Mildred (Rush), Hatfield,
Pa. first child, Dennis Ray, Aug. 13, 1953.
Burkholder, Charles and Eula (Rhodes), Har-
risonburg, Va., first child, Polly Dawn, Nov. 9,
1953.
Davidhizer. Virgil and Kathleen (Eash), In-
dianapolis, Ind., first child, Judith Ann, Jan.
7, 1954.
Ebersole, Aaron and Ruth (Ober), Myers-
town, Pa., second child, first son, John Harold,
Feb. 1, 1954.
Ecliman, H. Clair and Miriam (Landis).
Quarrvville, Pa., third child, Beverly Jane, Nov.
6, 1953.
Ganger, Donald and Dortha (Sark), Goshen,
Ind., second daughter, Donna Sue, Jan. 26, 1954.
Good, Mervin A. and Nora (Gehman), Mohrs-
ville, Pa., fifth child, third daughter, Rachel
Ann, Jan. 20, 1954.
Graybill, Glenn K. and Anna (Weaver), Mc-
Alisterville, Pa., first child, Mary Alice, Jan.
19, 1954.
G unden, Olin and Joyce (Swartzendruber) ,
Bay Port, Mich., first child, Pamela Joyce, Jan.
16, 1954.
Handrich, Bob and Grace (Layman), Fair-
view, Mich., third child, Ted Wendell, Jan. 14,
1954.
Heisey, Harold R. and Anna Mary (Gehman),
no address given, second child, Sharon Rose,
Jan. 29, 1954.
Hoover, Harlan M. and Virginia (Sauder),
Bareville, Pa., a daughter, Nancy Louise, Jan.
8, 1954.
Horst, Leroy and Esther (Bowman), Millway,
Pa., seventh child, Doris Jean, Jan. 10, 1954.
Horst, Ivan R. and Marian (Hershey), Eph-
rata, Pa., third child, first daughter, Kathy
Louise, Jan. 22, 1954.
Hosteller, Joseph B. and Dorothy (Sweigart),
Mt. Joy, Pa., third child, second daughter, Mary
Ellen, Oct. 18, 1953.
Kauffinan, Milo and Clara (Frieke), Hesston,
Kans., a daughter, Phyllis Renee, Jan. 21, 1954.
Kennel, Vernon and Mildred (Umble), Atglen,
Pa., third sou, Don Edgar, Nov. 17, 1953.
Landis, Harold G. and Ruth (Shenk), Lan-
caster, Pa., second son, Kenneth Lynn, Jan. 24.
1954.
Lapp, Paul and Lena (Glick), Gordonville,
Pa., first child, Judith Eileen, Nov. 24, 1953.
Layman, Emory and Luella (Shenk), Harri-
sonburg, Va., fourth son, Barry Alan, Jan. 30,
1954.
Lehman, John and Margaret (Swope), La
Plata, Puerto Rico, fourth child, second son,
David John, Jan. 22, 1954.
Martin, Glenn and Martha (Horst), Waynes-
boro, Pa., fourth child, Marcus Edgar, Jan. 31.
1954.
Miller, Harvey and Leona (Miller), Nappa-
nee, Ind., sixth child, Wayne Allen, Dee. 20,
1953.
Mast, Edwin and Verda (Yoder), Salisbury,
Pa., fourth child, Titus La Verne, Jan. 27, 1954.
Myers. Warren and Eva (Lehman), Goshen,
Ind., third child, Gleuda Louise, Jan. 3, 1954.
Noll, John B. and Irene (Groff), Lancaster,
Pa., second daughter. Linda Mae, Jan. 10, 1954.
Lapp, Melvin and Virginia (Mohler), Eph-
rata, Pa., second child, Charlene Alice, Feb. 3,
1054.
Ramcr, Edwin and Amanda (Bontrager).
Wakurusn, Ind., eighth child, Stanley Joseph,
Jan. 13. 1054.
Rediger, Dallas and Ruth (Sutter), Mt. Plea
snnt, Iowa, a daughter, Nancy Kay, Deo. IS,
1953.
Kcsser. Clarence and Ruth (Blxler), Denver,
Colo., first child, Region Ruth. Jan. 16, 1954.
Kilter. Clayton and Klsie (Wilmer), Bridge-
water, Va., first child, l'renda Sue, Jan. 10,
1951.
Roth. Rex and Evelyn (Widmer), Mt. Plea-
sant, Iowa, a daughter, Penelope Sue, Now 21.
1953.
GOSPEL HERALD
Sauder, Loren and Dorothea (Good), Arch-
bold, Ohio, second child, first son, Steven Lee,
Dec. 30, 1953.
Short, Marvin and Lois (Miller). Stryker,
Ohio, third child, first son, Mark Deloy, Jan.
10, 1954.
Slabaugh, Henry and Irene (Myer), Vassar,
Mich., third child, second daughter, Michele
Ann, Nov. 26. 1953.
Smoker, Kenneth I. and Rhoda (Newswang-
er), Windom, Kans., fifth child, first son, Rus-
sell Kenneth, Jan. 31, 1954.
Sniucker, Paul M. and Elma (Glick I, Bird
in Hand, Pa., fourth child, Jerald Lee, Dec. 22.
1953.
Steiner, Chester and Helen (Richard), Kid-
ron, Ohio, third son, Richard Dean, Jan. 22,
1954.
Steinman, Ervin and Erma (Leis), New Ham-
burg, Ont, first child, Susan Joy, Nov. 30, 1953.
Stutzman, Percy and Ruth (Sanburn), Se-
ward, Nebr. second son, Allan Dean, Dec. 25,
1953.
Troyer, Andy and Irma (Sommers), Union-
town, Ohio, sixth child, Edith, Nev. 14. 1953.
Weaver, Enos and Rebecca (Yoder), Reams-
town, Pa., third child. Paul, Jan. 3, 1954.
Weaver, Irvin and Ruth (Hurst), Douglass-
ville. Pa., second child, Melvin, Feb. 2. 1954.
Weber, Cecil Howard and Barbara (Eby),
Guernsey, Sask., second child, Raymond Cecil,
Jan. 9, 1954.
Wenger, Lawrence and Anges (Stutzman),
Goshen, Ind., first child, Stanley, March 19,
1953.
Wenger, Melvin S. and Janette (Kreider),
Palmyra, Pa., second son, Jav Lamar, Jan. 16,
1954.
Whetstone, Jacob and Sylvia (Hostetler),
Nappanee, Ind., first child, Linda Sue, Nov. 8,
1953.
Yoder, Alva and Ellen (Slagell), Hydro,
Okla., third child, first son, Bobbv Joe, Jan. 22,
1954.
Yoder, Emil J. and Minerva (Yoder), Hes-
ston, Kans., second son, Rovee Dean, Jan. 11,
1954.
Yoder, John K. and Dorothy (Layman), Fair-
view, Mich., fourth child, first daughter, Ramona
Lee, Dee. 31, 1953.
Zehr, Richard and Eileen (Roggie), Croghan,
N.Y., first child, Ruth Ann. Oct. 31, 1953.
ANNIVERSARIES
Yoder. — Bro. John and Sister Pollie (Custer)
Yoder of Hollsopple, R. 2, Pa., observed their
fiftieth marriage anniversary on Thursdav, Jan.
28, 1954. They became members of the Stahl
Mennonite Church before their marriage and
have been members at Kaufman Church since
its organization in 190S. They have 6 sons,
one daughter, and 15 grandchildren. One hun-
dred and thirty-two relatives and friends called
at their farm home during anniversary "open
house" hours on Sunday afternoon, January 31.
"We have fellowship one with another'' (I John
1:7).
* * •
Miller. — Dan B. and Mary Miller of near
Baltic, Ohio, celebrated their fiftieth wedding
anniversary on Dec. 13, 1953. This union was
blessed with 11 children (Eli. Bristol, Ind.;
Roman, Fentress, Va. ; Mrs. John E. Kline.
Harry, Mrs. Simon Slabach, Benjamin, Ivan,
Laura, Irvin, Albert, and Floyd, nil of the sur-
rounding community). They also have 48 grand-
children living and 5 deceased, and 9 great-
grandchildren.
February i6, 195.
Dr. Richard H. Hoffman says there
are three great killers in modern life—
the telephone, the clock, and the calen-
dar. The tyranny of the telephone is in-
terruption. The tyranny of the clock is
appointment. The tyranny of the calen-
der is apprehension. All are symhols of
hurried living ami the enemies of tran-
quillity. Savs the Good Rook: "In quiet-
ness and in confidence shall he your
strength."— U. E. A.
OBITUARIES
May the sustaining grace and comfort of our Lop
bless these who are bereaved.
Birky, Charles Keith, son of Eugene an«
Mary Birky. was born Oct. 21. 1953. ; passe-
away Jan. 24, 1954; aged 3 m. 3 d. He is sur
vived by his parents, one brother, his materna
and paternal grandparents, 3 great-grandmoth
ers, and one great-grandfather. Funeral service
were conducted at the Hopewell Church, Kouts
Ind.. by Samuel S. Miller.
Boshart, Wayne, son of Clayton and Florene
(Bast) Boshart, Mannsville, N.Y., was born a
Carthage, N.Y.. Dec. 5. 1934; died Dec. 27
1953 ; aged 19 y. 22 d. Wayne, a freshman a
Goshen College, had returned home for th<
Christmas holidays, bringing with him student
living in the neighboring community. He hac
taken the others home and on his return wa:
involved in a car accident which proved fata
after four days in the hospital. Over a yeai
ago he became a Christian and a faithful mem
ber of the Woodville C.A. Mennonite Church
Besides his parents, he is survived by 4 brother*
(Harold. Gerald, Richard, and Clifford), on<
sister (Shirley), and his grandparents (Mr. ant
Mrs. Dan Bast, Tavistock, Ont.; and Eli Bos-
hart, Carthage. N.Y.). Funeral services at th«
Belleville Methodist Church, to accommodate
the many relatives and friends, were in ehargf
of Andrew Gingerich, assisted by I. E. Burk-
hart.
Eash, Frank, son of Jonathan T. and Marj
(Yoder) Eash, was born in Somerset Co., Pa..
Dec. 15, 1901; died at his home, Johnstown.
Pa.. Jan. 17, 1954 ; aged 52 y. 1 m. 2 d. He is
survived by his widow (the former Marsaret
Peterson), a daughter (Doris — Mrs. S. Dean
Lloyd), his father and stepmother. He was a
member of the Kaufman Mennonite Church for]
many years. Funeral services were held at the
Henderson Funeral Home, Johnstown, Pa., Jan. |
20. in charge of Harry Y. Shetler and Irwin M.
Holsopple. Burial was made in the Forest Lawn
Cemetery.
Gimbel. Mrs. Harold, daughter of the late Eli-
as and Rebecca (Mu^sh-man) Shantz. was born
near E^ira, Ont.. July — , 1908; passed away
at her home in Freep rt, Jan. 25. 1954. after a
lei'Sthy illness; aged 45 y. 6 m. 17 d. She was
a faithful membmer of the Preston Mennonite
Church. She was married to Harold Gimbel on
July 11. 1P2S. Surviving are her husband, one
son (Walter, of Freeport). one daughter (Helen
— Mrs. Lawrence Weber, of Alma). 2 grand-
children, one brother (Irvin Shantz, of Baden),
and 5 sisters (Mrs. Horace Hnllman. of Free-
port; Mrs. Roy Snider, of Strasburg; Mrs. Sam-
uel Cressman, of Preston ; Mrs. Wellington
Weber, of Simcoe, and Mrs. Eugene Kraft, of
Kitchener). Three sister and 2 brothers pre-
ceded her in death. Funeral services were held
Jan. 2S. at the Sterling Avenue Church, Kitch-
ener. Out., in charge of John H. Hess and Ben
B. Shantz. Burial was made in the Preston
Cemetery.
Groff, Emanuel H.. son of the late Elias and
Mary Ann (Herr) Groff, was born near Stras-
burg. Pa.. Oct. 22. 1S66: departed this life Jan.
16. 1954; aged 87 y. 2 m. 24 d. On Nov. 11.
1890, he was married to Susan R. Herr. who
preceded him in death 34 days. They shared
life's joys and sorrows together for over 63 .
years. He was a member of the New Danville,
Pa., Mennonite Church. Also preceding him in
death were one son and 2 daughters. Surviving
are 5 children (Mrs. Mary H. Hess; Anna — Mrs.
Jacob H. Rohrer; Esther — Mrs. Ivan Nj
Charles; Nora — Mrs. Andrew N. Miller, and
Elias H.), one sister (Mrs. Emma Ranck, Stras-
burg). 2 brothers (Elias H.. Willow Street.
Pa., and John E., Cambridge, Md.), 26 grand-
children, and 21 great-grandchildren. Funeral
services at New Danville Church. Jan. 20, were
conducted by Henry Nauman, David Thomas,
and Maris Hess, with burial in the adjoining
cemetery.
Hershberger W. Raymond, was born May 11.
1902. near Garden City, Mo.; passed away Jan.
27. 1954; aged 51 y. S m. lti ,!. On Jan. 23 he
was taken to the Wetzel Hospital in Clinton.
Mo., due to a cerebral hemorrhage from which
he never regained consciousness.
In his youth he accepted Christ as his Saviour
and became a member of the Sycamore Grove
Church, near Garden City. Mo., where he served
the church and his Lord during his entire life-
1
February 16, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
167
time. He assisted in Sunday school as teacher
and superintendent for a number of years until
lie was ordained to the ministry on April 9,
1939. Two years later, on May 11, 19-11, he was
ordained as bishop and pastor of his home con-
■wL* jregation, which position he held at the time of
lis death. He also was serving as bishop in
barge of five other congregations throughout
Missouri and Kansas City, Kans. In 1949 he
was appointed as moderator of the South Cen-
ral Conference, which office he filled for two
rears. During the past year he was in failing
lealth because of high blood pressure, but he
:ontiuued faithful in keeping his ministry ap-
lointments. His last sermon was preached to
is home congregation just the Sunday previous
0 the day he was stricken.
He was a kind, loving, and faithful husband
ind father and will be sadly missed in the home
tnd community. God alone knows the inexpress-
ble feeling of loss to the local church, but the
nfluence of his teaching will never end. He
m|Jra8 always interested in the spiritual welfare
1 M his family, and especially of his home congre-
fflideu ation. He had a vision of the future needs of
™' ' he church, having a special interest in the
oung people and children. Like Paul, he was
eard to pray for the church, "My heart's de-
ire and prayer to God for Israel is that they
J light be saved." He often experienced great
rails and deep sorrows in his ministry but be
ore them alone and without words of com-
ilaint. He was honest and helpful in all his
ealings with his fellow men, and to know Ray-
lond was to love and respect him.
He was the first member of the Dan and Mary
1 Kropf) Hershberger family of four sons and
™rj 0ur daughters to be called to his eternal home.
)n Jan. 21, 1920, he was married to Ida Pearl
Lauffman of Garden City, Mo. To this union
?ere born 3 sons and one daughter. One son
Willis Raymond), at 7 months of age, preced-
d his father in death. Besides his companion,
he departed leaves Morris, of Garden City ;
rene-^-Mrs. Alfred Yoder, Jr., of Hannibal, Mo.,
nd Keith, at home, to mourn his departure,
le also leaves one granddaughter, besides many
ther relatives and friends.
Funeral services Were held at the Sycamore
crove Mennonite Church, Jan. 30, in charge of
in H !. S. Hershberger. Earl Buckwalter preached
ttanpie funeral sermon. Others officiating were John
Kauffman, Daniel Kauffman, Joe C. Driver,
G. Hartzler, and Alva Swartzendruber. Har-
18 M y Diener was in charge of the burial at the
awaj Jlearfork Cemetery. Besides these, there were
after) 4 other ordained brethren present at the fu-
kewil eral.
inoniB
■up aij
! pan
'ii fm|
aatei .
mlmul
serrii
, Kmiti
V 2
in
i fat
a A
A h
CM
id,
Stra-
Jan.
THE BOOK SHELF
laiei
Free
;, Sat
linjliil Books reviewed In these columns may be ordered
lit, 4 om the Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale, Pa.
« pre-
Wayside Blessings, by Mary Peachey; pub-
shed by the author, Belleville, Pa.; 1^53;
8 pp.; price, 35 cents, three per $1.00.
Wayside Blessings is a booklet of medita-
ons for the sick. This book grew out of
ie author's own experience of long illness.
8! is the title suggests, the author points out
ie blessings that lie along the way of illness,
he meditations of the book suggest very
vide reading by the author, rather than
riginal thinking. The reader senses the
uthor's own battle against the discourage-
2 nent of sickness, and of her inner triumph
ver it.
On the whole, the book is well written,
deas such as these catch one's attention.
Our lives must be quiet and restful if we
vould see God." "It is not always our busy
23 in lands He needs." "Lingering in the dark
hadows will bring unbelief to the soul. Let
is not doubt God just because we are in a
«0Di tard place." The "Valley of Weeping is a
errtj >lace ... to pass through, not an abiding
lift- >lace."
The unusual feature of this book is the
pictorial road map in the center. The names
of the places along the "Road of Recovery"
remind one of the names in Pilgrim's Prog-
ress. "Trusting Springs" and "Mines of
Faith" are examples of this. Kach of these
twenty points along the way is labeled, and
later explained in short paragraphs in an-
other section of the book.
The art, which was also done by the
author, is attractive. It is in keeping with
the theme of the book.
Wayside Blessings should fill a place in
our literature. Not much has been done in
writing for the shut-in.
This little book will make an excellent
gift to mail to an invalid, shut-in, or con-
valescent friend. The paper cover has an at-
tractive picture, and the book is printed on
good quality paper. — Leah C. Kauffman.
ITEMS and COMMENTS
The Friends Committee on National Leg-
islation reports that "during the current fiscal
year" the government will spend, according
to its estimates, 83.5 per cent of its 72.1 bil-
lion budget for present, future, and past
wars. — Christian Century.
• • •
Another illustration of the futility of war
is seen in the current efforts to hasten the
rearmament of West Germany and Japan.
Only a few years ago we were made to be-
lieve that the complete defeat and disarma-
ment of these two countries was the most im-
portant thing in the world. Now our leaders
of government tell us that it was all a mis-
take.
• • *
A new book on Japan, Journey by Junk,
by Willard Price, says "Shinto has crept back
into the curriculum, and the text made man-
datory by the ministry of education in all
schools is openly hostile to Christianity, de-
claring that this religion is incompatible with
Japanese traditions." The day is already past
when Japan as a whole is asking for Chris-
tianity.
• » »
5,000,000 Spanish-speaking persons in the
United States constitute a major challenge
to the Christian churches of the country.
• * *
Editors of three religious publications, Jew,
Protestant, Catholic, have returned from a
five-week survey of the Middle East as guests
of American Friends of the Middle East.
They represented the Jewish News Letter,
the Protestant Christian Century, and the
Catholic Commonweal. The Jew felt that
Israel, lacking peace with its neighbors, is
walking down a road that may lead to dis-
aster. The Protestant felt that the movement
for Arab union is one which deserves very
careful consideration. The Catholic said that
Israel as a state is here to stay, but "it has to
get it into its head that it is a small nation
of one and one-half million in the midst of
forty million Arabs, and that the United
States cannot afford to antagonize the Arab
world."
• • •
The day seems to be past when fiction is
most in demand. During li>53 religious and
inspirational books outsold fiction. 1 he Re-
vised Standard Version of the Bible, Norman
Vincent Pealc's The Power of Positive Think-
ing, and Fulton J. Sheen's Life Is Worth Liv-
ing were among the leaders. For the second
year, the Revised Standard Version sold more
than one million copies. It was the leader
among current books, but at that, the King
James Version of the Bible held its place as
the best seller. This is an honored place which
it has held for many, many years.
• • •
Three thousand Christians from Israel
were permitted to make Christmas pilgrim-
ages to Arab-controlled Bethlehem by agree-
ment between the Israeli and Jordan govern-
ments. Roman Catholics and Protectants
crossed into Jerusalem's Arab-held Old City
on December 24 to begin the five-mile jour-
ney to Bethlehem, returning December 27.
Greek Orthodox, who follow the Julian cal-
endar, began their pilgrimage on January 6,
returning the following day. Armenian Or-
thodox, who celebrate Christmas on January
18, crossed to the Old City on that day. As
in previous years, the traditional route over
the Bethlehem road was open to members of
the diplomatic and consular corps and ot the
United Nations staff in Israel.
• • •
Roman Catholic church membership in
England and Wales increased about sixty
thousand during the past year, according to
estimates in the Catholic directory for ly54.
There are now almost three thousand Catho-
lic churches in England and almost three
million members.
• • •
The 56,500 needed to fuel, service, and
keep one bomber in the air for four hours
would give a boy or girl a four-year college
education. The cost of one bomber would
build a whole village of 366 good $15,U0J
homes, according to World-Over Press.
• • •
Italian immigrants have now become so
important a factor in Paraguay that the
Italian community has started a new paper
in Italian and Spanish. — WP.
• • •
Because race discrimination has not been
general in England traditionally, there are
no laws making race barriers an offense.
1 hus the various groups working for bet-
ter interracial relations were puzzled about
how to proceed when recently the Green Park
Hotel in London annnounced that it would
hereafter refuse bookings to colored peo-
ple.—WP.
• • •
Wilbur M. Smith says in Moody Monthly,
"Since 1948 when the state of Israel was
formed, they have received more than $410,-
000,000 from the United States government
and private sources. In addition to this, the
United States has contributed over $40,000,-
000 to the United Nations relief program
168
GOSPEL HERALD
February 16, ip^
For the first time — a historical Mennonite theology!
INTRODUCTION TO THEOLOGY
By John C. Wenger
NEVER BEFORE has the Mennonite Church had a systematic statement
of theology given with its historical Anabaptist background.
In clear, understandable language John C. Wenger sets forth the doc-
trinal teachings of the Bible. He is familiar with the writings of the great
theologians of all times. He knows the writings of Mennonites and Anabap-
tists. He is also thoroughly grounded in the Bible. Such knowledge qualifies
him for dealing with this profound subject.
Following his introduction about the whole scope of theology are chap-
ters which deal with God as Creator, as Revealer, as Redeemer, as Sanctifier,
and as All in All. It is an excellent companion volume to Separated unto God
which deals with distinctive doctrine and practice.
Every Sunday-school library, every Mennonite pastor, Christian educa-
tion workers, speakers, college students, and homes interested in careful
Bible study should have this outstanding book on theology. $4.00
Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale, Pa.
(Continued from preceding page)
for Palestinian refugees. I think that one
can safely say that more money has been
expended on what now forms the state of
Israel per acre than on any other large
acreage in the world."
* • •
President Eisenhower has said that Puerto
Rico can have its independence whenever
the people want it. Most of the people there
know that independence now would mean
economic death for the islanders. The result
of the announcement will be the working
out of more liberal and democratic relation-
ships between San Juan and Washington.
* # *
"In every country that I visited 1 have
found that the really worth-while leprosy
work being done was usually the result of
efforts by a Christian agency, or by individual
Christians." Thus spoke Dr. John Lowe,
senior specialist of the Nigeria Leprosy Serv-
ice, to an International Conference on Chris-
tian Leprosy Work.
• • *
When the men's Bible class at the First
Baptist Church, Ripley, Tennessee, started a
campaign to increase attendance, Sheriff
Willard Norvell helped out by bringing three
prisoners from the local jail.— Moody Month-
ly-
• • •
One of the things that spoils Christmas is
liquor. Liquor advertising fills many maga-
zines. From the six issues preceding Christ-
mas this past year, Life had liquor advertising
income of almost two and one-half million
dollars, an average of over four hundred
thousand dollars per issue. One issue, that
of December 14, had twenty-five pages of
liquor, wine, and beer ads, bringing Life
an income of $700,000. As a result, the Dis-
tilled Spirits Institute reports that the De-
cember sales of liquor are far above the sales
of any other month of the year. What have
Christ and Bacchus in common?
* * »
As its part in the campaign to "put Christ
into Christmas" the Washington Post dis-
pensed with its usual Christmas decorations
in front of its building and instead showed
colored art slides of religious pictures on
a large screen. The newspaper also carried
daily, on its front page, reproductions of
famous Christian masterpieces in full color.
* • •
The Methodist Council of Bishops in a
recent statement said, "We resent unproved
assertions that the Protestant ministry is
honeycombed with disloyalty. We are un-
alterably opposed to Communism, but we
know that the alternative to Communism
is not an American brand of Fascism."
• • •
The National Better Business Bureau has
asked the tobacco companies to cease their
"deceptive health claims in cigarette advertis-
ing."
• • •
Prime Minister Malan has announced that
South Africa's leading universities will no
longer be permitted to enroll Negro, Mulat-
to, or Indian students.
H 0X3
Public high-school students are studyinj
the Bible weekly in more than one hundret
Dallas County, Texas, churches — and getting
school credit toward their diplomas. Tw<
Bible classes, one in Old Testament anc
the other in New Testament, have growi
every year since they were started in 192(
with 40 students. Classes usually are helt
Sundays in the church and sometimes ir
private homes, but never in school buildings
• » *
A million copies of Egermeier's Bibb
Story Book have been sold by the Gospe
Trumpet Company since it was publishec
30 years ago. The book has gone througl
47 printings and has been distributed arounc
the world, although it appears only it
English. A Spanish edition is now in prepa
ration.
• • •
The Church of the Brethren has dedicatee
a center at Kassel, Germany. An America!
speaker said at the dedication that "thi
house should become a symbol of love amonj
people everywhere. If men would try t(
understand each other and help each othe
according to the words of Christ that al
men are brothers, then it would serve work
peace."
• • •
The Association of Mennonite University
students at Winnipeg is making a study o
the reading habits of Mennonite young peo
pic in south Manitoba.
11 I
3AV
MJftVKZOOH M9>
GOSPEL HE
'Jn the defence and confirmation of the gospel" "How heautiful are the feet of th
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1954
the gospel of peace'
VOLUME XLVII .
.NUMBER 8
Mennonite Attitudes Toward Riches
By Melvin Gingerich
h
e hel
ncs 1
Gospl
jlislin
tote
icrica
"ih
imoi
ay
oi
iat a
worl
versit
(Summary of a paper presented at the 1953
Conference on Mennonite Cultural Problems.]
The purpose of this article is to ex-
amine the Mennonite attitudes toward
riches during the early period of our de-
nominational history and then to note
our present-day thinking, practices, and
problems relating to our subject.
It is not difficult to learn the position
of the early leader of Mennonitism on
our problem. In Menno Simons' reply
to Gellius Faber, the following para-
graph states his position on riches:
Since, then, the mouth of the Lord, as also
His faithful servants, James and Paul, have so
plainly expressed the dangers of the rich and
of those of high standing; since experience
udyia teaches how proud-hearted they are, as may be
jnclrcleduced from their high titles, houses, shields,
medals, clothes, servants, horses, and dogs; and
since Christ says, "Verily I say unto you, Ex-
cept ye be converted, and become as little chil-
it am dren, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of
groffl heaven" (Matt. 18:3) ; therefore it would be
more in accordance with evangelical righteous-
ness, if Gellius, instead, would industriously
teach such proud hearts and high persons, the
humility of Christ so that they may learn to
Idingi forsake themselves ; may learn to know them-
selves, of what they are born, what they are
and what they will be ; that they may die unto
their excessive pomp, splendor, superfluity, and
ungodliness ; may fear God in all sincerity, and
walk in His ways ; that they may faithfully
serve their neighbors, with their abundance in
true humility of heart, and not continually en-
kindle the fire of pride, fleshly security, and
lightmindedness by his flattery or by high sound-
ing and supplicating phrases, for the inborn am-
bitious nature of the flesh of Adam's children is,
alas, already too apt to crave such things with-
out being encouraged by flattery and smooth
words.
Earlier in the same article, Menno
stated that experience "sufficiently teach-
es of what disposition the rich are, name-
ly, proudhearted, ambitious, and covet-
ous of honor. God's wisdom did not say
without a cause, 'Verily I say unto you,
It is easier for a camel to go through the
eye of a needle, than for a rich man to
enter into the kingdom of God' (Matt.
19:24). James also says, 'Go to now, ye
rich men, weep and howl for your miser-
ies that shall come upon you. Your rich-
es are corrupted, and your garments are
moth-eaten. Your gold and silver is can-
kered; and the rust of them shall be a
witness against you, and shall eat your
flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped
treasure together for the last days'
(James 5:1-3)."
On another occasion Menno called at-
tention to Christ's earthly life. "What
kind of pomp, ease, and comfort He en-
joyed on earth, the Scriptures abundant-
ly teach us. At His birth, there was no
room for Him in the inn. Luke 2:8. In
His preaching, He had not where to lay
His head. Luke 9:58. His entrance into
Jerusalem was not accompanied with
cavalry, guards, and knights but upon an
ass. At His death He had neither water
nor wine wherewith to quench His
thirst." Menno asks, "Why was it? Was
it that we should live a lustful, pleasur-
able life?" and then answers, "Oh, no."
Furthermore, Menno believed that
Christian fellowship between a Christian
man who lives in luxury and his fellow
church member who is in need was im-
possible. He quoted, "Whoso hath this
world's good, and seeth his brother have
need, and shutteth up his bowels of com-
passion from him, how dwelleth the love
of God in him?"
In order that Christian brotherhood
might prevail, Menno believed, it was
necessary that sharing of goods be prac-
ticed. Thus there would be neither rich-
es nor poverty and true fellowship would
be encouraged.
The sin of greed was a flagrant one in
the eyes of Menno. Almost invariably
when he mentioned the worst sins of his
times he included avarice. The greed
for worldly possessions brought with it
many other evils and therefore any oc-
cupation that brought with it special
temptations of greed was to be avoided.
He favored agriculture and the simple
crafts as the proper vocations for Chris-
tians, as these did not bring the same
opportunities for profiteering and riches
as did commerce and finance.
These attitudes of Menno must be un-
derstood against the background of his
times. Living before the days of the rise
of the middle class to political and eco-
nomic power and when society was
more sharply divided between the rich
and the poor than it is in our time, the
sins of the wealthy, including those of
conspicuous consumption, paternalism,
and haughty demeanor, were more evi-
dent by way of contrast than they are
now in twentieth-century America. Liv-
ing in a time when the medieval ideals
of a just wage and a just price were wide-
ly held and before Adam Smith had ra-
tionalized the ethics of laissez-faire cap-
italism, Menno reflected the thinking of
the peasants and common folk of Eu-
rope.
It would be incorrect, however, to as-
sume that Menno's thinking was based
primarily upon the social views he had
acquired from the society of his day. Ev-
ery view on these matters he defended
by Scripture quotations. That other Ana-
baptists came to similar conclusions
through their study of the Scriptures is
significant. The Hutterian leader, Peter
Riedeman, agreed with Menno on all of
the above points except that he was con-
vinced that a true brotherhood was pos-
sible only when Christians lived in a
community which had all things in com-
mon.
In the early days of both Swiss and
Dutch Anabaptism it is perhaps safe to
generalize by saying that very few mem-
bers of their brotherhoods were men of
wealth, although, on the other hand, it
should be noted that there were artisans
and professional men among them. Dur-
ing the decades of persecution the wealth
of the Anabaptists rapidly disappeared
and they were reduced to a common low
economic level. After the Dutch Men-
nonites were given religious liberty, rep-
resentatives of this group became pros-
perous business and professional men.
To the extent that economic disparity
characterized the membership of the
Dutch (hurch, the brotherhood concept
of Menno Simons was lost.
The South German and Swiss Men-
nonites became agricultural people, in
part because of the influence of the per-
secutions. Finding refuge in isolated
mountainous areas and on undesirable
lands, they had to work industriously, to
live frugally, and to farm their lands in-
telligently in order to remain alive. Their
How Much Ought I to Give?
Give as you would if an angel
Awaited your gift at the door.
Give as you would if tomorrow
Found you where givitig was o'er.
Give as you would to the Master
If you met His loving look.
Give as you would of your substance
If His hand the offering took.
—Selected.
170
GOSPEL HERALD
February 23, 1954
skill as agriculturalists won them the re-
spect and protection of the nobility,
whose lands they were invited to farm.
North German and Dutch Mennonites
who fled eastward during the times of
persecution also found a haven in the
swampy, undeveloped lands of the Vistu-
la Basin. Here they too became expert
larmers. Many of them later took, their
skills to South Russia, where they again
built an agrarian culture. Most of the
Mennonites outside of Holland and
near-by North Germany, therefore, have
been farmers through tour centuries.
By and large the problems of great in-
equality in the wealth of the brother-
hoods did not face them except in Hol-
land and North Germany, where some
entered commerce and industry. The
number ot rich Mennonites was small,
although occasionally a Mennonite farm-
er became a large landholder. Ghristian
Augsburger, for example, after he moved
to Butler County, Ohio, did become the
owner of almost 2,000 acres of land. In
South Russia Johann Cornies became the
owner of more than 900 acres. These
men, however, were rare exceptions to
the general rule that Mennonites be-
longed to perhaps the lower middle class.
South Russia, however, offered pecu-
liar problems. After 1840, because of
rapid population increase and the gov-
ernment ruling that the entire estate
must be handed down to a single heir
rather than broken up into small hold-
ings, many Mennonites found it difficult
to acquire laud. According to C. Henry
Smith, it is estimated that by 1870 at least
two thirds of all heads of families in the
Russian Mennonite colonies were land-
less. It is unnecessary to trace here the
attempted solutions of this problem. It
is only necessary to state that the dissat-
isfied landless members of the colonies
organized for the purpose of obtaining
justice. The struggle between the landed
and the landless in the meantime had
helped bring about a major schism in
the Mennonite Church of Russia.
As was stated above, as long as a plen-
tiful supply 0! land was available in
America, Mennonites were almost alio
gether a fanning people. After World
War 1, however, a shift of Mennonite
population to the urban areas began.
In the 1026 Census of Religious Bodies
it is reported that 20 pei ceni ol the
members ol the (old) Mennonite Church
were living in urban areas, For the Gen
eral Conference Mennonites it was 11 pel
cent and tor tin- Mennonite Brethren 10
per cent. Mow significant these figures
are is debatable because they merely in-
dicate the membership of those churches
situated in cities having 2,500 or more
inhabitants. Many farmers and other
rural residents were, very likely, mem-
bers of these churches.
More significant for the purpose of
this article is a study of Mennonite oc-
cupations. The Mennonite Family Cen-
sus for 1950 conducted by the Mennonite
Research Foundation discovered that in
a sampling of 14,253 income earners only
39.8 per cent were farmers. Farm hands
and those engaged in farm-related busi-
nesses brought the total up to only 44.1
per cent. The variations among confer-
ence districts were very great, ranging
from less than 30 per cent farmers in
Franconia and Ontario to more than 60
per cent in the North Central Confer-
ence and in the Alberta-Saskatchewan
Conference. Thus more than half of the
income earners of the (old) Mennonite
Church are in occupations not directly
related to farming. High on the list of
other occupations are these, given in the
order of their importance: building
trades, factory workers, laborers, domes-
tic workers" office workers and clerks,
teachers, mission and church workers,
mechanics and garagemen, truck drivers,
nurses, executive managers, and sales-
men.
From this list, one would assume that
the great majority of Mennonites at pres-
ent not engaged in farming are not neces-
sarily employed in more lucrative posi-
tions than they would have been in farm-
ing. This is substantiated by the fact
that in a sampling of non-farm Mennon-
ite income earners, the median income,
not average, for 1951 was 53,111.73 while
for Mennonite farmers it was $3,305.00.
The Mennonite Research Foundation
in its sampling of Mennonite income for
1951 obtained the figures presented to
the government on income tax reports
for 1,343 income earners. One out of
approximately every seventeen income
earners is included in the sample. The
average income was found to be S3,-
899.08. Among them were 324 who re-
ceived less than $2,000.00. This is 24 per
cent of the total. At the other end of the
economic scale were 58 who received
more than than $10,000.00 net income
in 1951. This is 4 per cent of the total.
The following table shows the distribu-
tion of high and low incomes in four
areas of the (old) Mennonite Church.
% below %above Median
Area $-'.000 $10,000
Pa.. Vt.. Md.. Va.. Del. 24% 5 % $3,192
N.Y.. Ind.. 111.. Ohio. Mich. 21% 4.3% $3,403
West of Mississippi 25% 3.7% $3,100
Canada 31% 1.7% $2.o90
Continued on page 190
Our Readers Say-
I was glad for the letter in your column by
William D. Swariley — glad that there are still
those who can enjoy hearing or singing Gospel
songs without feeling tliat they are enjoying
antiquated music that has no place in our day.
i marvel at the absence of some of our best
Gosi>cl songs from our C hurch hymnal. I
would like to see a revision of our Hymnal — re-
placing the hundreds of songs now appearing
there.n which are never sung in our congrega-
tional worship by the well-known Gospel songs
that are not there. Some time ago I took the
time to count the number of songs in our Hym-
nal that are either never sung or are sung so
rarely that they prove to be an embarrassment
to the chorister when he discovers that he is
singing a solo. Although I do not remember
the actual number of such songs, I recall that
the percentage was very high.
True, the argument is that we should cultivate
a taste for better music But what is better
music ?
1 am made to think of two choral programs
which I heard within a few weeks of each other.
Both did a magnificent piece of work. One
program was formal — the music being almost
entirely the "heavy" type ; the other informal —
including many Gospel songs. One choir kept
their eyes glued on the director (which was in-
deed necessary in going through all the difficult
runs, etc.) ; the other sang to the audience. One
w as singing music ; the other was singing
uords. One left the audience exclaiming at the
wonders of vocalizing; the other left the audi-
ence silent — with tears in many eyes.
What is the pur|>ose of song? Is it to gain
perfection in the rendition of difficult music or
is it to satisfy the soul ?
I am not intimating that "O Sacred Head
Now Wounded" can ever be replaced by "Sing
Them Over Again to Me." I, too, do not like
the rollicking type of song. But ihat can also
go for "Keep in de Middle ob dc Road." Most
Gospel songs, however, which have stood the
test of time are not of this type.
Especially in fairness to the older people in
our congregations w ho have never had a chance
at a college education where they might have
developed a taste for the "heavier" type of
music, but who long to hear the songs which
were always dear to their hearts, we ought to
be able to turn to a Hymnal where such songs
can be found. — Lulu Smith, Eureka, III.
* » *
I too feel led to write with a word of com-
ment upon the article written by Bro. Nelson
Kauffman. "Privileges of an Overseer." as it
was published in the Dec. S Gospel Herald.
I appreciated much the words of wisdom that
he spoke, the words of caution that he wrote.
But I am fully convinced that the plan of the
early church was that of elders in every church.
The practice of nonresident, supervising bishops
is the same ecclesiastical system as Roman
Catholic popery. The direction that we seem
to be going right now seems to be that of
centralized control with multiplicity of petty
poj>es. If our doctrine of the church begins to
pattern too closely after the Catholic doctrine
of the church, we shall have committed our-
selves to the same basic apostasy as they. — John
D. Zehr, Los Angeles, Calif.
GOSPEL HERALD
ESTABLISHED ISOS AS SUCCESSOR TO OOSPEL WITNESS IISOSI AND HERALD OF TRUTH 11884)
PAUL ERB. EDITOR JOHN L. HORST. MILLARD C. LIND. consulting editors LEVI C HARTZLER. missions EDITOR
THE OOiriL HKRALO IS A RILIOIOUS WEEKLY PUBLISH SO IN THE INTERESTS OP THE MENNONITE CHURCH ST TNI MENNONITE PUBLICATION BOARO. SCOTTOALE. PA.
ENTEREO AS SECOND CLASS MATTER IN I SOS AT THE POST OPPICE AT SCOTTOALE, PA. UNOER ACT OP MARCH 1. |BB*j, SUBSCRIPTION PRICE. II M PER YEAR. THREE YEARS
IN ADVANCE, SS OO. PIVE YEARS IN ADVANCE, SIS SO. SAMPLE COPIES SENT FREE ON REQUEST SEND ALL MATERIAL POR PUBLICATION TO OOSPEL HERALO. SCOTT DALE. PA.
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
February 2), 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
EDITORIAL
171
Christian Living, and the Mennoixite
Yearbook, these three. The oldest of
these is the Gospel Herald, but you
need the other two also.— E.
Church Periodicals
We call attention to the article in this
issue by Bro. Ellrose D. Zook, in which
ie reports the results of a reader-interest
lurvey. We join with him in giving
thanks to those who gave the informa-
tion which is so valuable to us as we pe-
riodically appraise our work.
We also humbly express our thanks to
God for the way in which He is using
the Gospel Herald to meet the reading
needs of our people. Even the features
that are least read are nevertheless of in-
terest to many people. Very few indicat-
ed that any department was of no in-
terest. A feeling of deep responsibility
comes upon us as we see that our readers
actually do read what we give them. We
certainly do solicit the prayers and the
literary contributions of our people, to
the end that the interest in the Gospel
Herald may bring real spiritual profit
and advance the cause of Christ's church.
We are also glad to report that the
subscription list of our new monthly
magazine, Christian Living, is building
up satisfactorily. The reception of this
new periodical seems to be enthusiastic,
and we prophesy for it a great future
of service.
It may be necessary again to state the
distinctive fields of these two magazines.
The Gospel Herald is the official church
organ of the Mennonite Church, and
therefore contains announcements, re-
ports, and promotional material for all
the church-wide organizations. It gives
the news that one needs to keep ac-
quainted with the ever-expanding pro-
gram of the church. It has a section par-
ticularly devoted to the missionary ac-
tivity at home and abroad. Its articles
on doctrinal and practical subjects re-
flect the thought and life of the church.
Its editorials and news comments inter-
pret the current religious scene, both
Mennonite and non-Mennonite. Its cen-
ters of interest are the various institu-
tions of the church, the evangelistic
frontiers, and the things that go on in
some six hundred Mennonite churches
in more than a score of states and
provinces.
Christian Living does not duplicate
any of these areas of interest. It has, per-
haps, some articles on personal Christian
living that could also have appeared in
the Gospel Herald. But its chief center
of interest is our homes and communi-
ties. It has helps for parents and chil-
dren in Christian home life. It applies
our theology to everyday situations. It
takes the secular affairs of farm and
business and household and makes them
religious. It helps us to orient ourselves
in the world in which we live, and teach-
es us how to shine in the darkness. It
concentrates on the hours of the week
when we are not in church.
One can see that these two magazines,
one a weekly and one a monthly, are in
no sense competitive. They are thor-
oughly complementary. The Mennonite
home will not choose between them; you
must have both, for each covers vital
areas of interest that the other does not.
There is still another publication
which should be found in every home-
the annual Mennonite Yearbook. It has
statistical material, a complete listing o\
members, officers, and other personnel
of all organizations, a list of all congrega-
tions of our conferences, with member-
ship and ordained leaders, descriptive
and memorial articles, names by states or
all ordained men, with addresses and
telephone numbers— almost any fact that
you might want to know about the Men-
nonite Church. Less than half of our
homes are buying this useful reference
book.
Let's work for this goal: the Gospi 1
Herald, Christian Living, and the Men-
nonite Yearbook in every home. Our
Sunday-school and Bible school helps,
our children's and youth papers, bur
books should be there also, but their use
will probably vary according to the age
and interests of the home members. But
every home should have the three pub-
lications mentioned above. Let pastors
or others promote a campaign to achieve
this goal. The two magazines are S3. 00
each, cheaper in clubs {Christian Living)
or in long-term subscriptions. The Year-
book is fifty cents. For $6.50 or less you
can give your home this balanced diet of
Christian. Mennonite literature for one
full year. You probably spend more for
one company meal.
And now we have the Gospel Herald,
More About Giving
In a recent editorial we noted the im-
portance of every member's being faith-
ful in supporting the program of the
church in a financial way. This refers to
the needs of our home congregations,
our district mission boards and confer-
ences, and our general mission board and
General Conference.
We are glad to note that as members
of the Mennonite Church we are grow-
ing in our per capita giving. In an arti-
cle in the Gospel Herald of May 26,
1953, Bro. Melvin Gingerich estimated
that in 1951 the members of the Men-
nonite Church contributed $51.25 per
member. We were pleased to note in
the financial report in a church bulletin
of a congregation of about 100 members
the per capita giving for 1953 was
SI 38.88. From similar reports and other
indications we have reason to believe
that there is a constant and substantial
rise in our giving in relation to our in-
come.
It is true, however, that we need con-
tinuous teaching on the grace of giving
if our church, mission, educational, re-
lief, and other charitable programs are
to grow as they should in the tight of
our present-day opportunities and re-
sponsibilities. But we also need to pro-
vide such channels and use such methods
as will give our people opportunity to
contribute systematically and regularly
for our church causes.
It is imperative that some method of
offerings be worked out so that all ex-
penses and needs of the local church are
provided for. The same is true of our
district and general church funds. Often
budgets are suggested on a per member
basis per month or per year. For in-
stance. General Conference suggests con-
tributions of 60 cents per member an-
nually to meet its budget for the present
biennium of $56,500. Some districts sug-
gest certain amounts per month in order
to meet their needs.
This tvpe of budget giving should not
be considered as a tax but as a guide so
that people may know where to give and
what amounts are needed so that the
work of the church may go on and pro-
172
GOSPEL HERALD
February 23, 1954
gress without being hindered financially.
This should not destroy freedom in giv-
ing, but it provides a system so that we
may give according to current needs.
Then there is the related problem of
providing an opportunity for every mem-
ber to give to every need of the church.
In the ordinary system of taking offer-
ings only those present at a given meet-
ing contribute to the causes and needs
presented at that time. There will be
members who are absent or who live in
distant places who also should have the
opportunity to give. How to solve this
problem probably faces most of our con-
gregations.
A method that has been found effec-
tive in some places is the envelope offer-
ing. Envelopes are provided for the earn-
ing members of the congregation for par-
ticular needs. No pressure needs to be
exerted, but every one is given the op-
portunity to see the need and to help to
meet it. There may be other methods
that are just as effective.
Our main concern is that congrega-
tions furnish both opportunity and guid-
ance so that what people do give may be
directed in such a way that the local and
general work of the church may be ade-
quately supported and given opportuni-
ty to expand to meet the increasing needs
of our time.— H.
Thank You
[$Y El I ROSE D. ZOOK
The writer in this brief note wishes to
express liis thanks with appreciation to
all who took time to answer a question-
naire sent out to a selected list of 168
readers of the Gospel Hi raid.
The survey made by mailing out ques-
tionnaires is known as a reader-interest
survey. lis purpose is to measure the in-
terest ol the various features tli.it appear
in (he pages o! the 111 raid. The names
to whom 1 lie questionnaires were sent
were selected by a random sampling
method, taking every twenty fifth name
in the subscription list. The total num-
ber of names selected was lf>8. This list
was then considered as an adequate sam-
ple ol (he entire sulm 1 iption list.
However, before all the questionnaires
were mailed, the sample was pretested
to detect anv weaknesses in the sample.
the method, or the questionnaire. Fifty
pel (flit n| the pietest ol 29 question-
naiies were received, and the pretesl
showed the sampling to be adequate.
I [owever. some minor changes were made
in the questionnaire.
The study was authorized bv the Pub
lishing Agent. A. J. Met/ler. and ap-
proved by Paul Erb, editor of this paper.
It was carried out as a semester project
of the writer in a course in journalism at
Syracuse University.
We want to share with our readers the
major findings of the survey. A total of
202 questionnaries, or about 43 per cent,
were received. Twenty-three came too
late to be used, but their comments will
be considered by the editor along with
the others.
The twenty-three features listed below
are familiar to all our readers. The num-
bers show the interest value for each
feature.
The questionnaire asked each respond-
ent to rate in one of four wavs his in-
terest in these features. These four ways
were: Very Good Interest, Good Interest,
Little Interest, and No Interest. The
raw percentages were then weighted to
give the following interest values for
each feature.
Feature Rating
Mission News Notes . 79
Field Notes 77
Pictures 75
Editorials . 72
Items and Comments 72
Mission Articles 71
Relief Notes 70
First Pa?e Articles 69
Family Circle Page 67
Births 66
Marriages ... 65
Obituaries 62
To Be Near to God 59
Peace and War Page 59
For Our Shut-ins 57
Poetry _ 56
From Our Churches 55
Teaching the Word Page 55
Our Schools ... 54
Church Historv 50
Conference Reports 48
Church Music Page 41
The Book Shelf 39
In the above table you can note the
features that are highest in interest and
the ones that are lowest. Also it can be
seen that news about the church is at the
top and pictures are also close to the
lop. The editorials, too, have a high in
teres! rating.
To rate a 100 interest value, a feature
would have to be read by everv reader
in everv issue in which it appeared be-
cause the reader had a special interest
in that feature.
Brother Fib. the editor, has evaluated
the Study and has expressed his deep ap-
preciation for the findings. The results
are indeed encouraging and the readers
showed a splendid general interest and
sympathetic attitude to the problems
faced bv the editor. He has noted places
which can be Improved anil the high in-
terest values of various features. The
Study, we are certain, will provide him
with guidance for the improvement of
the Hkrai d.
Main additional comments were writ-
ten on the questionnaires, practically all
It Happened —
TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO
(From Gospel Herald, Feb. 14, 1929)
Sisters Selena Gamber and Vera Hall-
man, workers in the South America Mis-
sion, sailed on Feb. 1 for the homeland.
Ordination services were held at the
Pleasant View Church, near Chambers-
burg, Pa Feb. 7, when Bro. Walter
Lehman was ordained to the ministry.
Evangelistic meetings ... at the Scott-
dale Church since . . . Feb. 3, Bro. O. N.
Johns ... in charge.
(From Gospel Herald, Feb. 21, 1929)
Our new mission building . . . dedicat-
ed on Sunday, Jan. 27. [Tampa, Fla.]
Church at Cedar Grove, near Green-
castle, Pa destroyed by fire . . .
Feb. 10.
Tuesday morning, Feb. 5, . . . memo-
rial service was held in the [Hesston]
College Chapel, in honor of Bro. [T. M.j
Erb [ business manager].
of which were expressions of apprecia-
tion. Here are a few:
"Keep the good work up of publish-
ing such an interesting paper full of
variety concerning our church."
"Let's have more pictures."
"If we didn't get the Herald for any-
other reason. I would get it for Brother
Erb's editorials."
In your prayers, remember the editor
as he edits and plans each issue. Pray
that the writers may be led to write
clearly and with conviction and spiritual
power on subjects of timely interest to
all our readers.
Again we thank all who participated
in the survey.
Scottdale, Pa.
My Challenge to Laymen
My challenge to lav men is that when
Christ said. "Go ye into all the world,
and preach the gospel." He did not mean
onlv preachers but evervone who be-
lieved on Him as the Lord of glory.
l lie division between the clergy and
the laitv is a division of our own mak-
ing, ami was not instituted bv Christ,
nor was it evidenced in the early church.
They believed the word "Go" meant
everv man, and thev obeyed die Lord's
command. My challenge to you is for a
return to this first-century conception of
Christianity where every believer is a
witness to the grace of the Lord Jesus
Christ.— R. G. Le'I ourneau.
February 23, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
Under the Oak of Mamre
Fifteen Minutes in Bible Lands
By Anis Charles Haddad
Hebron, not Bethel, was to be the chief
resting place of Abraham. It olfered on
the wide open country free pastures, bet-
ter suited for his Hocks and herds and
more abundant. Unlike every other
town in the Holy Land, it is built at the
foot of the hill, but it stretches up the
slope facing south, the Hat-roofed houses
rising over each other and the great
mosque over the Cave of Machpelah
towering above all.
What the place was in Abraham's day
is not easy to fancy, but it must in its
main features have very much resembled
the Hebron of today. Somewhere near
it, as a convenient center from which his
Hocks might go out to the uplands for
pasture, Abraham pitched his tents, un-
der the shadow of some evergreen oaks
known as belonging to Mamre, a local
dignitary, and near them, as was always
his custom, Abraham built an altar to
Jehovah.
Here at last he could rest, almost at
home, in this upland vale, with its min-
gled town and country life, its wells and
its clumps of terebinths, amidst the cool
and delightful climate of an elevation of
nearly three thousand feet above the sea.
If Lot had the tropical luxuriance of
Sodom, Abraham had the refreshing
breeze of the hills, and their soft slopes
sprinkled with stretches of gray olives,
. pomegranates, figs, apricots, and al-
monds, while around him spread waving
patches of wheat and barley, green gar-
dens, and vineyards so famous that the
Jews believed the vine had been first
planted here by God Himself. His Hocks,
moreover, had only to wander 10 the
next heights, beyond this quiet retreat,
to have befoie them unlimited upland
pastures. No wonder that Abraham,
ravished with the delightful climate of
this hill country and with the splendid
oaks of Mamre, had here pitched his
tents.
Under the shade of this oak in quiet
seclusion we spent a few hours in read-
ing and discussing the story of Abraham
and the promises of blessing through
him to all nations pledged to him in
these valleys, over five thousand years
ago, and fulfilled now to ourselves.
The region of Hebron opens a vista of
pastoral life in days gone by, when Abra-
ham proceeded thither to lay the founda-
tions of the Jewish nation. The hills
above the town are bare and stony, but
on the south side of the valley, both east
and west, there are fine groves of olives
and other fruit trees, while vineyards
run up the slopes or cover the levels on
all sides.
Different spots naturally put in a claim
for being the place where Abraham re-
ceived his heavenly visitors. An oak tree
at the Russian Hospice claims still to be
Abraham's oak. This tree, strengthened
anil supported by props, is said to be
actually a surviving relic of the oak
groves of Mamre, famous of old. It is
now the sole representative of the fami-
ly. Age even now, however, tells on it,
lor it has lost more than half its branches
in the last fifty years, and though still
green in parts, it is in others apparently
dead. Its trunk measures thirty-two feet
round, and divides at the height of about
twenty-five feet into enormous branches,
which spread out to a circuit of nearly
They are never alone who are
accompanied by noble thoughts.
Sir Philip Sidney.
one hundred steps. Yet of this tree the
Jewish historian is not afraid to assert
that it was thought to be as old as the
world, and had Abraham receive angels
beneath its shadel Upon the trunk of
this venerable oak are painted "the an-
gels once entertained by Abraham."
The oak of Mamre was always con-
sidered sacred. Upon an altar erected
by Abraham sacrifices were made, and
offerings of wine and incense were
brought to it. And long alter the advent
of Christianity, feasts were held at this
place, and various nations gathered to-
gether there. Christians. Moslems, and
Jews came to pray.
The scene of Abraham's camp is famil-
iar to the observer of nomad life in the
East. During the scorching heat and
glaring light 'of noon, when every living
thing is seeking shelter during the heat
of the day-the birds seek the densest
foliage and the wild animals lie panting
in the thicket-and everything is still and
silent as midnight, Abraham sits in his
tent door under the spreading oak of
Mamie, looking out over the quiet land-
scape.
Listless, languid, and dreamy as he is,
he is at once aroused into the brightest
wakefulness by the sudden apparition of
three strangers. Remarkable as the ap-
pearance no doubt must have been, it
would seem that Abraham did not rec-
ognize the rank of his visitors. He had
seen in his guests only three tired way-
farers, little thinking that among them
is One he might worship without sin. It
was a divine appearance as a Guest, thus
marking Abraham's position of friend-
ship and fellowship with God. It was
"unawares" that he entertained stran-
gers. But when he saw them stand as if
173
inviting invitation to rest, he treated
them as hospitality required him to treat
any wayfarer. He sprang to his feet, ran
and bowed himscll to the ground, and
begged them to rest and eat with him.
The invitation made by Abraham is a
characteristic picture of Eastern hos-
pitality and politeness. The elements of
courtesy, activity, hospitality, and re-
spect are very interesting and noteworthy
and strictly Hue to Eastern life today.
With the extraordinary, and it seems to
those ol "cpldef nature," extravagant
courtesy of an Oriental, he rates of the
very lowest the comlorts he can supply.
It is only a little water he can give to
wash the dust of travel from their feet,
a rest for their tired frames, a morsel of
bread to help them on their way. But
they will do him a kindness if they ac-
cept these small attentions at his hands.
He gives, however, much more than he
olleied. He starts his wife to the im-
mediate kneading ol the meal for baking
on the scorching stones. He runs to
choose the tenderest calf, refusing to
delegate the work to another's hand. He
serves his guests himself and stands as a
servant by their sides under the tree
while they eat. This act of courtesy God
regarded of sufficient importance to re-
cord in His Word; and two thousand
years later it was referred to by an in-
spired writer.
The w hole scene is familiar and Orien-
tal and presents a perfect picture of the
manner in which a modern chief receives
travelers arriving at his encampment:
the hasty baking of bread, the celebra-
tion of a guest's arrival by the killing of
animal food, not on other occasions used
even by the large Hock-masters, the meal
spread in the open air, the black tents
of the encampment stretching back
among the oaks of Mamre, every avail-
able space filled with sheep, asses, cam-
els-the whole is one of those clear pic-
tures which only the simplicity of primi
live life can produce.
Not only, however, as a suitable and
pretty introduction to the narrative is it
recorded how hospitable Abraham re-
ceived these three. It is very true, in-
deed, that the circumstances of a wan
dering pastoral life are peculiarly favor-
able to the cultivation of this grace.
Travelers, then, being the only bringers
of tidings, are greeted from a selfish de-
sire to hear news as well as for belter mo-
tives. Life in tents, too, of neces-.it\
makes men freer in their manners. The\
have no door to lock, no inner rooms to
retire to; their life is spent outside and
their character naturally inclines to
frankness and freedom from the suspi-
cions, fears, and restraints of city life.
Especially is hospitality accounted the
indispensable virtue, and a breach of it
as culpable as a breach of the sixth com-
mandment, because to refuse hospitali-
ty is in many regions equivalent to sub-
jecting a wayfarer to dangers and hard-
ships under w hich he is almost certain to
succumb.
174
GOSPEL HERALD
February 23, 1954
Often in quite a prosaic and unques-
tionable manner does it become appar-
ent to a host that the guests he has been
entertaining have been sent by God, an
angel indeed ministering to his salva-
tion, renewing in him thoughts that had
been dying out, filling his home with
brightness and life, like the smile of
God's own face, calling out kindly feel-
ings, provoking to love and to good
works, effectually helping him onward
and making one more stage of his life
endurable and even blessed.
When in the course of some royal
progress a sovereign deigns to sojourn in
the homestead of one of the subjects of
his realm, the event becomes at once the
theme of chroniclers, and the family
selected for so high an honor is held in
deepened respect. But what shall we say
in the presence of such an episode as this
in which the God of heaven became the
guest of His servant Abraham?
We read of the Deity who alone can
create life and to whom nothing is too
hard. The promise of a son was an-
nounced with the assurance of the near
approach of its fulfillment. Sarah was
sitting inside the flimsy curtain of camel's
hair, secluded after the Eastern fashion
for those of high rank. As she heard the
words she laughed within herself, the
laugh of incredulity. She received the
message with the utter astonishment of
unbelief. She could not credit the pos-
sibility of it. The laugh was at once
noticed by Him from whom nothing can
be hid and whose eyes are as a flame of
fire. With what strange simplicity she
answered through the curtain, denying
that she had laughed, for she was afraid.
But her reply was met by the stern and
Uncompromising assertion, which was al-
together final: "Nay, but thou didst
laugh."
As our Lord Himself came to Abra-
ham trusting to his hospitality, not send-
ing before Him a legion of angels to
awe the patriarch but coming in the
guise of an ordinary wayfarer, so did He
come to His own and make His entrance
among us, claiming only the considera-
tion which He claims loi the least of His
people, and granting to whoever gave
Him that, the discovery of His divine
nature. Still He is coming to us all, re-
quiring of us this grace of hospitality,
not only in the case of every one who
asks of us "a cup of cold water" and
whom our Lord Himself will personate
at the last day and say, "I was a Stranger
and ye took me in," hut also in regard to
those claims upon our heart's reception
which I lc- only in His own person makes.
There is no heart so lowly but that He
will enter. Theie is no home so humble
but that He will make Himself! .1 wel-
come inmate. There is no table so poor-
ly provided but thai He will sit thereat.
• • •
The heavenly visitors then left the
hospitable tent o| Abraham, and with
characteristic courtesy he accompanied
them for a shoit distance on their jour-
ney. The time had come for a further
revelation to Abraham. When judg-
ments were about to be visited upon
hidden from him and he became an in-
tercessor with God for sinners. God re-
Sodom and Gomorrah, the fact was not
vealed His purpose to Abraham for very
weighty reasons. He is to be the means
of blessing to all nations, and it is, there-
fore, necessary for him to know of the
destruction of the two cities of the earth.
God tells Abraham of the terrible sin of
Sodom and Gomorrah, and of His divine
determination to examine into it and to
deal with it accordingly. Thus the serv-
ant of God learns the divine will and
enters more fully into the divine pur-
poses. But Abraham stood before the
Lord and pleaded with Him as the Judge
of all the earth.
Abraham, after all his pleading, is left
in doubt as to the fate of these places.
We remember that at Mamre Abraham
is many miles away. His mind was doubt-
II goes a great way toward making
a man faithful to let him know
that you think him so. — Seneca.
less full of anxiety as to their fate, for
"Abraham gat up early in the morning
to the place where he stood before the
Lord: and he looked toward Sodom and
Gomorrah." He had heard nothing, felt
nothing to enlighten him as to the re-
sult of the Lord's visit to Sodom; so full
of anxious uncertainty he climbs the hill
and looks toward the Dead Sea Plain.
Now again, what is it possible to see from
the high ground at Mamre? Looking to
the south the eye stretches into a wilder-
ness of vast extent. What does he see?
The smoke of the country "as the smoke
of a furnace"; that is all he has to tell
him of the fate of Sodom.
We are looking toward the east. This
was indeed a familiar prospect to Abra-
ham and his family, for we can be as-
sured that the outlines of those distant
hills were practically the same then as
now. How many times they turned their
eyes down this valley in early morning
and at noontime beneath the same sun
that casts its shadows here!
Is this then the place, thought 1, a grass
held witli a huge tree encompassed with
undulating hilltops laid out in fields and
gardens? Does Mamre look quite like
any other valley in this region? Is the
place where Got! appeared to Abraham
a piece of ground in no respect different
from all around it? Yes, such is Mamie.
Such is this holy spot!
Old City, Jerusalem, Jordan.
We believe in nonresistance. not be-
cause we are Mennoniies, but because we
are Cluistians.-Andrew Shelly.
Then— Now— Then
By Menno J. Ebersole
The other evening our bishop called
our attention to the minutes of a meet-
ing which was held at our church on
Thanksgiving Day almost half a century
ago. He noted that many who were at
that meeting are no longer with us and
we are enjoying the fruits of the labors
of those who, as God's servants, carried
on the Lord's work and solved the prob-
lems of their day. And we can sincerely
say, "The lines are fallen unto me in
pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly
heritage."
But it set me thinking— here we are in
the only time at our command, TODAY.
This is our day— our problems, our du-
ties, our responsibilities. Today we are
God's servants, His stewards, His wit-
nesses, His ambasadors. I swallowed hard
as I reminisced— the loved ones, the pil-
lars of the church of those yesteryears:
our former bishop, a minister, and oth-
ers who spoke at that meeting— now gone
to their long home. This writing is
blurred as the passing of those near and
dear to us is again reviewed on the screen
of my memory.
They set the stage for our part in
God's program. That is our heritage.
Remember how they taught us, "In the
beginning God created the heaven and
the earth," "The Lord our God is one
Lord," and the Ten Commandments, the
story of Jesus, and many others. I still
enjoy thinking of our aged brother quot-
ing Scripture from Isa. 53 and 55; Mai.
3:16-18; I Peter 1:3-8. He was overflow-
ing with them, and it made a strong im-
pression upon me during the unstable
>ears of mv teens during World War I.
About that time (40 odd years ago) a
skeptic remarked that our church would
not last forty years. I shudder to think
what our lot might be if our forefathers
had not been faithful, if thev had not
held high the torch to show the way of
salvation. What if they had "set their
affections on things of the earth," and
had not tried to "seek first the kingdom
of God"? And I almost sink sometimes
as I see the waves of materialism, world-
ly pleasures, formalism, and various oth-
er ungodly "civilized" influences beating
high and close on every hand. How
bright are our lights? We claim we have
more light-more books, better teachers,
more education. Do our spiritual lights
show up in proportion as our fluorescent
lights outshine the candles and kerosene
lamps? And what will be the fruits of
our labors as stewards in His vineyard?
If the Lord tarries, will our great-grand-
children still be able to quote Psalm
16:6 as they go from stone to stone on
Decoration Dav?
We are busy nowadavs. aren't we? We
are so busv making a living that we hard-
ly have time to live. In spite of our high-
powered cars and machinery, all The
laborsaving dev ices, built-in everythings,
and automatic turn-ons and shut-offs in
February 23, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
175
A Prayer for This Week
Our heavenly Father, in the quiet of
this morning hour, we come to Thee.
We would rededicate our lives to Thy
service and Thy glory. Accept this our
all.
We come to Thee with praises and
thanksgiving for the blessings of the past
year. Above all, do we thank Thee for
the gift of Thine only Son, by whom we
have been so gloriously redeemed.
The burden of our heart is for the un-
saved of the world. Thy blessed Word
tells us that we may cast our burden
upon Thee and that Thou wilt sustain
us. So we leave it with Thee. Often the
burden which presses so hard is the best-
shaped tool in Thy hand to chisel us for
eternity. Make the work thorough.
We are grateful that Thou dost give
power to the faint, and to them that
have no might Thou increasest strength.
We claim this promise, knowing that
Thou wilt fulfill it. We ask it all in the
name of Jesus.— Bertha Miller.
the barn, hen house, basement, and
kitchen, we don't seem to have as much
time to visit the sick, or our neighbors,
or even our own families as our fore-
fathers had. We don't even have to shift
gears but we can scarcely get to church
on time. 1 wonder what those who have
gone before would consider most impor-
tant in their sojourn on earth. Would
it be their farms, their office, their
wealth, their nice homes? Or would it
be the humble service, sweet commun-
ion, and close walk with the Lord?
Enoch, Elijah, Abraham, Paul, and
countless others are praising God that
they followed where He led. They
"looked for a city .... whose builder
and maker is God," and their faith was
accounted to them for righteousness. Of
course, one who doesn't provide for his
own is worse than an infidel, and we are
to be stewards of these things, but I find
myself constantly shifting to the other
foot-50 years from now will we be wish-
ing—?
You will recall a successful man who
probably had not yet lived fifty years,
who had struck it rich, who was an in-
fluential citizen, a shrewd politician, and
undoubtedly a respectable member of
society. It may be that they had just
buried his saintly mother, since he sud-
denly came to himself and thought of
the future— oh, yes, he was socially, po-
litically, and financially secure, but what
about his soul? We find him coming to
Jesus. He didn't seek any difficult favors;
he wasn't sick or blind or in want. He
merely wanted Jesus to give him a pass-
port to heaven. He probably was sincere.
He was perfectly willing to do a good
deed. And as the Master tried to lead
him to a full commitment, lie remem-
bered how his mother had taught him
the Ten Commandments, and he hadn't
sowed any wild oats when he was young,
and he was a law-abiding citizen. But
oh, no! not that! anything but that! I
worked hard for what 1 have, and I got
it honestly, and I'm hanging on to every
bit of it. And he turned away. For al-
most two thousand years he has been
sorry he turned down Jesus that night.
Early one morning another foolish man
wished he had planned to use his wealth
for unselfish purposes, and still another
rich man wasn't in hell one second until
he would gladly have given Lazarus not
just crumbs, but the key to his deep
freeze.
There are so many other areas of stew-
ardship, our time, our talents, the min-
istry of reconciliation, ". . . as good stew-
ards of the manifold grace of God."
"Take heed, ... a man's life consisteth
not in the abundance of the things which
he possesseth." And so, as we sit here
thinking and pondering, and as we hear
this same Master say today (as He did
then, and will then), "Blessed are those
servants [steward, v. 42] whom the lord
when he cometh shall find . . . (faith-
ful]," wouldn't it be wise to do what we
can about the past, take proper care of
the present, so we won't have to worry
about the future? Yes, Jesus is coining
again. For some-the resurrection; for
some— the rapture, but alas, for some-
eternal damnation. Then shall He say,
"Come, ye blessed . . . ," but then shall
He also turn to the left and say, "De-
part . . . , ye cursed . . . ."
"Behold NOW is the day of salva-
tion." The Apostle John said that it
takes more than good intentions and
resolutions. I John 3:18.
Kokomo, Ind.
The High Cost of Getting Even
To suffer offense is mankind's common
experience. To forgive oflense is the
achievement of relatively few. The rest
of us never forget an injury, and allow ill
will, vindictiveness, and resentment to
overcome us. Outwardly, we may ex-
hibit either friendliness, generosity, tol-
erance, or love, as our circumstances may
require, but we are acting, and deep in
our hearts we have a strong desire to
get even. But the cost of getting even is
too high. None of us can afford it. It
becomes a moral boomerang that does
more harm to us than to our enemies.
The Chinese teach us that "The fire you
kindle for your enemy burns yourself
more than him." Let's read the price
tags on our refusal to forgive.
Ill Health. Someone has said that "A
strong feeling of resentment is just as
likely to cause disease as a germ." And
Prayer Requests —
(Requests jor litis eolumn must be signed)
Pray for the blessing of the Spirit upon
the annual Youth Retreat at Trenque
Lauqucn, Argentina, Feb. 21-March 5.
Pray for a father who is at present in a
hospital, and who desperately needs
deliverance from the power of sin and
Satan.
Pray for the Billy Graham evangelistic
campaign beginning in London, Eng-
land, March 1.
Pray for a couple who were converted
in a Brunk revival campaign and are
now seeking the will of the Lord in
finding a church home.
Pray for a lady who has gone away from
the teachings of her childhood, that
the Holy Spirit may be able to speak
to her.
the director of a famous clinic has writ-
ten, "It is not an overstatement to say
that 50 per cent of the problems of the
acute stages of an illness, and 75 per
cent of the difficulties of convalescence
have their primary origin, not in body,
but in the mind of the patient." It is a
wonderful experience to be forgiven, but
it is more wonderful to forgive. I am
convinced that many people could im-
prove their health by washing their
hearts clean of ill will and resentment.
Separation from God. This is a still
higher price we pay for refusing to for-
give those who trespass against us. When
we refuse to forgive our fellow man, we
make it impossible for God to forgive
us. An unforgiving man is an unfor-
given man. You have heard the condi-
tions of divine forgiveness: "Forgive
ihose who trespass against you." "When
you standing praying, forgive, if you have
anything against anyone, so that your
heavenly Father may forgive you." From
the beginning Christian doctrine has
recognized the futility of religious acts
In men of ill will. No matter what our
profession may be. our unforgiving spir-
it makes it impossible for us to walk with
God. Any one of us can have his heart
full of ill will. Any one of us can have
his heart full of God. No one can have
both at the same time. Ill health and
separation from God is the cost we must
pay for prolonged desire to get even with
someone. Leviticus 19:16 is Bible teach-
ing for all. Some people just live for
talebearing and that isn't restoration the
way the Bible teaches. Revenge tears
down any church.— A Reader, La Junta,
Colo.
17G
GOSPEL HERALD
February 25, 1954
The Revelation of Jesus Christ
By J. L. Stauffer
(Third Parenthesis or Inset following
the Seventh Trumpet)
25. The Two Wonders, The Woman
and the Dragon. Rev. 12.
Highly symbolic language is found in
this chapter and it is certain that we can-
not unueisland it without comparing
Scripture wuh Scripture, except as inter-
pretation is associated with me symbol.
This is a scene in heaven, some things
having taken place on earth in the past
and some occurring on earth later.
The woman is a great wonder. Being
clothed with the sun, moon, and stars
suggests Joseph's prophetic dream rela-
tive to Israel. (!sce Gen. 37:(J.) Jacob
understood Joseph's dream as referring
to himself and family and subsequent
history confirms Jacob's interpretation
of it.
'1 he attempt of the dragon to destroy
the man-child suggests the incidents as-
sociated with the birth and childhood oi
Jesus rellected in the satanic hatred of
King Herod.
1 lie man-child is to rule all nations.
This answers to the prediction in Psalm
2:9 and other references and distinctly
identifies this one as the Son of God.
Jesus Christ is distinctly the seed of the
woman and we know that He came
through Israel. Rom. 9:4; Micah 4:10;
5:2.
The man-child is caught up to God
and to His throne. The entire earthly
ministry is passed over and only His
birth and ascension are noted.
The casting down of one third of the
stars may refer to the dellection among
the angels when Satan was expelled from
the heaven ol heavens where God is.
Some commentators think the woman
is the Christian Church, but this seems
an impossible interpretation because the
woman was belore the man-child. The
New Testament church was built by
Ghrist. Since Jesus came of the gotlh
remnant of Israel, represented by such
people as Zacharias, Joseph, Mary, Sim
eon, Anna, and many more of the
common and believing Israelites, it ap-
pears that this godly group would be rep-
leseuiaiivc ol the woman ralhei than
the official Judaism ol the time. Rom.
9:4, 5. From the birth and ascension of
Jesus those representative of the woman
are passed over until the end time and
the events that follow.
Following the ascension of the man-
child, the woman is next pictured as
fleeing into a place of refuge prepared
of God because ol satanic opposition for
1,260 clays. What is said identilies this
as oc (iiii ing in the end time.
Don't say that it will not take place,
when we have the example of 1 nation
living in Egypt and sheltered miracul-
ously from the wrath of Pharaoh and
from the judgments of God that came
upon the ungodly F.gyptian woild.
The description of the ejection of Sa-
tan appears as a parenthesis within a
parenthesis and covers verses 7-12. In
verse 6 we have a description of the wom-
an and in verse 13 the woman is again
mentioned. W hat happens to the wom-
an necessitated more detail concerning
the devil, hence the description of verses
7-12.
It is Michael the archangel who dis-
puted with the devil about the body of
Moses (Jude 9; who again contends with
the devil and ejects him from heaven.
The angels ol the devil are ejected with
him. The devil and his angels are now
limited to the earth. The accuser of the
brethren is cast out. Saints overcome the
de»il through the blood of the Lamb
and by the word of their testimony. They
HESSTON COLLEGE NEWS
$2547 was given by students, faculty and
stall of Hesston College during the "Y" Drive
in Chapel Thursday morning, February 4.
The Young People's Christian Association
is composed of students working together
to promote the cause of Christ. The "Y" is
the largest and most active organization on
the campus. Almost all the 300 students are
included in its membership.
Approximately 80 students leave the cam-
pus each week to participate in some "Y"
activity. These activities include teaching
in mission Sunday schools and churches, jail
services, street meetings, hospital and Old
People's Home visitation, home and shut-in
visitation, tract distribution and other forms
of literature evangelism.
$2100 was given at the "Y" Drive in 1952.
In 1953 the total was $2193.35. This year the
budget prepared by the "Y" cabinet, called
for $1685, but $2547 was given. The money
obtained this year will be used in next year's
"Y" activities.
$500 will be used to maintain the "Y"
radio broadcast, "Christ for You." The new
colored mission in Wichita, the "Y's" most
recent endeavor, will receive $300 to enlarge
its clTcctivencss. In addition to the work
done by "Y" personnel, they will give $150
to Flcsston College for the Foreign Student
fund and $100 will be used for the Indian
Migrant work, Grants, New Mexico.
Fifty six ordained men attended the Min-
isters' Week activities on the Hesston College
campus from February 2-5. These ministers
represented four denominations. The group
came to Hesston from Nebraska. Iowa, Col-
orado, Missouri, Oklaboma, Arkansas, In-
diana, Illinois, and Kansas. One minister on
furlough from India and one from Argen-
tina were also attending. Fach morning at
8:45 the ministers began the cl.iv with a Bi-
ble Study from the book of Micah led by
Ivan R. Find. mcml>er of the Bible faculty
at Hesston. J. H. Koppenhaver, missionary
on furlough from Argentina instructed the
loved God more than life.
A "woe-' is uttered on behalf of the
inhabited of the earth because the devil
is come down among them and he knows
now that he has but a short time until
he will be bottled up in the bottomless
Pil- r
The woman is given two wings ol a
great eagle and she is nourished and pro-
tected for a time, times, and half a time.
We mav not understand what is meant
by eagle wings that were given to the
woman, but it is interesting to note that
Israel was carried on eagle wings. Ex.
19:4. Likewise we do not know what is
meant by the flood that Satan uses, ex-
cept that enemies of God's people have
been likened unto a Hood. Isa. 8:7; 17:
12, 13; Jer. 46:7, 8.
ordained men on "Missionary Education in I
the Local Congregation." Following these
two periods of instruction, the ministers met
with the students and faculty for the daily
Chapel meditation. Two of the Chapel pe-
riods were devoted to the Conrad Grebel
Lectures by Brother Milo Kauffman on
"Christian Stewardship." The afternoon I
classes for the ministers included, "The Mean-
ing and Means of Worship" by J. P. Duerk- !
sen and "The Education and Evangelization .
of Children" taught by Gideon G. Yoder, I
heaJ of the Bible department. One period I
each afternoon was devoted to group discus- I
s:ons on current questions facing the Chris- I
tian Church, especially pastors. President I
Roy D. Roth served as Chairman and Broth- |
er Earl Buckwalter, bishop of the Pennsyl-
vania Mennonite Church, assistant Chair-
man of the Ministers' Week Program.
Eighty churches are included in the tena-
tive itinerary for the post-commencement
gospel team tour. The tour will include al-
most every state west of the Mississippi River
plus Alberta and Saskatchewan Provinces in
Canada. Team personnel include Joyce Ging-
erich, Chappell. Nebraska: Velda M'iller, Elk-
hart, Indiana; Donald White, Peabody, Kan-
sas, and Peter Hartman, Goshen, Indiana.
Brother Merle Bender will serve as faculty
sponsor.
Mrs. Mahlon Eigsti, instructor in the high
school department, attended the annual exe-
cutive committee meeting of the Women's
Missionary and Sewing Circle Organiza-
tion. The ladies met at the Chicago Home
Mission January 29 and 30. During the
meeting, the executive committee planned
the activities of the organization for the com-
ing year. Mrs. Eigsti is General Secretary of
the WMSCO.
A 300-word homily prepared by Brother
Milo Kaullman will appear in the 1955 vol-
ume of Higlcy's Evangelical Sunday School
Lesson Commentary. The theme for this
homily is ". . . prepare your hearts unto the
Lord, and serve him only: and he will de-
OUR SCHOOLS
February 23, 1954
liver you . . ."—I Samuel 7:3. Brother KaufT-
man is also one of the 52 ministers who has
been asked to contribute a homily for the
1956 volume. The basis for this homily will
be ". . . seek ye first the kingdom of God,
and his righteousness, and all these things
shall be added unto you . . ."— Matihcw 6:33.
GOSPEL HERALD
Brother and Sister Maurice A. Yoder
visited the Crystal Springs congregation,
Crystal Springs. Kans., Sunday, January 24.
The subject of Brother Yoder's morning ser-
mon was "I Believe in God." In the evening
he spoke on the subject "Youth Sees God
Manifest in Creation."
CHURCH HISTORY
The Mennonites Establishing
Themselves in Pennsylvania
By John C. Wencer
/. Immigration
Stray Dutch Mennonite traders were
in New Amsterdam, now New York, as
early as 1644. And in 1663 a Dutchman
named Cornelius Plockhoy established
a colony on a stream called the Hore-
kill which flows into Delaware Bay. A
number of Mennonites were included in
the Plockhoy Colony. The colony had
a short life, being destroyed by the Eng-
lish a year or two after its founding. It
was not until 1683 that a permanent
colony of Quakers and Mennonites was
founded several miles from Philadelphia.
Since it was settled by immigrants from
Crefeld Germanv, it got the name Ger-
mantown attached to it. "I have many
chickens and geese, and a garden," wrote
one settler to a friend in Europe some
time after his arrival in 1684, "and shall
next year have an orchard if I am well,
so that my wife and I are in good spirits
and are reaching a condition of ease and
prosperity. ..." The settlers of 1683
all came from Crefeld, Germany; they
were followed in turn by Mennonites
from the Lower Rhine; from Hamburg-
Altona; from the Palatinate; and from
the Netherlands: a total of about forty
Mennonite families having settled in
Germantown between 1683 and 1708.
In the year 1709 Mennonite immigra-
tion to North America began in real
earnest. The immigrants of the follow-
ing decades were not Dutch but Pala-
tines. William Penn, founder of Penn-
sylvania, wrote to his secretary in Penn-
sylvania, James Logan: "Herewith comes
the Palatines, whom use with tenderness
and love, and fix them so that they may
send over an agreeable character; for
they are sober people, divers Mennon-
ites, and will neither swear nor fight. See
that Guy has used them well." (Guy
was their ship captain.)
2. Settlements
The first outpost of the Germantown
settlement was about twentv miles to
the northwest, a place in what is now
Montgomery County called Skippack.
Some Germantown Mennonites settled
at Skippack as early as 1702. The Pala-
tine Mennonite immigrants of 1709 and
the following years passed by the town
of Germantown and pressed on to the
Skippack rural area. Other settlements
were made in rapid succession: the
Schuylkill Valley and the Manatawny
section (now Chester, Montgomery, and
Berks counties, Pennsylvania); other sec-
tions of Montgomery County, and in
Bucks and Lehigh counties. The oldest
congregations of the Franconia Confer-
ence settlements were Skippack, Coven-
try Hereford, Swamp, and Deep Run. In
the eighteenth century the Franconia
Conference had churches all over the
southeastern counties of Pennsylvania:
Philadelphia, Montgomery, Chester,
Bucks, Berks, Lehigh, and Northampton.
The bulk of the settlers were not Dutch,
but Swiss by ethnic origin, most of thern
coming, however, not from Switzerland
directly', but from the Palatinate.
The most prosperous settlement in
Pennsylvania was not that which radi-
ated outward from the counties just men-
tioned, however. This distinction be-
longs to the Pequea and Conestoga set-
tlements which in time developed into
the crreat Lancaster Mennonite Confer-
ence It was in 1710 that the original
Pequea settlement was made in the gen-
eral area of the village of Willow Street.
What is now Lancaster County was then
a part of Chester. (The town of Lan-
caster was at first known as Hickory
Town.) The Conestoga settlement was
made in 1717. In the following decades
a strong immigration of Swiss (Palatine)
Mennonites swelled the original settle-
ments and formed new ones. The Hick-
ory Town area became the most power-
ful Mennonite colony in Pennsylvania,
in Colonial America, and even today is
stronger than any other Mennonite con-
ference east of the Mississippi.
The familv names of Franconia and
Lancaster are almost completely sepa-
rate: in Franconia we find such names as
Alderfer, Allebach, Biehn, Bechtel, Beid-
ler, Bergey, Cassel, Clemens, Clemmer,
Derstine, Detweiler, Fried, Funk, Geh-
man, Geisinger, Godshalk, Gross, Halde-
man, Hiestand, Hoch, Hunsberger, Hun-
sicker, Jansen (Johnson now), Kolb,
Landis, ' Lapp. Leatherman, Lederach,
Mack, Meyer-Mover. Nice. Oberholtzer,
Overholt, Pannebecker, Reiff, Rickert,
Rittenhouse, Rosenberger, Rush, Ruth,
177
Shelly, Souder, StaufTer, Stover, Swart-
ley, Tyson, Walter, Weber, Wismer,
Yoder, Yothers, Young, and Ziegler. In
Lancaster one finds such names as Auker,
Baer, Boll, Boniberger, Bowman, Boyer,
Brackbill, Brenneman, Brubacher, Buch-
er, Buckwalter, Buikhart, Burkholder,
Charles, Danner, Denlinger, Doner,
Eberly, Ebersole, Eby, Erb, Eshleman,
Forrey', Frantz, Gehman, Geigley, Ging-
rich, Good, Graybill, Greider, Groff, Ha-
backer, Harnish, Hernley, Herr, Hersh-
ey, Hess, Horning, Hoover, Horst, Hos-
tetter, Kauflman, Keener, K e n d i g,
Greider-Kreider, Kurtz, Landis, Lauver,
Leaman, Lehman, Lefever, Longenecker,
Lutz, Martin, Mellinger, Metzler, Miller,
Mosemann, Musser, Myers, Newcomer,
Newswanger, Nissley, Nolt, Oberholtzer,
Ranck, Ressler, Reist, Risser, Rohrer,
Roth, Rupp, Rutt, Sauder, Seitz, Senger,
Sensenig, Shank, Shenk, Shertzer, Shirk,
Shope, Sieber, Snavely, Stauffer, Stoner,
Strickler, Weber-Weaver, Weiney, Weng-
er, Wert, Winner, Zeiset, and Zimmer
man.
3. Daily Life
In Colonial America life centered
about the home and the church. Little
else concerned the settlers. Their first
task was to clear the forests, build them-
selves homes, and erect a dual-purpose
building for church and school. The
women "manufactured soap from fat, lye,
and rain water. Rye or whole-wheat
bread was also homemade. They spun
flax and made clothing for the entire
family. They also made butter, cheese,
and apple butter at home. Wine and
whisky were considered essential for ton-
ics, for medicine, and for moderate social
drinking. The use of tobacco was also
common. Prior to 1825 the usual mode
of travel was riding horses. The men
were compelled to do all their farm work
by hand; there was much backbreaking
work and no laborsaving inventions.
The clothing of the pioneers would
appear quaint today: The men wore
buckle shoes, knee breeches, frock coats
without lapels, and high silk or braver
hats. The women wore plain headdress,
a long and full plain dress, and large
cloaks? About the time of the Revolu-
tionary War long trousers began to be
worn by the men. In summertime the
men went barefoot a great deal, even to
the "meeting" (religious service). The
big social events were marriages and fu-
nerals when the whole community came
together. The language of the pioneers
was Palatine German to which in the
course of time considerable English was
added, producing the famous "Pennsyl-
vania Dutch." Aver die Leit saage zu
viel ivver die Sprooch, un' viel saage
meh' a's sie icisse'. (People talk about
the language too much, and many say
more than they know.)
4. The Church
The church life of the pioneers was
simple, dignified, sincere, and satisfying.
Continued on page 189
178
GOSPEL HERALD
February 23, 1954
FAMILY CIRCLE
"Where Love, There's Heaven"
By Mary K. Jacobs
Where love, there's heaven and the home
So blest, there none will wish to roam;
Where Christian kindliness and mirth
Prevail, there's joy and peace on earth.
When loving hearts forgive the pain
And hurt of little things, they gain
In peace and wisdom through the years;
Where love, there's joy amidst the tears.
No worldly gossip, vice, or strife
Can ever build the better life,
And he who hates must learn to love
And look within and look above.
Where love, there's heaven and the home
So blest, there none will wish to roam.
— The United Evangelical.
Is Your Home Divided?
By Dorothy Haskin
"Lord, save my husband," and "Lord,
save my wife," are prayers that arise
daily from thousands of earnest believ-
ers who are faced with the disappoint-
ments of a home divided on the most
important of all issues.
Probably every Christian who is mar-
ried to an unsaved man or woman
yearns deeply for his or her salvation
and often wonders why God does not
answer the prayers that ascend every day.
There may be many reasons why God
has not answered praver. One of the
most common is that the Christian part-
ner in marriage does not start with the
prayer that is pleasing to God.
"Lord, please save my husband." is
not the place to begin with God. There
is only one place to begin with God and
it is the same place that the unsaved be-
gins: "Lord, forgive me. I am a sinner."
One must begin at the same place when
praying for an unsaved mate-vvith re-
pentance. "Forgive me for marrying out
of Thy will. I was wrong."
How hard it is to admit it! The aver
age human bring would rather do any-
thing than admit he is wrong. Could
it have been a sin to marry the lovt lv
girl with the gay smile?
How much easier to sav, she is wron»
because she is not a Christian. The
truth is, you were wrong when you mar-
ried one who was not a Christian. The
first step is to look your sin in the fair
and admit it.
"But I wasn't properly taught in the
Scriptures."
Ignorance is no excuse with God. Fire
burns, if a baby knows it or not. The
Bible is an open book and the laws of
God are inexorable. God expected you
to know better than to marry a girl, or
a man, who did not put Christ first in his
life.
Or you weren't a Christian when you
were married. But that does not help.
"Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he
also reap." You are reaping the reward
of rejecting Him so long.
Or you knew better, but you married
him anyway, counting on the Lord to
forgive you, and to save your mate. You
should have seen to it that he was a
Christian before you married him, but
love is a powerful opiate. Now the effect
has worn off, and vou face the grim real-
ity of marriage with one who may have
no higher standard than his own desire.
Perhaps you should confess farther
back than your marriage. How did you
happen to know an unsaved person well
enough to marrv him? Or was your love
tinged with ambition? Did vou want a
man who would achieve worldly success?
Or a girl who attracted you physicallv?
Or you lacked faith. You could not see
that being single and lonely in the will
of God was preferable to a second-rate
marriage.
Next, search your heart. Why do vou
want your mate saved? Is it because if
he were a Christian it would be more
convenient for you? Perhaps he wouldn't
waste his monev as he does now, and he
would eo to church with you more will-
ingly, It may be that you want the feel-
in? of satisfact ion that comes with bein^
able to sav, "Mv husband is a Christian."
and knowine that he would enjoy vour
social activities.
Mrs. Carver never won her husband
to the Lord. He was a railroad man with
brusoue manners. When thev were first
married he went to a church dinner
with her. She was embarrassed because
he laughed so loudlv and she corrected
his manners. He never went near that
"tonev" church aeain. She had permit-
ted her social inclinations to outweigh
her desire for his soul's salvation.
Base and selfish motives slip in with-
out our being aware of them. Pur?e
them out. See vour partner as a lost soul
and prav for his salvation.
God forbid that vou should be com-
placent about vour loved one's salvation,
expecting that snmrdax he will hecome
a Christian. Fverv morning, across the
breakfast table, look at him as lost. That
dav he mav die and t;o to hell. It is pos-
sible, He lias defied or foreotten God.
Whv should God be merciful? Yet He
is, "The Lord is not slack concerning
bis promise, as some men count slack-
ness; but is lons;sufTering to us-ward.
not willing that anv should perish." But
we are wise not to take advantage of the
mercy of God. "He that being often re-
proved hardeneth his neck, shall sudden-
ly be destroyed, and that without rem-
edy."
Is your mate's being "good" prevent-
ing you from being ardent in your
prayers? No person who is ungrateful
to a loving Lord is "good." That very-
fact shows his pride and self-righteous-
ness.
You may have married one of three
types of non-Christians. He may have
been from a fanatical home, from a nom-
inal home, or he may simply be occupied
with the cares of this world and the de-
ceitfulness of riches. Matt. 13:22.
The fanatical home is a fact. Any-
thing carried to extreme repels— candy,
dogs, gambling, or religion. I have a
friend who is the world's worst house-
keeper. Her daughter, in desperation, is
neat. The person from the fanatical I
home must be shown that Christ is both
attractive and normal.
With the person from the nominal
home you have to break down the preju-
dice of ignorance. They have stock ques-
tions. Whv is it necessary to go to
church? What about the hypocrites? I'm
as good as the next person. You must
learn the stock answers, for prejudice
can be broken down, "precept upon pre-
cept, line upon line."
With the man or woman occupied
with "the cares of this world" you must J
be patient. To a certain extent, they are I
right. A man has to earn a living. House- I
work must be done. They must see that
religion not only does not interfere with
your doing these things, but that it helps
you to live more successfully, because
you lead a balanced life.
In reaching the non-Christian, certain
basic principles must be applied to your
campaign.
You must know vour objective. What
is it? To reform him? To make him
good? To get him to go to church? In-
stead of these it is to bring him into a
living relationship with Christ, by hav-
ing him accept Christ as Saviour, and j
live as Christ would have him.
You must arouse his interest in know-
ing more of Christ. One of the cardinal
principles of psychologv is that what
we know, we like, and what we do not
know, we do not like.
You can't arouse interest bv force. 1
Christ stands at the door of the heart
and knocks. Don't always discuss reli-
gious topics. Let your conversation be
seasoned with salt.
Bring Christ subtly into the home bv
means of Scriptural calendars, plaques. 1
high-grade Christian literature, and in- '
terestincr radio programs. Lse a Promise
Box. (Boxes of cards with one verse on
each.') When the occasion arises, read
the one verse. To the unsaved, one verse
seems reasonable. A verse at a time, like
dripping water, will wear away the stonv
heart. And it is God's Word, not yours,
which will win him.
(Continued on pa<j« 189)
February 23, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
TO BE NEAR TO GOD
THEME: WHAT IS MAN?
Sunday, February 28
Read Psalm 139:1-14 — Man's Body.
"I am fearfully and wonderfully made."
The human body generates enough heat
each day to bring twenty-five pots of coffee
to a boil. The human brain has about ten
million nerve cells. The eyes are connected
to the brain by 300,000 separate lines which
carry signals to the brain. If all the capil-
laries in a human body were placed end to
end, they would reach 100,000 miles. In an
average lifetime the heart beats over two
billion times without a shutdown for repairs,
pumping 10,000 quarts of blood each day
through the blood vessels. The ears, lungs,
digestive system, skin, and many other parts
are in themselves marvelous scientific struc-
tures. '"Marvelous are thy works; and that
my soul knovveth right well."
Monday, March 1
Read Psalm 8 — Man as a Worm.
Four times in the Bible man is spoken of
as being a worm: in Job 17:14 where Job is
speaking of the brevity of the earth life, in
Job 25:6 where Bildad is presenting an erro-
neous philosophy of life, in Psalm 22 where
it is prophesied that the Messiah should be
despised of men, and in Isa. 41:14 where
God calls Jacob a worm in comparing his
strength with that of God's.
In size man is as a speck compared to the
vastness of the universe. In power he is as
a worm compared to the power of God. In
length of life his days are as a shadow that
passeth away. "What is man, that thou art
mindful of him?"
Tuesday, March 2
Read Gen. 1:26. 27; 2:7, 21-25 — Man In the Image of
God.
Speak not of man as being a worm unless
you refer to his earth life. To do so is dis-
respectful to man and to God. Rather, up-
hold the dignity and importance of man.
Man was created in the image of God! To
have a feeling of inferiority is sin. To be
meek and humble is becoming for the Chris-
tian; to feel inferior, never. One may feel
inferior as to certain abilities but not as a
person. We are created in the image of God
mentally, morally, and spiritually. What a
tremendous thought!
Wednesday, March 3
Read Col. 3:5-11 — The Mind oi Man.
Man was created in the image of God
mentally. Let the scientists scan the heavens
with their telescopes. Let them examine the
smallest particles of matter with their micro-
scopes. They can find nothing greater than
the mind of man. Of all the earthly creation,
only man can think through complex prob-
lems and remember volumes of thought ma-
terial. Only he can profit from past expe-
riences. Only he is capable of development
and progress from generation to generation.
The new man in Christ is renewed in knowl-
edge after the image of Him who created
him.
Thursday, March 4
Read Eph. 4:17-24— The Moral Nature oi Man.
Man was created in the image of God
morally. Adam and Eve were given the
knowledge and the privilege of choice be-
tween right and wrong. Only man of all
earthly creatures has a moral nature. God
expects man to be righteous, and righteous-
ness consists of personal uprightness and
fidelity to social duties. For this reason God
gave the Ten Commandments and numerous
other injunctions to His people. For this
reason He pleaded with them to choose the
right and reject the wrong. The moral na-
ture of man carries with it great responsi-
bility but makes possible virtue and reward.
179
Friday, March 5
Read I John 1; Eph. 4:24— -Man as a Spirit.
Man was created in the image of God
spiritually. God is a spirit, and so is man.
God was not satisfied with only an animal
creation. He said, "Let us make man in our
image." In the words of the Negro preacher,
"God was lonely; so He said, Til make me a
man.'" Presumptuous though it may seem
to the unbeliever, God values the friendship
of His children. Not only do we need God,
but God needs us. That is why He created
us. "Truly our fellowship is with the Father,
and with his Son Jesus Christ."
Saturday, March 6
Read John 1:11-13; Rev. 21:1-7— The Destiny oi the
Believer.
What a glorious position the believer has
and what a glorious future is in store for
him! We do not need to envy princes or
kings or rich men. We are sons of God!
The worldling does not know the joys con-
nected with sonship, for it is said, "Eye hath
not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered
into the heart of man, the things which God
hath prepared for them that love him" (I
Cor. 2:9). "But God hath revealed them
unto us by his Spirit." We have many of
these joys now, but the time is coming when
we shall be with God, and He will be our
God and we shall be His children forever.
What a glorious destiny for man !
— Edward L. Kauffman.
Lord of Life and Death
Sunday School Lesson for March 7
(John 11)
Here's as thrilling a story as one could hope
to find. Read it together (the whole chapter)
in class and see Jesus as Lord of life and
death. Imagine you were at Bethany.
Sickness comes into the home of Jesus'
friends. Verses 1-4. But Jesus was not there
to heal. Word is sent concerning the sickness
of Lazarus. What did Jesus know about the
trouble of His friends, which was death, not
sickness?
What attitude did Jesus take? Verses 5-16.
How do we explain that love tarried so long?
Knowing that Jesus' hour of death was near,
we see how concerned He was that their faith
in Him as the Messiah, the Son of God, should
be strengthened "for your sakes." Don't miss
the love of Thomas.
Love takes Jesus to Bethany. What did He
find? Verses 17-33. Although Lazarus had
died and although Martha and Mary both
believed that Jesus could have healed Lazarus
and prevented his death, they both, particu-
larly Martha, still trusted in Him to give
them aid. Perhaps they anticipated comfort
from Him, such as the Jewish desolation
and despair of their friends could not. Some-
how they believed in Jesus. Do you think
Martha expected the miracle?
At the grave the Son of God was glorified
before the disciples, before Mary and Martha
and Lazarus, before their Jewish friends, and
before some Pharisees perhaps. Verses 34-45.
Imagine you were there and heard Jesus pray
to God. Why did He do this? Hear Him
call Lazarus from death to life. See the great
miracle. Surely this work could be of none
other than the Son of God. What do you
think? Were they all convinced? Was it not
just as much a miracle to raise their faith
and spirit from the dead as it was to raise
Lazarus from physical death? Jesus gives
life. . . _
Perhaps you will want to notice how Jesus
identified Himself with sorrow. This is a
glimpse into the heart of Jesus that does us
all good. # , ,
What difference in this raising and Jesus
resurrection? ,
What were the effects of this great sign or.
the divinity of Jesus? Verses 46-54. How
amazing that Jesus would raise Lazarus,
which act only intensified the hostility of the
rulers! But He had set His face toward Je-
rusalem—toward His great act of redemp-
tion. In all Jesus' acts there is purpose. Once
more Jesus had given the rulers a loud call
to believe in Him. He was not willing that
any should perish.
— Alta Mae Erb.
Lesson based on "International Sunday School Les-
sons: the International Bible Lessons for Christian
Teaching," copyrighted 1951 by the Division of Chris-
tian Education National Council of the Churches oi
Christ in the U.S.A.
Known sin unconfessed takes away the
sweetness of prayer fellowship.
180
GOSPEL HERALD
February 25, 1954
FIELD NOTES
Items to appear In this column for any luue of the
following Tuesday mutt reach Scottdale by Wednes-
day morning.
Goshen College has been accepted as a
member of the American Association of
Colleges for Teacher Education according to
announcement made by AATC headquarters
in Chicago on Feb. 12, 1954, at which time
eleven other colleges and universities out of
twenty-seven under consideration were given
the same recognition. Goshen is the fourth
institute in Indiana and the first church col-
lege of the state to he granted this acceptance.
This shows appreciation for the high quality
of work that is being done in the training
and education of teachers at Goshen College
and gives wider recognition and greater
opportunities of service for those trained in
this church institution.
The S. E. Allgyer Memorial Fund has
been established for the purpose of provid-
ing hooks for the libraries of the Oak Grove
Church and the Orphans' Home, West Liber-
ty, Ohio, and large-type New Testaments
for the Old People's Home, Rittman, Ohio.
Donations arc welcomed and may be sent to
Everett Yoder, Trcas., West Liberty, Ohio.
Bro. Ben Springer, minister of the Hope-
dale, 111., congregation, recently underwent
surgery at the Methodist Hospital, Peoria, 111.
Communion services were held at the La
Junta, Colo., Mennonite Church, Feb. 14,
with Bro. Allen H. Erb in charge.
On Monday forenoon and afternoon, Feb.
15, the ministers of Northeastern Ohio met
Table of Contents
169 — Mennonite A'tltud»« Towi-d Rl'hes
How Murh O>ioht I to Give? (Poem)
170 — Onr R»"H«.r« Riv
171— Church Perl-rtlrr-ls
More A*-out Giving
172— Thank You
It Happened
171 — Under OnV of Mamre
174 — T*-en — Now — Then
175— A Prayer for This Week
Prayer Reauests
The Hlqh C-it of Getting Even
176 — Hesston College N ••■■/ ,
The Revelation ol J«*us Christ
177— The Monnonltes Establishing Themselves In
Pennsylvania
I7B— "Where I -ve, There'* Heaven" (Poem)
Is Y-ur Home Plvlded?
179- T-i Re Near to God
RiinH"-' School Lesson lor March 7
180 I'l-'d Notes
Calendar
181 — Mission News
Yo'ir Treasurer Renorts
187 - 'el's Give Them T-.hr, Bibles
184— To'ir Times In Argentina
Why Summer Serv'ce?
Pile Into Our l-va Jeep
185- -The Monn"nlte Hour
Keeping Busy In Puerto Rico
Four Characteristics ol Latin American Missions
188— "RSC Weekly Notes
VCC Weekly Not,,
Women's Activities
187- From Our Churches
188— See'ng the Sun Set
190— Births
191 — Marriages
Anniversaries
Obituaries
Items and Comments
at the Beech Church, Louisville, Ohio, to-
gether with two representatives of the Men-
nonite Board of Educat on relative to estab-
lishing a church high school for eastern Ohio.
A meeting for the same purpose was held
for patrons and interested parents at the
Orrville, Ohio, Church that same evening.
Change of Address. — Bro. Harold M. Fly,
from Quakertown, Pa., to R. 5, Bethlehem,
Pa. Bro. Fly is pastor of the Steel City Mis-
sion in Bethlehem.
Bro. H. R. Schertz, Metamora, 111., passed
away on Feb. 9, as a result of a cerebral
hemorrhage. He had taken ill while on the
way to Florida, returned on doctor's orders,
and died soon after reaching home. Bro.
Schertz was well known not only as a bishop
in the Illinois Conference, but for his activity
in many church-wide organizations. May
the Lord comfort the bereaved.
The annual financial report of one of our
larger congregations shows contributions of
SI 10.09 per member, more than twice the
average ($51.24) for our whole denomina-
tion for 1951. If enough of us continue to
increase our giving the general average will
go constantly higher. Seventh-Day Adven-
tists last year gave $165.26, it is reported.
The enrollment of the Michigan Mennon-
ite Bible School held at Fairview, Mich., for
this winter's term was 87. The evening
classes for the local people, held twice a
week, were attended by about 110.
Sister Sue Wissler, Lititz, Pa., writes that
she and someone else exchanged bonnets at
a meeting at the Hammer Creek Church,
Dec. 1. Her bonnet has a red "W" inside.
She would appreciate changing back with
the person who has her bonnet.
On Jan. 17 Bro. Wm. McGarth was li-
censed and installed as minister of the Salem
congregation, Forakcr, Ind., for one year by
Bro. Ray F. Yoder.
Ordination. — Bro. Peter Wiebe was or-
dained bishop for the Yellow Creek congre-
gation, near Goshen, Ind., and Fish Lake,
her mission outpost, on Sunday evening, Jan.
31. Bro. S. C. Yoder preached the sermon
and also assisted in the ordination service
which was in charge of Bro. Ray F. Yoder.
Change of address. — Bro. Ray F. Yoder
from N'appanee, Ind., to Mennonite Service
Unit, Box H, Mathis, Texas.
Apology concerning Coals of Fire, a book
of stories on nonrcsistance which was an-
nounced to be published a few months ago.
A difficulty with copyrights and shifting per-
Notlce to All Subscribers
A new service) Is being started whereby all GOS-
PEL HERALD subscribers will receive a renewal no-
lle* one month beloro the expiration ol their paper.
This new service will give our subscribers the oppor-
tunity of keeping their subscriptions paid In advance
and thus avoid being billed for past due charges.
We feel that all ol our subscribers will appreciate
this new plan since II will place the renewal of the
GOSPEL HERALD on the same renewal basis as all
ol the other magaxlnes they receive In Ihetr homes.
Subscribers are urged to send in their subscriptions
promptly upon receiving the renewal notice, to that
we can give them uninterrupted subscription service.
Subscription Department.
sonnel at the Publishing House have caused
unforeseeable delays. We are embarrassed
at the failure to fill orders and the trouble
this has caused some of our patrons. We
hope to be able to fill orders within the next
few months. — Advertising Department.
A Church Music Conference was held at
the Bethel Mennonite Church, near Wash-
ington, Iowa, Feb. 19-21, with Bro. S. C. Yo-
der, Goshen, Ind., as guest speaker.
A Jewish prophecy conference was held at
the Oak Grove Church, West Liberty, Ohio,
Feb. 18-21, with Sanford Mills and Arnold
Seidler as speakers.
The six weeks' evening Bible school held
at the Elizabethtown. Pa., Church closed on
Thursday evening, Feb. 12. The average at-
tendance was 198.
A Christian Home Conference was held
at the Frazer, Pa., Church on Sunday, Feb.
14. Guest speakers were Noah Hershey, Jr.,
and Ruth Stoltzfus of the Heart to Heart
Program.
I-W brethren at the Harrisburg State Hos-
pital worship at the Steelton, Pa., Mission and
enjoy its facilities. Bro. Harry Y. Shetler,
who is engaged in I-W visitation for the
Mennonite Relief and Service Committee
and the Southwestern Pa. Conference, visits
the boys at regular intervals. Bro. Shetler is
scheduled to preach at the Mission on Sunday
morning, March 14.
Bro. E. J. Berkey, Harrisonburg, Va., who
had been ill for some time, passed away
Monday, Feb. 15. Bro. Berkey will be re-
membered by many for his labors as an evan-
gelist and Bible teacher in years past.
Continued on page 188
Calendar
Annual Ministerial Meeting of the Lancaster Con-
ference District, at the Millwood Meetinghouse.
Gap. Pa.. Feb. 24. 25.
1964 Conrad Grebel Lectures, by G. F. Hershberger.
at E.M.C.. Harrisonburg. Va.. March 17-20.
Spring Missionary Sunday. March 21.
City Mission Workers' Round Table. Detroit Mennon-
ite Church. March 24-26.
Annual Meeting Illinois Mission Board. Pleasant HU1.
East Peoria. 111.. AtII 22. 23.
Semiannual meeting. Commission for Christian Edu-
cation. St. Jacobs. Ont.. April 30. May 1.
Conference on Christian Community Relations. E.M.C..
Harrisonburg. Va.. May 6-8.
Home Sunday. May 9.
Annuo! meeting Mennonite Board of Missions and
Charltiev Western Mennonite School. Salem.
Oreg.. June 18-20.
1954 Schedule for Laurelville: Writers' Conference.
June 26 to July 2; Familv Week. July 3-9; Boys'
Camp (ages 913). July 10 16: Girls' Camp (ages
9-13). July 17-73: Junior Hiah (ages 13 151. July
74-30: Junior High (aaes 13-15). Julv 31 to Aua. 6;
Young People's Institute. Aug. 7-13; MYF Work-
shop end Annual Meeting. Auo. 14-20: Music
Week. Aug. 21-27; Missionary Bible Conference.
Aug. 28 to Sept. 2.
Peace Sunday. July 4. 1954.
Annual Meeting Southwestern Pa. Conference. Mar
tinsburg. Pa.. Aug. 1-4.
Annual meeting Iowa-Nebraska Conference. Wul
Union. Parnell. Iowa. Aug. 10-13.
Annual meeting South Central Conference. Assembly
17 20°d ca,np*round' n,ar Eldon. Mo., August
Annual Meeting nilnols Conference. East Bend
Flther. til.. Aug. 24-26.
Fall Meeting. Commission lor Christian Education,
Laurelvllle Mennonite Camp, Laurelville. Pa..
Sept. 27. 28.
Study Cr-nlerence ol Child Evangelism. Laurelvllle
Mennonite Camp. Sept. 29. 30.
Tall Meeting. General Council ol' Mennonite General
Conference. Laurelvllle Mennonite Camp. Oct.
Annual Meetlna of the Mennonite Board ol Education,
Kalona-Wellman. Iowa area; Oct. 14-16. 1954.
February 25, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
181
Go, Preach
MISSIONS
Give, Pray
The
General Board Headquarters for Missions. Relief, and Service: 1711 Prairie Street. Elkhcrt, Indiana. Telephone. Elkhart 2-2786.
Mission News
Bro. and Sister John Koppenhavcr, mis-
sionaries on furlough from Argentina, par-
ticipated in three services at the Mexican
Mennonite Mission, Chicago, 111., on Sun-
day, Feb. 7. On Monday evening, Bro. Kop-
penhaver gave an illustrated message on Ar-
gentina to the Men's Fellowship of the Hope-
well congregation, Kouts, Ind.
Bro. D. W. Miller, Wooster, Ohio, Presi-
dent of the Ohio Mennonite Mission Board,
spoke to a members' meeting of the First
Mennonite Church, Meadville, Pa., on Thurs-
day evening, Feb. 19. Meadville is one of
the city mission stations of the Ohio Board.
La Hora del Calvario, the Spanish radio
broadcast with Bro. Lester Hershey as pas-
tor, has recently come under the direction
of the Radio Evangelism Committee of the
General Mission Board. A subcommittee on
Spanish broadcasting is being appointed to
assist Bro. Hershey in extending the services
of this broadcast. Your prayers and contribu-
tions are earnestly solicited.
As many as 90 persons attended the 1954
Argentine Conference held in the camp
grounds in Trenque Lauquen, Jan. 28-31.
The conference sermon was preached by Bro.
Amos Swartzentruber. On the afternoon of
Jan. 31 a special dedication service was held
for the new Emma Shank memorial house.
This building was donated by the Shank
family and consists of a bedroom, a study,
and a prayer room.
The new constitution for the Argentine
Mennonite Church was semiofficially adopt-
ed by the pastors and workers on Jan. 27.
This constitution makes important steps to-
ward a stronger independent Argentine Men-
nonite Church. One notable item is the voice
and vote it gives to laymen. Continue to
pray for this move as further details are be-
ing worked out.
Although the Gladstone Mennonite Church
on Julia Ave., Cleveland, Ohio, is not yet
completed, the congregation began using it
on Jan. 31 because of the crowded condi-
tions in the old dwelling house where serv-
ices had been held. Pray and give for this
worthy cause.
Bro. Agustm Darino was elected the new
president of the Argentine Mennonite Con-
ference in their recent meeting. Bro. J. H.
Koppenhavcr is the new secretary and Bro.
Jorge Quiroga, the treasurer. The field mis-
sion organization chose the brethren B. Frank
Byler as their president, J. H. Koppenhavcr
as secretary, and J. Delbert Erb as treasurer.
Sister Grace Martin, Waterloo, Ont.,
daughter of Bro. and Sister J. B. Martin, is
recovering from a skull fracture sustained in
an accident when she fell from an ambulance
en route to work on Feb. 2.
Bro. Paul O. King, Chicago, Til., with a
group of young people from the Bethel Men-
nonite Church, fellowshipcd with the con-
gregation at Iowa City, Iowa, Sunday morn-
ing and afternoon, Feb. 21. On Saturday
evening the Iowa City MYF was host to the
Chicago young people for supper and an eve-
ning of fellowship.
The Pehuajo, Argentina, congregation has
recently decided to choose an assistant pastor
from among its members. The present pas-
tor, Bro. Lawrence Brunk, also reports that
a men's organization has been formed which
is the first of its kind among the Argentine
brotherhood.
Bro. Ivan Holdeman, Denver, Colo., who
was about to return to the United States from
his PAX leadership position in Greece, has
accepted a teaching postion in Anatolia Col-
lege, Salonika, Greece, to substitute for a
teacher who became ill. Bro. Holdeman is
teaching biology and zoology to 200 students.
He will be remaining in Greece for about
five more months. The president of Ana-
tolia College called on him when the science
teacher had to return to the United States
because of illness.
Bro. John Litwiller, missionary to the Ar-
gentine Chaco, now visiting Central Argen-
tina, held a series of evangelistic meetings in
Pehuajo, Feb. 10-21. He will also take part
in the Young People's Retreat, Feb. 24 to
March 5.
Bro. Nelson Litwiller was guest speaker
in the towns of America, Villegas, and Pie-
dritas, Argentina, over the week end of Feb.
7. Three converts were baptized in Villegas
on Sunday morning.
Bro. and Sister Elam Stauffer were reap-
pointed for a five-year term of missionary
service in Tanganyika under the Eastern
Mission Board on Feb. 12. Tentative plans
call for them to fly to the field on March 1,
arriving in Nairobi, March 4. A farewell
service is scheduled for Sunday afternoon,
two o'clock, Feb. 28, at the Erisman Church,
R. 2, Manheim, Pa.
The Constitution of the JEMA (Evan-
gelical Mennonite Young People of Argen-
tina) has been approved by the conference
executive committee and the new body will
be officially organized during the Young
People's Retreat in Trenque Lauquen, Feb.
24 to March 5.
The young people of the Pehuajo, Argen-
tina, church gave a special program at Tres
Lomas, Feb. 7, 8. They were accompanied
by their pastor, Bro. Lawrence Brunk, who
is secretary of youth work in the Argentine
Church.
The missionaries in Bihar, India, decided
during Bro. Graber's recent visit to take the
responsibility for the primary and middle
schools at Dalton-gang, a village adjoining
their district, from the British Church of
Christ for a two-year period. They are also
planning to initiate a mobile clinic in their
area.
Your Treasurer Reports
Mission Board financial needs fall into
two general categories. One category is funds
needed for current operating field budgets.
The other is funds needed for major projects
such as building funds, equipment pur-
chases, and items of similar nature. By and
large, funds for operating purposes are re-
ceived through regular contributions given
by congregations and individuals. Most of
these funds are received through the District
Conference treasurers. Special funds for
building and equipment purposes usually
are received by special solicitation or by al-
location from some general fund or bequest.
At present several major projects are in
process for which funds are needed on a one-
time basis. We are attempting to hold up
proceeding with projects as long as possible
in anticipation that funds can be on hand
before the project is completed. A number
of special projects are now underway for
which funds are needed. They are as fol-
lows:
Puerto Rico Hospital
London Mennonite Center Building
Bethel Mennonite Church Building,
Chicago
Gladstone Mennonite Church Building,
Cleveland
Living Facilities for Navaho Missionaries
The above list represents the major proj-
ects for which funds are being solicited, but
other items could be listed. We would like
to thank those who have already contributed
to many of these projects but wish to en-
courage additional and continued contribu-
tions during the months ahead so that these
projects can be gotten underway or com-
pleted.
Bro. Luke Birky from Puerto Rico is now
making contacts with churches and individ-
uals in the interest of the Puerto Rico Hos-
pital and we would like to encourage the
constituency to support this project as it is
an important and vital development in the
Puerto Rico church program.
H. Ernest Bennett, Treasurer
Mennonite Board oi Missions and Charities
Elkhart, Indiana.
Pray that Bro. and Sister Roy Kreider may
be granted renewal of their residence visas
for Israel. Extensions are granted for only
three months at a time. Pray also for an ad-
ditional missionary couple to serve with the
Kreiders.
The Women's Missionary Sewing Circle
organizations of the Elkhart, Ind., churches
are planning a World Day of Prayer service
at the Prairie St. Church on Sunday after-
noon, March 7, at 2:30 o'clock.
Continued on page 188
182
GOSPEL HERALD
February 23, 1954
Let's Give Them Toba Bibles
By Ai.bkrt BUCKWALTBI
The young Indian man read laboriously
from his Spanish Bible whose pages showed
the unmistakable signs of having been
touched often by dirty hands. Frequently he
mispronounced the words, or he skipped a
long one. Apparently he read one word at a
time, and the end of a printed line seemed to
be more important than cither the period or
the comma. It was difficult for me to get any
sense out of what he was reading. But finally
recognizing the passage, which was really a
simple one, I asked him an easy question
about what the verse said. He appeared
stumped and read the verse over again to
himself, still unable to give the right answer.
But he did answer something which probably
was suggested to his mind by some one word
or phrase of the text. It was obvious that he
did not understand.
This young man is a Mennonite! Did you
know we have illiterates in our church'
There are many. Most of the Toba Men-
nonites are illiterate — they cannot read or
write. A few have a great desire to learn,
but it is a long, trying ordeal. They cannot
distinguish the important difference between
the sounds of the Spanish letters "o" and "u."
This and many other features of Spanish are
completely foreign to them and subsequently
difficult.
Soon after arriving in Nam Cum, I felt
forced to ask, "Arc we adequately meeting
the needs of the Indians through the use of
the Spanish language with the use of inter-
preters?" Almost two years have passed
since I first asked that question and I feel
more firmly than ever that the answer is a
categorical "No!" In the following discus-
sion, I will give some reasons why I think as
I do.
I. The Need for Bible Knowledge
As implied in the question, it is the needs
of the Indians which should determine the
answer we give and not the convenience of
the missionaries or the difficulty of the task.
We arc firmly convinced that the Indian
needs jesus Christ, or else we would not be
here. The primary source of the revelation
of Christ is in the Bible; therefore, that book
is at the center of our hopes. It is our purpose
to make plain to the Indian the message
which the Bible has for him as a creature of
God If he is to get the full force of the Gos-
pel message, it would be best if he were to
read it for himself, for then it would not be
secondhand. We know from experience that
the Indian is very susceptible to deception at
the hands of unscrupulous persons, who are
often "wolves in sheep's clothing." Because
he cannot read, or can do so very poorly, and
that in a foreign language, he is wide open
to the attacks of such deceivers. Who will
prepare the Indian against such attacks if we
do not?
[I. The Need for the Indian to Have the
Scripture in Toba, His Mother Tongue
In general, most of the women and chil-
dren and even the older folks do not under-
stand Spanish. It is the men who have gone
out to work among their white neighbors or
have had business dealings with them, who
are able to carry on conversation. However,
it is generally quite true that these men are
very limited in their ability to handle the
language. They must be spoken to simply or
they will not understand. Besides, when they
speak Spanish it is difficult and frequently
next to impossible to understand them.
The Indians most advanced in ability to
read and comprehend, confess to great dif-
ficulty with the vocabulary of the common
Spanish Bible which could be compared with
our King James Version in antiquity of ex-
pression. Perhaps the use of a modern ver-
sion might decrease that difficulty a little,
but such a move would undoubtedly intro-
duce other problems of a more difficult na-
ture. The Indian of limited knowledge could
hardly be expected to comprehend such a
change, considering the difficulties one en-
counters with such things even in enlightened
North America.
The average Argentine white looks down
upon the Indian because he considers him to
be stupid and quite unteachable. He docs
not deserve the common amenities shown to
anyone else of more fortunate racial descent.
The Indian is quick to feel this discrimina-
tion and quickly retreats to the comparative
protection of his own society. Among his
own people he always speaks and thinks in
Toba. It is in this language that he finds
friendship and sympathy.
It is true that the average Indian is appar-
ently slower in learning than his white neigh-
bors, and therefore he does not fit into the
Argentine school system. Of course, his slow-
ness is not the only factor that leaves him out
of the school system, but it is nevertheless one
factor. The result is that any latent ability is
undeveloped, and the best opportunity for
mastering the Spanish is not an opportunity
at all.
The life of the Indian is lived on a very
simple level. One or two generations ago he
lived in the woods. One man told me that
he remembers hunting with a bow and ar-
rows. He also remembers when the clothes
worn were not of our western style but were
of a type which were wrapped around the
waist. Several hundred miles north of us
other Tobas of another dialect still live very
similarly to what this Indian describes. The
Indian is caught in the gap between two civi-
lizations. He has not yet been swallowed up
by the "superior," nor does it seem apparent
that he is being assimilated. Because of many
factors which tend to separate him from the
encroaching whites, he is slow to change his
customs and therefore does not mix. Con-
sequently, he continues to be a Toba.
In our preaching and teaching work, we
are forced to use interpreters if we expect the
women, children, and older ones to under-
stand what we say. The interpreters are from
among the most intelligent of the converts.
Since we do not understand the Toba lan-
guage, we can never know if they are faith-
fully interpreting us. However, we can be
reasonably sure that they usually would not
intentionally misinterpret. On the other
hand, the interpreter might shade meanings
in such a way as to make incomprehensible
some of the most vital truths of the Gospel.
tfarj tan ami John Utwillei ami ion StU
Argtnthu Ohm.
mlntiluiuuim to the
( hur.-h ,.1 Nan, ( urn. Anseium.. ( 1, „ .... si,l«> >,.:., t*> dropped in bad
weather.
February 2}, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
183
This is unpardonable if it is within our pow-
er to do something about it. A thorough
study of the language in order to clear up
any such misinterpretations would, of course,
make it possible to put the Scriptures into
Toba. It is very disconcerting if, not dis-
couraging, to preach the Gospel by "remote
control."
In His magazine for October, 1951, in an
article entitled, "We'll Tell Them, But in
What Language?" Dr. Kenneth L. Pike of
the Wyclif Bible Translators cautions against
getting too excited over early results in evan-
gelizing through the medium of a trade lan-
guage, such as Spanish is in this case. The
Indian may be only mouthing verbal for-
mulas while not understanding their meaning
at all. Furthermore, he says that most of the
literature available in the trade language is
not written in the simple conversational
phrases to which he is accustomed. This
definitely applies to the Indian in the Chaco,
for he finds it difficult to read and under-
stand almost every piece of Spanish literature
that falls into his hands. It is so far out of
his world that he cannot possibly leap over
the gap.
In the above-mentioned article, Dr. Pike
warns, "It should not be overlooked, or min-
imized, that people are more ready to re-
spond when they hear the Word in the lan-
guage which they learned in childhood and
still use in the home than when they hear
the same words in a learned language." We
who work in a language other than our moth-
er tongue know how much more meaning
we get out of the English. Surely we can
sympathize with the Indian who does not
have a Christian heritage in the Toba lan-
guage to fall back upon when he gets hard
up against it.
Finally, we hope that the Indians shall
form a church of the redeemed and that this
body will stand on its own feet after the mis-
sionaries are gone. In order for this to be
possible, the Indians must have the Word
of God. And I am not ashamed to maintain
that we will fail unless we give them the
Bible in their mother tongue. I quote from
Dr. Pike's article again: "I recall hearing the
late Mr. L. L. Legters say that almost the
only strong churches among the American
Indians were those in which the Scriptures
had been translated long ago." He goes on
to add, "I have myself observed some of the
Oklahoma Cherokee churches which are
strong and flourishing. The members read
the New Testament in the syllabary which
old Chief Sequoia prepared for them."
III. Favorable Attitudes Among the Indians
Nothing seems to bring a broader smile to
an Indian's face than to ask him how to ex-
press a certain idea in Toba, and then to actu-
ally learn to use it on the proper occasion. It
is quite general that the Indian cherishes the
hope that the missionary will someday learn
to speak to him in Toba. Such an accomplish-
ment would certainly go a long way in con-
vincing the Indian that we are interested in
his welfare. It would go far, also, in helping
the missionary get into the inner life of the
Indian, something which I dare say we do
very poorly with Spanish, which is foreign to
both of us.
There are capable informants among the
Indians who are willing and anxious to help
us learn the Toba. The door is wide open.
How could it be easier to learn an aboriginal
language?
IV. Work Already Accomplished
Very little has been done. About fifty years
ago, two Catholic priests, Ducci and Barcena,
studied the language of the Toba Indians
who lived in the eastern parts of the Chaco.
About two years ago we came into possession
of a typewritten copy of the work of Padre
Ducci. It is a vocabulary, a word list, con-
taining some 2,400 entries plus numerous ex-
amples of usages, with the Spanish equiva-
lents noted. Comparing the present language
spoken by our Indians with that of the vocab-
ulary, we find that they are almost identical.
In his preface Padre Ducci says, "This work
was written with the sole intention that it
should remain in the hands of my brethren,
the missionaries of the Chaco, and that it
should not be published." It is very doubtful
if he ever had the intention of translating the
Scriptures into Toba. However, the subject
should be investigated in the possibility that
more extensive work has been done.
Several of the present staff members of
our mission have made attempts at learning
the language. But it is a very difficult job
owing to the lack of training for such techni-
cal work and the foreignness of the language.
The results obtained so far are, at best, super-
ficial.
V. Possible Objections
One of the first objections I have heard to
learning Toba is that it is dying out. This
is a dangerous presumption, as will be shown
by several examples. Quoting again from Dr.
Pike's authoritative article, he says, "A na-
tive speaker of Albania told me recently that
she came from one of two towns in Sicily
which had been settled from Albania fifteen
hundred years ago. One of those towns, to
be sure, had lost its language and taken up
Italian exclusively. Her village, however, was
still an Albanian Island' in a sea of Italian
speech. Recently, for another example, the
American Bible Society had a request for
some Iroquois Scriptures for a group of these
speakers on Long Island." Pike warns that
"as a matter of fact one can never be sure
when a language is going to disappear. . . .
Some languages are extraordinarily resistant
to the trade language and others are rapidly
replaced by it. We cannot predict which will
disappear and which will remain."
A second objection may be that the Argen-
tine government might interfere with our
mission work if we promote the use of an
aboriginal language. A short item in the
United Bible Society Bulletin (in Spanish)
for November, 1951, reports that almost the
whole New Testament is now being printed
in London in the language of the Mataco
tribe of northern Argentina. Work among
these people was begun by the South Amer-
ican Missionary Society about 1915. The lan-
guage was reduced to writing and the Gos-
pels and Prayer Book were translated. As
time went on imperfections in the translation
became evident. The new printing which is
coming out soon is a revision of the Gospels,
plus a first translation of most of the remain-
der of the New Testament.
This Mataco work is carried on in the
tribal language since all religious services
are in that language. In the preface to the
revised Mataco grammar published in 1940,
the reviser, Rev. B. A. Tompkins, says that
the original purpose of Rev. R. J. Hunt in
reducing the language to writing was "to
help his missionary colleagues, as it was of
supreme importance that they should learn
the language of the people they desired to
teach."
This same missionary society is carrying
on work in the western part of the Argentine
province of Formosa among a Toba tribe
which is definitely related to ours, but suffi-
ciently different to be unintelligible to our
Tobas. Their vocabulary has been reduced to
writing and organized into a dictionary. The
Book of Acts, the Gospel of Mark, plus many
other isolated portions from both the Old
and New Testaments have been translated
and published in this language. They also
have translated a small collection of hymns
and choruses.
Thus we see what has been done and is
being done in northern Argentina. It may
also be observed that this work was carried
on in more backward areas than our own,
which would naturally mean that the Indians
there have less contact with the civilization
of the national Argentines and consequently
would have attracted less attention than
would similar work in our area. But we dare
not assume that the government would inter-
fere in this area, seeing what has been done
in other areas.
In the third place it might be objected that,
to reduce Toba to writing might hamper the
Indians in learning Spanish and, therefore,
raise objection from the government. This
does not necessarily need to be true. If the
Toba language were put into Spanish spelling
as much as scientifically possible, there is no
reason why the Indian could not be taught
to read either one with equal facility. In
fact, it is doubtful if many Indians will ever
learn to read, if they must learn to read
Spanish first. The now famous Dr. Laubach,
apostle of literacy, in his book, Teaching the
World to Read, reports concerning the liter-
acy campaign in Mexico that "it made disap-
pointing headway among the Indians, be-
cause the government sought to teach them
Spanish without first teaching them to read
their own language, which is a pedagogical
mistake."
A fourth objection may be that there are
not enough Tobas to make worthwhile such
a stupendous task by a capable person who
might be able to make a greater contribution
in some other field. The fact is, we do not
know how many Tobas there are. In the
places with which we are acquainted, and
which lie not far from here, we might esti-
mate a total of 5,000 persons including chil-
dren. Then we have no idea how many
there might be in the eastern part of the
Chaco. Perhaps there might be as many as
3,000 or 4,000 more. This would make our
total estimate come to 8,000 or 9,000. This,
MISSIONS SECTION
184
GOSPEL HERALD
February 23, 1954
of course, is only a guess. However, there is
a Pentecostal group which claims to have
8,000 Indian members.
We ought to remember that there is such
a thing as leaving the ninety and nine and
going out to seek the one which is lost. Philip
left a successful revival in Samaria to go out
into the desert to lead only one man to Christ.
And in that Great Day there are to be people
from every tribe and language praising God.
Dr. Pike, who himself has invested his life
for the reaching of the forgotten millions
with the Word in their mother tongue, says
that the only safe way is to give all of them
the Scriptures, even though the tribe may
number only a hundred. A highly capable
man who has dedicated his talents to such a
task surely speaks with the authority of per-
sonal experience which knows itself well re-
paid for the effort.
VI. Recent Action
You will be grateful to know that the Men-
nonitc Board of Missions and Charities has
authorized our inviting a Wyclif Bible Trans-
lator to come and give us technical advice in
the study of the language. Also, if the Lord
wills, after several years a trained linguist
will be sent to this field for full-time service.
Praise God for the blessings He has in store
for the Tobas!
Saenz Pena, Chaco, Argentina.
Four Times in Argentina
We had a pleasant voyage from New York
to Buenos Aires with approximate twenty-
four-hour stops at Rio de Janeiro, Santos,
and Montevideo. The voyage was a happy
one because our son and daughter-in-law
and grandson were with us. All in our party
Celt the effects of a rough sea when we by-
passed a cyclone by about 600 miles. Some
of us have lost all hopes of ever getting much
joy out of an ocean voyage.
The welcome we received from our breth-
ren and eolaborers in Argentina was most
stimulating. We have visited a large pro-
portion of our congregations and the fact
that there are redeemed men and women
in these scattered towns brings us muili joy.
I Iowcver, one feels keenly the need for
stronger and larger congregations, more na-
tional leadership as well as more consecrated
lay members. The work has encouraging
and discouraging features and we solicit
your earnest prayers on behalf of this young
Argentine church.
We feel keenly the responsibility laid upon
us as we begin our fourth term of service.
The Mission Board has askcil me to be its
representative as field secretary for Latin
America. In addition to the over all contact
that we will hive with the individual work-
ers and congregations there arc also some
specific duties which will require that we
travel continually not only in Argentina but
also in Uruguay and Brazil. For this we
need not only physical strength but grace
and wisdom from above. Pray for us. — Nel-
son I .it wilier Christmas letter.
MISSIONS SECTION
Why Summer Service?
The purpose of summer service is to offer
a healing balm for the spiritual and physical
ills of our world.
Every wide-awake Christian with a con-
cern for his fellow men realizes that there
are too many people living among us in
spiritual darkness. Every wide-awake Chris-
tian wants to do something to alleviate the
spiritual and physical ills so prevalent today.
And it is only the Christian who can ofler a
healing balm to our world.
It is the Christian who has been healed of
his own sin-sickness who can recommend the
same remedy for others. It is one who has
felt the soothing balm of Christ's love in his
own wounds who can dress the wounds of
others. It is those of us who have been in-
vigorated with new life from above who can
best lead others to the same new life.
A Summer Service worker supervises the p'a.v
period at the children's home, «»"*■■ City,
Kaus.
Because the Christian is happy he wants
others to have the same full happiness. Be-
cause the Christian is rich as a joint heir
with Christ he wants others to share in the
same glorious wealth that is his now and that
will be his in glory.
The Christian wants to "Go ye therefore
. . . ." Summer service is an avenue through
which he can "Go" to serve in rural mission
areas where there is little or no witness. He
can serve in city missions which hold forth
the Gospel in concentrated areas of thousands
of unsaved people. He can enter open doors
of opportunities to serve in children's homes
and camps, old people's homes, and migrant
labor camps by joining a summer service
unit.
The Christian has something to give. Sum-
mer service is an avenue through which he
can give himself to the church, his fellow
men, and his Lord.
If you arc interested in working out the
purpose of summer service — to oiler a heal-
ing balm for the spiritual and physical ills of
our world— and can give a few weeks of
time, write to Office for Relief and Service,
1711 Prairie St., Elkhart, Ind. The Summer
Service Director will assist you in finding the
best place for you to give of yourself in serv-
ice for the Master.— Office for Relief and
Service, Elkhart, Ind.
Pile into Our Java Jeep
By Anne Warkentin
If you don't mind a lot of dust and being
stopped any number of times by people want-
ing this and that and by circumstances be-
yond our control, we would be glad to have
you go with us to Margarendjo this morning.
You must be at our house by seven. Then
you can see our last-minute preparation: re-
plenishing the supply of medicines, interrup-
tions by early-comers, packing our lunches.
Today I go; Lisel stays at home. On Satur-
day she and I both go to Kayuapu.
We are no sooner started than we are met
at the gate by a "betja" boy bringing a wom-
an and a little boy who want to go with us
to the clinic. They are lucky, for it is un-
usual that many others have not already asked
for the same favor. On our way again, I at-
tempt to use part of the two-hour drive to
study Indonesian and to catch up on my
reading. Half an hour later we are stopped
by another woman who wants to go along.
"I'm glad we have room for her," Dr. Ropp
remarks; "she is the lady who brought us
the eggs and the bananas fpisang] the other
day." As she gets in she hands us more
bananas.
Our next applicant for a lift is an old man.
We give him the only space left, a place be-
side me on the middle seat of the carry-all.
When, three kilometers farther on, a young
man asks for a ride, we have to refuse. The
old gentleman beside me helps Martha ex-
plain to the young man that there is no more
room, plainly pleased that he was fortunate
enough to get in before the limit was reached.
Our next stop is a call on the head (the
"wedono") of one of the villages. Dr. Ropp
examined him several days ago and promised
to stop today. It pays to keep on the good
side of such influential people, for they can
do much either for or against one's work.
We cannot, however, stop to sec many pa-
tients along the way to the clinic, for there
will be two hundred waiting when we get
there. We stop for only the worst cases,
those who arc too ill to come to the clinic.
It is now eight-thirty. Already behind
schedule, we arc stepping more heavily on
the gas when we are stopped again and
urged to come to see a sick man. We request
that he please come to the clinic, but are
told that the case is a serious one, a snake
bite. Dr. Ropp and I follow the guide to the
bamboo shack where the man lies on a bam-
boo cot with a typical thin straw mat. The
man's family and half the town are standing
around waiting to see what happens. The
patient's hand and arm are very swollen. We
give him an injection of penicillin (how
thankful we arc daily for this drug!) and
promise to stop this evening to take him
along with us to the Pati hospital. He has a
Februaiy 2), 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
185
chance to live, since it has already been two
days since the bite. He doesn't want to go,
but finally agrees after being urged by a by-
stander who understands the seriousness oE
the situation. We gather, too, that the pa-
tient is not from this village, but was car-
ried to this bamboo hut in order to be nearer
to the road and thus make it easier for the
doctor to examine him.
We're on our last lap. No more stops. Do
you notice how Martha closes her window
when a car approaches us? If she doesn't
see, Nan warns her. You see, there is much
dust in lava, and we must keep as much of
it outside as possible. During the rainy sea-
son it is much more pleasant driving in Java,
and we arrive at the clinic just slightly soiled.
But in summer — clouds of dust!
It is now nine o'clock, and we've reached
our clinic station. I will leave you to your-
self, and pick you up at four for our return
trip to Pati.
The doctor finishes her consultations at
four o'clock as scheduled, but says she must
make a call yet to an invalid down the road.
We clean up meanwhile and attend to last-
minute details, and when we finally arrive
at the place of her patient we find the doctor
finished and seated on the roadside grass
with a group of adults and children, waiting
for us. Our only passengers on the return
trip are the lady and the little boy, the other
two men who came with us giving up their
places to the snakebite victim whom we are
to pick up farther on. On the floor of our
carry-all is a carton of bananas — three varie-
ties of them — which appreciative patients
have brought to the clinic for us.
As in the morning, a big village crowd
greets us as we stop for our poison-swollen
patient. They offer advice and try to smooth
out language difficulties. A relative of the
patient gets into the car with him, and with-
out further ado we're off again. Only one
more stop, to bring the medicine to the
"wedono" whom we called on this morning.
We're homeward bound. It is six, and the
sun is setting. Not like in Pati, where our
view of the sunset is obstructed by the many
trees and buildings, we have here clear vi-
sion of these evening glories. And as we
roll along we instinctively reflect on the
day's doings: What has the day meant to us
and to those whom we've contacted so brief-
ly? Have we given ourselves to others as the
Master gave Himself for us? Tired? Yes,
a bit, but happy, for I can't help thinking of
{.he Lord's own words, "Inasmuch as ye have
done it unto one of the least of these . . . ,
ye have done it unto me."
Now we reach Pati. We stop at the bak-
er's (these white people are strange; they
must have bread daily!), then at the hospital
to leave our patient there, and finally,
"home.". We waste no time in getting to the
house to see if there is any mail from family
and loved ones on the other side of the
world.— Far Eastern Relief Notes.
The greatest discovery of modern missions
is the church on the mission field. — P. J. Ma-
laga r.
®. The
? Mennonite
Hour
Word has been received from Radio Cey-
lon that they began broadcasting The Men-
nonite Hour on Jan. 27. It is now being re-
leased weekly at 10:15 p.m. Ceylon time
Wednesdays, beamed over Ceylon, India,
Pakistan, into China, eastern Europe and the
Soviet Union. Radio Ceylon is probably the
largest commercial radio station in the world
utilizing 100,000 watts (the limit in the
United States is 50,000 w.). With a large
English-speaking population in India and
surrounding areas this offers a tremendous
challenge. Dr. Frank Kline of India reports
that millions are listening to Radio Ceylon
for the purpose of studying democracy and
also Christianity.
Radio Ceylon is the second foreign station
broadcasting The Mennonite Hour (the oth-
er is HCJB, Quito, Ecuador). Both of these
must be financed almost entirely by con-
tributors in North America. We receive al-
most no contributions from listeners to these
stations because of the problem of currency
exchange and financial status of the areas
covered. If you would like to have a part in
this missionary program, your gifts will be
very much appreciated. Address: The Men-
nonite Hour, Box 22, Harrisonburg, Va.
Keeping Busy in Puerto Rico
Lawrence [Greaser] is kept busy in the
work of the church. Each week he must
prepare and preach four sermons, two Bible
studies, and a Sunday-school teachers' meet-
ing lesson. Besides that is quartet practice
for the radio program, chorus practice for
the young people of the Betania Church,
and the many other things that go with a
mission program, such as visitation, commit-
tee meetings, business trips to town for sup-
plies, bookkeeping, maintenance, helping
people who come for spiritual and material
help, etc. At times it seems like a lot of
work for no more than we see accomplished
in so far as souls saved are concerned. We
are happy in this work, however, and are
willing to leave the results with the Lord.
We have had the happy privilege of seeing
several souls saved and would desire your
prayers for them and for us that many more
might come to know and accept the one
whose birthday we now celebrate.
Lawrence is responsible for the Betania
congregation in Pulguillas, where we live,
the Smyrna congregation in Coamo Arriba,
which is accessible by walking or by horse-
back, and a new work which is located in
Coamo. Theoretically, he has one evening
open each week to spend with the family.
The boys and his wife always look forward
to that evening. (So does he.)
Annabelle's story is much the same as any
busy housewife's. She washes, irons, mends,
Continued on page 188
Missions Editorial
Four Characteristics of Latin-
American Missions
A missionary just back from Ecuador
speaking on the Missionary Symposium at
the Moody Founder's Week conference in the
Moody Memorial Church, Chicago, on Feb.
4 listed four characteristics of Latin-American
missions today: (1) unceasing opposition
from the Roman Catholic Church; (2) in-
accessible areas being opened by modern
methods of travel and new roads being built;
(3) an ideal field for two important means of
communication, printing and radio; and (4)
sowing the seed of the Word.
The Protestant Reformation in Europe was
spearheaded by former Roman Catholic
priests who read their Bibles and followed
the leading of the Spirit of God in breaking
away from non-Biblical practices and beliefs.
We can expect that the Roman Catholic
Church will oppose the preaching of the Gos-
pel in all countries where it has influence to-
day. Let us pray that God will lead many
priests in Latin America today to a full un-
derstanding of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and
a willingness to break with their present
church when they cannot preach the full Gos-
pel.
A mission outpost in the jungles of Peru
which formerly required seven days on foot
and muleback to reach by mountain trails
can now be reached by plane in one and a
half hours. Roads are being built to reach
mineral deposits and other natural resources
in many Latin-American courtries which will
take commerce to formerly inaccessible areas.
Along with commerce can go the Gospel
worker with his message of hope for lost
men. Except for Brazil, Latin-American
countries use the Spanish language. This
means that Christian literature and Christian
radio programs can be used to blanket these
countries with the good news of salvation
without changing the language medium each
time. Of course, many Indian tribes will re-
quire other literature if they are to be reached
effectively, but many unsaved persons can be
reached through the official language, Span-
ish.
In spite of opposition in some countries in
Latin America, the preaching, teaching, and
distribution of the Word continues. The
Church of Jesus Christ is increasing twelve
times faster than the population in Brazil ac-
cording to recent statistics. This is encourag-
ing, but much remains to be done, particular-
ly among the unevangelized tribes of the
Amazon basin.
Let us pray that God will raise up conse-
MISSIONS SECTION
186
GOSPEL HERALD
February 23, 1954
crated workers from among Latin-American
Christians, let us give for Latin-American
missions, and when God calls us to go, may
we be willing to heed the call to service in
Latin America. — L. C. Hartzler.
Relief and Service News
MRSC Weekly Notes
Voluntary Service
Quite a few Voluntary Service units are
approved by Selective Service for I-W credit.
The present opportunities in Voluntary Serv-
ice for I-W men are:
A social worker for the Home for the
Aged, F.ureka, 111.
An X-ray and laboratory worker for Puer-
to Rico
A bookkeeper in Puerto Rico
Hospital orderlies and general workers
I-W men or other persons interested in
filling these opportunities may write to
Dorsa Mishler, Office for Relief and Service,
1711 Prairie St., Elkhart, Ind.
Under the direction of Bro. and Sister
Roman Stutzman, Elkhart, Ind., the Volun-
tary Service Unit at Kansas City, Mo., has
been alert to ways of extending their service
beyond their regular hospital duties into the
community in which they live.
Sister Mary Ann Hershberger, Detroit
Lakes, Minn., has recently completed one
year of Voluntary Service in the Kansas City
unit, but has chosen to serve a few more
months to organize a program of crafts and
other club activities for children of the unit
home and Gospel Center communities.
Sister Hershberger is assisted particularly
by Ida Showalter, Scottdale, Pa., in this proj-
ect, and also by the other members of the
unit.
Summer Service
A total of twenty-one summer service units
are being planned for at the present time.
This total includes two children's homes,
two children's camps, two homes for the
aged, five rural missions, nine city missions,
and one migrant unit.
In all of these places there arc opportuni-
ties to fill places of vital service. You may
write to Summer Service Director, Office for
Service and Relief, 1711 Prairie St., Elkhart,
Indian*, for more information or an applica-
tion form.
Hnihrcn Dorsa Mishler and Mark Leh-
man of the MRSC office along with repre-
sentatives of other church service organiza-
tions will participate in a Service Emphasis
program at Goshen College on February 25
ami 26.
I-W Services
The cx-C.P.S. men of the Newton, Kans.,
area recently entertained the I-W men of
that area at a chili supper.
The I-W men at Columbus, O., recently
participated in a discussion on "Hospital
MISSIONS SECTION
Etiquette" led by Dr. Richard Yoder, also
a I-W man.
Interstate Witness is the name of the new
paper being published by the I-W unit in
Kansas City, Kans.
Joe Freyenberger, Elgin, 111., is visiting the
units at Gary and Chicago, 111., and Wcst-
ville, Ind., with the latest film obtained for
showings to I-W men.
Released February 12, 1954
Office for Relief and Service
Elkhart, Indiana.
MCC Weekly Notes
Three Mennonite CO's Sentenced to
Prison
While most Mennonite, Brethren in Christ,
and Amish conscientious objectors have no
difficulty securing proper classifications and
performing government service in accord
with their convictions, there are those who
go to prison for conscience sake.
On Jan. 26 three Indiana Mennonite men
—Manas Kuhns of Milford, Charles Wenger,
Jr., of Wakarusa, and Freeman L. Wingard
of Shipshewana — received two-year prison
sentences for refusal of induction. They were
unable to secure recognition as conscientious
objectors. They will work in the prison hos-
pital at Springfield, Mo.
With the sentencing of these three, there
are now five men from the Mennonite Cen-
tral Committee constituency in prison be-
cause they refused induction to live up to
their convictions as Christians. The other
two are Amish men from Buchanan County,
Iowa— Melvin J. Chupp and Emanuel J. Mil-
ler— who were previously sentenced to three-
year terms.
MCC Medical Program Touches Most of
Formosa
The MCC medical program in Formosa
continues to cover all of the island and is in
touch with most of the desperately needy
aboriginal mountain and hills people. A to-
tal of 33,314 medical and surgical treatments
during December have been reported by
Glen D. Graber of Wayland, Iowa, Formosa
MCC director.
The facilities for these services include the
main medical clinic at Hualien which also
provides eye treatment, eye clinics at Tai-
Tung, PingTung, and ChuTung, which also
do considerable medical treatment and the
mobile clinic which serves eight villages.
Milk feeding stations are in operation in 10
villages.
A new development in the program at
Hualien is the construction of additional
buildings. The first building will be a hostel
for those who need treatment for a day or
two and for quarters for relatives who ac-
company patients. A Iiosmi.i1 will ifao be
built. These buildings are being constructed
with the assistance of the Joint Committee
on Relief and Reconstruction.
A crr.it variety of diseases and ailments
arc treated. Thcv include bronchitis, pul-
monary tuberculosis, hookworm, snake bite,
sprains, and trachoma. A large number of
primary school children were treated for tra-
choma during December.
The aborigines whom MCC serves are
tribes people who are in great need of medi-
cal assistance, but who are unable to afford
such treatment. There are approximately
150,00 aborigines in Formosa. In recent
years there has been a mass movement to
Christianity among these people and the
MCC program has been of significance in
this movement.
The six MCC workers are assisted by For-
mosans in the operation of the MCC pro-
gram. In addition to the medical program,
other services include aid to lepers, supplying
of food, and operation of an orphanage.
The MCC workers are Mr. and Mrs. Glen
Graber of Wayland, Iowa; Roy Eby of New
Providence, Pa.; Harold Becker of Marion,
S. Dak.; and Dr. and Mrs. Roland P. Brown
of Freeman, S. Dak.
Released February 12, 1954
MCC Information Service
Akron, Pa.
Women's Activities
The Executive Committee of the WMSC
Organization met at the Mennonite Home
Mission in Chicago for two sessions on Fri-
day, January 29, and two sessions on Satur-
day, January 30. All seven members were
present.
Sister Minnie Graber, president, opened
the meeting with words of welcome to Sis-
ters Orpha Troyer and Florence Shantz who
were elected to the committee at the Annual
Meeting last June.
Sister Troyer then conducted the devo-
tional service, quoting four choice Scripture
verses from memory, thereby creating a fine
spiritual atmosphere for committee work.
The following items of business were
among those discussed: making the program
for the World Day of Prayer more effective;
evaluating the results of the two question-
naires on activities and projects sent to all
local circles last fall; the possibility of com-
mittee members visiting sewing circles en
route to Mission Board Meeting in June; the
matter of a full-time field secretary; prob-
lems in the area of literature; and the closing
time of the sewing circle year, in order to
help the secretaries get their reports in on
time.
The tollowing definite decisions were
made. Various members of the general com-
mittee will visit sewing circle groups en
route to Mission Board Meeting in June.
Three regional meetings in separated parts
of the country were planned for district
executive committees, with several members
of the general committee participating in
each case. This is designed to unify and
strengthen the total program and will re-
quire much careful planning. Assignments
were made in connection with this. Sister
Dorothea Eigsti was chosen chairman to
continue the study of problems in the area
of literature. Fifty dollars will be sent to
Japan for literature, and study is to be given
to literature needs in other areas. Sister Flor-
February 1954
ence Shantz was appointed to be full-time
field secretary for the WMSCO.
A tentative program for the women's
meetings at Mission Board Meeting was
formulated around the theme, "The Gospel
in a Changing World."
May each of us pray earnestly that the
problems facing us and the plans that we
are making may be solved according to His
will —Dorothea M. Eigsti, Secretary.
• * #
At the annual business meeting in Har-
risonburg, Va., in June, 1953, the delegate
body wholeheartedly accepted the action
favoring the securing of a full-time secre-
tary to look after WMSCO interests. A
committee was delegated to find such a per-
son. This was a matter of much concern
and prayer and the interest of many women
in the church has been indicated during the
past months by the questions asked at meet-
ings, in letters and conversation as to whether
she has been found.
We thank the Lord for His leading, and
are able to announce that Sister Florence
Shantz, Waterloo, Ont., is accepting this re-
sponsibility. She has had years of experience
in circle work both on the local and district
level. Her spiritual life, administrative abili-
ty, and clerical skills she has dedicated to
this new work. We ask you to remember
her as she takes up this work.
• • *
Literature report blanks have been mailed
to all districts. It is hoped that all local sec-
retaries will be prompt in reporting to their
district secretaries so that they in turn can
be on time with their reports which should
be sent in early in April.
• • •
H. Ralph Hernley, production manager
of the Mennonite Publishing House, Scott-
dale, Pa., says that we can expect our 1954-55
Prayer Guide order to be off the press by
April 1. We are grateful for this as it means
that we can mail orders to our foreign mis-
sionaries and relief workers so that they will
have them by May 1, the date to begin using
the new Guide.
Have you as a district considered placing
Daily Prayer Guides with your mission sta-
tions and outposts? Why not try it this
year? Send your orders now to WMSC Or-
ganization, Scottdale, Pa. The price is 25^
per copy. — Mrs. C. L. Shank.
GOSPEL HERALD
From Our Churches
CHAMBERSBURG. PENNSYLVANIA
(Chambersburg Congregation)
Greetings in the precious name of Jesus :
The evening of Nov. 25. 1953, we held the
first session of our annual Sunday-school meet-
ing and on Thanksgiving Day we had all-day
services. The speakers 'were the brethren
George Miller of Honduras and James Martin
at New Holland. This meeting was followed
by evangelistic meetings conducted by Bro.
Martin. The brother gave many truths from
God's Word through which the believers were
drawn closer to the Lord and eleven souls ac-
cepted Christ as their Saviour.
On Dec. 13 a visiting minister, Bro. Nevin
Horst, appointee to Ethiopia, brought a chal-
lenging message. And on Dec. 30, Bro. Mahlon
Horst of Relief, Ky., was speaker at our weekly
prayer meeting. We have been studying the
Book of Acts and the Lord has blessed us
richly.
The week end of Jan. 23 and 24 the congrega-
tion was again blessed through messages brought
by Bro. George R. Brunk.
Pray for the Lord's work here that more and
more of self would be dethroned and Christ
would be enthroned in our hearts.
John Ebersole.
CLEVELAND, OHIO
(Gladstone Mennonite Mission)
Greetings in the blessed name of Christ.
Hello to all Gospel Hekald readers.
This past summer has been a blessed time
for the members of our mission. Three groups
went to three different camps: Camp Ebenezer,
Kidron, Ohio; Mennonite Youth Village, White
Pigeon, Mich.; and Camp Friedenswald, Cas-
sopolis, Mich., which our pastor, Bro. Vera
Miller, attended and enjoyed very much. One
of our teen-age boys, Alexander Young, acted
as counselor and helper at Camp Ebenezer.
This past summer we had a service unit m
which were girls from Canada, Ohio, Kansas,
and Indiana. Bro. Gerald Hughes from Goshen
College spent his second summer here. With
the Lord's help and guidance we held Bible
school at three different public schools.
This fall we are blessed in having Bro. and
Sister Alexander Lark with us. Bro. Lark is
doing his I-W service at a hospital, but he and
his wife are helping us a great deal at the
mission.
Last March a city official came to our mis-
sion. After going through the building, check-
ing the doors and the floor, he told us that we
could no longer have services there. We had a
month to get out. A month was not enough,
but with many prayers we were able to get a
year's time. Bro. Miller was able to purchase
a lot and we have purchased a Butler steel
building. Different groups all over Ohio are
helping to pay for this building. It has a brick
front and is 28 feet wide and 96 feet long. We
have been getting donated labor from our com-
munity and the Aurora congregation. We are
grateful to Sister Anabel Conrad, Smithville,
Ohio, who has been serving here since October,
1952. Remember us in your daily prayers.
Curtis Blake.
LEO, INDIANA
(Leo Congregation)
Greetings in Jesus' name :
"O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name
in all the earth !"
From Juue 8 to 19 we had our summer Bible
school at Leo with an enrollment of 1G0. From
June 22 to July 3 we held Bible school among
the colored children on West Tayler in Fort
Wayne. The Lord blessed our work and we
had an average attendance of 74.
Our Missionary Day was observed Nov. 8
and our guest speakers were Bro. and Sister
John Beachey. Bro. Sanford Shetler and the
Johnstown High School Chorus gave an inter-
esting program in song. Bro. Shetler gave a
short message. On June 9 Bro. Shetler returned
with a male quartet. We enjoy these messages
in song.
Bro. Arnold Dietzel, on furlough from India,
brought us a message and told about the work
in the leper colony. Other visiting ministers
the past year were Galen Johns, Rudy Bon-
trager, and J. S. Neuhauser.
Our guest speaker for Thanksgiving Day was
Bro. B. Charles Hostetter. He also brought a
men's quartet from E.M.C. Bro. Hostetter
brought messages the following week. Seven
souls accepted Christ as their Saviour. We
praise the Lord for these and for other de-
cisions made.
From Nov. 15 to 22 our bishop, Bro. S. J.
Miller, held evangelistic meetings at the Hol-
land Mission, Holland, Ohio, and from Dec. 10
to 20 at the Berea Church in Daviess Co., Ind.
We miss the 17 young men who are serving
in I-W service. Some of the men are married
and their wives are working with them in hos-
pitals and various other places. Our prayer
for our young folks is that they may faithfully
serve the Lord where He has called them. The
MYF feels the loss of those who have been
called to serve away from home, but they are
still carrying on. The past summer they plant-
ed an acre of popcorn. After it was harvested
and shelled, they had about 600 pounds. This
is now for sale. Jesse S. Liechty.
187
PEABODY, KANSAS
(Catlin Congregation)
Dear Hekald Readers:
It has been quite a long time since there
has been any correspondence from the Catlin
congregation. However, we are still striving
to be zealous in the work of the Lord and we
are grateful for all His benefits to us.
Although we are few in number, we carry
on our various activities with interest. Once
a month our group gives an evening service at
the Union Rescue Mission in Wichita. The
sisters of the sewing circle, under the leader-
ship of Sister Lillian Stutzman, are active
workers in providing clothing for needy people
all over the world. Our Sunday school elected
Paul Diener as the superintendent for this
year. „
Since the resignation of our pastor, Bro.
Laurence Horst, over a year ago, we have had
no regular minister. Last year Bro. Clayton
Beyler came over from Hesston most of the
time and fed us richly from the Word of God.
This year we are happy that Bro. Alvin Kauff-
man, a student in the Bible department at
Hesston, consented to serve us each Sunday.
We greatly appreciate the help and fellowship
of his talented family also.
Bro. and Sister Milford Weaver and two
small children moved into our community last
November. They are living on the Clifford
Stutzman farm since the Stutzmans moved to
Hesston for school opportunities. The Stutz-
mans still come back to worship with us — a fact
we really appreciate.
While the Pennsylvania congregation near
Hesston was redecorating the interior of their
church, we enjoyed a number of visitors from
their group in our Sunday morning services.
On Jan. 29, we were privileged to have Bro.
and Sister John Friesen and family worship
with us. They were accompanied by Bro. and
Sister P. A. Friesen. Bro. John Friesen de-
livered a much-appreciated message.
We ask an interest in your prayers and in-
vite all to visit our church at any time.
Vera Newcomer.
SPRINGS, PENNSYLVANIA
(Springs Congregation)
Dear Christian Friends :
During the past summer and this winter, we
as a congregation could realize how the people
felt in Neh. 4 :6 when they had a mind to work
in rebuilding the Jerusalem walls. Our breth-
ren in the church as well as others all have a
mind to work in building our new church
which we expect to have completed next sum-
mer. It is located near the site of the church
we are now worshiping in.
Many of our young men are in I-W service,
serving and witnessing in state hospitals.
Our fall communion in charge of our bishop,
Roy Otto, was well attended. At that time five
young people were received into church fellow-
^Bro. Hammer told us when he was here that
"Revival is not an emotional spurt; it is the
work of the Holy Spirit in the heart of a Chris-
tian. '* "Revival is minding God." We have
found it to be true. Revival came to the Springs
Church and to Casselman Valley and is still
with us. _
Our MYF group is very active. The subject
of the January meeting was, "Why I Am a
Mennonite." It was discussed by the pastor,
Walter Otto, with open discussion by the mem-
bers.
The midweek prayer meeting is well attended.
The young people take an active part and there
is a real spiritual interest.
A few of our number attended winter Bible
school in Johnstown and Belleville.
We desire an interest in the prayers of God's
people. Lura Folk.
WAKARUSA, INDIANA
(Yellow Creek Congregation)
Dear Herald Readers :
We are thankful to the Lord for the many
blessings both temporal and spiritual.
We were favored by having Bro. John F.
Garber, from Alma, Ont., with us from Dec. 27
to Jan. 3 for a week of revival meetings. Sev-
eral young souls confessed Christ as their Sav-
iour. A class of twelve is under instruction for
baptism. ~„. r, ^ ,
On Oct. 11, Bro. and Sister William G. Det-
weiler and the trio were with us. And on Oct.
18 Bro. Clarence Ramer preached for us in
both morning and evening services.
Bro. Ray Yoder was in charge of our com-
188
GOSPEL HERALD
February 23, ipjj
mnninn service on N'ov. 1. Bro. Elno Steiner
brought the evening message on die game day.
Other visiting ministers for the mouths of De-
cember and January were Harold S. Bender,
(iiishen, I mt. ; Jonathan Yoder, on furlough
from India ; and Menno L. Troyer, Klida. Ohio.
We are very grateful for the fellowship of visit-
ing brethren and sisters and for the inspiring
DMWgefl they bring us.
Our pastor. I'eter Wiebe, is conducting a
study of Ephesinns at the present time.
The MYF group meet every Wednesday eve-
ning. Their programs vary, consisting of Bible
study, panel discussion*, and various other
types of programs. They have almost com-
pleted the project of building a cabin near the
church which provides a place for fellowship
of various activities.
We are in the process of building a parsonage
for our pastor and his family. This is now
under roof, but much work is left to be done.
Much of the work is donated by our members.
On Jan. 31, our pastor, I'eter Wiebe, was
ordained to the office for our congregation and
also for Fish Lake. Bro. Sanford Yoder
preached the sermon and Bro. Bay Yoder of-
ficiated in the ordination service.
Baptismal services are to be held on Feb. 2S
and our spring communion is to be held that
evening.
Remember our work in your prayere. We
welcome you to worship with us when you
can. Dorothy llartman.
MISSION NEWS (Continued)
The correct address for Bro. and Sister
Amos Swartzentruber, missionaries to Ar-
gentina, is Mercedes 149, Buenos Aires.
Bro. J. L. Rutt, returned missionary from
Argentina, participated in a week-end con-
ference at the Landis Valley Mennonite
Church, Lancaster, Pa., Feb. 13, 14.
In a united relief effort the Virginia Men-
aonites sent a total of 30,085 cans of beef,
pork, and chicken to the MCC at Akron, Pa.
Those who took part were the Warick River,
Fentress, Deep Creek, Kempsville, and
Providence congregations of southeast Vir-
ginia, and the churches in the Middle, North-
ern, and Southern Districts of the Shenan-
doah Valley.
KEEPING BUSY (Continued)
cleans, cooks, and mothers four boys. Help
is hard to get in Puerto Rico. She also has
charge of the weekly women's meeting,
which means getting speakers and taking
charge of the clothing depot which is avail-
able to the women. Besides that she has
nursing responsibilities, although they aren't
too demanding at present with only one
weekly clinic. In the preacher's house there
is always a lot of company, too, which means
extra work, but we shall be most happy to
entertain you when you pay us a visit.
Galen is in first grade which he enjoys,
but he doesn't like all the foods that are
served in the dining room where he cats.
David and Danny arc enjoying kindergar-
ten, which lasts from 8:30 to 10:30 each day.
Joseph is rather lost when his brothers all
disappear each morning, and all too often
Annabcllc has followed the tracks and found
him enjoying school with the rest of them.
That is one disadvantage of having the
school only a stone's throw from home. —
Lawrence (Ireaser Christmas letter.
When we accept Christ, Satan loses the
right of our lives.
FIELD NOTES (Continued)
The brotherhood worshiping at Washing-
ton, D.C., recently purchased a church build-
ing at 3200 22nd St. Their program to fi-
nance the church and expand their work will
be heavy for some time. Anyone interested
in contributing to their building fund should
address Nelson Brunk, 467 Cross St., Lan-
ham, Md.
Bro. Geo. W. Cutrell, Denver, Colo., took
seriously ill while on his way east to attend
the annual meeting of the Mennonite Publi-
cation Board, of which he is a member.
While at the home of his son, Richard, at
Kecksburg, Pa., not far from Scottdale, he
was taken to the Latrobe, Pa., hospital, where
he underwent surgery on Feb. 15. At last
reports he was getting along as well as could
be expected.
Dedication services were held at Kitchener,
Ont., on Sunday afternoon, Feb. 7, for Beth
Shalom (The House of Peace), the home of
the Ontario Hebrew Mission. This work,
under the direction of Bro. and Sister Ross
Goodall, is now separate from the House of
Friendship Rescue Mission, although con-
ducted by the same people.
Back numbers of THE WAY
are available again. Minimum order: 500.
Rate: 1/2C each. Octorer, November, January,
February issues. State first and second choice.
Mennonite Publishing House
Scottdale. Pa.
Ordination. — If plans were carried out,
Bro. Paul Yoder, of the Swamp congregation,
Franconia Conference, was ordained on Sun-
day, Feb. 21, to the ministry to serve the
congregation at Boyertown, Pa.
The Winter Bible School held at the Chest-
nut Street Church, Lancaster, Pa., closed
Thursday evening, Feb. 11. There was an
average attendance of 101.
The fourteenth annual Christian Day
School Meeting of the Lancaster County, Pa.,
area was held at Erisman's Church Satur-
day, Feb. 20. Guest speakers were John C.
Wenger, Goshen, Ind., and Paul E. Bender,
Crantsville, Md.
Announcements
The Iowa-Nebraska Ministers' Conference
will be held at the Manson, Iowa, Church
Feb. 25, 26. Guest speaker is Eli G. Hochs-
tctlcr, Wolford, N. Dak. This is the fifth
annual meeting of this kind.
The Eastern Ohio Ministers' Meeting will
be held at the Hcrlin, Ohio, Church, March
9, 10. Paul Miller, Goshen, Ind., the guest
speaker, will bring messages on "Lay Activi-
ties in (he Church." All members of the con-
gregations are invited to attend.
The ordination of a bishop is planned for
at the Mowmansvillc Church in Pastern Lan-
caster County, Pa., on March 4.
The 128th Christian Life Conference will
be hehl at (he Columbia, Pa.. Mission Satur-
day evening, Feb. 27, and all day Sunday.
Instructor! arc: Howard W. Hammer. Apple
Ctcek, Ohio, and Andrew M. I hut/let. New-
port News, Va.
The monthly meeting in the interest of
Jewish Evangelism will be held at the Vine
Street Mission, Lancaster, Pa., on the eve-
ning of March 1, with a service for prayer
and fasting to begin at 1:00 p.m.
A Peace Conference will be held at the
Pleasant Valley Church, Harper, Kans., April
14, 15, with Phil Frey, Archbold, Ohio, and
Justus Holsinger, Hesston, Kans., as speakers.
The South Central Ministers' Conference
will be held at Denver, Colo., April 7-9.
Guest speakers are Ivan Neprash, Philadel-
phia, Pa., and Milton Brackbill, Paoli, Pa.
The third annual Christian Day School
Meeting at the Mummasburg, Pa., Church is
to be held all day Sunday, Feb. 28. Speakers
are Sanford G. Shetler, Hollsopple, Pa., and
John S. Hess, Lititz, Pa.
Youth Conference at Leetonia, Ohio,
Saturday and Sunday evening, Feb. 27, 28,
with Harold Bauman, Orrville, Ohio, as
guest speaker.
Bible Conference at Pigeon, Mich., Church
March 7-14, with Jesse Short, Archbold, Ohio,
as instructor.
Chicago Home Mission folks giving a
program at the Waldo Church, on Spring
Missionary Day, March 21.
An all-day Sunday-school meeting at the
Slate Hill Church, near Shiremanstown, Pa.,
Feb. 28.
Visiting Speakers
Feb. 7. Jonathan Yoder, India missionary,
at East Goshen, Ind. Max Yoder, Wellman,
Iowa, at Yoder Church, Yoder, Kansas.
Feb. 14. Clyde Mosemann, appointee to
Uruguay, Marietta, Pa., Congregational Men-
nonite Church. J. Lawrence Burkholder,
Princeton, N.J., Christian Life Conference,
Coshen College, Goshen, Ind. Levi C
Hartzler, Elkhart, Ind., at Iowa City, Iowa.
Feb. 21. Wm. G. Detweiler, Orrville,
Ohio, at Morton, 111.
Evangelistic Meetings
Because of a conflict in dates Bro. Ken-
neth Good cannot be with the Cedar Grove
Church April 6-16 as previously announced.
Plans are now for Daniel Smucker, Harrison-
burg, Ya., to begin meetings March 29 and
continue for two weeks or longer.
Seeing the Sunset
Lorado Taft, the noted sculptor, camped
one summer on the banks of a lake on which
the sunsets were exceptionally beautiful.
While there they hired a little girl from the
neighborhood as a nursemaid.
One evening she asked the sculptor's wife
if she might run home and "show the sun-
set" to her people.
"Certainly." answered Mrs. Taft. "But
thev will sec it, won't they?"
"No," replied the child. "I never saw the
sunset until you came."
It is the Christian's great privilege to make
the beauty of Christ compelling^ attractive
to others. Is our daily life such that some-
one wc meet may say to us, "I never saw
Jesus until you came," and then hasten to
show Jesus to others, as we have shown Jesus
to him? — Burning Bush.
February 23, 1954
FAMILY CIRCLE (Continued)
I surest your reading, and then rec-
ommending to him, Link's Return to Re-
ligion. It is not a Gospel book. Neither
does it say anything against the Gospel.
Why bother with it? Because it is an
invitation to church in a palatable form.
Then, if he is agreeable, it is your busi-
ness to see to it that he attends a church
where the Gospel is preached.
Don't cast your pearls before swine.
If the Lord has spoken sacredly to your
heart, don't tell others. I have had Chris-
tians tell me that they prayed, and the
Lord gave them such and such a verse.
To me the verse seemed to have no con-
nection with their prayer. God had
spoken to them, not me. I realized that,
but to the natural man, it is gibberish.
He understandeth not the things of the
Spirit. So don't insist on sharing with
your unsaved companion the sacred
things that God has spoken to you but
which will have no meaning to him.
Be willing to be bored for the Lord.
If you want him to go where you want
to go, be content to go occasionally
where he wants to go.
Don't let your religion interfere with
his life. Attend the church services
which upset his plans the least. Have
Sunday dinner at the same time he wants
it, by doing part of your preparation on
Saturday. So far as possible, plan your
avenues of Christian service at times
when he will be busy with other things,
so that he need not feel that your Chris-
tianity is making you neglect him. Is
he jealous of your love for your Lord?
Many mates are. You should put the
Lord first, naturally, but while you con-
fess Christ as Lord, don't antagonize
your mate by rubbing in how much
more you love the Lord. Rather, "Like-
wise, ye wives, be in subjection to your
own husbands, that, if any obey not the
word, they also may without the word
be won by the conversation of the wives"
(I Peter 3:1).
Don't remind him that he is not a
Christian. That will only make him
more set. Rather, rejoice, and speak
highly of every forward step he takes.
Remind him, and yourself, that God
has planted in each one of us the desire
to know Him.
Even after your mate has accepted the
Lord, remember that growth in every-
thing but a mushroom is slow. Matthew
spoke of those that "heareth the word,
and anon with joy receiveth it" as hav-
ing "not root in himself" (Matt. 13:20).
Be satisfied with slow growth. Don't ex-
pect him to wear Saul's armor. He must
wear his own, be it only a stone and a
slingshot. Be satisfied to be a few steps
ahead of him. You are the older in the
Lord. Don't expect him to have exactly
the same Christian experiences that you
have. God never creates two things alike.
In His garden He has sunflowers, pan-
sies, marigolds, and hollyhocks. Some
people always have a small capacity.
GOSPEL HERALD
They are small pitchers, but still pitch-
ers.
Suppose he never accepts the Lord?
Whom do you love the most? Your hus-
band or your Lord? "If any man come
to me, and hate not his father, and
mother, and wife, and children, and
brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own
life also, he cannot be my disciple" (Luke
14:26). Suppose he dies, and as far as
you know, for God's dealings are person-
al, goes to hell. Do you love the Lord
enough to look into His face, and say,
"Lord, if he did not love Thee, he has
only gone where he preferred"?
God is good and gracious. And al-
though He is forgiving, we must often
pay for our sinfulness and disobedience.
But as we (perhaps through chastening)
grow more and more into the image of
the Lord Jesus Christ, the possibilities of
winning an unsaved mate to the Lord
become greater and greater.-Reprinted
from Sunday Magazine, Copyright 1946,
434 S. Wabash, Chicago 5, 111.
CHURCH HISTORY (Continued)
The Mennonites had not yet become
American activists. Services were usually
held about every two weeks on a Sunday
morning, with no exact time stipulated
for the beginning of the meeting. Chor-
isters led the congregation in singing
one-part German hymns. The deacon
read a chapter from the German (Saur,
Germantown) Bible, remaining seated to
read. The congregation knelt in silent
prayer. Then the minister preached a
sermon, about an hour in length. After
the sermon the other ordained men gave
"testimony" that the sermon was in har-
mony with the Word of God. The final
prayer was an audible petition which was
always completed with the Lord's Prayer.
After another hymn the benediction was
pronounced, over a seated audience in
the Franconia Conference.
In the Franconia district communion
services were held annually in the spring;
in Lancaster in spring and fall. In the
Lancaster district feet washing was prac-
ticed as a church ordinance in connec-
tion with the communion service, but
not in Franconia as a whole. Fast days
were occasionally observed. In the au-
tumn, after the ingathering of crops,
"Harvest Home" services were held to
express thanksgiving to the Lord of Har-
vests.
Bishops (elders), ministers, and dea-
cons did not choose their own offices.
When there was need of a given official
in a congregation votes were cast and
when two or more brethren received
votes— the usual experience-lots were
cast in a solemn service to determine who
was called of the Lord. The individual
immediately assumed his responsibilities
with the loyal support and earnest
prayers of his former fellow laymen.
5. Economic and Social Life
The communities of the first century
189
were self-contained German communi-
ties, the major non-Mennonite contacts
being confined to their Reformed and
Lutheran neighbors, also Pennsylvania
Germans. Family life was strong, divorce
was unknown, families were large, often
as many as ten or more children. Every-
one worked hard, idleness being consid-
ered a sin and recreation never heard of.
It was taken for granted that everyone
would either farm or work for another
farmer. Marriage with "outsiders" was
rather rare. In general boys and girls
grew up on the parental homesteads, at-
tended the elementary school main-
tained by the Mennonite community,
worked for their parents until they were
married, and then settled down on a
near-by farm which the parents of one
or the other marriage partner helped
them rent or purchase. Money was often
scarce but there was always plenty to
eat and wear, and much work to be done.
The pioneers were happy, busy, and sat-
isfied. They were a healthy lot of peo-
ple. Their faith satisfied all their needs.
They knew there was a kind and benefi-
cent Father in heaven who had guided
them across the Atlantic to the earth-
ly Paradise of Pennsylvania. Where a
tragedy occurred, perhaps a horse kicked
a man fatally, the relatives of the widow
sustained her economically, and if neces-
sary, the church through its deacons
helped, until the children were old
enough to assume the financial burdens
of their mother.
6. Situation Spiritually
The Pennsylvania Mennonites were
quite different in some respects from
their Swiss Brethren forefathers of the
era 1525-30. Their Christianity was not
that of "radical" Christians; it had set-
tled down to a comfortable, convention-
al, denominational type. There was no
thought of evangelistic work, no need of
any kind of mission work, no occasion to
alter any of the set patterns of worship.
The faith and practice of the immigrants
was good and satisfying; why change?
From 1683 until the ordination of John
H. Oberholtzer almost 160 years later
no great changes were made, and no one
intended to make any. The Bible had
not changed; why should anyone intro-
duce any innovations? Only with great
effort would it be possible to introduce
Sunday schools, evangelistic services,
Bible study and prayer meetings, evening
services, church boards of charities, pub-
lication, education, and missions. This
was the situation 160 years after the
thirty-five Crefelders arrived at Philadel-
phia on the good ship Concord October
6, 1683.
—Printed originally in part in Men-
nonite Life, North Newton, Kansas.
The Christian is a nonconformist, not
because he wants to be different, but
because he wants to be Christian.
—Donovan Smucker.
190
GOSPEL HERALD
February 2}, 1954
MENNONITE ATTITUDES (Continued)
How much fellowship will there be
between the families who get less than
$2,000.00 a year income and those who
receive, for example, 520,000.00 or more
annual income? Is this a problem, or is
it not? Was Menno Simons right in fear-
ing the consequences of a disparity of
wealth in the brotherhood? If he was
right, how great does the difference have
to be before it presents a major prob-
lem? Are the Mennonite groups aware
of a growing problem in this area of
church life?
Is it safe to assume that one measure
which can be used to determine how
much thinking has been done on it is the
number of articles devoted to it in Men-
nonite church papers? The Gospel Her-
ald for 1950 in its index listed six arti-
cles on stewardship of wealth. Seven ad-
ditional articles dealt with the same
topic. These thirteen articles filled 20
columns in a total of 3.8-10 for the year.
This amounts to one half of one per cent.
Although the articles urged sharing and
liberality, only one mentioned the prob-
lems produced by disparity of wealth in
the brotherhood and none mentioned
specifically the dangers of riches.
Another approach to the problem of
the Mennonite attitude toward wealth
is to studv district and General Confer-
ence resolutions. A rather complete in-
dex on resolutions passed by (old) Men-
nonite conferences, district and general,
during the last seventy-five years does not
list one resolution directly on riches,
wealth, or stewardship. To show the
contrast, one has only to list the number
of resolutions on other subjects. The
following are samples: secret societies,
70; worldly amusements, 167; voting and
jury service, 54: property insurance, 21;
nonresistance. 190; and nonconformity
in dress, 238. There were, however,
resolutions that indirectly approached
the problem. Such were the 108 resolu-
tions on business associations, the 30 on
farm organizations, the 5 on interest
rates, the 86 on life insurance, the 1 1 on
materialism, the 44 on mutual aid. and
the 30 resolutions on nonconformity in
possessions other than dress.
The eleven resolutions on materialism
contain the following phrases: "the
world is drunk with moneymaking"
(1004), "inordinate love for money"
(1910), "danger of commercialism"
(1916). "commercialism— the love of
money" (1920), "commercialism that
causes trust in riches" (1921). "love of
riches" (1925), "growing spirit of com-
mercialism and materialism among the
brotherhood" (1915), "yielding too free-
ly to materialism" (1918). There were
thus, according t<> this study, in the last
twenty years only very few (old) Men
nonite conference resolutions that dealt
with (he love of money Or materialism.
Docs this mean that the problems pre
sented by the possession of wealth did
not and do not exist in our brother-
hoods? Or docs it mean that the 1 lunch-
es are not aware of their problems in
this area? The writer is inclined to ac-
cept the second explanation, as will be
shown later.
If the conclusions above that the Men-
nonite churches in America have said or
written little concerning the dangers of
riches are correct, one must ask if they
have been blind or if up to now the prob-
lem was not a real one. One of Menno
Simons' fears was that wealth would lead
to display and to the adoption of man-
ners which would break down genuine
brotherhood. According to the figures
given above, there appears to be a great-
er disparity of wealth among the (old)
Mennonites of the East than there is
among those of the central states. This
very likely has long been the case. It
should be pointed out that in the east-
ern area of the church, however, an at-
tempt has always been made to prevent
through church discipline the conspicu-
ous display of wealth. The Franconia
Conference resolution which declares,
"Therefore we urge that our members
refrain from useless and wasteful expen-
ditures of money in their homes, on their
persons, in their automobiles, and in
their general standard of living," is typi-
cal of many that could be quoted. As
long as this ideal of nonconformity to
worldly ways is enforced, it would ap-
pear that the rich man is discouraged
from adopting a way of life which would
separate him from his poor brother. Per-
haps this is the reason so little is said di-
rectly on the dangers of riches. On the
other hand, where these controls do not
exist or are inoperative one would guess
that the chasm between our two Men-
nonite economic groups would become
increasingly great unless the church sets
up new standards of stewardship and
simple living, which will curb this tend-
ency toward stratification. This barrier
in some areas has already become a social
one. As soon as rich members of the
church find primary social contacts in
their professional and country clubs,
their connection with the brotherhood
becomes severed. Has wealth produced
this, or may they have become wealthy
because they were already worldly mind-
ed? Certainly Menno Simons, ;md Christ,
would teach us that the possession of
wealth brings with it great temptations
in these areas.
Not all of the rich, however, leave the
church, although there is a tendency for
this to happen. There are those weahhv
Mennonites who can remember the days
when they were poor and who trv de-
liberately to maintain close spiritual ami
social fellowship with their friends of
former years. On the other hand, ob-
servers have pointed out that when there
are enough people of wealth in a con-
gregation so that they can have their ex-
clusive social circles these individuals
tend to withdraw themselves and have
a fellowship of their own. Their wealth
has given them interests in travel, good
books, good music, bighei education, and
other areas of culture that naturally
draw them together. They will want
their children to marry those of a similar
economic and cultural level and will
therefore discourage them from associat-
ing with the financially poor young peo-
ple of the congregation. The kind of
car the young man drives may be the
key to get him into this exclusive society.
On the other hand, the poorer members
of the congregation would feel very ill
at ease in this kind of society and thus
tend to form their own social group. The
above is not speculative but is an actual
report from a number of keenly ob-
servant young Mennonites who described
to the writer the conditions in Mennon-
ite communities with which they be-
came familiar in recent years. It is a
tendency that should cause church lead-
ers great concern and much study.
Mennonites will not return to the
farm, it may be safe to assume. We have
voluntarily entered the professional and
business arena. It may be safe to assume
that in the competitive business world
an increasingly large number of Men-
nonites will acquire the training and
skills that will take them into the wealthy
class. We now have Mennonite million-
aries in America, and the number worth
half a million is growing. Although the
New Testament emphasizes again and
azain the great danger of riches, it is
doubtful if twentieth-century Mennon-
ites will adopt even functional poverty
as a way of life in spite of our centuries'
old emphasis upon the simple life. There
may, therefore, be only two ways in
which we mav save ourselves from dis-
integration. One approach is that of a
strict discipline in all phases of the stand-
ard of living, be that in automobiles,
clothing, houses, or house furnishings,
so that the person of wealth will not be
allowed to set himself apart from his
fellow Christians by a standard of liv-
ing and a wav of life which others might
envy but which they could not possibly
imitate. The other way is through a
teaching program on stewardship, which
we do not now have in a very effective
form, that will convince the man of
wealth that his possessions must be used
for the cause of the kingdom and dare
not be expended upon himself for lux-
urious living.
Goshen, Ind.
BIRTHS
"Lo. children ar» an heritage of the Lord" (Pu. 127:3a).
Barrel. Marvin D. and Martha (Stolrifus).
Ut Jn.v, second daughter. Margaret
UnilMt .'an. SO, 1054.
Blotter, Olendon L. and Dorothy (Nice),
SPSS *!:' in™ 1 a son- G,en-
jWottsr. VlnrH r,. nm, Ijois L. (Rhoin.
helnvr), G,»:i.,.„ i,ui.. second sou. Sheldon
DWI, Jan. 1 i . 10." 4.
V„?-y!Ti »l£? J' 2nd K,,nice 'Ilartman),
Jar! l 20 ! 1031 " ' fl>iU1, Wi'bur AUea'
February 2), 1954
Erb, Arlan and Marion (Naf*iRcr), Mill-
bauk. Out., second child, first daughter, Twila
Dawn, Jan. S. 1954. ,
Harnish, Parke K. and Kathryn (bidders),
Willow Sireet, Pa., third child, Kaihy Ann,
Dec. G, 1053. v „
Hess. James and Helen (Keener), Bernville,
Pa., first child. Gloria, Jan. 10, 1954.
Kaullman, Samuel L. and Mary (Yoder),
Reedsville, Pa., second child, first daughter,
Arlene Joy, Jan. 0, 1954.
Keener, Edwin anil Esther (Ntssley), Lewis-
burg Pa., sixth child, fourth sou, Philip N.,
Dec. 25, 1953. ■ , . ,
Kennel, Christian and Gladys (Ilershey),
Parkesburg, Pa., sixth child, second sou, Philip
Nelson, Feb. 1. 1954. ^
Kerr, Wilmer L. and Rachel (Landes), Col-
legeville, Pa., a daughter, Linda Sue, Oct. 20,
1953.
Kirkendall, LaVern and LaDonna (Prowant),
Cominental, Ohio, first child, Cheryl Auu, Dec.
28, 1953.
Kurtz, Lester and Frances (Zimmerman),
Morgantown, Pa., second child, Dwight Allan,
Feb. 0, 1954. . , .
Martin, Earl F. and Elsie (Groff) Bird in
Hand, Pa., sixth child, fifth daughter, Ruth
Elaine, Jan. 29, 1954.
Martin, Elam C. and Lydia (High), Myers-
town, Pa., fourth child, third daughter, Marian
Arlene, Feb. 0, 1954. B . _
Martin, Glenn and Gloria (^ oodiwiss). La
Junta, Colo., a sou, George Glenn, Jan. 29,
Martin, Lloyd J. and Mae (Senscnig), East
Earl, Pa., fourth child, Barry Lloyd, Jan. 21,
19Martin, William S. and Martha (Weaver),
New Holland, Pa., seventh child, fifth daughter,
Violet, Jan. 4, 11)54.
Miller, Claude D. and Helen (Hess), Cones-
toga, Pa., seventh child, second daughter, Helen
Grace, Jan. 27. 1954.
Miller, Henry and Mary (Mullet), Millers-
burg, Ohio, twin sons, Floyd Eugene and Loyd
Dean, Feb. 9. 11)54. „ , ,„ ,
Rediger, Dallas and Ruth (Sutter), Mt.
Pleasant, Iowa, fourth child, Nancy Kay, Dec.
18, 1953. . _
Richard, Elmer and Eunice (Amstutz). Cres-
ton, Ohio, second child, Sidney Alan, Dec. 7,
1953.
Ropp, Sam and Verda (Kropf), Ajbany,
Oreg., a son, Dwight Floyd. Nov. 19, 1!>53.
Roth, Ivan aud Lola (Kennel), Iowa City,
Iowa, first child, Kathryn Elizabeth, Dec. 29,
1953.
Shetler, Paul and Neva Kay (Bute), third
son, Jeffrey Paul, Jan. 1(5. 1034.
Slagel. Dean aud Dorothy (Schrock), Cleve-
land, Ohio, third child, second son, Paul Allen,
Jan. 27, 1!>54. m , 4 ._„.
Spurlock, Ford and Gertrude (Brunk), \\ lid
Cat. K.v., second daughter, Dorothy Ruth. Dec.
Weaver. Paul A. and Ethel (Oaks). Waynes-
bom. Va., fourth child, first sou, Roger Dale,
Jan. 7. 1954.
Wilmer, Roy V. and Emma A. (Hoover),
Kinzers, Pa., first child, Jay Clair, Oct. 15,
Yost. R. John and Yerna (Stoltzfus), Nar-
von, Pa., eighth child, first daughter, Nancy
Ann. Feb. 2, 1954. ,
Yurzy, Homer E. and Elizabeth (Williams),
Naubinway, Mich., first child, Joy Ellen, Feb.
5. 1954.
MAIUIIACES
May the blessings of God be upon the homes
established by the marriages here listed. A year s
subscription to the GOSPEL HERALD Is given to those
whose address is supplied by the officiating minister.
Albrecht — Long.— Stanley S. Albreeht. Prince-
ton, 111., and Althea L. I.ong, Tiskilwa. 111., by
C. Warren Long, father of the bride, in the
Willow Springs Church, Tiskilwa, 111., Jan.
24. 1954. , .
Bacher — Witmer. — John Barber, Lakevtew
congregation, Wolford, N. Dak., and Martha
Winner. Pleasant View congregation, Colum-
biana, Ohio, by Eli G. llochstetler, Nov. 20,
li>53. „, .
High — Weaver. — J. Clair High, Bbnnsport
congregation, Reinholds, Pa., and Shirley Ann
Weaver. Martindale, Pa., congregation, by J.
Paul Grnvbill nt the home of the bride, New
Holland, i'a., Feb. 0, 1954.
GOSPEL HERALD
Kauffman — Hostetler.— G 1 e n d o n Kauffman
and Beuluh Hostetler, both of the Pleasant
Valley A.M. Church near Yoncalla, Oreg., by
Roy 'Headings, assisted by Elmer Hostetler,
father of the groom, Jan. 10, 1H51.
Lehman — Kinsey.— Harold Eugene Lehman,
Mt. Joy, l'a., congregation, and Beulah Pearl
Kinsey, Mt. Pleasant congregation. Paradise,
Pa., by G. Parke Book, assisted by Clair Eby,
in the Mt. Pleasant Meuuouite Church, Feb. 3,
Martin — Hershey— Raymond D. Martin. Lan-
dis Valley congregation, Lancaster, Pa., and
Norma Ruth llersuey, Paradise, Pa., congrega-
tion, by G. Parke Book, assisted by Clair Eby,
in the Paradise Meuuouite Church, Jan. 2,
19Martin — Good.— Roy B. Martin, Metzler con-
gregation, Lplirata, Pa., and Grace 1. Good,
Gehman congregation, Reinholds, Pa., by J.
Paul Gravbill at Bowinansville, Pa., Church,
Feb. G, 1954.
Mausi — Stutzman. — Lowell Maust, Clinton
Frame congregation, Goshen, lnd., and Etta
Fern Stutzinau, North Main Street congrega-
tion, Nappanee, lnd., by Homer F. North at
his home. Dec. 12, 1S153.
Peaciiey — Zuok.— Irvin John Peaehey, Reeds-
ville, Pa., aud Mary C. Zuok, Belleville. Pa.,
both of the Alleusville, Pa., congregation, by
R. R. Peaehey at the church, Dec. 12, 19o3.
Ranch — Engle.— Floyd Heir Rands, An-
drews iintlge congregation, Christiana, Pa., and
Ellen Rebecca Engle, Kinzer congregation, Kin-
zers, Pa., by G. Parke Book, assisted by Jacob
Mellinger, in Kinzer Church, Jan. 29, 19u4.
Rudolph— DUer. — John V. Rudolph, Stouffer
congregation, Edgemont, Mil., and Alice II.
Diller, Miller congregation, Leilersburg, Mil.,
by Moses K. Ilorst at the home of the bride,
Feb. 3. 1951. ««, « ,
Smucker— Reck — Clayton W. Smucker, Bu-
da, 111., and Sliirlee Jean Reek, Peoria, 111., by
C. Warren Long, Jan. 30, 1054.
Stoltzfus — Smoker — Reuben S. Stnltztus,
Monterey, Pa., congregation, and Elsie Phyllis
Smoker, Maple Grove congregation, Atglen, la.,
by Aaron F. Stoltzfus, assisted by Glenn Esh,
at the Monterey Meuuouite Church, Feb. 0,
Weaver — Gehman.— Irvin Weaver, Weaver-
land congregation, New Holland. Pa., and
Kathryn Gehniau, Chiirchtown congregation,
Narvon, Pa., by David X. Weaver at the
Churchtowu Mennonite Church, Oct. 3, Uo3.
Zonk — Peaehey— Chester E. Z >ok. Alleus-
ville, Pa., and Patricia J. Peaehey, Belleville,
Pa., both of the Allensville congregation, by
R. R. Peaehey at the church, Jan. 3U, 1954.
ANNIVERSARIES
Friday, Feb. 5, 1954, was the occasion for
the sixty-fifth wedding anniversary of Bishop
and Sister J. S. Gerig of the Oak Grove con-
gregation, Smithville, Ohio. They were mar-
ried at the home of the bride"s father, Gideon
Smucker, on Feb. 5. 1889, with Bishop John K.
Yoder officiating. Bro. Gerig has served as spir-
itual leader of the Oak Grove congregation for
over fifty years, having been ordained to the
ministry in 1S9G.
Three children were born to Bro. and Sister
Gerig (Melvin R., of Smithville; Benjamin,
Washington, D.C. ; and Mrs. L. J. Hostetler,
Massillon, Ohio). Seven grandchildren and 13
great-grandchildren complete the family circle.
Both Bro. and Sister Gerig observed their
eighty-eighth birthday in January of this year,
and are in remarkably good health. They still
maintain their own home and attend Sunday
morning worship services regularly. Because
of failing eyesight, Bro. Gerig has not been
active in leading worship, but lie still gives the
morning benediction at the end of the service.
Bro. and Sister Gerig are grateful for their
many blessings and long life together over the
Kolh. John W. and Anna B. (Good), both
members of the Vincent Mennonite Church and
lifelong residents of Spring City, Pa., observed
their fiftieth wedding anniversary at their
home on Jan. 14, 1954, with a number of rela-
tives and friends as guests. Both are in Iheir
seventy-second year and are in good health.
They were married by the late Bro. Jacob
Hniisberger. They have 4 children (Elmer G.,
Pottstown, Pa.; Florence — Mrs. Clinton E.
Black, Fountain City, Tenu. ; Irviu G. and
191
Norman G., Spring City, Pa.), 15 grandchil-
dren, and one great-grandchild.
OBITUARIES
May the sustaining grace and comfort of our Lord
bless these who are bereaved.
Hostetler, Mattie, daughter of Daniel and
Katie I lcrshberger, was bom July 29, 1891; pas-
sed away at the Goshen Hospital, Goshen, lnd.,
Jan. 20, 1951 ; aged 02 y. 5 111. 28 d. She accept-
ed Christ as her Saviour in her youth and re-
mained faithful to the end. She was a member of
the Clinton Frame Mennonite Church at the
time of her death. On Feb, 1912, she was mar-
ried to Samuel G. Hosteller, who preceded her in
death Oct. 0. 1932. One son (Mouroe) also pre-
ceded her on Dec. 20, 1917. She is survived by
7 sons (John. Dan, and Hurley, of Goshen; Jake,
of the Dominican Republic; Willis, of Nap-
panee; Samuel, Jr., of Talcum, Ky. ; and Leroy,
of Middlebury, lnd.). 3 daughters (Katie and
Mary, at home; and Mrs. Irene Culp, Tiskilwa,
111. j, IX grandchildren. 3 brothers, 2 sisters, one
half sister, one hall' brother, one stepbrother, one
stepsister, and a host of other relatives and
friends. Funeral services were held Jan. 29
at the Clinton Frame Mennonite Church in
charge of Vernon P.ontrager and Ira Johns, with
burial in the Clinton Union Cemetery.
ITEMS and COMMENTS
Other expert voices are joining in blaming
the rapid increase in lung cancer on cigarette
smoking. The head ot surgery at 1 ulane
Medical School says it is a ""possibility that
the male population of United States will
be decimated by cancer of the lung in an-
other 50 years if cigarette smoking increases
as it has in the past, unless some steps are
taken to remove the cancer-producing lacior
in tobacco."
* # #
The influence of literature is seen in the
testimony of the head of Detroit's police
censor bureau: "There has not been a sex
murder in the history of the Detroit Police
Department in which the killer was not an
avid reader of lewd books and magazines."
# # #
According to Time, the 433 billion cigar-
ettes that the people of the United Slates
smoke each year, if placed in a single line,
would encircle the earth at the equator 751
times.
# * #
On Christmas night a devastating fire
swept the crowded city of Hong Kong leav-
ing 70,000 Chinese refugees destitute and
homeless. Church World Service immediate-
ly made available food and clothing on hand
in Hong Kong warehouses.
* * *
A Manhattan courtroom has revealed that
the American people give each year millions
of dollars for charities which have been
organized for the good of the promoters
rather than for any real charitable pur-
poses. For instance, one cause raised two
and one-half million dollars for the relief
of war widows and orphans. After fund-
raising expenses were deducted, there was
192
GOSPEL HERALD
February 23, 1954
For the first time — a historical Mennonite theology!
INTRODUCTION TO THEOLOGY
By John C. Wenger
NEVER BEFORE has the Mennonite Church had a systematic statement
of theology given with its historical Anabaptist background.
In clear, understandable language John C. Wenger sets forth the doc-
trinal teachings of the Bible. He is familiar with the writings of the great
theologians of all times. He knows the writings of Mennonites and Anabap-
tists. He is also thoroughly grounded in the Bible. Such knowledge qualifies
him for dealing with this profound subject.
Following his introduction about the whole scope of theology are chap-
ters which deal with God as Creator, as Revealer, as Redeemer, as Sanctifier,
and as All in All. It is an excellent companion volume to Separated unto God
which deals with distinctive doctrine and practice.
Every Sunday-school library, every Mennonite pastor, Christian educa-
tion workers, speakers, college students, and homes interested in careful
Bible study should have this outstanding book on theology. $4.00
Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale, Pa.
(Continued from preceding page)
left for the widows $300,000. The moral
of this is: Give to causes that you know.
And for our church people, we can say:
Give, at least for the most part, to your
own church causes. You can be assured of
their conscientious and efficient manage-
ment.
• • •
Five-year federal prison terms for two
Jehovah's Witnesses were set aside in a ruling
by the Sixth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
1 he men, who had asked for exemption
from the draft as ministers, had been sen-
tenced by a district court for draft evasion.
Both had been classed as conscientious ob-
jectors by the Toledo and Ohio draft boards.
When they appealed for exemption as min-
isters, the President's Draft Appeals Board
reclassified them l-A. The Circuit Court
said, "In view of the complete lack of
evidence to contradict the findings of the two
lower boards, we hold that the ruling of the
National Selective Service Appeals Board,
classifying each as I-A, is arbitrary and
capricious, and without basis in fact." The
Toledo Draft Board will still have to decide
whether these men arc ministers.
• • •
A French arcliaclogist has discovered near
Bccrshcha the remains of a settlement that
existed 1,000 years before Abraham made
the famous water rights contract that gave
licersheba in Israel its name.
• • •
The New York Times reports that Japan
has suffered her worst crop failure in 19
years. This year's rice production is esti-
mated at 17 per cent less than last year's
crop. The chief cause was excessive rain-
fall. The government estimated that 1,-
763,000 tons of rice will need to be imported
to take care of the nation's food needs. This
will be an additional burden on the nation's
already serious economic difficulties.
• • •
Elaborate plans are being made for the
Billy Graham campaign in London. Many
meetings will be held daily in every part of
London, with the evening meetings con-
centrated at the Harringay Arena. Both
the secular and religious press are giving
coverage. The Graham team will consist
of 25 to 30 members. The support given
from the Church of England includes 800
churches already committed to help. The
staff hopes that these meetings will be the
most "prayed-for event" of our time.
• • •
Dr. Katju, Home Minister of the Indian
government, was the cabinet member who,
last spring, aroused fears concerning foreign
mission work in India by his statement that
foreigners would be expected to limit them-
selves to social work, leaving evangelism to
Indian citizens. It is, therefore, of inter-
est to know that Dr. Katju has now is-
sued another statement in which he said the
government would not interfere with the
internal operation of missions or churches.
His statement stresses the importance of free-
dom of religion, and he says he is "distressed
that Indian Christians ... are being mal-
treated on the ground of their religion."
» » •
A resolution calling upon the church to
keep its organization and activities free from
all racial discrimination was adopted re-
cently in Uganda by the First Catholic Ac-
tion Congress.
• • »
An Israeli spokesman has said that the
government will prevent the recurrence of
outbreaks such as occurred recendy out-
side the Hebrew Evangelical Mission in
Jerusalem and will "protect the lawful acdvi-
ties of any organization." Similar assurances
were given by the Commander of the Jeru-
salem Police. Several arrests were made after
youthful rioters smashed windows of the
Mission during the disturbance.
• • •
The cornerstone has been laid for a Mor-
mon temple in Los Angeles, California,
which will be the largest Mormon temple
ever built, even larger than the famed one
in Salt Lake City. The $4,000,000 structure
will be finished sometime in 1954.
• • •
During the recent meetings of the All-
Negro National Baptist Convention, race bar-
riers fell for the first time at Miami Beach
1 lotcl, without any incidents and with nor-
mal human relations replacing the old dis-
crimination.— WP.
HDX3
Acjvr.1
"H" £l 0TOIH3
NliN3McJVW V %
GOSPEL HERALD
'% the defence and confirmation of the gospel" urHow heautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace"
VOLUME XLVII.
.TUESDAY, MARCH
"Thou Shalt Not Steal!
By Roy Bucher
The World Almanac gives the follow-
ing figures for arrests in our country
for 1951: for robbery, 59,000; burglary,
409,000; auto theft, 163,000; larceny,
1,024,000. This makes a total of 1,655,000
arrests for crime involving taking proper-
ty that belongs to others. And, of course,
there were thousands of thefts for which
no one was ever apprehended.
What a difference there would be in
our world today if men would obey this
law of God, "Thou shalt not steal." The
government is hiring more help in order
to find people who are evading the in-
come tax. Large department stores are
having more detectives to watch for shop
lifters. The whole industry of safes and
vaults has been built upon the fear of
theft, and when one can begin to fathom
the amounts spent locally, he can better
understand the great amount spent an-
nually in our country to prevent theft.
This cost is becoming greater year after
year, because men break this command-
ment.
I can imagine that there are those who
are saying to themselves, "I'm glad I'm
not a criminal. I'm glad that the thought
never comes to me to stand in some dark
alley and snatch a purse. I'm glad that
the thought never comes to me to take
a gun and demand someone else's prop-
erty." But I'm sorry to say that Chris-
tians are not entirely free from breaking
this law. When God said, "Thou shalt
not steal," certainly He meant, don't rob.
He meant, don't take property that be-
longs to others; but He also meant that
we shall pay our debts. He also meant
that if the government should ask a tax
from our earnings, we shall pay that tax.
He also meant that if we are employed
and expected to work forty hours, we
should not loaf part of that time wasting
time for our employer, but should work
forty hours.
Certainly each of us needs to examine
his own life. Let us look to several ex-
amples in the Scriptures in consideration
of this commandment. The first one is
found in Luke 16:1-12. Here we find a
rich man who had a steward, and this
steward became dishonest— in what way
or to what extent, we do not know.
Maybe he sold merchandise below cost;
maybe he gave some of it away to his
friends, but at least he wasn't getting
number 9
rich. He realized that he ^WsCSKTpre-
dicament. He was too lazy to work, but
he wouldn't want to stoop that low any-
way. To beg, he was ashamed. If he
must live, it must be in a gentleman's
fashion. Thoughts ran through his mind.
Maybe he could cheat, but he would nev-
er stoop to charity. So I can imagine
this individual stroking his forehead,
wondering what scheme he might use.
Suddenly he said to himself, "I know
what I'll do. I'll devise some plan, so
when I'm out of a job, I'll have some
place to go." So he approached two indi-
viduals who owed his employer sums of
money. Of the first man he asked, "How
much do you owe my lord?" The man
said, "I owe one hundred measures of .
oil." And he said, "Take your bill, sit
down quickly, and write fifty." The sec-
ond man came and he asked, "How much
do you owe my lord?" The man said, "I
owe one hundred measures of wheat."
He said unto him, "Take your bill and
write fourscore," which was eighty per
cent of his bill. In the eighth verse we
find that his lord commended him. Did
he commend him for his dishonesty? No,
but he was telling him that as far as the
world is concerned, he was a shrewd
man.
The second example is that of Zacch-
aeus, found in Luke 19. Jesus was pas-
sing through Jericho, and here was a
man name Zacchaeus, a man who was
chief among the publicans, a very
wealthy man, a man who perhaps in the
eyes of the average person was consider-
ed dishonest by virtue of his office. May-
be it was the attitude of the people that
made Zacchaeus dishonest.
I remember reading an interesting
book called, Les Miserables, in which the
story centered around one Jean Valjean.
Jean Valjean stole a loaf of bread be-
cause his sister's children were starving.
He was put into prison because he was
caught in the act of stealing. In the eyes
of the public he was a thief. Even though
the act was very small, Jean Valjean was
considered a man to be feared because
he was a thief. So Jean Valjean decided
that if people had decided that he was
a thief and a robber, then he was going
to live up to his reputation.
Well, maybe that was the situation
with Zacchaeus, but at least Zacchaeus
wanted to see Jesus. He was a small
man, and in order to see he climbed up
into the sycamore tree. Jesus looked up
when He came to the tree, and told
Zacchaeus, "Make haste, and come
down." We find the heart of Zacchaeus
opened to the Master, and Jesus said,
"This day is salvation come to this
house." Hitherto, Zacchaeus had lived
for himself; now he would live for God.
Hitherto, Zacchaeus had lived to make
money; now he would strive not only to
be just, but to help others. And when
Zacchaeus became a new man in Christ,
stealing and anything unjust was no
longer considered. Notice these words
from Ephesians: "Let him that stole
steal no more" (4:28).
The third example is found in Genesis
25. It is the account of the stolen bless-
ing; the story of Jacob and Esau, a
shrewd Jacob who was considering some
way by which he might make a bargain
with his brother for his birthright. So
as his brother Esau returned from a
hard day's work in the field, he knew
that he would be hungry, and he sug-
gested, "Wouldn't you rather have this
delicious bowl of hot stew than a birth-
right?" It is true that Esau agreed to
the bargain, but that didn't make it
right. Jacob had stolen and he had
taken advantage of Esau's hunger at a
time Esau was under stress.
But that's not the end of the story.
Jacob carried his sin upon his conscience.
Jacob thought in terms of a bargain, but
was it really stealing. Isn't it true for any
of us that if we have a guilty conscience
on some matter that has never been con-
fessed, we can never be of great service?
There came a time when Jacob reaped
Did You Pray?
By Edna M. Mertz
Did you ever in great temptation
Realize the power of prayer,
Did you find in that hour of darkness
The presence of Christ was there?
Did you ever carry a burden
That brought you near to despair,
Till you turned it over to Jesus
In a moment of earnest prayer?
Did you ever plead for another
Lost in the thralldom of sin,
Held fast in the shackles of Satan,
Did you pray that Christ would come in?
Ft. Wayne, Ind.
194
GOSPEL HERALD
March 2, 1954
the harvest of his evil years. Jacob and
Esau met, and Jacob was happy to have
this burden that was upon his conscience
removed. He was ready to do anything
and give anything to his brother Esau in
order to remove this guilt that was upon
him. And I can imagine the great joy
and the peace that came to Jacob when
he was able to make this matter right
with his brother.
The fourth example is found in Luke
10. This is the parable of the Good
Samaritan. The thieves had beaten this
Jew along the well-traveled highway go-
ing down from Jerusalem to Jericho.
Three men came by. A priest and a
Levite, blood brothers of the victim,
passed by on the other side. The third
individual who came along was a Samar-
itan. He helped the man; he took him
to an inn; he reached down into his
pocket and left money to take care of
this victim. Jesus makes those who did
nothing appear as bad as the gangsters
who did the actual beating.
It is possible to break the law by doing
nothing. This is the most dangerous
way. Malachi, in 3:8, asked the people
the question, "Will a man rob God?"
He says they were guilty of stealing by
simply doing nothing. They withheld
their time. They were expected to bring
their goods into the storehouse. They
were expected to bring the tenth, but
they didn't do it, and so Malachi says,
"You are guilty of stealing by simply do-
ing nothing." This is the point where
we need to be careful too.
Relief workers come home telling us
of the thousands who are still suffering
for lack of the basic necessities in war-
torn countries. Our relief agencies are
reaching to the far corners of the world
to relieve these multitudes who are suf-
fering from want. Our mission board is
asking for our help in their great pro-
gram of taking the Gospel to the far
corners of the world. Our schools are in
need of finances to train workers to go
out into service for the Master. Let us
each ask ourselves, Are we not guilty of
breaking this law of God when we enjoy
so many conveniences, when we have
more than enough, and when we sit back
and do nothing about those who are in
need? We must consider this command-
ment very seriously. We must be com-
pletely honest in every area of our lives.
There can be no "almost" honest. If we
keep the spirit of this commandment,
we shall, as George Bernard Shaw once
said, "put more into life than we take
out." Let us be careful how we use the
gifts God has given us. Let us give freely
to those who are in need. Let us love
our neighbor as ourselves.
East Peoria, 111.
Our Readers Say-
Since I am a foreigner in the United States,
but yet have read the Gospel Herald for a long
time, I want to express my appreciation of your
paper. In July, 1952, when I entered the Men-
nonite Voluntary Service Camp at Lubeck,
Germany, I saw a copy of your paper for the
first time and have been reading it ever since.
At first some of the parts .... like the much-
discussed Field Notes, seemed strange to me
and sometimes inappropriate. . . . But the more
I read this paper the more I like it. . . . All in
all, I think it is a well-edited, all-around paper,
which surely should be in every home. — Horst
D. Heidebrecht, Dewey, III.
* * *
It's dear old Scofield again. It would be
interesting to know what anyone hopes to ac-
complish by attacking a recognized servant of
God and an accepted religious work, in the
manner that "Scofield's 'Helps' " were tiraded in
an article in the Gospel Herald of Jan. 19.
David refused to harm Saul, because Saul was
God's anointed.
It may be well to recall that the late Dr.
C. I. Scofield was the founder of the Central
American Mission near the turn of the century.
According to slides shown a few weeks ago by
a returned missionary couple from this field,
God is still blessing this work abundantly. If
all or even one of the reckless accusations
leveled at Dr. Scofield in the afore-mentioned
article could be even reasonably substantiated,
would God have blessed so wonderfully this
man's implemented conviction of the religious
need of Central America?
The article duly recognizes the popularity of
the Scofield Reference Bible. This warm recep-
tion after so many years in production verifies
that the work does provide help for the earnest
seeker. However, if one allows "oral tradition"
to supersede the inspired Word of God, there
is bound to be serious conflict between opinions
and interpretation of the Word.
Dr. Scofield and his co-workers, men of God
like Gray, Harris, Erdman, Gabelein, and others,
accepted the written Word of God as authority
and taught in that light. Consequently, in the
main, the helps found in the Scofield Reference
Bible are clear, helpful, scholarly, and acceptable
from a spiritual standpoint, if followed through
carefully and without bias.
John 3:16 is perhaps the favorite text, com-
monly called the Golden Text of the Bible. In
Eph. 2 :8, 9 there is an enlargement of this key
text in John. Seemingly at this point lies the
greatest difficulty resulting in the accusations
referred to above. According to the article some
people are practicing forgiveness in order to be
forgiven. Read carefully the footnote on page
999 (1). Here the Doctor points out, quoting
Paul as the authority, that a Christian forgives
because ". . . God for Christ's sake hath for-
given you." The latter is grace in action, while
the former method is the application of the prin-
ciple of law : "This do and thou shalt live."
Paul's argument is, a Christian does because he
lives.
It is also well worth while to read again the
Doctor's introduction to the Gospels, page 989.
Now compare footnote 1, page 1343. Here is
found as concise and convincing an elucidation
of the term "Gospel" as can be found anywhere.
Not only is there harmony in these footnotes;
they are also in harmony with the written Word
of God. In closing allow me to quote from
footnote on page 989 : "The doctrines of grace
are to be sought in the Epistles, not in the
Gospels; but those doctrines rest back upon the
death and resurrection of Christ, and upon the
great germ truths to which He gave utterance,
and of which the Epistles are the unfolding.
Furthermore, the only perfect example of per-
fect grace is the Christ of the Gospels." "And
now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three;
but the greatest of these is charity."— S. C.
Brubacher, Ayr, Ont.
* * *
Am thankful for these editorials [on
Ventilation Hymns and Interrupted Hymns].
There is . . . one thing we could improve in our
worship. . . . Everyone has been encouraged to
bring their Bibles ... to church. . . . When the
reading is started, we find it is from a different
version. ... It is all right to have different
versions for study ... but why use them in
public worship . . . ?— Lizzie Moyer, R. 4, Elk-
hart, Ind.
* * *
. When the Gospel Herald arrives at our
house, I turn first to the Mission News and the
Field Notes ; then I feel as though I had a let-
ter from home. May God continue to bless and
use our periodicals to His glory. — Ina Snyder,
Breslau, Ont.
* * *
I appreciate your editorial (Feb. 9), "Our
Amish Brethren," especially the conclusion:
"We trust someday the rift can be entirely
healed." God speed the day when this can be
said of all Mennonite churches! We can co-
operate in times of war, and in projects of re-
lief to the needy — why can we not live and love
as we should in our daily walk together? — R. J.
Hartsler, East Peoria, III.
* * *
For some time I have been terribly disturbed
by things which are happening in some Amish
communities, and the almost inevitable effect
they will have on our peace testimony and I-W
program. I am embarrassed to read in the daily
newspaper accounts of police raids on drinking
parties. Then also in various sections of the
country there are those ever-continuing con-
flicts between the Amish and the state school
laws. I appreciate the attitude of the editorial
of Feb. 9— "we must make ourselves worthy of
our privileges by the elimination of every un-
worthy motive and of every selfish demand. Our
conscience must be built on the Word of God
rather than upon personal desire or group ac-
tion." I hope and pray that people possessing
wrong attitudes and continually violating the
law will come to realize that they are casting a
bad reflection on the whole peace program and
are hastening the day when we will lose our
peace privilege. The American Legion of La-
grange, lnd., has already taken action, request-
ing changes in the draft law which would re-
quire CO's to do noncombatant service in the
armed forces. The action grew out of the re-
fusal of some young men to do civilian work.
My plea is that we lay aside all selfish motives
which may endanger the privileges of others
and see to it that our conduct is consistent with
our peace position, which has a nation-wide
publicity. — Charles ('. Haarer. Morgantown,
Ind.
GOSPEL HERALD
ESTABLISHED ISOS AS IUCCIMOR TO GOSPEL WITNESS (ISOSI A NO HERALD OF TRUTH (18*41
PAUL, ERB. EDITOR JOHN L. HORST. MILLARD C. LIND. CONSULTING EDITORS LEVI C. HARTZLER. MISSIONS EDITOR
THE OOIFIL HERALD l> A RELIalOUS WEEKLY PUILIIUIO IN THI INTIHIITI Or THE MENNONITE CHURCH IV IKI MENNONITE PUBLICATION BOARD . BCOTTDALE. PA.
ENTERED AS SECOND CLASS MATTER IN IMt AT THE POST OFFICE AT BCOTTDALE, PA., UNOER ACT OP MARCH I. I STB SUBSCRIPTION PRICE, (J OO PIS YEAR. THREE YEARS
IN ADVANCE, SS OO. PIVS YEARS IN ADVANCE, (IB M. SAMPLE COPIES SENT PREE ON REQUEST BEND ALL MATERIAL FOR PUBLICATION TO OOSPEL HERALD, BCOTTDALE, PA.
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
March 2, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
195
EDITORIAL
Pillars of the Church
Pillars are very important in the struc-
ture of the church, whether one speaks
from the standpoint of architecture, per-
sonnel, or the perpetuation of the truth.
We only need to go to the basement of
our church buildings to see that without
the pillars of wood, steel, brick, or stone
they would soon collapse under the
stress of use and the ravages of time.
The church itself is called in the Scrip-
ture "the pillar and ground of the truth"
(I Tim. 3:15). To preserve both the
church and the truth which it is to pro-
mulgate, human pillars are needed to
lead in the work which it is commis-
sioned to do. Paul recognized this when
he came to Jerusalem after a fruitful
ministry to the Gentiles. He observed
that James, Peter, and John "seemed to
be pillars" of the church there. Gal. 2:9.
This incident has caused us to speak
appreciatively of our spiritual leaders as
pillars of the church. The pillars of the
early church, of whom Paul also was
one, have long since gone to their re-
ward. They were succeeded by others
whom the Lord raised up, even as He
appointed Joshua to take the place of
Moses.
Recent deaths among well-known min-
isters of the church have impressed us
with the fact that many of the pillars of
our time are passing away. Our records
may be incomplete, but we have noted
that within less than a year seven such
have been called to their eternal home.
We list them in order of their passing
away: J. S. Hartzler, Rittman, Ohio, and
Elkhart, Ind., minister, educator, and
leader in many church activities; C. C.
Culp, Brethren, Mich., bishop, evange-
list, and Bible teacher; S. E. Allgyer,
West Liberty, Ohio, bishop, evangelist,
and missionary field worker; W. R.
Hershberger, Garden City, Mo., bishop
and conference leader; N. E. Troyer,
West Liberty, Ohio, bishop and evange-
list; H. R. Schertz, Metamora, 111., bishop
and leader in many church-wide activi-
ties; and E. J. Berkey, Harrisonburg,
Va., for many years one of our most
active evangelists.
As we think of the passing of these
pillars of the church we not only thank
God for their faithful labors, but we
pray the Lord of the harvest that He
may continue to raise up new leaders to
follow in their train. We believe that
these departed brethren are realizing the
promise of Rev. 3:12: "Him that over-
cometh will I make a pillar in the tem-
ple of my God, and he shall go no more
out: and I will write upon him the name
of my God, and the name of the city of
my God, which is new Jerusalem, which
cometh down out of heaven from my
God: and I will write upon him my new
name."
In this issue the reader will find a
biographical sketch and well-deserved
tribute to Bro. S. E. Allgyer, for many
years considered a pillar of the church.
-H.
Truth and Service
She is a very little girl, only six years
old. For a year or more she has been at-
tending one of our extension Sunday
schools. One day she announced to her
mother, "I'm going to be a Mennonite."
"Why do you want to be a Mennonite?"
asked her mother. "Well," said the little
miss, after a moment of thought, "they
tell you the truth about Jesus, and they
are so nice."
What she said, in all its childish sim-
plicity, is a profound summation of the
Christian's impact upon the world. We
carry the Gospel, which is "the truth
about Jesus." We have something to
say, and it is important that we tell it
straight. There are false messengers
who do not tell the truth about Jesus.
When people learn about Him from
us, they should know Him as He really
is, the Son of God, the loving Saviour
of the world.
But we also make an impact of per-
sonality. As people hear what we say,
they also sense what kind of people we
are. And if they do not think we are
"nice," what we say about Jesus will not
have the proper effect. For true Chris-
tianity has a transforming power which
turns selfishness into love, passion and
anger into self-control, filthiness into
purity. As the people whom we contact
come to know us well, they must see
that the Jesus whom we preach has made
us persons who are impelled to loving
service.
These thoughts came to us as we sat
in the meeting at Wayland, Iowa, the
other week. The meeting was called by
responsible church groups to give di-
rection to a phase of lay service which
is developing in the church, that of
giving help in emergencies which arise
in areas within our reach. In a num-
ber of our church communities Men-
nonite service organizations have got un-
der way, and some of them, notably those
in central Kansas and northern Indiana,
have given significant aid to communities
striken by flood and tornado. There is a
widespread conviction that our Chris-
tianity should impel us to prepare in-
telligently to be "nice" neighbors to
those who fall into misfortune.
Except for the chairmanship, one de-
votional period, and one address, the
Wayland meeting was entirely in the
hands of laymen. It was most inspiring
to see what a grasp our lay brethren have
of what is to be done and of how to do
it. One sensed that we are arriving at
the day when not only our sisters and our
young people, but now also our men will
effect the organization necessary to make
a larger contribution to the total Men-
nonite witness.
Much emphasis was given to the pur-
poses to be served. It was recognized that
we have Christian motivations of love
which transcend mere humanitarianism,
and we have spiritual objectives that in-
clude the next world as well as this one.
That is, while we are being "nice" and
building homes wrecked by storms and
cleaning mud from flooded houses, we
witness for the Christ who went about
doing good and who died that men
might be saved. Our service program
gives us an opportunity to tell the truth
about Jesus.
We look for a rapid expansion
throughout the church of this service
organization movement. The form may
be brotherhood groups which have
emergency relief as only one of their
functions. There are many areas of
need which our men can look after. Pro-
grams of promotion and guidance will
no doubt be announced by whoever is
made responsible for this. May God
bless our men as they rise in their might
to bear witness to the truth, and do serv-
ice for our God.— E.
196
GOSPEL HERALD
March 2, ipjj
The Revelation of Jesus Christ
Bv J. L. Stauffer
(Third Parenthesis or Inset following
the Seventh Trumpet continued)
26. The Tivo Beasts. Rev. 13.
The First Beast
In this chapter we have the introduc-
tion of end-time actors, the two beasts,
one coming out of the sea and the other
horn the earth. The one from the sea is
the leading actor. He is the second of
the infernal trinity of dragon, beast,
and false prophet. The symbolism of a
beast is described in the Word. The sea
or waters in Rev. 17:15 is interpreted to
mean nations or peoples. Some think
the sea is representative of turbulence
among the people as in Isa. 57:20, and
from such a state of society, this end-
time ruler arises.
This beast appears to be a continua-
tion of the one pictured in Dan. 7:23-28.
He is energized by Satan (Rev. 13:2, 4);
he has great power and authority (13:2,
4, 7; cf. II Thess. 2:9); he continues for
forty-two months (13:5); he causes great
wonderment among the peoples of the
world (13:3); he receives world worship
(13:4, 8; cf. II Thess. 2:4); he speaks
great things (13:5); he blasphemes God
(13:6; cf. II Thess. 2:4; Dan. 7:25); he
makes war with the saints and overcomes
them (13:7); he controls commerce
(13:16, 17); and meets his doom when he
makes war against the Lamb at the time
of His return (Rev. 19:19, 20; cf. Dan.
7:11; 8:25; 11:43).
A beast in prophecy is a kingdom or
world empire (Dan. 7:3, 23). A beast
may also be the imperial head of an em-
pire. Dan. 7:17. In Rev. 13:1, 3 a head
is said to be wounded, while in 13:1 I it
is the beast that was wounded. In 17:10
the beast that was and is not, is one of
the kings of the preceding verse. We
may therefore safely assert that a beast
is a world kingdom while it lasts, or its
imperial head ruling at a given time.
Dan. 7:3, 17, 23; cf. Rev. 13:3, 14. We
also learn that a "head" is an emperor,
one of a succession, while a "horn" is a
king (a confederate or associate). Dan.
7:24; Rev. 17:12-1 I.
It is Interesting to see how Satan mim-
ics the Lord's Christ and furnishes the
world with a counterfeit Christ or world
luler. Just as Jesus Christ is the out
standing actor ol the divine Trinity and
the second Person in the 1 'rinify, so the
beast is the outstanding actor o| the
satani'< trinity.
The devil gives tin's man his |>owei
and scat or ihione. He continues three
and one-hall years, the length ol 0111
Lord's ministry, The devil is related to
the beasi as Cod the Fathei is to |csus
Christ. Both the deVil and the beast are
worshiped (13: I). 1 he beast wars against
the saints ami slavs them (13:5). He
seals Ins own worshipers as Chi isi did
thC I I 1.000. Rev. 13; Hi; cf. 7:1 5. I his
beast is slain and is resurrected, thus
imitating the resurrection of our Lord.
He first appears as a false Christ on a
white horse in the opening of the first
seal and accomplishes a bloodless con-
quest (6:1). He has a helper who bears
the same relation to him as the Holy
Spirit does to Jesus Christ.
The Second Beast
The beast out of the earth is very de-
ceptive. He looks like a lamb but speaks
as a dragon (13:11). He is energized by
the first beast and causes all to worship
him (13:12). He is a miracle worker
(13:13, 14), and thus deceives those who
are not Christ's. He mimics the resur-
rection in making the image of the beast
to speak (1.3:14, 15). He brands all with
the mark of the beast (13:15-17). To
refuse the mark means that such are
marked for death at the hands of the
beasts (13:15). His number is given as
666. This problem of identity has been
tossed back and forth and applied right
and left through the centuries. Without
doubt it will be a mark of definite iden-
tity to those living when it actually
comes to pass and other conditions are
fulfilled accordingly.
In this chapter we thus have the Sa-
tanic trinity revealed, which is the coun-
terfeit of the divine Trinity. The dragon
or Satan is anti-god: the first beast is
anti-christ, and the second beast is the
false prophet or the anti-spirit.
Shall We Engage in Social
Reform?
By Siani ky C. Shenk.
What shall we do about the Hood of
injustice, of crime and corruption
around us? Shall we go into politics, run
for public offices, and try to correct these
evils in wholesale fashion? Many sincere
men have done so, and have done much
good. However, this does not really get
at the heart of the problem. The heart
of the problem is in the evil, selfish, law-
less hearts of unregenerate men. Unless
we can change hearts through the opera-
tion of the Gospel and the Spirit, politi-
cal reform and new laws wdl never do
more than just help the situation in a
measure. They can apply external
bandages to the wounds ol societv; onlv
the Gospel can heal them. To change
the figure, when the Mississippi recaps
out of gantro] in Hood tide, dams and
levees become almost helpless. Breaks
occur in hundreds of places and the d<
stroying waters rush through. The Mis
sissippi will never really be controlled
until engineers go hack to the thousands
of little valleys at the sources of the riv-
ers and streamlets that make up the
whole Mississippi watershed, and there
tackle the problem. There thev must
replant the forest and sow the eroded
hillsides with glass. Ihcie thev must
throw little dams across the creeks and
small timers. Then— and then onl\ will
the Mississippi he controlled. It is the
same way in society. The big dams and
It Happened —
SEVENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO
(From Herald of Truth, March, 18-9)
The action of this Conference [Gen-
eral Conference of the Ministers of the
Mennonite Churches in Russia, Nov. 8,
9, 1878] resulted in the preparing of a
petition [relating to the draft for special
service instead of military service] by
the church in Molotschna to His Excel-
lency the Governor of Taurine, and also
to His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Alex-
ander. After reaching the place of the
residence of the Emperor, and waiting
a week, they were finally presented to his
Majesty. . . . Bro. Toews handed him
the address thev had prepared. His Maj-
esty took it very graciously and read it
from beginning to end, after which he
said, "I thank you. . . . The service we
ask you is not a military service. It is
not contrary to your confession. . . ." He
bowed and retired with our address in
his hand, and the committee was dis-
missed.
On the 9th [December] we went to
.Scottdale, Westmoreland Co., stopped
with Bro. Jacob Loucks. Bro. Abraham
Overholt, and the aged blind sister,
widow of Bishop John Overholt, dee'd.
At candle light Ave held services in the
church at Scottdale. [John S. Coffman
and Samuel Shank. Virginia.]
Died. Jan. 14 in Berlin, Ont., Pre.
Jacob M. Oberholtzer: aged 78 vears, 9
months, and 16 days. He filled his office
"early fortv years.
Died. Jan. 18th in Montgomery Co..
Pa., very suddenly. Deacon Abraham
Clemmer at the advanced a?e of 85 years,
1 months, and 26 davs. Ordained . . .
5th of June, 1839.
levees of political reform help in a mea-
sure, but the job will never be reallv ac-
complished until we go back to the
i:rass roots of societv and there seek for
the regeneration of the individuals who
make up that societv.
West Liberty. Ohio.
Win on Your Knees
By Ruby Reno
Win before you enter
The rough battlefield.
Win on your knees.
Then they'll not buckle
Before your enemies . . .
Nor will you yield.
Akers, La.
March 2, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
Samuel Evans AUgyer
By John S. Umble
Samuel Evans AUgyer, youngest in the
family of Joseph and Barbara (Zook)
AUgyer, was born in Mifflin County,
Pennsylvania, on March 8, 1859, and
quietly passed away at his home near
West Liberty, Ohio, on the evening of
November 15, 1953. He had offered the
opening prayer in the morning service at
Oak Grove and was on his way to the
dedication of the South Union Church
when he suffered a stroke.
In 1874 the family moved to Wayne
County, Ohio, and the next year to the
northern part of Salem Township in
Champaign County. Here Joseph AUgy-
er purchased a farm, which at his death
he owned free of debt and which he
willed to his widow and three children.
His will named Samuel executor.
Samuel was a popular young man
in the social circle of the Logan and
Champaign County Amish Mennonite
community. At sixteen he united with
the Oak Grove congregation and attend-
ed Sunday school there regularly. He
also rode horseback to the Sunday school
conducted on intervening Sundays by
Amish Mennonites under the leadership
of David Plank at the McKees Creek
Church after the King-Warye division
had shut the Warye-Plank group out of
the South Union Church. His courtesy
and efficiency led to his appointment as
librarian of the Oak Grove Sunday
School in the late seventies. In those
days it was the duty of one of the li-
brarians to distribute the New Testa-
ments and other lesson materials to the
boys' classes at the beginning of the hour
and then at the close to collect them and
place them carefully in the cupboard
under the pulpit stand. The other li-
brarian, one of the young women, per-
formed the same service for the girls'
classes.
As was the custom in those days, he
with a number of other young men spent
some of the winter months visiting
friends in the "East"— Wayne County,
Ohio, and Mifflin, Union, and Lancaster
counties in Pennsylvania— driving a team
of spirited young horses hitched to a
sleigh. On one such trip in 1880 he
formed an attachment with the young
people of the Jacob Umble family at
Gap, Pennsylvania. Then on January
18, 1883, he married Priscilla Ann Um-
ble, eldest daughter of this family, who
became the loyal, helpful companion of
his many years of service to the church.
The marriage of a young Amishman
from the West to a young woman of a
Lancaster County Amish Mennonite
congregation presented certain difficul-
ties. He took with him the church let-
ter required of the groom showing he
was in good standing in his home con-
gregation. But when he presented it to
the ministers they were in difficulty.
Church practice was not the same in
western Ohio and in Lancaster County.
His suit was not made according to the
prescribed pattern. And on his coat he
wore buttons instead of hooks and eyes.
After considerable discussion one of the
ministers suggested that he borrow a
coat to be worn during the ceremony.
With this requirement met, the cere-
mony proceeded.
Samuel Evans AUgyer
Years later AUgyer wrote that as a
young man he had the "Kansas fever,"'
and in 1886 after harvesting a large
wheat crop in Ohio he visited his wife's
relatives in Lyon County, Kansas. When
he saw the drought-withered, chinch-
bug-infested fields of corn he experienced
a sudden cure. The Kansas people had
nothing, neither wheat nor corn. His
father had died in 1884, and when AUgy-
er returned from Kansas he purchased
the undivided portion of his sisters' in-
heritance and acquired title to the home-
stead, subject to his mother's interest in
the property.
He had tremendous energy and was
always on time with his farm work.
Seedtime and harvest never found him
behindhand. His stock was always well
fed, well cared for, his horses sleek and
well groomed. But no neighbor's plea
for help ever went unheeded. He also
operated a threshing rig in co-operation
with a neighbor, making many friends
with his efficient management of the
separator and his reputation for fair
dealing. He placed a high value on the
good opinion of his neighbors and
friends.
But summer or winter he never al-
lowed his farm work to keep him away
197
from a meeting at the church. Soon
after his marriage in 1883 he was elected
assistant superintendent of the Oak
Grove Sunday School. After 1886 he
served in some office in the Sunday school
almost continuously until after his or-
dination in 1905. In 1891, when he was
elected superintendent, he introduced
the International Uniform Lessons pub-
lished by the Mennonite Publishing
Company. During the 1880's disagree-
ment over the use of the English lan-
guage in the church services led to a
division in the Logan and Champaign
County Amish Mennonite churches, and
the group who had withdrawn from the
main body started a young people's meet-
ing. The loyal members of the church
boycotted the meeting until finally AUgy-
er said, "Something at the church is at-
tracting the young people; I intend to
take part." As a result of his initiative
the congregation assumed charge of the
meeting and used it for strengthening the
church.
The Oak Grove congregation drew the
line rather sharply between Mennonite
and Amish Mennonite during the early
1890's; hence none of the members at-
tended the first General Sunday School
Conference. But AUgyer was one of the
first to accept a place on the program
of an Ohio State Sunday School Con-
ference, and he was a member of the
executive committee in 1898.
On one occasion when he attended a
session of the state Sunday School Con-
ference, he felt that the home folks need-
ed practice in expressing themselves on
religious topics and advocated the organ-
ization of a local annual Sunday-school
meeting. This led to the Logan-Cham-
paign Sunday School Union, first held
at the Bethel Church in 1900. This meet-
ing, with the quarterly mission meeting,
has been helpful in discovering and de-
veloping local talent.
AUgyer was active also in the weekly
Bible class organized in 1894 and con-
ducted for more than thirty years. Mem-
bers of the Bethel and Oak Grove Sun-
day schools attended this meeting regu-
larly at some private home every Satur-
day evening for prayer and for studying
the next day's Sunday-school lesson. In-
terest in Bible study was so great that
neither the cold and snow of winter
nor the busy farm season in summer kept
AUgyer and a group of his friends from
attending this meeting. A dozen or more
families many times left their unfinished
haymaking or harvest early on Saturday
evening so that they could do their
chores and be on the way to Bible class
before sundown. This meeting played
a large part in Allgyer's future work as
Bible student and teacher.
An event that gave great power and
direction to his life and teaching occur-
red in the early nineties. He had been
laithful in church attendance and was a
loyal member of the congregation. But
attendance one winter at a Methodist
revival meeting conducted by a dynamic,
Spirit-filled young minister led AUgyer
198
GOSPEL HERALD
March 2,
to question the validity of his own Chris-
tian experience. Was Christ real to
him? Or was he merely an ordinary
church member depending for salvation
on good works? He did not respond to
the appeal to come to the altar, but
in the quiet of his home he and his wife
through prayer and Bible study found
the way to salvation by grace. It was
a turning point in his life, leading him
into a richer teaching and living experi-
ence.
Soon after 1900 the Oak Grove con-
gregation was disappointed when an or-
dination by lot seemed to deprive them
of his service as a minister. But a few
years later, in 1905, the way opened for
his ordination at the Oak Grove Church
at the age of forty-six. The congregation
was happy to have him serve as minister
but insisted on re-electing him as super-
intendent of the Sunday school for two
more terms. In 1908 he was ordained
bishop and served in that office for forty-
three years.
The vigor and the evangelistic fervor
of his preaching soon led him into the
evangelistic field. In 1906 the Ohio and
Eastern A.M. Conference appointed him
conference evangelist. The next year
his evangelistic efforts in a Nebraska con-
gregation brought fifty-five people into
a right relation with the church and
prevented a division in the congrega-
tion.
His purchase of the farm in 1886 had
left him heavily in debt, but wise econ-
omy and his great physical energy aided
by unusually good crops and an upturn
in farm prices soon put him and his wife
on the way to financial independence.
They tenderly cared for his aged mother
during the long, lonely years of her wid-
owhood. After her death in 1902 he sat-
isfied the other heirs and received a
clear title to the home place. He added
several adjoining pieces of property to
his farm, and in 1912 after two daugh-
ters were married he turned the farm
over to the sons-in-law and spent the
summer building two houses, one for
one of his daughters and the other for
his wife and himself. After that he
gave up farming to devote most of his
time to evangelism and other forms of
church work.
He never regretted that he gave up
farming at the age of fifty-three to devote
more time to the work of the church,
especially to evangelistic work. His meet-
ings were successful both at home, in the
East, in the South, and in remote places
in the West. One series of meetings held
at the Bethel Church in West Liberty
resulted in fifty-six decisions. The re-
sponse to these efforts led to a call in
1911 to serve in a newly created post-
Field Worker for the Mennonite Hoard
of Missions and Charities— a position he
held for twenty-five years. In 1916 an
evangelistic tour of the Northwest oc-
cupied two months. But these tours also
meant weeks and months of loneliness
for his wife, whose never-failing greeting
on his return was, "Oh, Papa, I am so
glad you are back!" In 1923 he took his
wife with him on a tour of the North-
west (six months), a happy experience
for her. His work as an evangelist was
appreciated not only among the rural
congregations but in the educational cen-
ters of the church. He especially enjoyed
the three series of meetings held at Go-
shen, two of lour weeks each at or near
Hesston College, and one three-week
meeting at Eastern Mennonite College.
He served the church in many wavs.
After the Ohio Mennonite Mission
Board was organized he served as its
secretary for nineteen years. In 1930 he
made an extensive trip along the Mexi-
can border to study the location of a
Mexican mission. On another occasion
he made a two - thousand - mile trip
through the Southern Highlands in an
effort to establish a mission.
In his home community he always
was respected and honored by Mennon-
ite and non-Mennonite and often offi-
ciated at funerals in non-Mennonite
churches. But during World War I fif-
We never can willingly offend
where we sincerely love. — Row-
land Hill.
teen cars of self-appointed vigilantes
drove up to his home and dragged him
from the house to force him to pay one
hundred dollars into the war fund.
When he refused they clipped his hair
with horse clippers while his children
prayed and his wife "preached" them an
eloquent sermon on love and good will,
and reminded them of his many unself-
ish deeds done in the community. Years
later many of them offered their apolo-
gies and others requested t hat he preach
their funeral sermon if he should survive
them. He did so.
He served on a number of church
boards and committees: moderator of
General Conference 1929-81 and of the
Ohio and Eastern A.M. Conference for
a number of years; chairman of the
Church Polity Committee; Faculty Com-
mittee of the Mennonite Board of Edu-
cation, member of the South American
Trust Board, trustee of the Mennonite
Board of Missions and Charities, field
worker of the Board lor many years and
secretary of its Missions Committee, and
secretary of the Conference Problems
Committee. In 1919 the Mennonite Re-
lief Commission sent him to France in
the interests of reconstruction work ami
of the fifty young Mennoiiites engaged
in \ oluntary service.
He derived much satisfaction from his
service in two other .11 us. He was elect-
ed a member of the Board of Trustees
of the Children's Home at West Liberty
in 1900 and served on the board lor loi ty-
six years. About 1935 he became deeply
concerned that the Mission Board's Old -
People's Home near Rittman in Wayne
County, Ohio, which had burned to the J
ground in 1919, should be rebuilt. He
was able to secure the appointment of
a building committee, then in 1936 pre-
sented the matter to the Ohio and East-
ern A.M. Conference. That body passed i
a resolution encouraging the Mission
Board to rebuild the Home and express-
ing their willingness to support the
project. He next presented a building 2
plan which the Mission Board accepted. *
They appointed him chairman of the e
building committee and authorized him 0
to solicit money for the building. Almost
singlehanded he raised the money by j
personal visits from congregation to
congregation and house to house. The
building was dedicated in 1939 after
the first floor w as finished. He purchased
some of the furniture and succeeded in 1
interesting Aaron Peachey and his wife '
to be superintendent and matron. The '
need for the building is shown by the
waiting list. j
In his work in the church he ordained
38 men— eight bishops, twenty ministers,
and ten deacons; he preached 315 funer-
al sermons; married 104 couples; preach-
ed 4000 sermons; crossed the Allegheny
Mountains 300 times; made four trips to
the West Coast. He served at various
times as bishop of eight congregations:
Lima Mission; Bethel at West Liberty;
Central at Elida; Salem at Elida; Belle-
ville, Pennsylvania; Sharon in Madison
County; South Union, and Oak Grove.
At four of these he ordained bishops and
then in 1951 resigned on account of his
age. The first summer after his ordina- I
tion to the ministry he attended his first
church conference, the Ohio and Eastern
A.M. The same year he attended Gen-
eral Conlerence in Canada. He never
missed either ol these conferences during
the next forty-three years.
He and his wife were the parents of
eight children: Eva Mae (Mrs. N. E.
Trover, deceased 1950), Barbara Ellen
(Mrs. Earl M. \ oder, d. 1934), Maud
L'mble (Miv Dan C. Voder, d. 1929),
Jacob Roy, Anna Mary (Mrs. A. Rav
Eschliirian), Ruth Edna (Mrs. J. G.
Baumgartner). Samuel Maurice," and
John Mark. There are twenty - three
grandchildren and thirty -nine great-
grandchildren.
After the death of his companion in
1916. he continued his active interest in |
church affairs and continued to reside in
the home that they had built in 1912.
Occasional he made his home with one
or another ol his children for a brief
period, but he always came back "home"
to West Liberty. During the closing
>ears ol his life his daughter Anna Mary
and her husband moved from Sioux
Falls, South Dakota, to the ancestral
home and kept house for him. He did
much reading and writing and wrote a
letter to his children every week.
Goshen, Ind.
March 2, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
199
A Prayer for This Week
Dear Father, we thank Thee again for
the Bible, our never-failing bread and
water; it's our life, our all.
Empower anew those translating it
into other tongues. Protect and encour-
age brave hearts carrying it to peoples
engrossed in darkness, often hostile yet,
O Lord, so hungry for the Truth.
Richly bless all participants in winter
Bible schools, that the seed sown may
produce bountifully in workers and
born-again souls.
Deliver us from ourselves. Melt, re-
fine, mold us so that we'll fit and work
to Thy glory wherever Thou dost place
us.
Keep Thine arms under the discour-
aged and bereaved. May their faith
never fail.
Dear Father, keep us following the
hepherd— though often in tears— know-
ing He knows where He leads and why.
In Jesus' precious name we prayer.
Amen. — M. Lena Kreider.
The I-W Program in Review
By Marion Kliewer
Approximately 2,800 Mennonite and
Brethren in Christ young men are now
in the alternative service work program
for drafted conscientious objectors.
These I-W men are employed in 32
states, the District of Columbia, two ter-
ritories, and 16 foreign countries. They
constitute approximately 70 per cent of
the total number of I-W men.
The Akron I-W office has secured the
names, places of employment, and con-
ference affiliation of 2,409 of the approxi-
mately 2,800 I-W men from the MCC
constituency. Here are the figures on
conference affiliations: (old) Mennon-
ites, 1,089; General Conference, 383; Old
Order Amish, 366; Conservative Amish,
125; Church of God in Christ, 109;
Brethren in Christ, 90; Mennonite Breth-
ren, 76; Beachy Amish, 36; Old Order
Mennonite, 32; Mennonites from inde-
pendent congregations, 21; Krimmer
Mennonite Brethren, 18; Evangelical
Mennonite Brethren, 17; Evangelical
Mennonite, 12; Hutterites, 6; United
Missionary Church, 6; United Zion, 6;
Missionary Church Association, 1; and
Mennonites whose conference affiliations
are unknown, 18.
I-W men are employed in many types
of work. These include general hospitals,
mental hospitals, welfare agencies, vet-
erans' hospitals, children's homes, san-
atoria, homes for the aged, dairy herd
testing, schools, medical centers, homes
for delinquents, relief agencies, and
church projects. They are engaged in
practically all the types of employment
required to keep such institutions and
agencies in operation. Approximately
300 I-W's are serving in such Mennonite
church-administered projects as Volun-
tary Service, PAX, hospitals, and chil-
dren's homes.
Employers are generally well pleased
with the services of I-W men. Their com-
ments indicate that I-W's are doing a
better job than the average employee.
There are occasional cases of careless-
ness on the job, however. The morale
of I-W's is generally good.
The nature and extent of religious,
recreational, and educational activities
vary greatly. They are dependent upon
the interest of the men, whether or not
the men are organized, and whether
their working conditions permit them to
get together for fellowship. Men work
on split shifts and in a large number of
instances there are few I-W's at a single
institution. In at least 150 instances less
than 10 men are employed in a single
institution.
Many I-W organizations are carrying
on activities which not only enrich their
own lives, but which also seek to extend
their service and witness into the com-
munity in which they work. These in-
clude Bible and nonresistance studies,
choruses, children's Bible classes, visits
to convalescent homes, Christmas carol-
ing and Christmas parties for underpriv-
ileged children, and such service proj-
ects as support of church and mission
programs.
Men are finding recreational activities
whereby they can occupy their spare
time profitably and creatively. These in-
clude crafts, woodworking, and athletics.
The I-W offices of the Mennonite Cen-
tral Committee and Mennonite Relief
and Service Committee (Elkhart, Ind.)
are assisting I-W men interested in edu-
cational and recreational activities. Such
assistance consists of suggestions on how
to get hobbies and crafts started, where
to get correspondence courses, and how
to go about renting educational films.
Most conference groups are making
efforts to provide pastoral visitations for
their men. A large number of men are
being served through these efforts. There
are instances, however, of men who are
not reached. The various groups are
working on the problem of avoiding
pastoral duplication.
I-W service, like all experiences in life,
is dependent upon what the men make
of it. The I-W Mirror in a recent issue
asked a number of I-W leaders what
effect the current alternative service pro-
gram is making upon the men in terms
of what their occupational activities will
be after I-W. While the answers revealed
quite clearly that most I-W men intend
to return to their former occupations, a
few answers indicated that I-W service
can result in spiritual changes:
"Rather than changing the occupa-
tions of the fellows, I-W service is
Prayer Requests —
(Requests for this column must be signed)
Pray for the blessing of the Spirit upon
the annual Youth Retreat at Trenque
Lauquen, Argentina, Feb. 24-March 5.
Pray for the Billy Graham evangelistic
campaign beginning in London, Eng-
land, March 1.
Pray for a young sister who is losing out
in her Christian life because of an
interest in a young man who is not a
Christian.
changing young people's attitudes in the
work to which they will return, creating
more conscientious and responsible
Christians."
"Although I have not definitely de-
cided what sort of work I will do when
I am through with my I-W service, I am
sure I have received a different outlook
on life. I have seen how great the need
for Christian service really is."
"It would be a sad thing if we were
not inwardly changed and did not grow
in wisdom and in favor with God and
man .... The men here consider their
service an opportunity for advancement
and spiritual growth."— Mennonite Cen-
tral Committee Release.
Life Is Too Short
By Walter H. Dyck
Life is too short— too short, it seems,
To while away on lesser things;
It's long enough— when man redeems
Each moment that to God he brings.
Life is as short as flowers bloom,
A narrow handbreadth in God's sight.
It is as long— until the tomb
Shall usher saints into the Light.
Life is too short to throw away,
To give to gluttony and drink;
It's long enough, in fact, each day,
To warn the sinner near the brink.
Life is as short as God has willed,
Or else is stolen— man from man;
It's long enough for us to build
According to God's gracious plan.
Life is too short— should Christ return
Before the wayward are brought in.
Shall we escape if we neglect
Too long, the Gospel's power to win?
Whitewater, Kans.
200
GOSPEL HERALD
March 2, 1934
OUR SCHOOLS
Experiencing the Living Christ at
Hesston
By Roy D. Roth
During Christmas vacation I was read-
ing from a book by James S. Stewart, en-
titled, "A Faith to Proclaim." James S.
Stewart is a leading Christian thinker
from Scotland. I am indebted to one of
the chapters in his book for some of the
comments I shall make in this chapel
meditation.
We cannot emphasize too much, here
at Hesston, the vital, daily relationship
which we as Christians have, or may
have, with a living Christ. If our Chris-
tian faith is to be really meaningful, it
must be a relationship between real per-
sons. Either it is this or it is nothing.
We assume that we as individuals are
real— I am real, you are real. The ques-
tion that remains, then, is, "Is Christ real
to me and to you?"
We want Christ to be real to each
member of our school family here at
Flesston. The founding fathers of this
institution wanted it so. The many alum-
ni of this school, who found here the se-
cret of experience with a living Christ,
are praying that this experience may
continue in our lives also. We have a
new year before us in which to realize
this experience ourselves, if we have
never experienced the reality of Christ
before. Those who have experienced this
reality desire a deeper communion and
yearn to know His love even more fully.
We have a living, eternally present
Lord to set our hearts on fire: One to
love and to be loved by forever. Christ is
not 1900 years away. He is here now.
As Dr. John Mackay of Princeton Semi-
nary has written, "People consumed by
the inner fire of the Spirit are the coun-
terpart 111 human life of the smashed
atom which releases cosmic force." Christ
is to be formed in me; He is to be re-
vealed in me, and not simply to me.
Two chiel dangers exist to keep us
from the experience with a living Christ.
The first is the intellectual danger. It
is present in every sch<x)l, even in a
Christian school. For most ol us here
there is at least that one class, br per-
haps several ( lasses, to which we take our
Bible, there to open it, disc uss it, try to
clarify it, and to express ii in intelligible
terms. How wonderful is 1 1 1 is privilege]
That's the reason main ol von came 10
Hesston; you appreciate these Bible
courses, lint now we are also pointing
out the danger in am academic and in
tellectual approach 10 the Hible. Our
study must constantly be brought nuclei
the control and direction ol God's 1 1 < > l n
Spirit. This approach must be an aid to
a further and deeper relationship with
the living Christ. We dare not fall into
the temptation of merely studying the
Bible. Christ must be experienced daily.
We might too easily become like the
philosopher who was so busy proving the
existence of God that he forgot even to
pray. Let us remember that "the secret
of the Lord is with them that fear him,"
and that "dearer to God are the prayers
of the poor."
The second danger is that of routine
and duty and work and organization.
Another bit of reading during Christmas
vacation startled and gripped me. It
was the statement in one of our own
church magazines to the effect that ad-
ministrators are in greater danger of
growing cold spiritually than anyone
else. I confess that I feel this danger
very keenly. The giving of oneself to
Christ is never finished, but needs always
to be reaffirmed in daily commitment
and consecration. How we need to take
time to give Him first place in our daily
round of duty! I believe that all of us
on the faculty would admit that the
temptation is here to give this best ex-
perience too small a place in our sched-
ule.
What is the center of our life here at
Hesston? Is it streamlined organizations,
or efficient offices, or trained faculty, or
academic accomplishments, or social
good times and fun, or recreation and
athletics? Or is the center of life at Hess-
ton a spiritual fellowship around the
Word of God in daily chapel, in after-
supper prayer meetings, in testimony
services, in dormitory fellowship, in our
Sunday activities, including Christian
Workers' Band, the regular serv ices, and
the "Y" extension activities? Do these
spiritual experiences constitute the cen-
ter around which all else radiates on our
campus?
If we are to realize the living Christ
in our daily experience, each of us must
have a meaningful devotional life. The
new year is ahead of us. Can each of us
in this new year covenant with his room-
mate or roommates to make room, as
never before, for this vital experience
with Christ? Can we agree together to
set apart a time when in our room 01
in some other designated place we quiet-
ly meditate on the Word ot God, and
pray? We say that the center of our
campus is Christ. The question which
we face daily is this one. "Is our si hool
Christ-centered?" Let our slogan for
1951 be: "A living relationship with a
living Christ."
1 ct us marshal the testimonies of those
who know whereof they speak. Jcmis
Himself said. "1 am . . . the ti nth"; " The
truth shall make von free"; "Come unto
me . . . and I will give you rest"; "Lo,
1 am with you alway, even unto the end
of the world." Paul testifies, "To me to
live is Christ"; "I live; yet not I, but
Christ liveth in me." Peter could say
from his own experience, "Lord, to
whom shall we go? thou hast the words
of eternal life"; "There is none other
name under heaven given among men,
whereby we must be saved."
We examine the history of the Chris-
tian Church and pause first to see the
infant church in the days of the cata-
combs. The very walls of these under-
ground centers of worship cry out the
testimony of those early Christians who
knew Christ as a Saviour and friend.
They depicted Him as shepherd and
bridegroom and king. In reformation
times, Martin Luther discovered more
than a doctrine— he discovered the liv ing
Christ. He said one time that every true
Christian must begin from the wounds of
Christ. Still later in church history,
Charles Wesley gave expression to his
experience in words from which we still
receive inspiration, "Jesus, lover of my
soul .... Thou, 0 Christ, art all I
want; more than all in Thee I find."
But Christ has also been a living real-
ity for less illustrious characters. He has
blessed the lives of the common stream
of ordinary people, men and women of
lesser fame, people just like you and me.
What would happen if Jesus Christ had
been eliminated from the lives of these?
Suppose we ot twentieth-century Chris-
tendom were left without Christ and
without His Holy Spirit. Stewart sa\s
that it would be far worse than taking
his freedom of speech from Socrates, or
the sights and sounds of nature from a
Joan of Arc. He says it would be like
ordering a man to breathe where there
is no air. Is Christ a living reality to
vou and to me?
Hesston, Kans.
Goshen College News
At our recent Christian Life Conference
the answer of Christian Faith was given to
the various needs and conditions of today and
the call to Christian service and an intimate
fellowship with Christ were also emphasized.
Students, faculty, and members of the col-
lege congregation served on the programs.
Others participating were Orrin Smucker of
Columbus, Ohio; J. B. Shenk of Elkhart,
Indiana, and J. Lawrence Burkholder,
Princeton, New Jersey, a faculty member
now on leave for further study.
Goshen College has been accepted as a
member of the American Association of Col-
leges for Teacher Education according to an-
nouncement made by AATCE headquarters
in Chicago on Feb. 12, 1954, as stated in the
Field Notes last week. We are grateful for
this recognition that has come to Goshen due
to her quality of work and arc endeavoring
to maintain high standards in all departments
and in all phases of the life of the college.
President Ernest Miller and wife are now
enroute to Florida where they will spend the
next couple of weeks. Bro. Miller is sched-
March 2, 1954
uled to preach at the Bayshore Mennonitc
Church at Sarasota on Feb. 21, 1954.
President-elect Paul Mininger, who is a
postdoctoral student in the field of higher
education at Columbia University this semes-
ter, recently spent a few days at the college
and with his family in Goshen.
Fifteen new full-time students have en-
rolled for the second semester. Among these
GOSPEL HERALD
are two from foreign countries, the one from
India and the other Korea.
John W. Miller, who with his family re-
cently returned from Basel, Switzerland,
where he completed his studies for the Ph.D.
degree, has joined the Goshen College faculty
this semester. Others who are teaching part
time this semester are Russell Krabill, C. P.
Martin, and Ethel Yake Metzler.
S. M. King.
CHURCH MUSIC
Take My Life, and Let It Be
Take my life, and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee:
Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in ceaseless praise.
Take my feet, and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee;
Take my voice, and let me sing
Always, only for my King.
Take my silver and my gold;
Not a mite would I withhold;
Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in ceaseless praise.
Take my will and make it Thine,
It shall be no longer mine;
Take my heart, it is Thine own,
It shall be Thy' royal throne.
Take my love; my Lord, I pour
At Thy feet its treasure-store;
Take myself and I will be
Ever, only, all for Thee.
—Frances R. Haver gal, 1874.
Frances Ridley Havergal
The voice of God is heard in many
ways. Frances Ridley Havergal heard
God speak in music. A recipient of
Christ's glorious light, she became a mes-
senger of Jehovah's beauty by pouring
forth the power of the Spirit in sacred
melody.
Frances was born in Astley, England,
on December 14, 1836, where her father
was rector of the Anglican Church. Her
parents were devoted Christian workers.
The year following her birth she was
christened Frances Ridley. She was
called Fanny until her first book of
poems was published, when she used her
legal name.
Frances always took an active part in
games with the neighborhood children.
But these childish pursuits were only
incidental to her desire to become a poet.
When she was seven she wrote her first
book of poems.
When Frances was eleven she was
called to her dying mother's bedside.
The mother urged the girl to give her-
self and her talents wholly to the Lord.
"You are my youngest little girl," she
said, "and I feel more anxious about you
than the rest. I do pray for the Holy
Spirit to lead and guide you. And, re-
member, nothing but the precious blood
of Jesus can make you clean and lovely
in God's sight." A little later she added,
"Fanny, pray to God to prepare you for
all that He is preparing for you." These
words remained with the girl through-
out her entire life.
"The sunless ravines were now forever
past," she wrote of the experience of sal-
vation, "and henceforth peace and joy
flowed outward, deepening and widen-
ing under the influence of the Holy
Spirit. It was the word 'cleanseth' which
opened a door of very glory and hope
to me. Not a coming to be cleansed in
the fountain only, but remaining in the
fountain so that it may and can go on
cleansing.
"The utterly unexpected and altogeth-
er unimagined sense of its fulfillment to
me on simply believing in its fullness,
was indescribable. I expect nothing like
it short of heaven."
When Frances was sixteen, her father
remarrried. His ill health prompted the
family to visit Germany where the rec-
tor was about to consult with world-
renowned physicians. The Havergal girls
were sent to a German school for young
ladies where the students cared little for
religion and Frances took this opportu-
nity to make her life an example of
Christian living.
For a short time she studied at a fa-
mous school in Celebridge, and upon her
return home her father taught her Greek
so that she could read the New Testa-
ment in the original. During this period
she also wrote many poems in the Ger-
man language.
Much to her delight, Frances was able
to take a trip to Germany the following
winter, where she submitted her music
compositions to Ferdinand Hiller, an
outstanding composer and authority on
201
music. He was very much impressed by
her work, especially in view of the fact
that she had had no special training.
Hiller advised Frances to study music
under some competent teachers and to
continue to write music. She also did
solo work in the Philharmonic Society in
Kidderminster, of which she writes:
"A power entirely new and unexpect-
ed was given me and, rejoicing in this,
I forgot the Giver and found such de-
light in this that other things paled be-
fore it. I prayed that if this was hinder-
ing me, the gift of song might be with-
drawn.
"I have not had a single poem come to
me for some time," she writes, "until last
night when one shot into my mind. All
my best have come that way, full grown.
It is so curious: one minute I have not
an idea of writing anything, the next I
have a poem; it is mine; I see it all, ex-
cept laying out rhymes and meter, which
is then easy work. I rarely write any-
thing which has not come thus."
Opening her heart to us, she gives a
glimpse of how a wonderful hymn of
consecration came into being. She says,
"Perhaps you will be interested to know
the origin of the consecration hymn,
Take My Life. I went for a little visit of
five days. There were ten persons in the
house, some unconverted and long
prayed for, some converted, but not re-
joicing Christians. He gave me the
prayer 'Lord, give me all in this house.'
And He did. Before I left the house
everyone received a blessing. The last
night of my visit, in praise and renewal
of my consecration, these little couplets
formed themselves and chimed in my
heart, one after another, till finished
with, 'Ever, only, all for Thee.' "
Her beloved hymn, / Gave My Life for
Thee, was written in Germany. One
day as she sat opposite a picture bearing
the motto, / Gave My Life for Thee, the
lines flashed into her mind and she
wrote them on a scrap of paper. They
did not satisfy her; so she tossed them
into the fire. However, through a mir-
acle of grace, they fell out unmarred.
Months later she showed them to her
father, who encouraged her to preserve
them and wrote a tune to fit the words.
Frances led a well-rounded and active
Christian life. She made money from
the sale of her poems and hymns which
she gave to charity at home and abroad.
For a while she trained the choir of the
beautiful St. Paul's Cathedral in Lon-
don and she visited Switzerland several
times. In 1873, six years before her
death, she visited Switzerland to regain
her health.
Restored, she returned home to rind
that her fame had grown tremendously.
Many letters poured in from strangers
expressing their appreciation for her
soul-lifting poems and hymns, and many
thanked her for bringing them the hope
of salvation, joy in times of sorrow, and
comfort when death visited the family.
(Continued on page 212)
202
GOSPEL HERALD
March 2, 1954
FAMILY
His Great Blessing
By Mary Alice Holden
The Lord had a great blessing for me,
But I had been busy with care;
So I was too tired to go get it,
And God said, "It waits for you there."
Then I struggled vainly to labor
And work with the Master's own touch
And just did without His great blessing —
The strength that I needed so much.
But fainting I cried out unto Him,
"Lord, help me. I'm sorely in need."
I prayed and I listened for Jesus
To speak and give healing indeed.
He said, "The blessing is waiting
At the same place of study and prayer."
Then He led me to valleys of resting
And gave me new energy there.
Cimarron, Kans.
I Taught Myself to Sleep
By Mildred Long
Some years ago after a nervous break-
down I found myself in great difficulty.
I couldn't sleep. Night after night I
spent with only snatches of sleep at the
best. Twitching eyes, tense nerves, over-
active brain combined to keep me wake-
ful. Finally I succumbed to the nightly
sedative, that insidious, though harmless
appearing, little white pill.
But other influences were at work in
me. My conscience never quite approved
of the little white pill. I kept seeking a
better way. And the true seeker always
finds. That is one of those dependable
laws of cause and effect. I read what I
could find on relaxation and rest. And
I tried to find ways of stilling the fluctua-
tion and motion of my mind, for I felt
if that could be done, then I could sleep.
There came to my assistance a won-
derful student of spiritual things. One
day she said to me, "It doesn't matter
much that you do not sleep. It does
matter what you think about." These
words furnished a needed impetus to
renewed effort. Apathy is a terrible foe
to progress and I had plenty of it. I
knew so much more than I was putting
into practice.
So when I could not sleep I tried re-
peating Scripture, poems, hymns, and
often praying for other people, until my
mind reached a state of repose. Then,
too, I learned to lift my thoughts up to
a high plane, as it were the throne-room
of the heart, and there rest in the light
and love and peace of God's presence.
In this atmosphere troubles melted away
because I refused to think of them, and
CIRCLE
in their place came peace and eventually
sleep.
By an act of the will I put aside wor-
ries and disturbances. By an act of the
will I placed myself— my inner self-in
the path of light and peace. Because of
an inner conviction that I must sleep in
order to get well, and because of the
perseverance with which my nature was
endowed, I was enabled to persist in
this practice till I could sleep.
When I lay down to rest, I deliberate-
ly put aside troublesome thoughts. I
said within my heart, "The Lord is in
His holy temple. Let all the earth keep
silence before Him." I sang to mvself
silently:
Let the beauty of Jesus be seen
in me,
All His wonderful passion and
purity.
O Thou Spirit Dwine, all my
nature refine,
Till the beauty of Jesus be seen
in me.
Then holding my consciousness in the
peace induced by these thoughts I would
soon fall asleep.
I didn't always succeed. Sometimes
agitation of mind was too extreme.
Sometimes my will was too inert. And
for months and even years I never suc-
ceeded without deliberate effort to fol-
low the correct procedure. These simple
rules will suffice: shut off the thinking,
learn to relax body and mind, breathe
deeply and rhythmically, center the
thoughts on God. Sleep will soon come.
Insomnia is one of the frightening ills
of this age. The rising sale of sedatives
is evidence that it has to be reckoned
with. We cannot live effective lives
without sleep, nor even with sleep in-
duced by drugs. These drugs offer tem-
porary relief, but they are unnatural,
harmful, and habit-forming.
We who recognize God as our Father
must know in our hearts that He has
prepared some better way for His chil-
dren than this way of escaping. He has
endowed us with minds and wills and
the persistent striving to know Him vi-
tally. This endowment is sufficient. If
we use these God-given powers, we shall
be able not only to conquer insomnia
but many other ills for which medical
science has only alleviation.
Pomona. Calif.
He who penetrates the depths must
sooner or later discover that the most
impressive thing in America is her Chris-
tianity. The good in this country would
never have come into being without the
blessing and power of Jesus Christ.—
Charles Malik.
"Mine" or "Ours"
The roots of the family life are found
in the two words, "mine" or "ours." To
say "mine" all the time has in it selfish-
ness which is a deterrent to a happy
home. Mother was heard saying one day,
"I hung 'my' clothes on the washline,"
and father replied, "What did you do
with 'my' clothes?" Into the family
washing go "our" clothes; in all family
conversation where there is unselfishness
there are mutual interests. A normal
family pulls all loads together, bears all
burdens as a family, and shares all joy
together. It is the togetherness that
makes a normal, happv home. In this
spirit the family will plan to do things
together, go places as a family, and have
a good time. One of the best things
about the automobile is that in it the
whole family can travel together. In
fact, that is about the only way mam
families really live together.— Clara and
Carl.
EXPRESSION'S OF APPRECIATION
We wish to express our gratitude and thanks
to the many friends who have remembered us
in the experience of fire loss, especially our
prayer helpers who came and had prayer meet-
ing at the time the barn was burning. God
answered by His marvelous grace and gave us
victory and we have learned to glory in tribula-
tions. Rom. 5 :3.
Our two sons brought me in after I had tried
to rescue the cattle in my night clothes and
bare feet, being called out of deep sleep at 12:20
on the morning of Jan. 9. The whole barn was
one flame. Some cattle and hogs perished.
After the prayer meeting. Mother said I was
to go to bed. She sat aside and brought comfort.
Her faithfulness, according to I Cor. 11:10
with power on her head because of the angels,
brought the ministry of the angels, and I fell
asleep to wake at the dawn of a new experience,
a conscience void of offense toward God and
toward man, glorying as a son. chastened of
the Lord, because He loved me and gave Him-
self for me.
This is the testimony we have: be prepared
for emergency at any time, and take the promise
of the Word, abiding in His love. We know we
have Him because we love the brethren, and
even our enemies. A friend in need is a friend
indeed. God bless you all and continue to pray
for us.
The same day. Saturday afternoon, I had a
funeral, and Sunday. Jan. 10. three subjects at
a Bible meeting. God is able to supply every
need. On Feb. 2S will open revival meetings
at the M timmasbnrg Church. Pray, brethren,
pray. — John S. Hess. Lititz. Pa.
• • •
I wish to give an expression of deep appreci-
ation for myself and for my family to the many
people across the church who have been prayer
intercessors. The Lord has marvelnusly hon-
ored these prayers and we believe will continue
to do so until recovery is complete. This prayer
support has been a real blessing to our hearts.
We were made very conscious of the great
prayer band which was reaching from everv
direction right to my hospital bed. We believe
the Lord has been in all of this for His own
purpose, which we are unable to fathom, and
in m assured that His holy name is glorified
thronch it all. Nothing else matters. — John F..
Oingrich, 701 Somerset Sr.. Johnstown. Pa.
• • •
I wish to express my sincere thanks and ap-
preciation for prayers offered in our behalf.
Also for the uifts. flowers, cards, and personal
visits during the sickness and death of my dear
wife. Also many thanks to the carolers at
Christmas time. May God bless vou all. — Amos
B. Nissley. Landisville. Pa.
• • •
I wish to express my sincere thanks and ap-
preciation for the prayers offered in my behalf.
(Continued on page 212)
March 2, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
TO BE NEAR TO GOD
THEME: CHRISTIANITY AT WORK
Sunday, March 7
Read Philem. 1; Phil. 1:12-21— The Bonds of Chris-
tianity
"A prisoner of Jesus Christ." How Paul
gloried in this title ! He refused to emphasize
the Roman bonds. They were insignificant
in comparison with the blessed bonds which
held him a fast prisoner of the Lord Jesus
Christ. In fact, the Roman bonds were not
bonds at all; the power of God could have
snapped them like strands of cobweb if He
willed. These bonds were a necessary part
of God's plan for the extension of His king-
dom. They were things which Paul said
had fallen out rather unto the furtherance
of the Gospel. They were things in which
he gloried. When we complain or become
discouraged because of our outward circum-
stances we are saying in effect that God is not
in full control or that He is unwise in the
exercise of control. Can we with Paul be so
closely bonded to Christ that all other bonds
will seem inconsequential?
Monday, March 8
Read Philem. 1, 2. 10, 23. 24— The Fellowship of
Saints
"Timothy our brother . . . Philemon our
dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer ... be-
loved Apphia . . . Archippus our fellow-
soldier ... the church in thy house ... my
son Onesimus . . . Epaphras, my fellow-
prisoner . . . Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas,
Lucas, my fellowlabourers." What a cluster
of names and titles we find here! How rich
the earthly relationships of those who are
born into the kingdom of God! How sweet
the fellowship of saints, how satisfying to
labor together with other Christians, how
comforting to suffer together! What joy to
worship together with the church! Like the
rain that falls from heaven, so the love of
God when it drops upon humanity flows
out in all directions, melting the hearts of
His people and welding them together into
one blessed family.
Tuesday, March 9
Read Philem. 4-7 — Effectual Faith
Paul could thank God for such a one as
Philemon. Philemon caused great joy and
consolation on the part of Paul. How great
a joy the leaders of the church experience
when the members are filled with the Spirit!
A certain man on his deathbed said that the
congregation of which he was a member
would not prosper until there were three
funerals. He named his own as one of them.
How sad and unnecessary it is that some
members are hindering the work of the
church and bringing grief to those responsi-
ble for its leadership ! Philemon had a faith
which was effectual. The church leaders
could depend on him.
Wednesday, March 10
Read Philem. 8-10 — Persuasion by Love
Paul does not come to Philemon as an
overlord boasting of great authority. He ap-
proaches him on the basis of love. He says
that he might command Philemon to do the
thing that is fitting, but he rather beseeches
him. In our dealings with other people we
sometimes take the "beseeches" of Paul, un-
wrap them of their love, and change them
into enjoinments. With the exercise of Chris-
tian love we may allow the other person to
retain the dignity of moral choice. This is
perfected discipline.
Thursday, March 11
Read Philem. 11-13 — Reclamation
Onesimus was once unprofitable, but now
was profitable. What had made the differ-
ence? The Gospel can make profitable that
which was formerly waste and useless. In
one denomination a rather eccentric layman
was responsible for the initiation of two im-
portant church institutions. The Lord can
use some quite common material if it is
dedicated to His use.
203
Friday, March 12
Read Philem. 14-19— Equality
"Not now as a servant, but ... a brother."
The Gospel brings about changes in our re-
lationships. "At the foot of the cross the
ground is level," said Dr. Abernathy when
Chief Justice Hughes and a Chinese laundry-
man were received into the church at the
same time.
"In Christ there is no east nor west,
In Him no south nor north,
But one great fellowship of love
Throughout the whole wide earth."
Saturday, March 13
Read Philem. 1-25 — Christian Tact
Throughout this beautiful letter we notice
the tact which Paul used in dealing with
Philemon. It was long before the days of
Dale Carnegie, yet Paul knew how to win
friends and influence people. But Paul had
no selfish ends in view. His purpose in writ-
ing this persuasive letter was because of his
love and concern for both Onesimus and
Philemon. Paul had tears of agony to shed
when there was a spiritual disaster among
the believers, but he had tears of joy when
the grace and peace of God was shed upon
his Christian friends.
— Edward L. Kauffman.
Jesus Faces the Cross
Sunday School Lesson for March 14
(John 11:55—12:50)
Jesus deliberately went back to Jerusalem
for His hour. Why does Jesus speak so often
of His hour (not having yet come, He said)?
2:4; 7:6; 8:20. How does this prove His
deity ?
After the raising of Lazarus the plot
against Jesus' life was intensified and Jesus
walked no more openly among the Jews.
Into the quietness of the country He took
His disciples for a period with His own be-
fore the storm broke. He knew it would be
crucial for them too. Verse 54.
En route to Jerusalem He attended a so-
cial gathering. Where? What? At this
supper we get a glimpse into two hearts,
that of Mary and that of Judas. How could
the priests have thought that they could put
Lazarus to death with Jesus around?
The Passover feast was in Jerusalem, at
which feast time Jesus and the Father
planned to offer the great sacrifice of the
Lamb of God who could once for all take
away the sins of all people.
Many of the people, mostly Galileans, no
doubt, hearing that Jesus was coming into
the city, went forth to praise. Its appeared to
the Pharisees as if the world was gone after
Him. Perhaps the Pharisees understood more
of this sign and song than the disciples did.
In the economy of heaven it truly was the
entry of the King. His hour was at hand.
Then the Greeks came, perhaps to invite
Him to teach in their country. But Jesus
would not be swerved from His purpose.
What the Greeks and all sinners wanted He
could give them only by His death.
Jesus' answer was amazing. Read it to-
gether. What picture does He give in an-
swer to the request, "We would see Jesus"?
"The hour is come." What hour? Verses
23, 27, 31, 32.
As Jesus faced the cross He thought of
what He could do for man by His sacrificial
death, that of redemption. In this would the
Father and the Son be glorified. Verses 31-
33. But Jesus also spoke of His death in an-
other way which confronts us with the cross
no less than it dealt with Jesus' facing the
cross. He spoke of His death as a principle
of life in His own earthly life and the in-
dividual life of each believer. This He il-
lustrated in nature with a grain of wheat
dying to bring forth fruit.
The cross meant death for Christ. It meant
absolute surrender of self in sacrificial devo-
tion to the will of God and to the need of
men. It was a way of suffering.
What does the cross of the Christian mean?
It does not mean enduring some difficulties
or troubles we may have. It means losing our
lives, our whole selves for God. It is the
surrender of self to God, the dying with Je-
sus that bringeth forth much fruit. If self
is gaining, then one's life is being lost. On
the other hand, if self is being lost for
Christ and others, then life is being saved.
This is the basic principle of Christian dis-
cipleship. Let's see clearly the meaning of
Jesus' cross, especially this second principle
which gives meaning to the Christian cross.
— Alta Mae Erb.
Lesson based on "International Sunday School Les-
sons: the International Bible Lessons for Christian
Teaching," copyrighted 1951 by the Division of Chris-
tian Education National Council of the Churches of
Christ in the U.S.A.
204
GO.M'EI, HERALD
March 2, 1954
FIELD NOTES
Items to appear in this column for any issue of the
following Tuesday must reach Scottdale by Wednes-
day morning.
S.S. Superintendents and Secretaries. The
time is here to send your order for S.S. litera-
ture for the April-June quarter to the Men-
nonite Publishing House, Scottdale, Pa.
Bro. Sem K. Eash, deacon of the Thomas
congregation near Hollsopple, Pa., who re-
cently underwent surgery at the Mercy Hos-
pital, Johnstown, Pa., is recovering nicely,
according to last reports.
The Christian Day School at Belleville, Pa.,
conducts a Christian Life Conference each
year. Bro. Paul Roth, Masontown, Pa., was
the speaker this year. In a public meeting
on Thursday evening, Feb. 25, he spoke on
"Meeting Spiritual Problems Through the
Christian Day School."
Singing school is being conducted on Mon-
day, Tuesday, and Friday evenings, by Bro.
Elam Glick at the Allensville, Pa., church.
Bro. Paul Mininger, who is taking special
work in school administration at Columbia
University, has the following New York ad
dress: Whittier Hall, Box 1, 1230 Amster-
dam Ave., New York 27.
A Mental Health Conference was held at
Indianapolis, Ind., for the I-W unit and
the First Mennonite Church Saturday eve-
ning, Feb. 20, and Sunday following, with
Dr. H. Clair Amstutz, Goshen, Ind., as the
guest speaker.
Table of Contents
193 — "Thou Shalt Not Steal"
Did You Pray? (Poem)
194 — Our Readers Say
195 — Pillars of the Church
Truth and Service
196 — The Revelation of Jesus Christ
Shall We Engage in Social Reform?
It Happened
Win on Your Knees (Poem)
197 — Samuel Evans Allgyer
199 — A Prayer for This Week
The I-W Program in Review
Prayer Requests
Life Is Too Short (Poem)
200 — Experiencing the Living Christ at Hesston
Goshen College News
201 — Take My Life, and Let It Be (Poem)
Frances Ridley Havergal
202 — His Great Blessing
I Taught Myself to Sleep
Expressions of Appreciation
203 — To Be Near to God
Sunday School Lesson for March 14
204— Field Notes
Calendar
205 — Mission News
Your Treasurer Reports
206 — Black Mountain Powwow
City Mission Workers' Round Table
207 — A Summer of Blessings
An SOS for Prayer from Southern Ohio
The Old. Old Story
208 — Foreign Missionary Address
209 — A Missionary's Suggestions for Prayer Support
Mennonite Hour
Open Doors in Luxembourg
210— MRSC Weekly Notes
MCC Weekly Notes
211— Women's Activities
From Our Churches
213— Births
Marriages
Anniversaries
Obituaries
215— The Book Shelf
Items and Comments
Ordination.- -On Sunday evening, Feb. 14,
an impressive cdination service was held
at the Valley View Church, Stuarts Draft,
Va., when Brethren Jason H. Weaver and
Paul Barnhart were ordained to the ministry
to serve that congregation. Bishop John L.
Stauffer and Truman Brunk were in charge.
Bro. Ray Bair, Louisville, Ohio, gave mes-
sages at the Neffsville, Pa., Church on the
theme, "The Church and Her Youth," Jan.
16, 17. Sundav evening, Jan. 31, the Con-
gregational Mennonite Church, Marietta, Pa.,
gave a program at Neffsville.
Bro. S. F. Coffman, Vineland, Ont., was
recently admitted to the St. Catherine Gen-
eral Hospital for observation and treatment.
May the Lord speedily restore him to his
usual health and activities. Bro. A. Lewis
Fretz. Selkirk, Ont., filled the pulpit at the
Moyer Church, Vineland, Feb. 14, and stu-
dents from the Ontario Bible School had
charge of the services the following Sunday.
Seven applicants were received into church
fellowship by baptism at the West Union
Church, Parnell, Iowa., on Feb. 14. with Bro.
J. Y Swartzendruber officiating. Plans are
in motion for the ordination of a minister
at West Union in the near future.
Bro. and Sister Aquilla Stoltzfus, mission-
aries working at Shouns, N. C, along with
their family, gave a program at the Bay
Shore Church, Sarasota, Fla., on Sunday
evening, Feb. 14.
Four young brethren were baptized at the
Maple Grove Church, Topeka, Ind., on Sun-
day, Feb. 14.
At the Pigeon, Mich., Church on Sunday
evening, Feb. 21, Christian Braun spoke
of his experiences in escaping from Rus-
sian-occupied territory. A former exchange
student, he is now located at Midland, Mich.
Announcement
Graduate Summer Session
Goshen College Biblical Seminary
Six Weeks Session, June 8-July 15: First Term,
June 8-26, Second Term, June 28-July 15.
Character: In response to a widespread demand,
and with authorization by the Mennonite Board of
Education Goshen College Biblical Seminary is offer-
ing a Summer Session in 1954, designed: (1) to give
busy pastors the opportunity for refresher courses
for three- or six-week periods, as well as (2) to en-
able seminary students to secure needed credit to-
ward graduation, and (3) to afford ooportunlly for
larger acquaintance and fellowship. The latter pur-
pose Is particularly supported through guest profes-
sors (rom Eastern Mennonite College (Harrisonburg),
Hesston Colleqe (Hesston), as well as from the Men-
nonite Biblical Seminary (Chicago) and Bethel Col-
lege (Newlon). There will be a number of special
lectures and lecturers in addition lo the regular
courses. Each course will meet two hours daily,
carrying 1V6 semester hours or 2 quarter hours
credit on the graduate level. The seminary session
will be operated separately from the regular college
summer session, with Its own daily chap«l and group
life.
Faculty and Courses: H. S. Bender. Director (Chris-
tian Dlsclpleshlp): C. K. Lehman (N. T, Theology —
Paul); J. C. Wonger (Doctrine of Nonconformity);
Howard Charles (lohn or Colosslans); Gideon Yoder
(Evangelism of Children); Don. SmuckeY (Christian
Ethics I and II): Erland Waltner (I and II Peter).
Admission and Information: The session Is open to
seminary students and graduates, as well as college
students who have completed three years of college
•tudy. Other mature students may audit without
credit. Address all Inquiries to H. S. Bender, Dean.
Goshen Co'lege Biblical Seminary, Goshen, Indiana.
Bro. Frank Raber, former superintendent
of the Gospel Center, Kansas City, Mo., was
installed as pastor of the Argentine Men-
nonite congregation, Kansas City, Kans., on
Sunday evening, Feb. 14. The congregation
has bought a parsonage near the church
where the Rabers are now living. Their
address is 1438 S. 24th St., Kansas City,
Kans. Bro. R. P. Horst will continue to
work with the congregation.
The guest speakers for the Midterm Chris-
tian Life Conference at Ontario Mennonite
Bible Institute, Feb. 16-18, were John L.
Stauffer, Harrisonburg, Va., and Simeon
Hurst, on furlough from Tanganyika.
The Christian Life Conference at Eastern
Mennonite College, Feb. 20, 21, was mark-
ed by good interest and a large representa-
tive attendance. Guest speakers were Paul
Erb, Scottdale, Pa., Grant Stoltzfus, Den-
bigh, Va., and Milton Brackbill, Paoli, Pa.
Sunday evening, Feb. 7, the congregation
at Upland, Calif., was favored by a message
by Stan Hill, noted wheel chair evangelist,
a converted criminal who became paralyzed
when wounded by a bullet.
Brethren Merle L. Bender and Daniel
Kauffman, of the Hesston College faculty,
were scheduled to speak in the Milford,
Nebr., community Feb. 21-25, in the in-
terests of the three-year development program
of the college.
Bro. Grant Stoltzfus, Denbigh, Va., For-
merly on the staff of the Publishing House,
spent a few days in Scottdale last week,
in connection with taking his examination
for his Master's degree at the University of
Pittsburgh. His thesis is on the "History of
the First Amish Mennonite Communities
in America."
(Continued on page 212)
Calendar
19*4 Conrad Grebel Lectures, by G. F. Hershberger.
at E.M.C., Harrisonburg, Va., March 17-20.
Spring Missionary Sunday, March 21.
City Mission Workers' Round Table, Detroit Mennon-
ite Church, March 24-26.
Annual Meeting Illinois Mission Board, Pleasant HU1,
East Peoria. 111.. April 22, 23.
Semiannual meeting. Commission for Christian Edu-
cation, St. Jacobs. Ont., April 30, May I.
Conference on Christian Community Relations, E.M.C.,
Harrisonburg, Va.. May 6-8.
Home Sunday, May 9.
Annual meeting Mennonite Board of Missions and
Charities, Western Mennonite School, Salem.
Oreg.. June 18-20.
1954 Schedule for Laurelviile: Writers' Conference.
June 26 to July 2; Family Week. July 3-9; Boys'
Camp (ages 9-13), July 10-16; Girls' Camp (ages
9-13). July 17-23; Junior High (ages 13-15), July
24-30; Junior High (ages 13-15). July 31 to Aug. 6;
Young People's Institute. Aug. 7-13; MYF Work-
shop and Annual Meeting, Aug. 14-20- Music
Week, Aug. 21 27; Missionary Bible Conference,
Aug. 28 to Sept. 2.
Peace Sunday. July 4, 1954.
Annual Meeting Southwestern Pa. Conference, Mar-
tinsburg. Pa.. Aug. 1-4.
Annual meeting Iowa-Nebraska Conference, West
Dnlon, Parnell. Iowa. Aug. 10-13.
Annual meeting South Central Conference, Assembly
ol God campground, near Eldon, Mo., August
17-20.
Annual Meeting niinols Conference, East Bend
Fisher, 111., Aug. 24-26.
Fall Meeting. Commission for Christian Education.
Laurelviile Mennonite Camp, Laurelviile Pa
Sept. 27. 28.
Study Conference of ChUd Evangelism. Laurelviile
Mennonite Camp. Sept. 29, 30.
Fall Meeting, General Council of Mennonite General
Conference. Laurelviile Mennonite Camp, Oct.
Annual Meeting of the Mennonite Board of Education,
Salona-Wellman, Iowa area; Oct. 14-16, 1954.
March 2, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
205
Go, Preach • MISSIONS # Give, Pray
The General Board Headquarters tor Missions. Relief, and Service: 1711 Prairie Street. Elkhart. Indiana. Telephone, Elkhart 2-2786.
Mission News
A small industrial mangle in nearly new
condition has been presented to Froh Bros.
Homestead, Sturgis, Mich., by a resident of
the community. Funds to purchase chairs
for the individual rooms and for an elevator
are urgently needed.
Bro. Clyde Mosemann, missionary under
appointment to Uruguay, is scheduled to
conduct the special missionary emphasis in
chapel at Iowa Mennonite School, Kalona,
Iowa, March 1-5. Bro. Mosemann spoke at
the Rossmere Mennonite Church, Lancaster,
Pa., on Sunday morning, Jan. 24; at the
Boyertown, Pa., Mennonite Church, Sunday
morning, Feb. 14; at the Neffsville, Pa., Men-
nonite Church, Feb. 21, morning; and at
the Marietta, Pa., Mennonite Church, Feb.
21, evening.
The staff at the Froh Bros. Homestead,
Sturgis, Mich., gave the program at the Shore
Mennonite Church, Shipshewana, Ind., on
Sunday evening, Feb. 14. A member of
the Shore congregation has recently donated
a typewriter for the use of the I-W men
serving at Froh Bros.
Bro. and Sister Daniel Sensenig and son
and Sister Mary Byer sailed for Ethiopia on
the M.S. Riouw on Wednesday, Feb. 17.
The Clyde Shenk family and Sister Elsie
Cressman arrived in Tanganyika on Jan. 26.
The Mexican Mennonite Church in Chicago
had an attendance of 132 on Sunday morn-
ing, Feb. 14. They are enjoying the use of
new benches for their church which were
made at Elkhart by VS workers under the
direction of Bro. One Roth.
Bro. Samuel E. Miller, former missionary
to South America now serving on the staff
at Eastern Mennonite College, will give the
missionary address at the First Mennonite
Church, Kitchener, Ont., on Thursday eve-
ning, March 11, under the sponsorship of
the Ontario Mennonite Bible School.
Bro. and Sister George Smoker were sched-
uled to leave Tanyanyika for furlough on
Feb. 7. They will return to the states via
India and Japan.
A man and wife school teacher team are
needed in the government Indiana school at
Black Mountain, Ariz., where our missionar-
ies Stanley and Arlie Weaver, are locating to
serve the Navaho Indians. Qualified per-
sons should contact the General Mission
Board headquarters at Elkhart, Ind., im-
mediately.
The Plain View Mennonite Church, Au-
rora, Ohio, has provided most of the labor
and over $2,000 toward building costs for
the new building to be used by the Glad-
stone Mennonite congregation, Cleveland,
Ohio.
Bro. H. James Martin, missionary under
appointment to Uruguay, spoke at the Wan-
ner Mennonite Church, Hespeler, Ont., on
Sunday evening, Feb. 21. Pray that the Mar-
tins will soon get their residence visas for
Uruguay.
A panel discussion on Puerto Rico was held
at the Salford Mennonite Church, Harleys-
ville, Pa., on Sunday evening, Feb. 7, with
Bro. Lester Hershey, missionary on fur-
lough, and the following former service
workers participating: Dr. and Mrs. Paul
Brenneman, Linnie Peachey, and Emma
Landis.
The Henry Becker family and Sister Rhea
Yoder arrived safely in Bombay on Feb.
22 for another term of service in India.
Bro. John Koppenhaver, missionary on fur-
lough from Argentina, will keep the fol-
lowing appointments on March 7, the last
Sunday of his furlough: morning, Bloom-
ing Glen, Pa.; evening, Deep Run, Pa.
The Koppenhavers will leave New York by
air on March 10. Pray for their safe re-
turn to Argentina.
One ward and the surgical unit of the
new hospital at Shirati, Tanganyika, have
been completed and are in use. The second
ward should be finished in several months.
The new pipe line from the lake to the hos-
pital is also in use and is filling a great
need.
Bro. Lester Hershey, missionary on fur-
lough from Puerto Rico, is scheduled to
speak at the annual meeting of the Eastern
Mennonite Board of Missions and Char-
ities, Elizabethtown, Pa., on March 10. On
Sunday, March 7, he will speak at the
Worcester, Pa., and Towamencin, Kulpsville,
Pa., Mennonite churches. He spoke to the
congregation worshiping at Neffsville, Pa.,
on Sunday, Feb. 28.
A new building was dedicated at Crest-
view, Fla., on Jan. 20. Crestview is 50 miles
southeast of Brewton, Ala., and the work
there is an outgrowth of summer Bible
school work begun in 1951. Bro. and
Sister Benjamin Martin, Itinerant Evan-
gelism Committee workers for the Eastern
Mennonite Board of Missions, are in charge
of services here.
Attendance and interest at Beaver Run
Northumberland Co., Pa., is increasing. The
Stumptown congregation, Lancaster Co., Pa.,
donated about 400 hours of labor to remodel
the schoolhouse being used for services. This
outpost is an outgrowth of a rural Penn-
sylvania summer Bible school.
Services were begun in the Clarence Fretz
home in Esch, Luxembourg, on Jan. 17.
Previously services were held only at Dude-
lange.
Bro. William Hallman, missionary on fur-
lough from Argentina, attended the an-
nual meeting of the Mennonite Publications
Board at the Plain Church, Lansdale, Pa.,
Feb. 17, 18 as a delegate from the Argentine
church. A farewell service was held for
the Hallmans at the College Mennonite
Your Treasurer Reports
Mission work in Japan continues to pro-
gress in a very gratifying way. We feel
that the Lord has been able to bless the
ministry of the missionaries there and we
are particularly thankful for the fact that
the church there has already produced a
number of congregations and one ordained
minister.
At present there is a sizable missionary
staff there which demands a rather large
monthly budget for their support. At pres-
ent, the following missionaries are serving
in Japan:
Bro. and Sister Ralph Buckwalter
Bro. and Sister Carl Beck
Bro. and Sister Lee Kanagy
Bro. and Sister Don Reber
Bro. and Sister Don McCammon
Sister Mary Ann Hostetler
Sister Ruth Bean
Sister Ruth Ressler
Sister Rhoda Ressler
In addition to the individual supports re-
quired for the above missionaries, there
are other expenses involved such as travel
to the field, missionary housing, missionary
equipment, medical expenses, and other mis-
cellaneous items which are a part of the total
mission operation.
We have appreciated the fine support re-
ceived thus far for Japan but the balance
in this fund is becoming quite low. For this
reason I would again like to encourage con-
tributions for this work that the Lord may
continue to use our missionaries and our
resources to extend the work of His king-
dom in Japan.
H. Ernest Bennett, Treasurer
Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities
Elkhart, Indiana.
Church, Goshen, Ind., on Sunday evening,
Feb. 28. They will be leaving New York
on March 6 on the S.S. Rio Jachal of the Ar-
gentine State Lines to return to Argentina.
Pray for their safe return to the field.
Anna Snyder, formerly of Canby, Oreg.,
has been appointed executive housekeeper
of the La Junta Hospital, a position left
vacant by the retirement of Mina Esch,
who served as director of housekeeping serv-
ice for six years.
The third annual meeting of the Associa-
tion of Mennonite Hospitals was held at
Palmer House, Chicago, 111., Feb. 10, 11.
The association is composed of representatives
from various branches of the Mennonite
Church.
A daughter, Marion Marie, was born Feb.
14, to Wilbert and Rhoda Lind, mission-
aries in Italian Somaliland.
(Continued on page 212)
206 GOSPELHERALD
Black Mountain Powwow
By Ari ie Weaver
2 2 1
We stepped outside the door into a snow-
drift and found fresh snowflakes fluttering
into our faces. Over there stood the brand-
new jeep station wagon with piles of seven-
minute frosting on it. At least, so it appeared.
At first thought we asked, "Did it have to
be this way today?" On second thought we
knew the Lord would see us through. Also,
this was an excellent chance to try out our
four-wheel drive wagon.
Soon after 7:00 a.m. Betty Gruber, our
Navaho missionary assistant, her nine-month-
old son Ernest, Stan, and I packed into the
front seat as close to the heater as possible
and were off to Black Mountain, Arizona.
This day, December 11, 1953, was the day
set by the U.S. government supervisor of that
area when as many Black Mountain com-
munity members as were interested or able
should come to the trading post for a meet-
ing. This meeting was to be specifically for
the purpose of discussing with the people
the granting of permission for land for the
Mennonite missionaries to establish a church
and a home site.
Onward we jogged toward Black Moun-
tain, hoping we would make it by meeting
time, which was 1:30 p.m. As we neared the
continental divide the snow became thick-
er on the ground while at the same time we
could see a few clouds breaking away. About
a half hour later we drove into bright sun-
light with deep blue skies. After we left
Gallup, New Mexico, we found less snow.
The farther north and west we went the
more light and powdery we found the snow,
and we suffered no ill effects from it.
At Ganado, Arizona, we stopped at a
trading post for gas and a stretch. Then we
headed due north toward Black Mountain,
bucking a strong wind. There is nothing
like a breeze in northern Arizona. It's wind!
Leaving Ganado we also left all blacktop
and gravel roads. We set out on 40 miles of
dirt roads, gaining altitude steadily. The jeep
chugged along, sometimes hitting a sandy
spot, or shooting up over a boulder, or mak-
ing a sharp turn by a rutty ravine with an
unprotected drop. What little snow had
gotten this far was so covered with blowing
sand and dust that it looked like mud and
seemed to evaporate into thin air, only leav-
ing a small dark spot.
Rounding the last few curves we found
ourselves at Black Mountain. The town
called Black Mountain actually consists of
the trading post store, the trader's home, a
storehouse, and a corral for horses or sheep.
Because the trailing post closes over noon
we found various Navahos lounging on the
wide steps of the stoic. The squaws wrapped
their brightly colored shawls around them-
selves into a sort of tent to protect their eyes
from blowing sand. Several old men wore
bearskin caps, but most of them wore the
traditional big, broad -brimmed black hats.
MISSIONS SECTION
As we sat, waiting, several who recog-
nized us as the missionaries came and shook
hands with us. This was indeed a privilege
for us because that is a sure sign of friend-
ship. About 2:00 p.m. the U.S. government
supervisor came rushing in. With him he
brought a dependable and efficient inter-
preter who could translate the English lan-
guage into Navaho. Silently but amazingly
soon that store was filled with 42 adults,
besides children and babies. They stood, sat,
or squatted wherever they were. A battery
of eyes were on us as the brusque but kindly
government official reminded the people why
they were there. He added that from then
on he would let the missionary talk and they
could ask questions after he had spoken.
The jeep station wagon is laboring up the side
of the mountain. This type of terrain is very
typical of most of the Black Mountain area.
Many places we flntl only wagon tracks since
most of the people don't own cars or truck.
We explained carefully and in detail the
things we hoped to do for the people in that
area. The interpreter then explained our
words and answered spontaneous questions.
The Navaho people brought various things
to our attention which were a blot to mis-
sionaries in general. They judge all mission-
aries by those they have before contacted.
One mother queried with some feeling,
"Would you take someone to the hospital if
he were a Catholic?" Another asked, "Do
you really plan to stay, or will you leave
when times get bad?"
After more questions, a middle-aged man
stepped out from among his comrades, re-
moved his hat. and made quite a lengthy
comment. Typically Navaho, he did not look
us in the eye as he spoke, but rather looked
into space. The interpreter, in comparatively
few words, translated: "My people surely do
need help and I'm in favor that you come
here. The sooner the better." Another gen-
tleman in similar fashion said, "I don't think
your church is so much better than another,
but I want mv people to have good things
like others. We need your help."
The government official again entered the
discussion, telling the people we had a pcti-
March 2,
tion saying these same things on paper and
asking for one acre of land on which to build.
If it is their desire to accomplish these things,
they must come and sign their names on the
paper. The interpreter explained this all
again and immediately the signing process
began. Some wrote their names proudly.
Others stepped up shyly offering their
thumbs for the ink pad which the govern-
ment official held for those who couldn't
sign their names by writing. A thumb print
carries as much weight as a written signa-
ture. As the official made a final count of
prints and names, to his astonishment he
found 42 signatures! This meant the vote
was unanimous.
We have learned from the Navaho never
to show emotions, but we said, "Praise the
Lord!" inside, anyway.
Very unobtrusively Betty had already
made friends with several women of the
community. Even little Ernest was cooing
and making the best impression a small boy
could.
Long shadows were falling as we came
out of the hot, stuffy store. Once again we
had the complete assurance that the Lord had
gone before us, placing confidence in the
hearts of these forsaken people.
As we look forward we humbly believe
that "through God we shall do valiandy"
(Psalm 108:13). He is sufficient! Pray for
us!
(The Weavers wish to say a hearty "thank
you" to those whose prayers and gifts have
made possible the jeep station wagon. — Ed.)
Grants, New Mexico.
Blessed is the person whose heart is set on
one thing.
City Mission Workers'
Round Table
Sponsored by the Urban Evangelism
Committee (Assisted by the Committee on
Economic and Social Relations of
General Conference)
To be held at the Detroit Mennonite Church
Detroit, Michigan
Marcn 24-26, 1954
Wednesday evening:
"Effects of Urbanization and Industrializa-
tion on Our Church" — Paul Erb
"Shepherding a Congregation of Industrial
Workers" — Rudy Borntrager
Thursday morning:
"The City Church Meeting the Issue of
Unionism" — Guy F. Hershberger
Discussion led by Ralph Hernley
Thursday afternoon:
"The Evangelical Ministry of the Christian
Church Within Industry"— Willis Hallman
Discussion led by Paul Erb
Thursday evening:
"Problems We Face in Interracial Church
Building" — Leroy Bechler
Friday morning:
"Bible Principles Governing Race Rela-
tions in Church and Industry"
—Millard Und
"What Government, Industry, and Educa-
tion Are Doing About Race Relations"
— Howard Kaufiman
Discussion led by Paul Peachey
Friday afternoon:
"An Interracial Church Program in Opera-
tion" — Ervin Krebbs
Discussion led by Ira Buckwalter
March 2, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
207
A Summer of Blessings
By Velma Zimmerly
It was a hot day in June when I arrived at
the Gladstone Mission in Cleveland, Ohio,
to begin my summer's service. As I looked
about me, I felt that it would have been ex-
tremely easy to become discouraged before I
had a chance to get started. As I looked at
what was to be my environment for the next
several weeks, I saw big houses — close togeth-
er and black from the city smoke. I saw peo-
ple, mosdy children. They were anxiously
awaiting the arrival of the unit to see what
the new "teachers" would be like. They were
eager to ask questions and be friends.
I made my way into the house where I was
to stay. It was full — full of people, boxes,
baggage, and beds. Not even a slim chance
of getting homesick here. There was so much
to do and so many new friends to learn to
know.
I had come without knowing any of my
future fellow workers. But after we had
cooked and cleaned together; after we had
visited homes and prayed together, we were
drawn in spirit into one big family. New
friends mean new blessings.
Our Bible school pupils became our
friends. We visited in their homes and be-
came acquainted with their parents. It was
thrilling to see their eager faces and answer
their questions when trying to point them
to the Saviour.
The extra Bible study we did in preparing
our lessons has widened our knowledge of
the Bible. We found new truths and helps
for ourselves. Naturally in giving out these
truths to our pupils we couldn't help "getting
some on ourselves."
We thank God for the broadened vision
we have received by working side by side
with experienced mission workers in a needy
field endeavoring to sow the seed. Our spir-
itual lives have developed as never before.
We see more to pray for and our prayers are
more meaningful.
The knowledge that one is in His will,
working in an area of real need, makes for
an inner peace and joy not to be received
otherwise.
Sterling, Ohio.
An SOS Call for Prayer from
Southern Ohio
By Paul Stoltzfus
It will be three years this coming summer
that the Ohio Mennonite Mission Board
made a survey of Southern Ohio, a vast
neglected area as far as we Mennonites are
concerned. The purpose of the survey was
to locate and reopen the many vacated
churches in the area.
Since then the following seven mission
points have been established, as a result of
this survey.
Hillside Chapel is located at Petres, two
miles east of Jackson, which is the county
seat of Jackson County. This building is a
combination of living quarters for workers
and a church, still unfinished for lack of
funds, and is being built because we have
been locked out of two other vacated church-
es in the immediate vicinity. The Paul Stoltz-
fus and Ray Stutzman families are working
this community.
At Pine Grove, 30 miles southeast of Jack-
son, we conduct Sunday afternoon Sunday
school. One or two families living and wit-
nessing in this community would be a great
asset to the work.
The Chauncey Greiser family with various
other helpers have been carrying on work
at Warneke Chapel, Lawrence County, with
a very good response. The attendance dou-
bled during the past year. A sister to help
teach Sunday school and do some personal
work is needed. They also need more local
and permanent help.
At Lower Owl Creek in Pike County the
Neil Beachy and Paul Kauffman families are
responsible for the work. So far this is the
only building that has been completely
turned over to us by the local trustees free of
charge. This work is sponsored by the Pike
congregation, Elida, Ohio, and the Sharon
congregation, Plain City, Ohio.
Bro. and Sister Lester Roth have been ap-
pointed to take charge of the work at St.
John's Church near Old Man's Cave in Hock-
ing County beginning March 1. This Meth-
odist building, snugly nestled in the beautiful
hills of Hocking County, has been vacated
for nearly 20 years. The Walter Eberly fam-
ily and others have been driving from the
Martins Church near Orrville, Ohio, every
Sunday morning to carry on this work.
The Dan Kauffman family from the Plain
City Conservative Amish Church are living
at Blue Creek in Adams County and are in
the process of building a church house since
they also have been pushed out of a local
vacated church which they had used to get a
work started.
The Freeman Hostetler family from the
Holmes County Conservative Amish Church
live at Tranquility, also in Adams County,
and have purchased an old vacated Mennon-
ite church in which they are now holding
services.
We have tried to present the picture as a
whole, that you may be able to intelligently
pray for us. I am sure we as workers can say
in unison that the Lord has been good to us
all in spite of obstacles and opposition, being
lied about, locked out of churches, called
Communists, and experiencing all the other
ups and downs and blessings that accompany
work like this.
Jackson, Ohio.
The Old, Old Story
When I started my journey at Munich,
Germany, the train was crowded with pas-
sengers, and I had to stand in the corridor.
In the next compartment there was a group
of American soldiers and before long one
of them came in with a bottie of beer in his
hand, shouting: "Next stop Augsburg, next
stop Augsburg!" In passing through the
train he came to the place where I was stand-
ing and a conversation began.
"Why do you shout like this?" I asked.
"Oh, just to amuse myself," he answered.
He had been drinking, but was sufficiently
sober to follow our conversation. I discov-
ered that his parents in the U.S.A. are Chris-
tians, but that he himself had gone astray.
I testified to him about the saving grace of
Christ and implored him to read the Word
of God. He listened very attentively.
"The prayers of your parents are follow-
ing you," I added.
At the end of our conversation he shook
my hand, while big tears rolled down his
cheeks. "I will follow your advice," he said,
and quietly returned to his compartment.
I could see from the surprised looks of the
other passengers that they were puzzled as
to what I had said to this boy to change his
behavior in such a drastic way. There is
always a new power in the old, old story of
Jesus and His love. Pray for this boy. —
Charles Grikman, Brussels, Belgium.
MISSIONS SECTION
208
GOSPEL HERALD
March 2, 1954
Foreign Missionary Addresses
AFRICA
Tanganyika
Cressman, Elsie, Tarime, Tanganyika, East Africa
Eby, Vivian, Musoma, Tanganyika, East Africa
tsmeman, J. Lester and Lois, Tarime, Tanganyika,
East Africa
Charlotte Fay Eshleman
Eshleman, Merle W. and Sara, Tarime, Tanganyika,
East Africa
Miriam L. and David M. Eshleman
Marnish, Mary w., Tarime, Tanganyika, East Africa
Hershberger, Elma, Musoma, Tanganyika, East Africa
Hess, Mahlon M. and Mabel E., Box 108, Musoma,
Tanganyika, East Africa
Alice Elaine, Henry Martin, and Carl Avery Hess
Hurst, Levi M. and Mary, Tarime, Tanganyika, East
Africa
Jewel Eileen Hurst
Keener, Robert G. and Florence, Tarime, Tangan-
yika. East Africa
Martha Jane, Robert Gerald, Dennis Dale, and
Deborah Sue Keener
! andis, Elva, Tarime, Tanganyika, East Africa
Leatherman, John and Catharine G., Musoma, Tan-
ganyika, East Africa , _, .
Lois G., William C, Andrew H., and Stephen
Leatherman
Miller, Ruth K., Tarime, Tanganyika, East Africa
Nacht, Hedwig, Musoma, Tanganyika, East Africa
Shank, James and Ruth, Tarime, Tanganyika, East
Africa , _ ... _, ,
Lois Ellen, James Martin, and David Lee Shank
Shenk, Clyde and Alta, Musoma, Tanganyika, East
Africa . _j ,
Anna Kathryn, John, and Daniel Edward Shenk
Stauffer, Elam and Grace, Musoma, Tanganyika, East
Africa
Philip, Kenneth, and Bruce Stauffer
Winger, Miriam, Musoma, Tanganyika, East Africa
Daniel, Annetta A., and Wilmer Ray Wenger
Yoder, Phebe, Musoma, Tanganyika, East Africa.
Special Workers
Bauman, Ruth, Tarime, Tanganyika, East Africa
Leaman, Hershey, Tarime, Tanganyika, East Africa
Peifer, Christian, Tarime, Tanganyika, East Africa
Smoker, Naomi, Musoma, Tanganyika, East Africa
Troyer, Samuel J. and Esther, Musoma, Tanganyika,
East Africa
On Furlough
Smoker, George R. and Dorithy (en route home) as
of 1671 Loma Vista St., Pasadena, Calif.
Hurst, Simeon and Edna, 1328 Concession Road,
Preston, Ontario, Canada
Nancy, Mary Elizabeth, and Elwood Ray Hurst
Wenger, Rhoda, R. 1, Box 203, Harrisonburg, Va.
In School
Jacobs, Donald and Anna Ruth, 26 Aberdeen Park,
N. 5, London, England
ALASKA
Stoltzfus, Mahlon and Hilda, Fortuna Ledge, Alaska
Guenn, Ruby, and Gareth Stoltzfus
ARGENTINA
In Central Province
Brunk, Lawrence and Dorothy, Rivarola 280, Pehua-
jo, FNDFS, Argentina
Gary Lee, Louisa Ann, and Patricia Marie Brunk
Byler, B. Frank and Anna, Alsina 80, Trengue Lau-
guen, FNDFS, Argentina
Stanley, Marjory, Dennis, and Carol Byler
Erb, Delbert and Ruth, Mercedes 149, Buenos Aires,
Argentina
Good, Edna, Damasco Romero, Carmen de Areco,
FNGU, Argentina
Hallman, William and Beatrice, Mercedes 149, Bue-
nos Aires, Argentina
Elinor Elizabeth and Richard William Hallman
Koppenhaver, John H. and Ruth, Bragado, FNDFS,
Argentina
John Holly, Denton Lee, Ronald Glenn, and Torry
Lowell Kopponhavor
America, FNDFS, Argentina
Litwillor, Nelson and Ada, Morcedo3 149, Buenos
Aires, Argentina
Miller, Daniol and Eunice, Sarmiento Esq Olem,
America, FCNDFS, Argentina
John Gregory Miller
Swartzontrubor, Amos and Edna, Mercedes 149, Bue-
nos Aires, Argontlna
On Furlough from Central Province
Rutt, J. L. and Mary, 516 W. James St., Lancaster,
Pa.
Selber, Floyd and Alyce, R. 4, GoBhen, Ind.
Wanda Grace and Jamos Boyd Soiber
On Retirement from Central Province
Hershey, T. K., and Mae, 1508 S. Bth St., Goshen, Ind.
Lantz, D. Parke and LIUlo, 2201 West Bliou St.. Colo-
rado Springs, Colo.
In the Chaco
Buckwalter, Albert and Lois, Castlla 53, Pcla R.
Saenz Pefta, Prov. Pte. Peron, Argentina
Rachel Lois, Naomi Rose, and Timothy Albert
Buckwalter
Cressman, Mabel, Casllla 53, Pcla R. Saonz Porta,
Prov. Pte. Poron, Argentina
Cressman, Una, Casilla 53, Pcia R. Saenz Pefla, Prov.
Pte. Peron, Argentina
Litwiller, John and Mary Ann, Casilla S3, Pcia R.
Saenz Pena, Prov. Pte. Peron, Argentina
Nelson Edward Litwiller
On Retirement from the Chaco
Shank, J. W. and Selena, Eastern Mennonite College,
Harrisonburg, Va.
BELGIUM
Shank, David and Wilma, 14, Avenue de la Braban-
conne, Brussels, Belgium
Michael H. and Stephen David Shank
COSTA RICA
(In language study but under appointment for Cuba)
Detweiler, Esther, La Escuela de Idiomas, Apartado
2240, San Jose, Costa Rica
Idiomas, Apartado 2240, San Jose, Costa Rica
Frederick, Lillian. La Escuela de Idiomas, Apartado
2240, San Jose, Costa Rica
King, Aaron and Bett/, La Escuela de Idiomas,
Apartado 2240, San Jose, Costa Rica
Stutzman, Mary Ellen, La Escuela de Idiomas,
Apartado 2240, San Jose, Costa Rica
Yoder, Henry Paul and Mildred, La Escuela de
Idiomas, Apartado 2240, San Jose, Costa Rica
Allan Yoder
ENGLAND
Leatherman, Quintus and Miriam, 97 Muswell Hill
Road, Muswell Hill, N. 10, London
Rachel May and Philip Karl Leatherman
ETHIOPIA
Byer, Mary, Box 102, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia, East
Africa
Eshleman, D. Rohrer, Haile Marian Mammo Memo-
rial Hospital, Nazareth, Ethiopia
Garher, Robert and Alta, P.O. Box 102, Dire Dawa,
Ethiopia
Gingrich, Paul and Ann, Haile Marian Mammo Me-
morial Hospital, Nazareth, Ethiopia
Larry Paul Gingrich
Graybill, Anna Mae, Haile Marian Mammo Memo-
rial Hospital, Nazareth, Ethiopia
Harnish, Kathryn E., Haile Marian Mammo Memo-
rial Hospital, Nazareth, Ethiopia
Horst, Mabel, Box 102, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia
Horst, Nevin and Blanche, Haile Marian Mammo
Memorial Hospital, Nazareth, Ethiopia
Jeanne Adelle Horst
Hege. Nathan B. and Arlene, Box 102, Dire Dawa,
Ethiopia
John Allen and Elizabeth Ann Hege
Keener, Clayton L. and Martha G., Box 794, Addis
Ababa, Ethiopia
Landls, Lois M., Box 102, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia
Marks, Lois, Box 102, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia
Miller, Anna, Haile Marian Mammo Memorial Hos-
pital, Nazareth, Ethiopia
Schlabach. Walter E. and Mae, Box 102, Dire Dawa.
Ethiopia
Walter E., Jr., Caroline Elizabeth, and Rachel
Ellen Schlabach
Sensenig, Daniel S. and Blanche, Box 102, Dire
Dawa, Ethiopia
Daniel Sensenig, Jr.
Wenger, Chester L. and Sara Jane, Haile Marian
Mammo Memorial Hospital, Nazareth, Ethiopia
Betty Lois, Margaret Ann, Jewel Louise, Chester
Lloyd, and Sara Ellen Wenger
Special Workers
Bomberaer, Elton, Box 102, Dire Dawa. Ethiopia
Byler, Allen J. and F'inice, Haile Marian Mammo
Memorial Hospital, Nazareth, Ethiopia
Wilbur Allen Bvler
Oarber, Lois N., Box 794, Addis Ababa. Ethiopia
Payne, James, Box 102 Dira Dawa. Ethiopia
Snvder, Alice. Box 794. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Wikerd. Martha, Box 102, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia
On Furlough
Hiestand, Mildred, 256 S. Charlotte St.. Manheim.
Pa.
Under Appointment
Becker, Esther. Perkins Institution. Watertown, Mass.
Dr. Joseph Burkholder, R. 2, Markham, Ontario, Can-
ada
Rush, Sara L.. Porkasie, Pa.
FRANCE
Swartzentruher. A. Orley and Jane. 79 Ave. Ray-
mond Polnrnro. Paris 16e. France
Anne Bernlce Swartzontruber
HONDURAS. CENTRAL AMERICA
Hamilton Eldon and Jessie. Tocoa. Honduras, Cen-
•ral Amerlra
Elsie Carol, lames Eldon. and Alice Mae Hamilton
Hess, lames R. and Beatrice, TrulUlo, Honduras,
Central America
Daniel Eugene Hess
On Furlough
Miller, George T. and Grace, Bally, Pa.
lohn Mark, Ruth Elizabeth, and Miriam Joyce
Miller
Taylor, Dora, R. 2, Elverson, Pa,
Under Appointment
Garber, Jean, R. 6, Box 343, Lancaster, Pa.
INDIA
In Madhya Pradesh
Conrad, Paul L. and Nancy, Christian Hospital,
Dhamtan, M.P., India
John Lester and Glenn Carl Conrad
Erb, Elizabeth, Dhamtan. M.P., India
Flisher, jacoc and Arvilla, Balodgahan, via Dham-
tan. M.P.. India , ^
Graber, Lena, Christian Hospital, Dhamtari, M.P.,
India „
Groff, Weyburn and Theima, Yeotmal Seminary, Yeot-
mal, Berar, India
Rachel Yvonne, Margaret Ellen, and Cheryl Jean
Grcff
Hummel, Goldie, Jamgaon, via Durg, M.P., India
Miller, S. Paul and Vesta, Shantipur, via Dhamtari,
M.P., India
Elaine Ann, James Allyn, and Eleanor Lois Miller
Moyer, Marie, Balodgahan, via Dhamtari, M.P., India
Nafziger, Florence. Christian Hospital, Dhamtari,
M.P., India „ - -
Penner, Elizabeth, Jamgaon, via Drug, M.P., India
Rohrer, Anna Lois, Balodgahan, via Dhamtari, M.P.,
India
Sell, Blanche, Christian Hospital, Dhamtari, M.P.,
India
Weaver. Edwin I. and Irene, DhamtaTi, M.P.. India
Elizabeth Marie and Jerold Lehman Weaver
On Furlough from Madhya Pradesh
Beare, George and Ida, 377 S. Campus Ave., Upland,
Calif.
Dietzel, Arnold and Wilmetta, R. 3, Goshen, Ind.
Ronald Loren, Margaret Elma. and Carol Joy
Dietzel
Friesen, John A. and Genevieve, Moundridge, Kans.
J. Stanley, G. Weldon, C. Richard, Glen Delbert.
and Dwight William Friesen
Good, Mary M., 3738 Chapel Dr., Sarasota, Fla.
Hosteller, Wilbur and Velma, 2331 Prairie St., Elk-
hart, Ind.
Verda Joan and Susan Melissa Hcstetler
King, S. M. and Nellie. 912 S. 8th St., Goshen, Ind.
John David and Stanley Bernard King
Yoder, J. G. and Fyrne, 1204 S. 8th St.. Goshen, Ind.
Joanne Yvonne, Mary Jean, and Ruth Elaine Yoder
On Retirement from Madhya Pradesh
Brunk, A. C. 1223 Weber St.. Colorado Springs, Colo.
Esch, Mina B.. Mennonite Hospital, La Junta, Colo.
Friesen, P. A., ana Florence, Hesston. Kans.
Kaufman. J. N.. 110 Florence Ave., East Peoria 8, 111.
Lapp, Mrs. Fannie, 14 Market Square, Manheim, Pa.
In Bihar
Beachy, John and Miriam, Daltonganj, Palamau Dis-
trict, Bihar, India
John Allen and Cheryl Jo Beachy
Becker, Henry D. and Gladys, Latehar, E. I. Ry..
Palamau District. Bihar, India
Elaine Mae, Paul Arthur, Ruth Irene, James Don-
ald, and Mary Louise Becker
Kniss, Paul. G. and Esther. Balmuth, Palamau Dis-
trict, Bihar, India
Shirk, S. Allen and Elsie, Latehar, E.I. Ry., Palamau
District, Bihar, India
Sylvia Ann Shirk
Vogt, Milton C. and Esther, Tori, E.I. Ry., Chandwa
P.O., Bihar, India
Elva Mae and Myra Joan Vogt
Landour (Woodstock School)
Yoder, Rhea, Woodstock School, Landour-Mussoorie,
U.P., India
Special MRSC Workers in India
Hosteller. Alvin and Helen, Dhamtari, M.P., India
Gloria Joyce and Carol Jewell Hostetler
Hosteller, Rub/, Kodaikanal School, Kodaikanal,
South India
Kauffman, Robert, Woodstock School, Landour-Mus-
soorie, U.P., India
Nafziger. Glen. Shantipur, via Dhamtari, M.P., India
ISRAEL
Kreider, Roy and Florence, Box 854, Jerusalem, Israel
Jeryl David Kreider
Martin, Jesse B. and Naomi, Box 854, Jerusalem,
Israel
ITALIAN SOMALILAND
Lind. Wilbert and Rhoda, c-o Somalia Mennonite
Mission. Box 85. Mogadiscio. Somaliland, Africa
Daniel Dean and Marion Marie Lind
Miller, Fannie, c-o Somalia Mennonite Mission, Box
85, Mogadiscio. Somaliland, Africa
Plank, L. Caroline, c-o Somalia Mennonite Mission.
Box 85, Mogadiscio, Somaliland. Africa
JAPAN
Bean, Ruth, No. 68. c-o Tomita, Miyashila-cho, Bunk-
yo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Beck, CotI and Esther, No. 1 Minaml, 17-chome,
Higashi 7 |o, Obihiro, Japan
Carol Carleen Beck
Blosser. Eugene and Louella, 2-2-chome, Shimauma-
cho, Setagaya-ku. Tok,o. Japan
Philip Eugene and Rachel Ann Blosser
Buckwalter. Ralph and Genevieve, No. 13 Tsuruga-
dal, Kushtro. Japan
Dawn Alice Buckwalter
Hostetler. Mary Ann, 720 Daita, 2-chome, Setagaya-
ku, Tokyo, Japan
March 2, ip$4
GOSPEL HERALD
209
Kanagy, Lee and Adela, Nakashibetsu-cho, Nemuro-
Koku, Hokkaido, Japan
Daniel Lee and Ruth Adella Kanagy
McCammon, Don and Dorothy, 2-2-chome, Shimauma-
cho, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Julia E. and Michael Don McCammon
Reber, Don and Barbara, 193 Sangenjaya Machi,
Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Karen Sue, Elizabeth Ann, and Mary Kay Reber
Ressler, Ruth and Rhoda, 105 Tsuji cho, Ashiya,
Hyogo Ken, Japan
MRSC Workers in Japan
Burkhart, Charles, International Christian University,
1500 Osawa, Mitaka-shi, Tok/o, Japan
LUXEMBOURG
Fretz, Clarence Y. and Lela, Rue Emile Mayrisch, 72.
Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
Lois Marie, Rachel Irene, Paul Clair, and Esther
Louise Fretz
Miller, Harvey and Mildred, 2, rue du Pare Dude-
lange, Luxembourg
PUERTO RICO
Driver, John and Bonita, La Plata, Puerto Rico
Cynthia Ruth and Wilfred Paul Driver
Glick, Carol, Box 1018, Aibonito, Puerto Rico
Greaser, Lawrence and Annabelle, Box 1018, Aiboni-
to, Puerto Rico
Galen, David, Daniel, and Joseph Alden Greaser
Kanagy, Martha, La Plata, Puerto Rico
Lauver, Paul and Lois, Box 335, Cayey, Puerto Rico
Paul Richard and John William Lauver
Nachtigall, Wilbur and Grace, Palo Hincado, Barran-
quitas, Puerto Rico
Juan Manuel, Ramon, Rosa Marie, and Barbara
Helen Nachtigall
Shantz, Marjorie, La Plata, Puerto Rico
Snyder, Mrs. Doris, Box 1018, Aibonito, Puerto Rico
Margaret Ann and Clifford Arnold Snyder
Margaret Ann and Clifford Arnold Snyder
Snyder, Elvin and Mary, La Plata, Puerto Rico
Carmen Grace, Esther Marie, and Edith Marie
Snyder
Springer, Elmer and Clara, Palo Hincado, Barran-
quitas, Puerto Rico
Theodore William Springer
Troyer, George D. and Kathryn, Box 1018, Aibonito,
Puerto Rico
Widmer, Gladys, Box 1018, Aibonito, Puerto Rico
On Furlough
Hershey, Lester and Alta, Fisher, 111.
Janice Jo, Sherilyn Mae, and Lester Eugene
Hershey
Massanari, Anna Kay, Fisher, 111.
Under Appointment
Nussbaum, Ruth, 1808 Sixth St., Nampa, Idaho
Continuing MRSC Service Workers
Lehman, John E. and Margaret, La Plata, Puerto Rico
Thomas, Mary Ann, Rebecca, and David Lehman
Continuing Workers on Furlough
Birky, Luke A. and Verna, Tangent, Oreg.
Karl R., Anne Luvern, and Kathryn Ruth Birky
Snyder, Royal and Ophia, c-o Mrs. Victor Sevits,
1012 3rd St., Fort Wayne 7, Ind.
Victor Abram, Royal Daniel, Elizabeth Rose, and
John Kent Snyder
URUGUAY
Under Appointment
Martin, H. James and Ann, c-o O. W. Swartzendruber,
R. 2, New Carlisle, Ohio
Judith Ann, Janet Arlene, Barbara Elaine, and
James David Martin
Mosemann, Clyde and Anna, R. 4, Box 639, Lancas-
ter, Pa.
Clyde Richard, Jr., and Barry Philip Mosemann
LETTER RATES
Belgium, England and Luxembourg: Regular mail,
5c each oz.; air mail, 15c each oz.; air form
letter, 10c.
Ethiopia and Tanganyika: Regular mail, 5c each oz.,
3c each additional oz., air mail, 25c Vi oz., air
form letter, 10c.
Honduras and Costa Rica: Regular mail, 3c each oz.;
cur mall, 10c Vi oz.
India and Japan: Regular mail, 5c each oz.; air mail,
25c each Vi oz.; air form letter, 10c.
Puerto Rico and Alaska: Regular mail, 3c each oz.;
air mail, 6c each oz.
South America: Regular mail, 3c each oz.; air mail,
10c each Vfe oz-
If you have a friend worth loving,
Love him, yes, and let him know
That you love him, ere life's evening
Tinge his brow with sunset glow;
Why should good words ne'er be said
Of a friend till he is dead?
—Selected.
Mennonite
L4J Hour
Nonresistance
The recent messages on nonresistance,
"The Dynamic of Christian Love," had a
very good demand from radio listeners. Even
though this series of radio messages has been
completed, yet we are confident that God
will continue His work through the 1600
copies that have already been sent out. The
next series, "Why Do the Wicked Prosper?"
will shortly be sent out. For your free copy
of these sermons write to us: The Mennonite
Hour, Box 22, Harrisonburg, Va.
Schedule Cards
Thousands of schedule cards have already
been sent out. Many of you have written in
for cards to give and send to your neighbors
and friends. If you have not received your
cards for distribution, be sure to write us im-
mediately. This is your radio broadcast. If
people are to listen to the broadcast, you must
remind them. You will be blessed for this
missionary work and we are confident that
those who listen will be spiritually helped
also.
Special Prayer
Starting this month and extending through
April, B. Charles Hostetter will be preaching
evangelistic sermons. Unless these messages
go forth with the prayers of the people of
God, they will be empty words void of spir-
itual power. As a radio staff we are sensing
more and more our dependence on you as
prayer warriors to daily intercede in our be-
half.
We are now releasing a Mennonite Hour
Monthly Prayer Guide listing many of our
prayer requests. If you want to join the hun-
dreds now receiving these Prayer Guides
write to us and we will send you a March
release.
Open Doors in Luxembourg
Doors are opening for going forward in
evangelism and Bible teaching. During the
past year the mayor of Dudelange granted us
the privilege of using the fire hall free of
charge for a publicly advertised week-end
Bible conference in that city. The Hollenfels
youth hostel permitted us to hold two "Bible
camps" there this summer. These being our
first efforts along these lines, we did not
have a large attendance but we experienced
such blessings that we feel encouraged to un-
dertake similar efforts in the future. We are
still permitted to hold monthly services in
the Miller apartment in Dudelange, and re-
cently our landlady said we were free to
have services in our home here in Esch.
(At first she was rather opposed to this.)
— Clarence Fretz Christmas letter.
Missions Editorial
A Missionary's Suggestions for
Prayer Support
A missionary himself has something to say
about how we should pray for him and his
colaborers on the field.
Pray for essentials. By essentials he means
love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness,
goodness, faith, meekness, and the other
fruits of the Spirit so necessary for effective
witnessing. Pray that God will give the mis-
sionary the measure of health which will
glorify Him.
Pray that God will grant the necessary
grace to overcome when the path is difficult.
Do not pray for an easy path, but pray
rather that God will provide each missionary
with the courage and unconquerable de-
termination necessary to meet every obstacle.
Pray that God will keep the missionaries
from being too busy to pray. They are faced
with the same problems of multitudinous
duties that many of us surround ourselves
with here at home, and they must put forth
the same effort to find time to meditate and
pray as we.
Do not pray so much that. God will bless
the missionary's activities as that God will
censor them so that the most important ac-
tivities in missionary service will absorb his
time and not the second best things.
Pray that God will give the missionary
needed grace to overcome temptation. The
missionary like the minister attracts Satan's
special attention because he is on the front
line of a great spiritual struggle. Never take
it for granted that missionaries are saints by
virtue of being missionaries.
Pray that each missionary may continue
on fire for God, his heart aflame with a pas-
sion to win the lost. Pray that the love of
Christ may motivate him continually, that
the blood of Christ may continue to cleanse
him from all sin. Remember that the mis-
sionary can become lonely, discouraged, and
irritable.
"Pray that God will send forth laborers"
was Jesus' first command to His disciples re-
garding witnessing. But we cannot stop
praying for the workers when God answers
our prayers and sends them to the field.
Jesus expects us to keep on praying for those
who are serving as a result of our prayers.
This prayer ministry binds the missionary to
his supporter by invisible ties of comrade-
ship in service.
Begin your prayer ministry for our mis-
sionaries now. Enlarge the ministry that you
have already begun. Jesus promised His dis-
ciples: "Whatsoever ye shall ask in my name,
that will I do" (John 14:13). His doing is
handicapped by our not asking. — L. C.
Hartzler.
210
GOSPEL HERALD
March 2, ip^
Relief and Service News
MRSC Weekly Notes
Voluntary Service
A new group of volunteers has joined the
ranks of those serving in Voluntary Service.
James Lepley, Reedsville, Pa. will be serving
his I-W period in the Mathis, Tex., Unit as-
sisting in the building program there.
Mable Miller, Wilmot, O., has joined the
unit in La Plata, Puerto Rico, as a kitchen
helper.
Paul Payne, McVeytown, Pa., is serving in
Kansas City, Kans., helping to remodel the
newly acquired unit home.
Fred W. Miller, Iowa City, la., has also
joined the Kansas City Unit as an orderly in
the hospital.
Ruby Shank, Harrisonburg, Va., is begin-
ning her term of Voluntary Service as a sec-
retary at the General Mission Board Head-
quarters, Elkhart, Ind.
Junior Fisher, Kalona, la., is a I-W man
and has joined the unit of six serving at Froh
Bros. Homestead, Sturgis, Mich.
Four men from Guernsey, Sask., have be-
gun a period of service at Camp Rehoboth,
St. Anne, 111., helping in repair work to pre-
pare the camp for its summer's activities.
They will serve until April 1.
The Mennonite Hospital and Sanitarium,
La Junta, Colo., is planning for another
Nurse Aide class to begin in June. This
class provides an excellent opportunity for
girls who are interested in nurse-aide service
to receive instruction and guidance in this
work.
There will be openings for approximately
eight girls in this class. For more informa-
tion write to Dorsa Mishler, Personnel Di-
rector, Office for Relief and Service, 1711
Prairie St., Elkhart, Ind., or directly to the
hospital.
I-W Services
Recendy representatives of MRSC and
MCC met and considered the scattered, small
I-W units which are not receiving the serv-
ices of either organization.
Agreement was reached as to which of
these organizations will be offering non-pas-
toral services to each of these units.
Lists of the places where I-W men are serv-
ing will be made available to ministers in the
near future.
MRSC is serving the smaller I-W units
through its Area Field Representatives. Six
brethren have consented to serve in this ca-
pacity to date, and many others are giving
this work consideration.
The I-W men at Elgin, 111., have decided to
sponsor the radio program of Bro. Howard
Zehr on the local Elgin station.
Finances
The continued excellent response being
given by our constituency in the form of fi-
MISSIONS SECTION
nancial and prayer support is gready appre-
ciated.
However, with the fiscal year nearing the
close some of the funds are running rather
low, and we would like to present this need
to you as an opportunity for you to serve in
a vital area of your church's program.
The support for this area of the church's
program comes from the monthly congrega-
tional relief and service offering. Your hearty
support of this offering will be appreciated.
Also, individual contributions may be ear-
marked for Relief and Service and sent
through your district conference treasurer or
direct to Treasurer, Mennonite Board of Mis-
sions and Charities, 1711 Prairie St., Elkhart,
Ind.
Released Feb. 19, 1954
Office for Relief and Service
Elkhart, Indiana
MCC Weekly Notes
Recent Relief Shipments total 115V2 Tons
MCC relief shipments during January,
February, and early March include 204,791
pounds of food, valued at $81,970.65, to
France, Germany, Jordan, and Korea; and
26,238 pounds of clothing, valued at $29,
040.89, to Greece and Korea. Most of this
material aid, which totals approximately
115/2 tons and $111,011.54 in value, is cur-
rently en route.
Food shipments include 22,000 pounds of
beef to Jordan, 22,350 pounds of beef to Ger-
many, 22,181 pounds of assorted canned
goods to Korea, 30,860 pounds of butter to
France, and 107,400 pounds of dried milk to
Korea. The butter and dried milk were avail-
able to MCC without cost from the U.S. De-
partment of Agriculture at the point of stor-
age. The milk was shipped from the West
Coast and will be used in the relief distribu-
tion program in Korea. The butter will be
shipped from the East Coast and be used by
such institutions as children's and old peo-
ples' homes. Meat shipments include meat
canned by communities in Iowa, Minnesota,
Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virgin-
ia, and Maryland during the past season.
The 17,559-pound clothing shipment to
Korea, including shoes, school supplies and
soap, was processed by the West Coast MCC
Regional Office, Reedley, Calif. The 8,679-
pound clothing shipment to Greece will be
distributed to needy refugees in the Pana-
yitsa-Tsakones area by PAX men.
PAX Men Complete Housing For 64 Fami-
lies in Backnang, Germany
The first 10 houses in Backnang, Germany,
being constructed with the assistance of PAX
men, are now the homes of 64 Mennonite ref-
ugee families who total 226 persons.
With the exception of some painting and
plastering the first part of this Mennonite
resettlement project has been completed. Con-
struction is underway on the foundation of
the third house of the second set of 10 houses
which will provide homes for 44 families.
A new pastor for this developing German
Mennonite congregation, Mr. Goctcke, ar-
rived in January. Church services are held
every Sunday where as previously they were
held only every other Sunday. This group
meets in one of the houses. They are urgendy
in need of a church building, however.
Backnang PAX men continue to report
high morale and repeatedly express the sat-
isfaction of realizing they are building more
than houses. They pray that this new body
of believers will be an effective witness for
Christ and the Church.
Two of the 66 apartments in the first 10
houses are occupied by the PAX men. There
are currently 20 PAX men in Backnang.
Other PAX men in Germany are building
housing for Mennonite refugees in Enken-
bach and Wedel. PAX, the Latin for peace,
is the MCC's overseas program for drafted
conscientious objectors.
French Mennonite Doctor in Java
To Visit American Churches
Dr. Marthe Ropp, a French Mennonite
who has directed the MCC medical program
in Java for the past three years, will visit
American Mennonite churches and commun-
ities during March, April, and May.
The purpose of her visit is to acquaint
Mennonite and Brethren in Christ churches
with the MCC medical program in Java
which consists of clinics at Kajuapu and
Margaredjo. Her itinerary includes Californ-
ia, Oregon, Western Canada and Winnipeg,
Kansas, Iowa, Indiana, Ohio, Ontario, Penn-
sylvania, and Virginia.
Dr. Ropp has an attractive personality and
speaks a good English in addition to French
and German. In addition to directing the
MCC medical program in Java, she has
taught a health course at the Mennonite The-
ological School in Pati.
Those who will hear her will not only learn
about the Java MCC work, but will also be-
come acquainted with French and Indone-
sian Mennonite brotherhoods. After a visit
to her home in Wittenheim, Haut-Rhin,
France, Dr. Ropp will return to Java as a
medical missionary under the sponsorship of
Indonesian Mennonites.
Her intinerary: March 14-16, Los Angeles,
and Upland, Calif., College; March 17-19,
Reedley, Calif.; March 20-25, Albany, Oreg.;
March 26-31, Western Canada and Winni-
peg; April 2-8, Central Kansas including the
Mennonite colleges — Bethel, Hesston, and
Tabor; April 9-10, Kansas City and Mission,
Kans.; April 11-16. Iowa; April 17-24, Go-
shen, Ind.; April 25-28, Ohio; April 29-May
7, Ontario; and May 8-26. Akron, Pa., from
where she will visit Messiah College, Gran-
tham, Pa.; and Eastern Mennonite College,
Harrisonburg, Va., and other communities in
these states.
Released February 19, 1954
MCC Information Service
Akron, Pa.
A Wish for Age
A setting sun in clouds of rose,
An autumn tree in leaves of gold;
May we wear loveliness like this,
When we grow old!
— Adelaide Love.
March 2, 1954
G O S P E L HERALD
211
Women's Activities
All renewals or new subscription orders
for the Missionary Sewing Circle Monthly
should be sent to WMSC Organization, Scott-
dale, Pa. Checks or money orders should be
written to WMSC Organization. Prices con-
tinue 35^ per single subscription, and 25^ in
clubs of ten or more.
Orders for Prayer Guides should be sent
to the same address. The price per copy is
25<*.
# * *
Sister Arlene Sitler gives the following sug-
gestions in the February Women's Activities
Letter for preparing used clothing for over-
seas:
1. All clothing should be clean. Materials
that can be washed should be well laundered
and neatly ironed. Materials requiring dry
cleaning can be home-processed or commer-
cially cleaned.
2. Buttons and snaps should be supplied
where needed, being carefully matched and
suitable for the materials.
3. No garments needing repair, laundering,
or cleaning should be sent to clothing pro-
cessing centers.
4. Used trousers should have cuffs turned
down and dust thoroughly brushed from the
creases to prevent the collection of moths. All
pockets should be well cleaned, free from
dust or other refuse.
5. Styles of garments should be such that
are practical and wearable.
6. Dresses with capes or uniforms are ac-
ceptable if in good condition.
7. Collars on coats should be cleaned; lin-
ings should be repaired and in good condi-
tion. Special care should be taken under arm-
holes; reinforce with a piece of the lining if
necessary.
8. Shoes of all sizes can be used, always in
pairs, polished, and provided with two sets
of good strings. Women's and girls' shoes
should be broad, with low heels. Galoshes
and rubbers can be used.
9. All clothing should be such as can con-
sistently bear the lable, "In the Name of
Christ."
• • •
Clothing contributions for the past year
totaled 278 tons, reports Sister Sitler. From
these, shipments were made to Germany,
Korea, Paraguay, Austria, Holland, France,
Jordan, Formosa, Jave, Hong Kong.
Gladys Rutt, relief worker in Jordan,
writes in the February Activities Letter,
"During the month we went to Karameh
Camp and distributed 773 layettes to babies
that are brought into the feeding center there.
Each layette consisted of six pieces only.
UNRWA had given us 215 dark heavy blan-
kets and the rest were taken from our sup-
plies to wrap the pieces. I shall never forget
the desperate, frantic efforts on the part of
those women to push their way in to get a
bundle, but probably if we had nothing new
for a number of years a few new articles
would look good to us too. It is difficult to
see so much relief need and not be able to
do more."
A little later in the same article, Sister Rutt
says, "The greatest of all our needs ... is
the continued prayers of the church at home
that tho light of the Gospel may shine into
this land and into the hearts of its people."
# * *
Donations and contributions should reach
our General Treasurer by the twenty-third
of each month since it is now necessary for
her to mail her monthly report on the twenty-
fifth of each month in order to have them
included in the Missionary Sewing Circle
Monthly. — Mrs. C. L. Shank.
From Our Churches
ALTOONA, PENNSYLVANIA
(Mill Run Chapel)
Christian Greetings:
We are still at work in this part of God's
great vineyard. God has been faithful in bless-
ing the efforts. In December four:, girls, ages
eight to eleven, were baptized. One is from
a non-Christian home where she is faithfully
witnessing to the family. The other three are
sisters. The parents, though unsaved, showed
a definite interest in their baptism, and we
rejoice that the mother was saved a few
weeks later. She is growing rapidly in her
Christian experience and is having a powerful
influence for good upon her many unsaved
friends. She is deeply concerned for the salva-
tion of her husband and Catholic mother.
There was a time when her husband would dis-
appear when a visiting minister came, but
now he welcomes them at the door. Please
join us in prayer for him.
Recently we lost about twelve of our Sunday-
school pupils when a bus from the newest
and most popular church in town began a
run through this community. However, a few
new families have been contacted to fill the
vacancies and our attendance continues to be
very good. A number come from nearby districts
and so the nine-passenger church car, which
some of you helped to purchase last year, is
being used to great advantage.
Our pastor and family have moved to Big Val-
ley. That leaves the flock without a shepherd. It
grieves us to see the mission home empty, but
a minister is being supplied for each Sunday
morning service. Bro. Kanagy, our former
pastor, will be filling the pulpit every two weeks.
Plans are being made for a weekly Wednesday
evening Bible study.
Won't you pray that whoever God may be
calling for full-time service in this needy
community may gladly answer, "Here am I ;
send me" ?
Mina Cashman.
NAMPA, IDAHO
(Nampa Congregation)
Dear Hekald Readers :
Greetings in our Saviour's name. Bro. I.
Mark Ross concluded three and one-half weeks'
meetings here Sunday, Feb. 7. One week the
meetings were at our mission church in City
Acres. There were a number who accepted
Christ for the first time and also a number of
reconsecrations. One week was given to teach-
ers' training and music.
Bro. and Sister E. S. Garber were at Filer
on Feb. 7 and 8. They left on Feb. 13 for
Winton. Calif.
Bro. and Sister Irvin Gingerich and family,
and C. D. Kauffman of Hesston, Kans., spent
several days here en route to Albany, Oreg.,
to attend a family reunion in honor of Mr.
Gingerich's parents who are observing their
fiftieth wedding anniversary. Mr. and Mrs.
Clinton Gingerich and son of Nampa accom-
panied, them to Oregon. ■.,(..
Our deacon, Ivan Hostetler, and family re-
turned from Milford, Nebr., where they were
visiting the past six weeks.
Maurice Miller had an emergency appen-
dectomy and is convalescing nicely.
Bro. Max Yoder, McMinhville, Oreg., was with
the Indian Cove congregation Feb. 12-14 for
special services. Bro. Durbin Zook is taking
an enforced rest at the Gooding Hospital for
a few weeks. Sister Berneice Nafziger is teach-
ing in Bro. Zook's absence.
Mrs. Ella Miller.
LOUISVILLE, OHIO
(Beech Congregation)
Dear Hekald Readers :
"O taste and see that the Lord is good."
A workshop for the boys from the fifth grade
on up is held at the Elden Schmucker home.
Visiting speakers that have been with us
were Galen Johns, Vern Miller, and others from
Gladstone Mission ; H. James Martin and
wife. Earnest Martin, Llewellyn Groff, Leonard
Schmucker, and Kenneth Good. Nov. 9-15 we
had Bible studies in I John conducted by Glenn
Esh and followed by a message. Our hearts
were blessed as the Word was expounded to
us, and we were challenged to a life of greater
love for God and our fellow men.
Members of our congregation helped with
the canning of meat when the canner was at
Hartville.
The Avalon Youth Fellowship raised lima
beans as their missionary project. Some of
the Sunday-school classes had projects; they
made donations to the following: sewing circle,
Boy's Village, Calvary Hour, girls' sewing
circle, and the Lee Kanagy Building Fund.
Quite a number attended evening classes at
Canton Bible School.
May we walk closer with our Saviour and
help to make Him known.
Mrs. Harvey D. Miller.
UPLAND, CALIFORNIA
(Seventh St. Congregation)
Dear Hekald Readers :
Greetings in Jesus' name. We thank God
for His many blessings to us.
On New Year's Day, at afternoon and even-
ing sessions, we had our annual election of
church officers, reports, and an inspirational
program. A period of fellowship was enjoyed
during the evening meal. The climax was a
challenging message by Bro. George Beare.
An MCC unit from Coalinga, Calif., gave an
informative and interesting program on Jan.
3 regarding their work among the migrants.
One fourth of the migrants in the United
States are in California. This is a very
needy field of service.
On Jan. 30, Bro. Luke Birky, Puerto Rico,
presented the medical needs of Puerto Rico.
We are glad to have Bro. and Sister Joe
Schrock, Jr., and family return after having
lived in Alaska for several years.
We are looking forward to having Bro.
Stanley Shenk from West Liberty, Ohio, with
us Feb. 24 to March 7 for evangelistic meet-
ings.
Bro. and Sister Sherman Maust and Bro.
and Sister John Hershberger and daughter,
Feme, were to Phoenix, Ariz., Jan. 31, to at-
tend the ordination to the ministry of Bro.
Stanley Weaver, missionary to the Navaho
Indians.
An aged brother, Dave Shank, who had
worshiped with us the past two years, passed
away on Jan. 25 after a short illness.
We are having many visitors this winter;
quite a number from Iowa, and others from
Illinois, Michigan, Montana, Nebraska, Okla-
homa, and Colorado. We invite anyone visit-
ing on the west coast to stop and worship
with us.
Myrtle Groff.
WALKER, MISSOURI
(Walker Congregation)
Dear Hekald Readers :
During July, August, and September of
1953 six families from the Yoder-Hutchinson,
Kans., area moved into Vernon County, Mo.
The city of Nevada on U.S. highway 54 is the
county seat. The movement was prompted by a
desire to witness for our Lord in a new area.
Also, as we were farmers, we had to look away
from home to buy farms. As five brethren
looked for some place suitable, the Lord led
them to this location. It is good farming coun-
try, with the buildings and soil somewhat
run down. There are yet more opportunities
for other families that might be interested.
We feel that the Lord has a great work at
Walker.
Feb. 4 marked the establishment of a new
Mennonite church here, the Walker Mennonite
Church. There are fifteen charter members.
The organization work was shared by the
bishops Harry Diener, Hutchinson, Kans., and
J. G. Hartzler, Inman, Kans.
Bro. Irvin Nussbaum is to be ordained as
pastor of this congregation on March 14, the
Lord willing.
Correspondent.
212
GOSPEL HERALD
March 2, 1954
CHURCH MUSIC (Continued)
Her poems were printed in three
books entitled, Ministry of Song, Under
the Surface, and Under His Shadow, and
she in addition gave the world numerous
poems which can never be blotted from
man's memory as long as a desire to sing
remains in the human heart.— Basil Mil-
ler. Condensed from "Ten Girls Who
Became Famous," in "Christian Digest."
FAMILY CIRCLE (Continued)
Also for the gifts, flowers, cards, letters, and
personal visits during my stay in the hospital
and also my convalescing stay with my mother.
May the Lord richly bless you. — Mrs. Samuel A.
Oberholtzer, Elizabethtown, Pa.
* * *
We sincerely thank all who remembered our
departed loved one with the lovely cards, letters,
and gifts during his illness. He was very ap-
preciative for the prayers that ascended in his
behalf. — The family of Otto J. Good, Harrison-
burg, Va.
* * *
I want to express my sincere appreciation
to all who have remembered me with cards,
visits, and prayers during my stay in the hos-
pital and since my return home. The Lord
has been so good to me and I pray that He
will bless you all for your kindness. — Mrs.
Lewis M. Lehman, Hagerstown, Md.
* # *
Our hearts have been blessed this past year
by the kindnesses and the help we received from
our many friends. We sincerely thank each of
you for making our little daughter Judy's
life more pleasant. And now since her going
home, we again express our thanks and ap-
preciation for the cards, visits, messages of
sympathy, and prayers for us. May you each
receive a special blessing through it. — Mr. and
Mrs. Irvin Weaver.
* * *
We wish to express our deepest appreciation
to all our Christian friends who remembered
us with cards and letters of sympathy and
encouragement during the passing of our
little daughter, and sister Eunice. May the
Lord bless you and keep you for His service. —
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Kling and Nelson.
MISSION NEWS (Continued)
The church building at Tarime in Tan-
ganyika is now under construction.
Work on the leper colony, Shirati, Tan-
ganyika, is progressing. A small two-room
dispensary, a three-room ward and a care-
taker's house are being built with government
funds. A grass-roof chapel will also be
built. African patients are providing their
own homes on the grounds where they will
live while taking treatment. About 15 of
these homes are under construction. It is
expected that about 150 will live on the
compound, while a number of others will
come from the surrounding community.
The local board for Mennonite Youth Vil-
lage, White Pigeon, Mich., met on Feb. 19
and made plans for the 1954 summer pro-
gram. Plans include the expansion of the
present living facilities to take care of 48
instead of 32 children. A new housing
unit for boys is to be built with the help
of voluntary labor.
A farewell service was held lor Bro. and
Sister John Beachy, missionaries returning
to Bihar, India, at the East Goshen Men-
nonite Church, Goshen, Ind., on Sunday
evening, Feb. 21. Bro. John Mosemann,
President of the Mennonite Board of Mis-
sions and Charities, participated in the serv-
ice and gave the charge to the missionaries.
In the afternoon, Bro. Beachy spoke to the
Foreign Missions Fellowship of Goshen Col-
lege in the College Union.
Bro. and Sister John Kreider were installed
as superintendent and matron of the Men-
nonite Gospel Center, 1238 Washington,
Kansas City 6, Mo., Sunday, Feb. 14. Bro.
Frank Raber, former superintendent of the
Gospel Center, was chairman of the meet-
ing. Bro. Milo Kauffman preached the
sermon and had charge of the installation
service. Special music was provided by the
Kansas City Service Unit Men's Quartet.
John Kreider completed his courses for
the Bachelor of Religious Education degree
first semester of this year. Mrs. Kreider re-
ceived her B.R.E. degree from Hesston Col-
lege in June, 1951.
FIELD NOTES (Conunued)
Visitors at the Publishing House on their
return home from the annual meeting of
the Mennonite Publication Board at Lans-
dale, Pa., Feb. 17, 18, were Samuel Honder-
ich, Filer, Ida.; Harold Sommerfeld, Hess-
ton, Kans.; and J. Irvin Brunk, Upland,
Calif.
A male chorus of I-W men from Westville,
Ind., brought the Sunday evening program
at the Yellow Creek Church, near Goshen,
Ind., on Feb. 21. The young people from
the surrounding churches and the I-W men
spent an hour of informal fellowship at
the church cabin after the service.
Twelve young applicants were received
into church fellowship by baptism at the
Yellow Creek Church on Sunday morning,
Feb. 28.
The Youth Fellowship of the Yellow Creek
congregation enjoyed interesting and chal-
lenging talks on the mission and service
program of the church by Levi Hartzler,
Mark Lehman, and Boyd Nelson, of the
Elkhart office, in the regular Wednesday
night services in February.
Bro. Geo. W. Cutrell, Denver, Colo., who
underwent surgery and has been seriously ill
at the Latrobe, Pa., hospital, is recovering
satisfactorily.
Announcements
A series of six doctrinal talks will be given
by Geo. R. Brunk at East Chestnut St.,
Lancaster, Pa., Church April 15-18.
The annual Ministerial Meeting of the
Southwestern Pennsylvania District Confer-
ence will be held at the Blou^h Church Fri-
day evening, March 19, and two sessions on
Saturday, March 20.
Bro. Raymond Bucher will speak on the
subject, "Prayer and Fasting," on March 7,
at the Hess YPBM, Lititz, Pa.
Bro. Paul M. Lederach, Scottdale, Pa., will
be the speaker at a week-end conference on
"Every Member Ivvangclism" at North Lima,
Ohio. March 27. 28.
A I-W Conference is to be held at the
Howard-Miami Church, Kokomo, Ind., Sat-
urday evening, March 6, and all day follow-
ing. This conference is for all I-W men,
parents, churches, and interested friends of
North Central and Southern Indiana, and
is sponsored by the Pastoral Committee of
the Indiana-Michigan Conference,
Bro. John E. Lapp, Lansdale, Pa., on a trip
west will speak at the following places: Men-
ahga, Minn., March 7; Ministers' Confer-
ence, Leader, Minn., March 9-11; Wolford,
N. Dak., March 14.
An all-day meeting at Black Oak Ridge
Church, Hancock, Md., with Harry Y. Shet-
ler and Andrew Jantzi as speakers.
John R Mumaw, Harrisonburg, Va., guest
speaker at a Christian Life Conference on
March 14 at Wilmington Mennonite Church,
10th and Harrison Streets, Wilmington, Del.
The Semiannual Association Sewing Circle
Meeting of Lancaster Conference will be
held at the East Chestnut St. Church Satur-
day forenoon and afternoon, March 6.
A revised schedule of Bro. C. F. Derstine's
itinerary is as follows: Zion Church, Hub-
bard, Oreg., Feb. 25 to March 7; Peninsula
Bible Fellowship, Palo Alto, Calif., March
10; C.M.B.C., San Francisco, Calif., March
12; Winton, Calif., March 13, 14; La Junta,
Colo., March 23; Tabor College, Hillsboro,
Kans., March 25; Kitchener, Ont., March 28.
A Peace Team from Goshen College will
give a program at the South Union Church,
West Liberty, Ohio, the evening of March 7.
Visiting Speakers
Feb. 7. Ralph Stahly, Wakarusa, Ind., at
Bay Shore, Sarasota, Fla.
Feb. 14. Richard E. Martin, Elida, Ohio,
at East Bend, Fisher, 111. Elmer Swartzen-
druber, Wellman, Iowa, at Gulfhaven, Gulf-
port, Miss.
Feb. 21. John R. Mumaw, Harrisonburg,
Va., at Landisville, Pa. S. A. Yoder, Colum-
biana, Ohio, at Beaverdam, Corry, Pa. Wm.
G. Detweiler, Orrville, Ohio, at Waldo
Church, Flanagan, 111., morning, Morton,
111., evening. Russel Kraybill, Goshen, Ind.,
at Congregational Mennonite, Marietta, Pa.,
morning; Clyde Mosemann, appointee to
Uruguay, evening. Luke Birky, Puerto Rico,
at Crystal Springs, Kans. Abram Landis,
Bridgevvater Corners, Vt., at Rocky Ridge,
Sellersville, Pa. Paul M. Lederach, Scottdale,
Pa., at Blooming Glen, Pa. Leo Miller,
Wichita, Kans., at Scottdale, Pa. E. J. Hoch-
stcder, Wolford, N. Dak., at Howard-Miami,
Kokomo, Ind. Milton Brackbill, Paoli, Pa.,
at Lindale, Harrisonburg, Va.
Feb. 28. Myron Augsburger, Harrisonburg,
Va.. at Woodridge, Washington, D. C.
Wayne North, West Liberty, Ohio, at Moyer
Church, Vineland, Ont. Gerald Studer,
Smithville, Ohio, at Morton. 111.
Evangelistic Meetings
Andrew Jantzi, Marilla, N.Y., at Black
Oak Ridge, Hancock, Md., March 14-21.
Prayer is requested for these meetings.
Clinton Ferster, Richfield, Pa., at North Leb-
anon. Pa., Mission, Feb. 27-March 7. Urie
Bender, Baden, Ont., at Thomas Church,
1 lollsopplc, Pa., April 22 to May 2. Elmer
Kolb, Pottstown, Pa., at Lititz, Pa., March
10 '4. I. Mark Ross, Hesston, Kans., at First
Mennonite Church, Canton, Ohio, April 11-
18. Milton Brackbill, Paoli, Pa., at Cam-
bridge, Pa., March 7-14.
March 2, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
213
BIRTHS
"Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord" (Ps. 127:3a).
Yoder, Glen O. and Vera (Zook), Mio, Mich.,
fifth child, fourth son, Kendall Lynn, Nov.
30, 1953.
Yordy, Emerson and Rhoda (Handrich),
Mio, Mich., fifth child, Cheryl Elizabeth, Feb.
1, 1954.
Zook, Durbin and Mildred (Yoder), Nam-
pa, Idaho, first child, Rodney Durbin, Feb.
2. 1954.
Blosser, James and Janet (Abee), Creamery,
Pa., second son, Gary Steven, Feb. 6, 1954.
Brubacher, Francis L. and Mabel (Snyder),
St., Jacobs, Ont., first child, Dwight Fran-
cis, Jan. 13, 1954.
Crisenbery, Gene and Marian (Stemen), Elida,
Ohio, first child, Jay Robert, Feb. 1, 1954.
Denlinger, Leon H. and Mary Arlene (Lan-
dis), York, Pa., second child, Nancy Yvonne,
Feb. 3. 1954.
Gochenaur, Robert H. and Verna (Thomas),
Strasburg, Pa., third child, second daughter,
Betty Irene, Jan. 23, 1954.
Grove, David and Esther (Brenneman),
Stuarts Draft, Va., fourth child, third son,
Paul Mark, Jan. 26, 1954.
Hershberger, John E. and Anna Mae (Som-
mers), Sarasota, Fla., second child, Priscilla
Darlene, Jan. IS, 1954.
Hershberger, Lester and Jean (Wagler),
Altha, Fla., sixth child, second daughter, Judith
Yvonne, Feb. 10, 1954.
Hertzler, Elmer and Esther (King), Elver-
son, Pa., second daughter, Susan Arlene, Jan.
20. 1954.
Ingold, Leroy and Evelyn (Springer), Pax-
ton, 111., second son, Robert Daniel, Nov. 20,
1953.
Jones, Abram S. and Frances A. (Geissing-
er), Harrisburg, Pa., first child, Carol Sue,
Feb. 3. 1954.
Kauffman, Elam and Amanda (Yoder), sec-
ond child, Theil Harry, Feb. 3, 1954.
Kauffman, Elmer S. and Viola (Stoltzfus),
Atglen, Pa., eighth child, fourth daughter, Carol
Joy. Dec. 24, 1953.
Kaufman, Glen and Mary (Yoder), Walker,
Mo., second child, a daughter, Janey Larae,
Feb. 12. 1954.
King, Allen and Fannie (Yutzy), Hutchin-
son, Kans., a son, Kenneth Oliver, Feb. 6. 1954.
Landis, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob O, Perkasie,
Pa., a son, Geoffrey William, Feb. 2, 1954.
Landis, Mervin and Rachael Anne (Hess),
Lancaster, Pa., fourth child, Edward Dwight,
Jan. 25, 1954.
Liller. Charles and Lila (Moreland), Pinto,
Md., fifth child, Darlene Denise, Jan. 3, 1954.
Longacre, W. Paul and Ruth (Geissinger),
Quakertown, Pa., second child, a son, Glenn
David, Jan. 24, 1954.
Massanari, Joe and Francis (Dean). Cham-
paign, 111., third child, Gregory Lee, Jan. 11,
1954.
Mast. John Paul and Carolyn (Sehrock),
Millersburg, Ohio, first and second children,
Donald Lee and Diana Marie. Oct. 28. 1953.
Miller. Robert L. and Mary (Hamsher),
Smithville, Ohio, first child, Carol Joy, Dec.
23. 1953.
Moser, E. A. and Frances (Zuercher), Woos-
ter, Ohio, second child, first son, James Arthur.
Myers, J. Henry and Mary E. (Myers),
Dovlestown. Pa., fourth child, Henry Dale,
Feb. 3. 1954.
Ropp. Leroy and Edith (Gnagey). Wellman,
Iowa, third child, second daughter, Shirleen
Kav, Jan. 25, 1954.
Rush. Wilmer W. and Sallie C. (Ruth),
Morwood. Pa., fourth child, Barbara Elizabeth,
Feb. 1. 1954.
Schrock. Franklin and Helen (PyfromV Go-
shen. Ind.. fourth child, third daughter. Sharon
Louise, Dec. 20, 1953.
Short, Calvin and Marjory (Nnfziger). Stry-
ker, Ohio, fourth child, a daughter. Peggy
Jo. Feb. 6. 1954.
Short. Marvin and Lois (Miller), Stryker,
Ohio, third child. Mark DeW. Jan. 10. 1954.
Short, Rollin and Lois (Wasrler), Archbold,
Ohio, second child, Andrew Rollin, Dec. 20,
1953.
Smith. Peter G. and Marian (Hershey),
Dnwningtown. Pa., first child, Frederick Ron-
ald. Jan. 2, 1954. \n . „
Stnckey, Lauren and Rutheda (GreifftW),
Archbold, Ohio, third child, Allen Ray, Jan.
30. 1954. /ttt
Snter. Jerrel D. and Lorene (Weaver),
Stuarts Draft, Va.. first child, Connie Marie,
Feb. 2. 1954. m
Vale. .Tnsenh G. and S»*»n (RaumanK Water-
loo. Ont., first child, Carol Elaine, Jan. 4,
1954.
Yoder. Donald and Ruth (Voegtlin). TofHd,
Alta., first child, Evelyn Faye, Jan. 20, 1954.
MARRIAGES
May the blessings of God be upon the homes
established by the marriages here listed. A year's
subscription to the GOSPEL HERALD is given to those
■whose address is supplied by the officiating minister.
Bannon — Benner. — Norris Bannon and Han-
nah Benner, both of Lansdale, Pa., members
of the Lansdale Mennonite Church, by Jacob
Z. Ritten house at the church, Jan. 1, 1954.
Geiser — Thomas. — Leonard James Geiser,
Sonnenberg congregation, Apple Creek, Ohio,
and Nada Fern Thomas, Stahl congregation,
Johnstown, Pa., by Sanford G. Shetler at the
Stahl Church, Sept. 26, 1953.
Miller — Keiim. — Frank Dale Miller and
Miriam Elnora Keim by Earley C. Bontrager
at the Forks Mennonite Church near Middle-
bury. Ind., Dec. 20, 1953.
Petersheim — Wingard. — LeRoy Petersheim,
Morgantown, Pa., congregation, and Betty
Lou Wingard, Stahl congregation, Johnstown,
Pa., bv Sanford G. Shetler at the Stahl Church,
Nov. 21, 1953.
Schrock — Bontrager. — Eugene Schrock and
Carol Bontrager, both of Yoder, Kans., con-
gregation, bv Harrv A. Diener at the Yoder
Mennonite Church, Dec. 27, 1953.
Shearer — Yoder. — Charles Shearer, Alpha,
Minn., and Frances Yoder. Hutchinson, Kans.,
by Harry A. Diener at the Rocky Mountain
Mennonite Camp, July 18, 1953.
ANNIVERSARIES
Amstutz. — Amos B. and Fannie (Zuercher)
Amstutz, Dalton, Ohio, celebrated their fiftieth
wedding anniversary on Feb. 6, 1954, and had
open house on the following day when about
200 relatives and friends called on them. They
are both 69 years old and are enjoying good
health. Every Sunday morning finds them in
their respective places at the Kidron Men-
nonite Church where they are active members.
They have 5 daughters and 2 sons (Velma —
Mrs. Amos D. Amstutz, Apple Creek ; Ben-
jamin U., Kidron ; Evan, Columbus ; Evelyn —
Mrs. Harvey S. Nussbaum, Mt. Eaton ; Sylvia
— Mrs. Victor Amstutz, and Mildred — Mrs.
William S. Nussbaum, both of Apple Creek;
and Edith — Mrs. Harvey Schrock, Goshen,
Ind.), also 24 grandchildren. One son (Urvan)
met accidental death in 1909.
Yoder. — J. E. and Anna (Miller) Yoder,
Haven, Kans., were married Feb. 10, 1904.
They have lived these fifty years on the farm
where they are now living. They had open
house on Feb. 14 to their many friends and
relatives. They have 28 grandchildren and
12 great-grandchildren.
OBITUARIES
May the sustaining grace and comfort of our Lord
bless these who are bereaved.
Burkhart, Ezra, son of the late Mr. and Mrs.
Joseph Burkhart, was born near Floradale, Ont.,
Oct. 6, 1879 ; passed away at the Kitchener-
Waterloo Hospital, Jan. 27, 1954, after a few
months' illness ; aged 74 y. 3 m. 1 d. On May 8,
1898, he was married to Susanna Martin, who
survives. Also surviving are one son (Alvin, of
Kitchener). 3 grandchildren, and 2 great-grand-
children. One daughter (Edith — Mrs. Arthur
Hebebrandt) predeceased him. On Sunday be-
fore New Year he suffered a stroke from which
he gradually grew weaker until the Lord called
him home. He was a member of the Elmira
Mennonite Church. Funeral services were held
Jan. 29 at the Elmira Church, in charge of
Oliver D. Snider and Howard Bauman, with
interment in the adjoining cemetery.
Grabill, Francis N., son of Noah and Em-
meline Grabill, was born in Elkhart Co., Ind.,
Jan. 19, 1884; passed away at his home in
Goshen, Ind., Jan. 10, 1954; aged 69 y. 11 m.
21 d. He was bedfast for several months with
complications of disease. His grandfather was
the former bishop of the Olive congregation,
Henry Shaum. His mother passed away when
he was two weeks old. Sixteen months later
his father married Sarah Weaver. He accepted
Christ in his youth and became a member of
the Mennonite Church but later transferred his
membership to the Brethren in Christ Church.
In 1904 he was married to Fanny Troyer, who
passed away two months later as the result of
an accident. On March 8, 1908, he was married
to Elma Mishler. To this union were born 7
children. Surviving are his wife and the fol-
lowing sons and daughters (Mrs. Daniel Gall,
New Paris, Ind. ; Gladwin, South Bend, Ind. ;
Mrs. James Adair, Portland, Oreg. ; Mrs. Grace
Mast, Goshen ; Lester, of Omaha, Nebr. ; Mrs.
Harold Trautman and Mrs. Alice Baer, both
of Los Angeles, Calif.), 7 grandchildren, 4 half
brothers (Joseph, of Elkhart; John, of Goshen;
Charles, of New Paris ; and Jacob, of Sarasota,
Fla.), and 3 half sisters (Mrs. Anna Sellman
and Clara Maurer, both of Akron, Ohio,
and Amelia Whirledge, Goshen, Ind.). Funeral
services were held Jan. 13 at the New Paris
Church of the Brethren, with Carl Stump, Paul
Book, and Jesse Hoover officiating. Burial was
made in the New Paris Cemetery.
Householter, Debold, the last survivor of elev-
en children born to Debold and Mary Zehr
Householter, was born Aug. 21, 1858, in Wood-
ford Co., 111. ; passed away quietly in his sleep
Jan. 30, 1954; aged 95 y. 5 m. 9 d. He was
married to Anna Schertz on Jan. 25, 1883. To
this union were born one son and four daughters.
Surviving him are a son (Peter, Eureka, 111.), 3
daughters (Mrs. Amos Neuhauser and Mrs. John
Neuhauser, both of Eureka, and Mrs. Austin
D. Roth, Morton, 111.), 17 grandchildren, 38
great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grand-
child. Preceding him in death were his wife
and one daughter (Emma- — Mrs. Wilbur Roth).
He accepted Christ as his Saviour in his youth
and was a member of the Metamora Mennonite
Church. His passing marks the close of an era.
From his birth in a two-room log cabin to the
settlement and development of his surrounding
community is a pioneering accomplishment little
recognized today. Funeral services were held
at the Roanoke Mennonite Church, Feb. 2, with
Ezra Yordy, LeRoy Kennel, and Ben Eash in
charge. Burial was made in the cemetery near
by.
Huddle. John, son of the late Samuel and
Emma (Ulmer) Huddle, was born in Doyles-
town. Pa., Aug. 20, 1888; died at the Nesham-
ing Manor Home after a brief illness, Sept. 8,
1953; aged 65 y. 18 d. He was a faithful mem-
ber of the Deep Run Mennonite Church, Deep
Run, Pa. John was never married. Surviving
are 5 sisters and one brother (Paul Huddle,
Eliznbethtown, Pa. ; Mrs. John Youngbroader,
Pipersville, Pa. ; Mrs. Claude Meyers, Plum-
stead ville, Pa.; Mrs. C. John Gross, Blooming
Glen, Pa. ; Clara Huddle, Old People's Home,
Souderton, Pa., and Mrs. Howard Shelly, Dan-
boro, Pa.). Funeral services were held Sept.
12, at the Deep Run, Pa., Mennonite Church in
charge of Wilson Overholt, Abram Yothers, and
Erwin Nace. Interment was made in adjoining
cemetery.
Kauffman, Fannie, daughter of the late Elias
and Elizabeth (Helmuth) Yoder, was born Jan,
22, 1891, near Arthur, 111.; died Feb. 3, 1954,
in the Bair Nursing Home at Bourbon, Ind. ;
aged 63 y. 12 d. She was a faithful member of
the Amish faith since her youth. She was united
in marriage to Samuel J. Kauffman on Feb. 20,
1927. Surviving are her husband, 4 sons (Mel-
vin G., Howe, Ind. ; David. Eli, and Harley, at
home), 3 stepdaughters (Elnora — Mrs. Eman-
uel Troyer; Ida — Mrs. John Beachy, and May,
all of near Goshen, Ind.), 2 grandchildren, a
number of stepgrandchildren and great-grand-
children, 2 sisters and one brother (Jennie
Nissley, Mrs. John E. Miller, and Elva E.
Yoder," all of Nappanee), one foster brother
(Welby Kurtz, South Bend. Ind.), and a large
number of other relatives and friends. She had
been ill with cancer for almost six years. Fu-
neral services were held at the home of Menno
and Joe Schwartz near Etna Green, Feb. 6, in
214
GOSPEL HERALD
March 2, 1954
'•barge of Andrew Swartzendruber and Amos
Graber. Burial was made in the Graber Ceme-
tery.
King, David Lee, son of Willard and Grace
King, Wauseon, Ohio, was stillborn Dec. 19,
1953, at Detwiler Memorial Hospital. Instead
of staying in his earthly home with his parents,
two sisters, and one brother, he was safely
taken to his heavenly home. A short service
was held at the grave on Dec. 20 with Ray-
mond Richer in charge. Burial was made in the
Pettisville Cemetery.
Lauber, Phebe, daughter of Joseph R. and
Mary Guth Stauffer, was born near Flanagan,
111., April 15, 1876; died in the Tofield Munici-
pal Hospital, Tofield, Alta., Jan. 22, 1954; aged
77 y. 9 m. 7 d. In 1877 she, with her parents,
moved to Seward Co. Nebr., where she lived
until 1910, when with her husband and family,
she moved to Alberta, Canada. On May 20,
1895, she was united in marriage with Ben-
jamin Lauber. This union was blessed with 15
children, 3 of whom passed away in infancy.
Four others (Dan, Mattie, Joe, and Mary) pre-
ceded their mother after having reached adult
life. Eight children are left to mourn her pas-
sing (Adelina Burkholder, Louis, Irvin, Ada
Hostetler, Katie, Harold, and Clarence, of the
Tofield district, and Barbara, of Bella Vista,
Calif.), also 37 grandchildren, 14 great-grand-
children, 3 sisters (Lena Reil and Lucinda Yo-
der, of the Tofield district, and Barbara Bren-
neman, of Hesston, Kans.), and one brother (Ez-
ra Stauffer, a near neighbor). She accepted
the Lord as her Saviour in her youth and be-
came a member of the East Fairview Mennonite
Church near Milford, Nebr., later transferring
her membership to the Salem Mennonite Church
near Tofield, Alta. On Jan. 3 she suffered a
heart attack. A number of days later she was
placed in the Tofield Hospital. On Jan. 21 she
suffered a stroke and passed away the next
afternoon. Funeral services were in charge of
J. B. Stauffer, M. D. Stutzman, and Paul Voegt-
lin. Interment was made in the cemetery near
by.
Leatherman, Jacob L., son of John and Ellen
(Landes) Leatherman, was born Aug. 5, 1902;
passed away at the Montgomery Hospital, Nor-
ristown, Pa., Dec. 13, 1953 ; aged 51 y. 4 m. 8 d.
On May 2, 1925, he was united in marriage to
Mary C. Jones, who survives him. Also surviv-
ing are 6 children (John, Pottstown, Pa. ; Mary
— Mrs. Irwin Deimler, Campbelltown, Pa.;
Carl, I-W service; Richard, Susan, and Glen, at
home), 2 grandsons, 4 sisters, and 2 brothers.
He accepted Christ in his early youth and was
ordained to the ministry on June 10, 1941. Fu-
neral services were held at the Providence
Church, Yorkes, Pa., Dec. 17, conducted by Elias
Kulp, Amos Kolb, and Jesse Mack.
Lehman, Jesse W., son of Abraham and Eliza-
beth (Christophel) Lehman, was born in Wil-
liams Co., Ohio, March 2, 1870. During early
manhood he went to the vicinity of Cullom, 111.,
where he accepted Christ as his personal Sav-
iour. Around 1900 he came to Indiana and on
Nov. 25. 1901, was married to Catherine David-
hiznr of Wakarusa, Ind. To this union one
daughter was born. Sister Lehman died in 1911
and the daughter (Barbara on Dec. 14, 1935.
After the death of his daughter, Bro. Lehman
lived alone on his farm until Jan. 25, 1954,
when he became ill and was taken to the hospi-
tal at Goshen, where he died Feb. 1, 1954. He
was unconscious much of the time but had per-
Torts of consciousness. During one of these per-
TOffs he expressed peace with God and a readi-
ness to go. He was a member of the Salem Men-
nonite Church for many years. He was the
seventh of a fnmily of ten children. Two sisters
(DTrs. 1>ah Bechtel, of the vicinity, and Mrs.
Emmie Pocock. of Angola. Ind.) and One brother
(Daniel C. Lehman, of Bryan, Ohio) survive:
also a number of nephews and nieces. Fnnernl
services wore held at the Yellow Creek Church
In charge of Frances Freed and D. A. Yodcr.
with burinl in the adjoining cemetery.
Miller. Nora Mae. daughter of the late N. E.
and Sophronla EliERbeth (Hummel) Miller, was
born in Reno Co., Kans., Dec. 17. 1898; passed
nway at the La Junta Mennonite Hospital, Jan.
27, 1951, after an illness of about five years;
aged 55 y. 1 m. 10 d. She graduated from the
Ln Junta Mennonite School of Nursinc in
1923, the fourth class to sjradunto from the
school. Following graduation, she spent one
year at the Kansas City Children's Home, and
then returned to La Junta to become Instructor
of student nurses, which position she held until
1937. She then took n two-year leave of absence
to attend Goshen Colleire, after which she re-
turned to Ln Junta Mennonite Hospital nnd
for three years was director of the Mennonite
School of Nursing and Nursing Service. In 1943
she was appointed Educational Director of the
La Junta Mennonite School of Nursing and con-
tinued in this position until her retirement from
active duty because of ill health in 1950. She
was a member of the La Junta Mennonite
Church. Surviving are 8 brothers (Elias A.,
La Junta ; Alfred B., Hutchinson, Kans. ; Lewis
C, Manitou Springs, Colo. ; David D., Berlin,
Ohio; Noah T., Pryor, Okla. ; Billie D., Protec-
tion, Kans. ; Levi A., Strasburg, Colo. ; and
Harold R., Pryor, Okla.), 3 sisters (Mrs. Ursula
Miller, Protection, Kans. ; Mary, Hesston,
Kans. ; and Mrs. Christina Garber, Alpha,
Minn.), and a host of other relatives and
friends. Funeral services were held Jan. 28,
at the La Junta Mennonite Church, with Allen
H. Erb and Wesley Jantz in charge. The body
was then taken to Protection, Kans., where
final services were held Jan. 30, at the Protec-
tion Mennonite Church, with interment in the
Mennonite cemetery.
Moreland, Karla Kay, youngest daughter of
Carl and Virginia (Dayton) Moreland, Pinto,
Md., was born Jan. 20, 1953, in Memorial Hos-
pital, Cumberland. Md. ; died in the same hos-
pital Dec. 19, 1953 ; aged 10 m. 29 d. The cause
of her brief but severe illness was uncertain
until an autopsy revealed congenital cystic kid-
neys, congenital absence of spleen, and rudi-
mentary left artium (heart). Besides her par-
ents she is survived by two sisters (Esta Marie
and Gail Elaine, at home), her maternal grand-
mother (Mrs. Robert Dayton, Ridgeley, W. Va.),
her maternal great-grandmother (Mrs Norman
Yoder, Pinto, Md.), and her paternal grand-
mother (Mrs. Anna Pearl Moreland. Rawlings.
Md.). Funeral services were held Dec. 21 at
the Pinto Mennonite Church in charge of C. M.
Helmick, assisted by H. W. Peters and Jesse
Whitaere of the Church of the Brethren. Inter-
ment was made in the church cemetery.
Nissley, Anna N., wife of Amos Nissley, was
born Oct. 7, 1891, near Landisville, Pa., died
Feb. 3, 1954; aged 62 y. 3 m. 27 d. In youth
she became a member of the Mennonite Church
and remained faithful until death. She was con-
fined to her bed for eight months and suffered
intense pain much of the time. She often ex-
pressed her desire to depart and be with Christ.
Her husband, 8 stepchildren, 2 sisters, 2 broth-
ers, and a host of friends remain to mourn her
departure. Funeral services were held in the
Landisville Mennonite Church Feb. 6, in charge
of Henry Lutz and Barton Gehman. Burial
was made in the Salunga Mennonite Cemetery.
Rufenacht, Anna, daughter of Joseph arid
Mary Goldsmith, was born in Neuweiler, Switz-
erland, April 23, 1877, and immigrated to Amer-
ica with her parents in November, 1883. On
Oct. 5, 1911, she was united in marriage with
Ephraim Rufenacht, residing near Arehbold.
Ohio, where they shared life's joy and sorrow
for_ over 42 years. On the evening of Jan. 8,
1954, after an illness of over two years, she fell
asleep in Jesus at the age of 76 y. 8 m. 15 d.
This union Was blessed with one daughter
(Charity — Mrs. John Crossgrove, Arehbold,
Ohio). She leaves to mourn her departure her
husband and daughter. 5 grandchildren (Ruth
Ann. Ronald, Roger, Robert, and Rose Mary).
2 sisters (Mrs. Barbara Ropp, Bloomington.
111., and Lydia — Mrs. Simon Rufenacht, of
Arehbold), one stepbrother (John Burkholder,
Columbus Grove, Ohio), besides a host of other
relatives and friends. In youth she accepted
Christ as her personal Saviour and united with
the Central Mennonite Church, where she re-
mained faithful to the end. Fnnernl services
were held nt the Centrnl Church with Jesse J.
Short nnd Simon Stucky in charge.
Snyder, Jacob, son of the late Mr. and Mrs.
Moses Snvder, was born in Rloomingdale. Ont.,
Dec. 5. 1868; departed this life Dec. 15. 1953-
need 85 y. 10 d. In 1893 he married Hetty
Steckle, who predecensed him eleven years
ngo. He lived his entire lifetime on the farm
whore he died. lie wns n member of Snvilcr
Mennonite Church. Bloomingdnle. Ont. Sur-
viving are 4 eons (Elo, of Bloomincdale ; Aus-
tin, Waterloo. Ont.; Roy, Millbnnk, Ont.; nnd
Orlnn. West M'>"*rose. Ont.). 17 grandchildren,
nnd 13 grent-erandohildren. One son (Orvan)
nnd one daughter (Mrs. Adeline Rniimnn) pre-
decensed him. Funeral services were held nt
the Snvder Mennonite Church. Bloominudnle.
Doc 17. in chnrge of John W. Snyder, assisted
by Bonjnmin B. Shnntz. Burial wns made \v
the ndjoining eemercry.
Stoltzfus. Gary Ray, son of Dnniel K. nnd
Elizabeth (Sensonij) Stoltzfus, Bnrevillo. Pa.,
wns born March 5. 1953; died .Tnn. 24. 1954;
need 10 m. 19 d. nis death wns enusod by an
injury received when his head struck n kitchen
cupboard during a fall in the flrxis of his father,
It is difficult to understand his early departure
after this unusual experience. He is survived
by his paternal grandparents (Daniel B. and
Fannie King Stoltzfus. Ronks, Pa.), his mater-
nal grandparents (Lloyd S. and Amanda Weav-
er Sensenig, Leola, Pa.), his maternal great-
grandfather (Samuel Sensenig, Ephrata, Pa.)t
and his paternal stepgreat-grandmother (Mrs.
Mattie Stoltzfus, Bareville, Pa.). Funeral serv-
ices were held at the Groffdale Mennonite
Church, Jan. 27, in charge of Elmer G. Martin
and Mahlon Witmer. Interment was made in
the adjoining cemetery.
Stutzman. Iran, was born in Shickley, Nebr.,
April 20, 1893 ; passed away at his home after
a short illness ; aged 60 y. 9 m. On Oct. 15,
1912. he was married to Katie Stutzman, who
survives. Also surviving are 2 sons and 2
daughters (Harold, Brownsville, Oreg. ; Roman,
Kansas City, Mo. ; Fern — Mrs. Harry Gerig,
and Alverda — Mrs. Leo Nofziger, both of Le-
banon, Oreg.), 10 grandchildren, and a host of
other relatives and friends. He spent his youth
and early married life in Nebraska. In 1919
he moved to Thruman, Colo., where he lived
until 1940. when he moved to Albany, Oreg.
Early in life he accepted Christ as his Saviour.
Services were held at the Fairview Mennonite
Church in charge of N. M. Birky, Verl Nof-
ziger. and Henry Gerig. Burial was made in
the Lebanon Cemetery.
Weaver. Mary M.. daughter of the late Martin
M. and Mattie N. Zimmerman, was born in Lan-
caster Co.. Pa.. Oct. 11, 1888; passed away
after a long illness at her home near Lincoln.
Pa.. Jan. 11. 1954; aged 65 y. 3 m. On Not.
30. 1911. she was united in marriage to Aaron
O. Weaver. To this union were born 3 sons and
4 daughters. One daughter (Arma) preceded
her in death in 1951. Surviving are her husband
and these children (Lena — Mrs. Eli Zimmer-
man, Ephrata, Pa.; Mary — Mrs. Weaver Mar-
tin. Litirz. Pa.: Martin. East Earl, Pa.: Edna
— Mrs. George Newswanger, Blue Ball. Pa. :
David. Atmore, Ala. ; and Aaron, living at
home), 26 grandchildren, 3 brothers and one
sister (Amos W., Ephrata, Pa.: Lena — Mrs.
D'\id Musser. Ephrata. Pa.: David. Sarasota.
F'.i.: nnd John, Reinholds. Pa.). She was a
rromhor of the Old Order Mennonite Church
since her youth. Funeral services were held
a^ *hp Springville Mennonite Church in chanre
of Henrv Martin. Joseph Hostetter. and Luke
Good, with burial in the adjoining cemetery.
Wenger. Ruth, dauehter of John and Rhoda
Weldv. was born in St. Joseph Co., Ind.. Jan.
14. 1902; was taken to the Elkhart General
Hospital, Jan. 4. where she passed awav Jan.
7. 1954; ased 52 y. 7 d. She had been in ill
he:'''h for a number of years. She was married
to Russel Wensrer. who survives her. Also sur-
viving are 2 sons (John D.. Elkhart. Ind.: and
Russel. Jr.. Chesterland. Ohio). 2 daughters
(Eunice — Mrs. Raymond Hall. Noveltv, Ohio;
and Helen — Mrs. Frank Bovd. Niles." Mich.),
and 2 brothers (Ernest and Buell Weldv). She
was n member of the Cnlvnry Methodist Church.
Funeral services were held there in charge of
the pastor. Ross Ritchie, and D. A. Yoder.
Burial was made in the Olive Cemetery.
Weber. Henry, son of Isaac and Susannah
(norsM Weber, was born in Waterloo Co.. Ont..
June 30. 1«69: died Fob. 3. 1954: aced 84 v.
7 m. 4 d. He loaves to mourn his departure one
sister (Lvdia Weber, of Braeside ITnme. Pres-
»on. Ont.). Two sisters preceded him in death.
He worked on different farms in the Ontario
district most of his life. He spent the last
while in the Elmirn private hospital. He was
n member of the Erb Street Mennonite Church.
Waterloo, nt the time of his death. Funeral
services were in charge of Leonard Haarar,
:is. < tod bv R. S. Koch. Interment was made
in Martin's Cemetery near St. Jacobs. Ont.
Yoder. Rebecca Frances, daughter of Jacob
B and Eliznbeth Huber. wns born March 10.
1867. in Putnam Co.. Ohio: departed this life
Jan. 27. 1954: need 86 v. 10 m. 14 d. In her
thirteenth yenr she wns received into fellowship
in the Mennonite Church nnd remained a faith-
ful member until de.nth. On Juno 28. 1908. she
wns mnrried to .Tncob J. Yoder. Lngrnnsre. Ind..
who preceded her in donth in 1943. She leaves
«ne dnnehter (Mary Louise — Mrs. Goo. Oibhs.
T'lidn. Ohiol. one foster son (Benj. O Lvlo
Pittsburgh. Pa.). 7 stepchildren (Ammon, Hen-
rv \rt, — Mrs. Porov Miller, of Lnernnsre. Tnd. :
W Ilium Mnnson. Town: Owen. Wnwakn. Tnd.:
Norn— Mrs. James Trover, nnd John, of Ship-
shewnna. Tnd).. 2 sisters (Annn. with whom
thev shared their home, nnd Lvdia C. — Mrs.
Lowls Lohntn. of Elkhnrt. Tnd.). nnd 2 brothers
(Simon. Dayton, Vn. : and Josenh. Wnvnesh.^o.
Yn.V She holpod stnrt the sowing circle of the
Pike Church nnd had the first sewing circle in
arch 2, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
215
er parents' home, Funeral services were held
the Pike Church, Jan. 29, in charge of G. H.
runk, Paul Smith, and Harold Good, with bur-
ial in the Salem Cemetery.
THE BOOK SHELF
Books reviewed in these columns may be ordered
rom the Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale, Pa.
am
Crucial Questions About the Kingdom of
Sod, by George E. Ladd; Eerdmans; 1952;
93 pp.; $3.00.
This is an important book for everyone
nterested in the study of prophecy. It does
lot follow traditional lines. It opposes the
pispensational viewpoints of Scofield, Gray,
Chafer, Haldeman, and the rest. But yet it
Lrgues for a millennium, opposing such spir-
tualizers as Allis, Berkhof, Hamilton, and
Garfield. It maintains that prophetic doctrine
nust rest, not on some system, but on sound
xegesis. The viewpoint is thoroughly evan-
gelical. But the method of the book is also
horoughly scholarly. Wilbur Smith says in
he preface that this "is the first volume to
ippear in our country since the beginning of
he century written by a thoroughly equipped
tcholar who knows the views of the principal
vTew Testament scholars, who is well ac-
quainted with the important literature in
tench, German, and English, and who at
he same time is a thoroughgoing premillen-
lialist. . . ." Mennonite amillennialists should
kead this book to get a view of a more re-
trained premillennialism; and Mennonite
bremillennialists should read it as an antidote
o the dispensationalism to which they have
>een exposed. — Paul Erb.
ITEMS and COMMENTS
Churches in America must begin to cul-
tivate an international spirit in their people.
Stanley I. Stuber told a missions conference
ecently, "We are now in the era of world
nissions." He said, "Our religious practices
nay begin within these borders but the whole
.vorld soon knows about them." Dr. Stuber
;aid that the line between home and foreign
nissions has been erased. He called special
mention to the 5,000,000 Spanish-speaking
Americans in the United States.
• • •
Canada's population passed the 15 million
Tiark late in 1953, according to government
estimates. Her population has tripled in a
lalf century. Officials are predicting that the
Dopulation will triple again within the next
1 ifty years, which will bring it to about 45
million by the year 2000.
• • •
For the second year in succession there
have been no lynchings of Negroes, according
[o a report from Tuskegee Institute at the
I :lose of 1953. 1952 was the first year in
which there was no such lynching, but the
Negro Institute, which has been publishing
the lynching statistics for a number of years,
feels now that mob violence is no longer a
valid index of race relations. New standards
for measuring these relations will be formu-
lated, including such categories as income re-
lationship, voter participation, education and
per-pupil cost, and employment involving
comparative conditions in certain jobs.
• • •
The South African government of Prime
Minister Malan will hereafter allow no for-
eign "nonwhite" students in his country's
educational institutions. Malan imposed a
similar ban in 1950, but lifted it for three
years to enable the government of outside
areas to provide their own educational facil-
ities. The ban has gone into force once more
as of January 1, 1954.— WP.
• • •
The Land Gift movement of Acharya
Vinoba Bhave continues to expand and to
enlist the aid of hard-working companions.
In Madras, for example, a corps of picked
workers have undertaken an intensive drive
to collect gifts of land totaling 100,000 acres
by 1954. The Madhya Pradesh and Orissa
assemblies have adopted bills to simplify the
transfer of donated land to landless persons.
Bhave is beginning to urge donors to partici-
pate in a wealth-gift movement. The funds
received are to be used in mobilizing a work-
er's army for supplying the new farmers with
feed, bullocks, and other necessities for suc-
cessful production. — WP.
• • •
Over twelve hundred groups in almost as
many communities in 47 states, Hawaii, and
the Canal Zone have reported that over last
Halloween, thousands of youngsters collected
money for needy children of the world in-
stead of carrying out the usual treat-or-trick
procedures.
• • •
P. A. Sorokin, world-famed sociologist of
Harvard, has joined the voices of those who
protest against current attitudes on sex. He
protested against the idea that certain sex
habits are right because they are common.
He says, "Sexual behavior, like any other
kind, must be tested for Tightness and wrong-
ness by your own conscience. Will it harm
your community, your family, you yourself?
Then it is wrong and you cannot make it
right by proving that 50 per cent of the popu-
lation does likewise." Sorokin believes that
our sexual immorality has a direct relation to
the rise in the rate of crime, suicide, juvenile
delinquency, and insanity.
• * *
Those who think that old men can do
nothing should look at Konrad Adenauer,
who at 78 was chosen by Time as the Man of
the Year for 1953. Adenauer is the Prime
Minister of West Germany. If he had died
at 70, the world would never have heard of
him.
• • •
A Swedish Lutheran bishop has been de-
posed for writing anonymous letters in his
campaign for appointment as bishop. A com-
ment of Time magazine on the case is of im-
portance to all churchmen: "Whatever hap-
pens to Bishop Helander, one sure loser is
the Lutheran State Church of Sweden. Only
two years ago the Swedish parliament passed
a law permitting Swedes to leave the church
without a declaration of faith in an alterna-
tive religion. The backstage glimpses of ec-
clesiastical backbiting, suddenly visible in the
Helander case, were likely to encourage more
deserters."
# # *
The first European Mormon temple will
be completed next year at Berne, Switzer-
land. About half of Europe's more than 40,-
000 Mormons live in Switzerland and Ger-
many.
# # *
Seventy-seven years ago Alexander Graham
Bell invented the telephone. It seemed then
an interesting toy. In 1953 the number of
telephones in the United States reached 50
million. It is now indispensable in the life
of the American people.
* # *
When Walter Foster Barfoot was "en-
throned" as Anglican Archbishop of Ru-
pert's Land in ceremonies at Winnipeg, he
said, "I regret that this service is called an
enthronement. I have not much use for a
monarchic episcopacy. We must think of the
church as a household or family under one
Father. When it does grow as a family,
nothing can stop the church of God."
* * *
Jordan officials refused entry permits to
most Russian priests seeking to cross the
frontier at Jerusalem's Mandelbaum Gate to
attend orthodox Christmas observances at
Bethlehem on January 6, the Israeli radio
reported.
* « *
Reports have circulated in Vienna ac-
cording to the Vatican radio that Lavrenti
P. Beria, former Soviet Deputy Premier, had
asked for a Bible to read in his cell just before
his recent execution. Since Beria himself
sent so many persons to death, one is won-
dering whether he wanted to look up the
verse, "They that take the sword shall perish
with the sword."
# # #
Pastor Martin Niemoeller continues to
speak against the rearmament of West Ger-
many. 1 [
# • •
About 800,000 of France's 43,000,000 peo-
ple are Protestants. Nearly 60 per cent of
these, however, it is estimated, are seasonal
churchgoers. The largest Protestant group
in the country is the Reformed Church of
France. Mennonite churches in the country
are listed at a membership of 10,000 in a
recent book on the French Protestants by
Emile E. Leonard.
• # #
Contemporary designs won all top awards
this year from the Church Architectural
Guild of America. Not one first prize went
to a Gothic or Colonial church structure —
the styles that represent the tradition in
which most church architects were trained.
One spokesman expressed the consensus of
the architects present that Gothic and Co-
lonial styles have become for the most part
"artistically archaic." Traditional church
216
GOSPEL HERALD
March 2, 1954
Coming in April!
A story you have wanted written —
But Not Forsaken
By Helen Good Brenneman
FRAU PENNER and her little family fled from Russia to
escape the communists. They learned to live with fear,
uncertainty, and with heartache. They knew the terror of
having friends disappear in the night never to be heard of
again. If it had not been for Maria's faith in God —
but how terribly that faith was tested!
This thrilling book-length, true-to-life refugee story is begin-
ning in the April issue of Christian Living. Do not miss a
single chapter. Subscribe today. (The April issue is mailed
in the middle of March!)
For the price of a book ($3.00) you get: the book-length
story "But Not Forsaken" plus 12 issues of the new magazine
Christian Living for your home and community. And if you
take out a five-year subscription you save in addition $2.50.
Subscription rates for Christian Living: 1 year — $3.00; 3
years— $8.00; 5 years— $12.50.
Do not miss the outstanding refugee story "But Not For-
saken." Send in your Christian Living subscription today.
Special Lay Activities issue
If you are interested in the place of
laymen in the church program, read this
Christian Ministry
has devoted the entire
January-March issue to the subject of Lay Activities.
Here is a sampling of the eleven articles:
"History of Lay Activities in the Christian Church."
"Developing Lay Resources."
"Opportunities for Lay Participation."
"Woman's Work in the Church."
"Planning That Gets Results."
Copies of the Lay Activities issue have been distributed to
all Mennonite pastors. Because many of you as laymen are
vitally interested in this subject also, extra copies were print-
ed. These are available to you at 25c1 a copy. The supply is
limited, however. Order now.
Christian Ministry (Lay Activities issue)
25*
MENNONITE PUBLISHING HOUSE, SCOTTDALE, PENNSYLVANIA
Introduction
to Theology
By John C. Wenger
A historical
Mennonite
theology.
Understandable.
An excellent
companion
volume to
Separated
unto God.
Every Sunday-school library, ev-
ery Mennonite pastor, Christian ed-
ucation workers, speakers, college
students, and homes interested in
careful Bible study should have this
outstanding book on theology.
$4.00
Order from the
Mennonite Publishing House
ScdTTDALB, Pennsylvania
(Continued from preceding page)
architecture, he said, is a victim of the high
cost of living and of a growing desire for
strength, simplicity, and utility. Another
spokesman said that "you don't get piety out
, of Gothic molding. You can worship in
a barn." The same spokesman said, "There
is a real Christian architectural tradition
but it is not expressed in style. It is expressed
in terms of proportion, of plan, of height,
length, color, form, harmony, and unity."
• • *
Ben R. Lacy, Jr., President of Union The-
ological Seminary, Richmond, Virginia, re-
cently warned complacent Americans in a
sermon "not to identify the United States
with the kingdom of God." He said that "if
we of the United States do not turn from our
wicked ways, our God will not forgive and
our land will not be healed any more than
the lands and nations of empires gone be-
fore."
• • •
An uninhabited island off the coast of
Korea is being made into a "boys' town" for
homeless youths by the Methodist Commit-
tee on Relief.
• • •
Membership in the Church of the Breth-
ren increased in the United States and Can-
ada by more than 2,000 to a total of 190,531
during the year ended last September 30, ac-
cording to the 1954 Yearbook just published.
World membership of the church was put at
202.354. The denomination has 1,032 church-
es in North America, an increase of 11 over
the previous year.
« • •
The Austrian government has just printed
a special issue of five new postage stamps
celebrating high lights in the history of Prot-
estantism in that predominately Catholic
country. The proceeds from their sale will
g9 to the rebuilding of the war-ruined Prot-
estant Evangelical School in Vienna's Karl-
splatz.
• • •
One expression of the lay movement in
American churches is the organization of
The Yokefellow Foundation at Richmond,
Indiana. The symbol of the organization is
an ox yoke. Dr. Elton Trueblood, the well-
known author, has been named to direct the
program of the organization.
• • •
Although recent announcements of Secre-
tary of State John Foster Dulles have been
pretty strongly militaristic, Donald Grey
B.imhouse, editor of Eternity, has named Mr.
Dulles as man of the year for 1953.
110X3 Hi hi;':.: ho
"JAV N/flVlGCCM M9t
NllN3yL'YA\ V %
A#VNIN3S lVOncir 3HN0NW3W
GOSPEL HE
'Jn the defence and confirmation of the gospel" "How heautiful are the feet of them WaTprra'cb the gospel of peace
VOLUME XLVII ■
-TUESDAY, MARCH 9, 1954-
■ N UMBER 10
New Testament Discipleship
By Marcus Lind
A disciple is one who believes and
practices the teachings of another.
Therefore a Christian disciple is one
who believes the Christian way and lives
Christ's life. ,
The Disciple's Call involves the giving
up of a secular occupation for a heavenly
calling. Not that we should divide our
work into secular and spiritual, but
when we become disciples, occupations
become callings in that they are dedi-
cated to God for His service. The farm-
er, the merchant, the day laborer, the
teacher, the preacher, or the missionary
should be such only if that is his calling.
It should not be merely an occupation.
To follow Jesus changes one's occupa-
tion into a calling. "Follow me, and I
will make you fishers of men" (Matt.
4:19), called the Master to the Galilean
fishermen. Straightway they forsook
their nets, followed, and became dis-
ciples. This seems to have been about
the third call Jesus gave these disciples
—nor was it their last call. Jesus doesn't
stop with calling only once. As one
faithfully follows He calls into deeper
service and a more intimate relationship
with Himself. On the same seashore
some three years later, following a week
of awful bewilderment, the disciples
needed still another call. Standing there
around Jesus' fire, He addressed the
leader of the group, "Simon, son of
Jonas, lovest thou me more than these"
(John 21:15)? Jesus' gestures likely indi-
cated the pile of newly caught fishes the
disciples had just dragged in to shore.
"Will you leave that old occupation and
follow me? Will you do this because of
your love for me? Then feed my sheep!
We've no time for fishing now. I have
called you to discipleship."
Having heeded Jesus' call, Peter en-
joins discipleship on all Christian be-
lievers. "For even hereunto were ye
called: because Christ also suffered for
us, leaving us an example, that ye should
follow his steps" (I Pet. 2:21). Peter is
likely the most criticized character in the
New Testament. But how dare I be crit-
ical of Peter if I won't accept this chal-
lenge which he has so gallantly met?
Our Anabaptist forefathers made
much of the term "discipleship."1 The
old Universal Church had drifted to a
religion of rituals, sacraments, and im-
ages. Salvation was on the basis of works
alone. Then when the Lutheran move-
ment swept over Germany in the early
sixteenth century, it reacted by bringing
in an opposite extreme— salvation by
faith and faith alone. This extreme
emphasis on faith at the expense of
practically living the Christian way of
life in many instances produced a stand-
ard of spirituality that was lower than
even that of the decadent Roman
Church. It was at this juncture that the
Anabaptist movement made practical
application of the New Testament by
insisting that the Christian is a disciple
—one who follows the Master in what
He did and taught. This was not a
middle-of-the-road between the extremes
of works and faith, but simply following
the Master in a life of discipleship.
The Disciple's Qualification is that of
unconditional surrender to One who
said, "If any man will come after me,
let him deny himself, and take up his
cross, and follow me" (Matt. 16:24).
The reason many would-be disciples
have not paid that price is because they
are afraid that God will ask them to do
something that they are not willing to
do, to go where they are not willing to
go, or perhaps to put off or put on
something which they are not willing to.
An analysis of this attitude reveals a life
that is not willing to trust God. It makes
of God a tyrant who seeks to exploit
those who give Him full right to their
lives. It shows up the distrustful servant
as a pagan— one whose religion is to
appease the wrath of a god whom he
cannot fully trust.
Contrary to the thinking of the nat-
ural man, however, a life of self-denial
is one that in reality yields the greatest
peace and joy one can possibly have.
The happiest and most contented people
on earth are disciples who have gone all
out for Christ. Is a complete surrender
to Christ less satisfactory than a partial
one? Does a partial victory give more
joy than a complete one? There is a
striking contrast presented in Mathew
19 and Luke 19. In Matthew a rich,
covetous religionist went sorrowfully
away from Jesus because the price ok
discipleship seemed too high. Do you
suppose that he "lived happily ever
after"? But in Luke a despised publican
gladly restored his ill-gotten gains and
gave away his wealth to meet the chal-
lenge of discipleship. Do you suppose
he lived a melancholy existence there-
after? Because of their decisions, these
two men are likely spending eternity in
opposite extremes of conditions.
Jesus didn't ask His disciples to bear
crosses, but to take up the cross— only one
cross. Other crosses dissolve as they
come under the shadow of the cross.
The things we do for Christ are no long-
er regarded as crosses. The self-denial
of the cross calls for discipline of body,
mind, life, and desires. In the shadow of
the cross it isn't necessary to have always
a model home, the latest car, and the
most modern conveniences and gadgets.
All too often the disciple is waiting for
just-right conditions before he is willing
to launch out into Christian service. Yet
the disciple is one who claims to believe
and live Christ's life.
I see Christ walking to the top of a
Judean hill. When He sits down the dis-
ciples begin to gather. There is no audi-
torium for them. There are no seats but
the grassy slope. There are no ushers to
handle the crowds. The Speaker for the
occasion walked because He had no oth-
er means of conveyance. But He didn't
walk from His home, because He had no
Our Part
By Lorie C. Gooding
He came from heaven for our sakes,
He bore the cross for me and you;
And little does He ask of us,
And little do we do.
His stripes were ours, His thorns were ours;
He took our sorrows to relieve
Our souls. He asks us nothing hard.
He says, "Only believe."
He brought us gifts of grace and truth,
Of peace and pardon from above.
He gives us riches beyond price,
And all He asks is love.
He gives us power to do His will,
To follow with Him day by day.
His yoke is very light to bear.
He says to us, "Obey."
And liberty and light and love
And life and peace are in His name.
He says to us, "Salvation's plan
To all the world proclaim."
Holmesville, Ohio.
218
GOSPEL HERALD
March 9, 1954
home. It was not announced ahead that
the meeting would take place on this
particular hill, and yet the crowds came.
The Speaker used no sermon notes, yet
He spoke proloundly and with author-
ity. He had no microphone to throw His
voice, and yet the people heard Him
gladly, though at times they numbered
five thousand or more. What He said
was not recorded by a reporter or taken
on a tape, and yet His words have been
so recorded that for two millenniums
the generations of mankind have been
blessed by reading that Sermon on the
Mount. Dare I claim to be a disciple of
such an One, and then insist that condi-
tions shall be just right before I can
perform the duties of a disciple?
As a disciple I am a miniature of that
Christ on the Mount. The Twelve whom
Jesus taught became the living and ver-
bal New Testament for the first-century
church before the inspired records were
canonized. The world today is looking
to Jesus' twentieth-century disciples as
living epistles of a Bible they will not
read.
The Disciple's Temptation is like that
of his Master. " 'Command that these
stones be made bread' (Matt. 4:3). Put
first the things of the appetite, the things
of the body, the secular, the carnal
things." One whom Jesus called to dis-
cipleship said, "Suffer me first to go and
bury my father" (Matt. 8:21). But the
command is, "Follow me." The tempta-
tion, "Suffer me first," must be over-
come. The cares of life must take a sec-
ondary place, must be a means to a
greater end, not an end in themselves.
To avoid the privations and persecu-
tions that follow naturally in the wake
of true discipleship often results in spir-
itual apostasy. The disciple is tempted
to avoid persecution rather than to face
it. At the beginning of the eighteenth
century, when the severe persecution of
the Dutch Anabaptists was brought to
an end, they numbered 160,000 mem-
bers. There followed then a century of
prosperity, free from persecution. But
during that century there came a terri-
ble coldness into the church. The mem-
bership decreased over 100,000 in one
century of relatively prosperous times.2
In the light of this remarkable illustra-
tion of how prosperity and lack of per-
secution go hand in hand with apostasy,
is it not possible that we of the twentieth
century are going too far to avoid perse-
cution?
Scriptural discipline is practically un-
known in many of our congregations in
this day and age. We like the demonstra-
tion of power, the glory of the Spirit-
filled lives, the freedom to testify that
came out of the upper room at the birth-
day of the church. There is a lot of
glamour in Acts 2. We refer to it often.
How wonderful if our congregations
could be like that! But in Acts 5 there
is a quite different scene. Two dead
bodies were carried out of the assembly.
How horrible! We don't like this— the
first discipline in the Christian Church.
But this was also a manifestation of the
Holy Spirit. We covet His manifesta-
tion in Acts 2, but despise what He did
in Acts 5. "Speak unto us smooth
things" (Isa. 30:10). We don't like any-
thing that smacks of persecution, prose-
cution, chastisement, or discipline.
There were times when the disciples
followed Jesus closely and intimately,
times when they followed afar off, and
times when they even denied their Lord.
How do we follow today? Candidly, I
feel that we are following afar off. This
seems especially obvious when we exam-
ine the piety of our Anabaptist founders.
I would rather be beaten in the
right, than succeed in the wrong.
— Garfield.
There is a Reward for Discipleship.
Even a cup of water in the name of a
disciple will not lose its reward. But the
reward is not promised in this life with-
out persecution. In His first great mir-
acle object lesson, Jesus demonstrated
that He allows the worst things to come
first and leaves the best for the last. Said
the governor of the feast in John 2,
"Every man at the beginning doth set
forth good wine . . . but thou hast kept
the good wine until now." Man's pro-
gram and Satan's program serve the best
first. Jesus offers a life of denial and
hardship first. The reward is for the last.
True disciples do not follow Jesus for
reward. They follow because His love
constrains them. Those who are out for
reward receive a sort of reward imme-
diately, but it doesn't amount to much.
The praise-coveting Pharisees of Mat-
thew six had their reward, the praise of
men, at once. But it was not lasting 01
sincere, and it wasn't worth anything.
The immediate reward for true dis-
cipleship is a deej) satisfaction and pea< e,
a true joy that comes from knowing thai
one is in the center of the will of God.
When disciples' persecutions are spoken
of in the New Testament they are nearly
always associated with joy ami rejoicing.
Our Readers Say-
In the article on "The Rapture — Which
Church" it seems to me that the author missed
the point at every turn. In the first place, if
one has convictions as to what the Scriptures
teach, he should not waver at every turn "to
correspond with the world happenings of the
hour." God's Word is eternal and settled re-
gardless of how current events of the fleeting
present may seem. Second, if the church is to
escape the tribulation, as many of us still think
she will according to Scripture, it will be the
Church of Jesus Christ, of course, composed of
every born-again believer the world over. For,
praise God, the Gospel of Jesus Christ knows
no national boundary. In the third place, I
think Bro. Studer is confused in failing to dis-
tinguish between the persecution of the saints
and the tribulation. Saints have always been
persecuted. It is also true that the Jews have
suffered severely at times, such as at the de-
struction of Jerusalem and under the Hitler
regime. But certainly no part of the world has
yet witnessed the time of tribulation such as
never was nor ever shall be. Bro. Studer asks
the question, "Could it be worse?" Certainly
he must fail to realize that the one has been
from man and the tribulation will be from God
when His wrath is poured out. Now, as the
brother stated, man can do no more than de-
stroy the body. But then God will pour out His
plagues and men will seek death and cannot
find it, according to Revelation. Now amid
man's suffering he has the soothing agency of
nature, i.e., sunshine, breeze, vegetation, rain,
and the restraining hand of the Holy Spirit, to
comfort and uphold him in all his trials. But
then all nature will work against him and "He
that letteth will be taken out of the way."
I did appreciate the article by Marjorie Burk-
holder. "The Teaching of Hebrews on Eternal
Security." I believe we need this teaching
alongside of our Scriptural teaching on Chris-
tian assurance. Thus we shall avoid either ex-
treme and stay on the Scriptural middle ground.
— Archie Kauffman, Lebanon, Oreg.
But the greater reward comes in the
hereafter. "To live is Christ, and to die
is gain" (Phil. 1:21). "Henceforth there
is laid up lor me a crown of righteous-
ness, which the Lord, the righteous
judge, shall give me at that day . . ."
(II Tim. 4:8). Jesus is preparing a great
reward for all who pay the price of dis-
cipleship.
1 The Anabaptist Vision. Harold S. Bender.
- Mennonites in Europe, 'ohn Horsch, p. 254.
Salem, Oresr.
If there is anj group to which modern
Mennonites are bound by the injunction
to "love your enemies . . . and pray for
them which . . . persecute you," it is the
Communists. -S. v. Pannabecker.
GOSPEL HERALD
ESTABLISHED tOOfl AS SUCCESSOR TO GOSPEL WITNESS (ISOSI ANO HERALD OF TRUTH (1864)
PAUL ERB, EDITOR JOHN L. HOR ST. MILLARD C. LIND. CONSULTING EDITORS LEVI C. HARTZLER. MISSIONS EDITOR
TNI OOIPIL M KRA LD IS A RELIGIOUS WIIKLV PUILIIHID IN THI IHTIIHH OF IMI HINMONI Tl CHURCH SY THI MINNONITI PUBLICATION BOARD. SCOT T DALE. PA.
INTKRID A* SECOND CLAII MATTER IN KOI AT THE PO* T OFFICE AT BCOTTOALE. PA., UNDER ACT OF MARCH 1, IMS, SUBSCRIPTION PRICE. S> OO PER YEAR. THREE YEARS
IN ADVANCE, IB.OO, FIVE YEARS IN ADVANCE, tu.no. SAMPLE COPIES SENT FREE ON REOUEST . SEND ALL MATERIAL FOR PUBLICATION TO OOSPEL HERALD, SCOT T DALE, PA.
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
March 9, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
219
EDITORIAL
The Meeting at Plain
The Mennonite Publication Board
every other year holds its annual meet-
ing at Scottdale, the center of our pub-
lication work. And every other year this
meeting is held somewhere among our
widely scattered churches. This year it
was held near one extreme, at the Plain
Church in the Franconia Conference of
eastern Pennsylvania. In this district
the earliest Mennonite settlement in
America was made. The Plain Church,
named from the level land around it,
constructed its first building, a log cabin,
in 1773. The present building, the
fourth, was built in 1922, and later re-
modeled. It stands near the southeast
edge, toward Philadelphia, of the large
Mennonite community. The congrega-
tion has 260 members, and has frequent-
ly given of its people to start other con-
gregations. These facts were given us
by a former member of the Board, Bro.
J. C. Clemens, now eighty years old,
whose wife is a descendant of William
Rittenhouse, the first Mennonite minis-
ter in America. His son, Paul Clemens,
an eighth-generation son of Rittenhouse,
was a sons; and devotional leader of our
meeting. The excellent entertainment
by the congregation was received with
a resolution of thanks by the Board.
A number of local people attended
the sessions. But as has happened in
other communities, there was room for
disappointment that not more of our
reading constituency took advantage of
this opportunity to learn more about
their publishing work. The idea seems
to persist that these meetings are at least
semiprivate. And so the purpose of the
Board in taking them out into our com-
munities is in part defeated. It is to be
hoped that wherever the Publication
Board meets two years from now, the
Lord willing, the building will be filled
with interested listeners. For the pub-
lishing arm of the church is one of its
longest and strongest. The annual re-
port of our literature outreach is really
a thrilling story.
Beginning on the last page of this
issue, and to continue in that spot for a
number of issues, is the report of 1953
operations in a condensed form. This
is the gist of the report that the Publish-
ing Agent gave to the Board. We trust
all our readers will find it interesting
and informing. The full report as given
by Bro. Metzler was a source of real sat-
isfaction to members of the Board and
an eye opener to people who had more
meager information about the work of
the Publishing House and its retail
stores. Volume of sales in 1953 was well
above a million dollars. The net worth
of the Board is more than three quarters
of a million. The net gain on the year's
operations was almost $30,000. Substan-
tial improvement has been made in ac-
counting procedures so that various
questions about the business can be
answered.
In view of the extensive growth in
recent years of our publishing business,
and a possible economic tightening in
the months ahead, one might have
thought that a conservative Board would
have urged that we are doing about all
we can. The dominant note of the meet-
ing, however, was one of aggressive ex-
pansion. One speaker after another and
the resolutions adopted by the Board
presented needs for Christian literature
at home and abroad. We are not only
conducting a business; we are giving a
Christian witness, and we are duty-
bound to make our testimony as far-
reaching as is within our resources.
Since all our stores have been very suc-
cessful, it was especially urged that
more of these retail outlets should be
provided.
Not many changes of personnel were
made. Officers and committees were re-
appointed. The office of assistant to the
Publishing Agent was left vacant for the
year. Bro. Ellrose Zook, who held that
office, will give full time as Executive
Editor, taking over also from your Edi-
tor the chairmanship of the Periodical
Department. Bro. Joseph Buzzard be-
comes treasurer of the House, and will
take over this office about April 1, re-
lieving Bro. E. C. Bender, who during
the past year has been acting treasurer
as well as president of the Board.
Although it is the work of the Publi-
cation Board to conduct a million-dollar
business, its annual meeting is full of
spiritual inspiration. Greatly aiding in
this at the Plain meeting were the four
devotional periods led by Bro. Russell
Krabill, manager of the Gospel Book
Store at Goshen. These were more than
mere opening exercises, but were a heart-
searching and heart-warming fellowship
with the Lord whom we serve, and with
one another.
May 1954 see real advances in our
publishing work, marked not only by
increased production and sale of litera-
ture, but also by the salvation of many
souls and the upbuilding of the church
and the world-wide cause of Christ.— E.
Bible Doctrine
There seems to be a tendency some-
times for people to think of the word
"doctrine" as denoting something legal-
istic and unspiritual, but such an atti-
tude is not based on the teachings of
Jesus and the apostles. The people were
astonished at the doctrine of Jesus, and
on one occasion He explained it in this
way, "My doctrine is not mine, but his
that sent me" (John 7:16). Paul encour-
aged Timothy to "give attendance . . .
to doctrine" (I Tim. 4:13), and in stat-
ing the nature and functions of Scrip-
ture he said, "All scripture is given by
inspiration of God, and is profitable for
doctrine . . . ."
Some one has well said, "Basically
'doctrine' is the teaching of the truth.
When such teaching comes out of a care-
ful reading of the Word, and of an ac-
ceptance of the truth it teaches, it be-
comes the foundation of a faith that
establishes us in our Christianity."
Let us then continue to study the
Bible so that we may become familiar
with its doctrines or teachings. If such
study is engaged in by the direction and
illumination of the Spirit of God who
inspired the Scriptures, we will also
learn to love its doctrine and strive to
obey it. That was the philosophy and
practice of our Anabaptist fathers, and
farther back, of the disciples of the
early church.
This requires an openness of heart
and mind and will such as Jesus implied
when He said, "If any man will do his
will, he shall know of the doctrine"
(John 7:17). When that doctrine is ex-
emplified in the life of the Christian, he
meets the challenge of the Apostle Paul
to "adorn the doctrine of God our Sav-
iour in all things" (Titus 2:10). The
beauty and radiance of Bible doctrine
shines out through a consistent, joyful,
victorious Christian life.— H.
220
GOSPEL HERALD
March 9, 1954
The Revelation of Jesus Christ
By J. L. Stauffer
(Third Parenthesis or Inset following
the Seventh Trumpet continued)
27. The Lamb and 144,000 on Mt. Zion,
the Harvest and Vintage
Rev. 14:1—15:4
In this chapter we are first shown a
scene in heaven where there are 144,000
who have the seal of God in their fore-
heads. They sing a new song before the
throne and the twenty-four elders. They
were redeemed from the earth. They fol-
lowed the Lamb on earth and now fol-
low Him in heaven. It appears that they
have been martyred. Since they have the
seal of God in their foreheads and num-
ber 144,000, we would naturally identify
them as the same body of people de-
scribed in chapter seven. They are
among the first fruits unto God and to
the Lamb. They are without fault be-
fore the throne of God. In our own day
and generation, we have seen reports of
Jews being slain by the million. In
Korea, Christians were slain in great
numbers and also in China. That God
should select 144,000 Israelites to wit-
ness for Him and they in turn be mar-
tyred for their testimony certainly is
easily within the realm of possibility.
Following this encouraging scene in
heaven, we are next given a view of
happenings in connection with the earth.
It is refreshing to observe how God gets
witnesses for Himself out of the midst
of the great tribulation.
In verse 6 we have an angel who flies
through the midst of heaven having the
everlasting Gospel to preach unto the
earth dwellers. God is loath to let them
go to perdition without warning. The
fact that the Gospel is preached to them
assures us of the possibility of their ac-
ceptance if they will. Those who hear
are called to give glory to God because
the hour of His judgment is come.
Another angel follows saying, "Baby-
lon is fallen." This great city has been
destructive to the nations of the earth
because of the evil influences originating
with her. The destruction of the city is
more fully described in a later paren-
thesis or inset.
A third angel followed the others and
warned the earth dwellers that it they
worship the beast and his image instead
of God and consent to receive the brand
in their foreheads or on their hands, the
same will clrink of God's wrath and will
be tormented with fire and brimstone.
It appears that God's witnesses during
the tribulation period and the reign <>l
the 1 )i.ist s have been hugely martyred,
and so Cod resorts to angels to wain
men as lie did in Old Testament times.
While God warns the wicked and
through the angel shows (hem their cer-
tain doom, the scene c hanges immediate
ly to the holy dead who are blessed be-
cause they die in the Lord. It is refresh-
ing to Learn that the words of the proph-
et are being fulfilled that "when God's
judgments are upon the earth, men will
learn righteousness." There are blessed
and holy ones who come out of the trib-
ulation. Rev. 14:13; Isa. 26:9.
The unfolding of events follow. The
Son of Man is pictured in the time of
judgment. Angels will do His bidding.
Another angel (the fourth) came out of
the temple crying that the Son of Man
might thrust in His sickle because the
harvest of earth is ripe.
Another angel (the fifth) came out of
the temple in heaven having a sharp
sickle. Still another angel (the sixth)
came from the altar and said, "Thrust
in thy sharp . . . sickle, for her grapes
are fully ripe." The grapes were gath-
ered and thrust into the wine press of
the wrath of God. A time of unprece-
dented judgment takes place. Being a
parenthetic description it may have its
fulfillment in connection with the battle
of the great day of God Almighty. As
far as the writer can discover, there are
no identifying marks in this chapter.
Rev. 15:1-4 shows us a scene in heaven.
The seven angels having the seven last
plagues, in which are filled up the wrath
of God, are soon to pour it out. Before
this is done, however, another martyr
scene is shown us in heaven where there
appear those who have gotten the vic-
tory over the beast, his image, the mark,
and the number of his name. They sing
the song of Moses and the song of the
Lamb and ascribe greatness to God.
Respectable Phariseeism in Our Day —
A common attitude in respectable
Christian circles, but one which is just
the same poor religion, is the prevalent
belief that the basis of religion is that
one is good, It is the belief that being
good and nice is sure to land one in the
promised land. The good are those who
have had no tangle with the law, while
the sinner is he who gets into trouble.
An illustration in question was quoted
by Pathfinder magazine recently: "A
business survey asked 500 employers it
they'd hire an ex-convict; more than 100
said no. Would they fire a worker found
to have a record? A majority said yes.
Social workers wondered wryly: What's
the use ol rehabilitation il no one will
let a man go straight again?"
Here people place a stigma on the
wrongdoei and s.iv actually di.it the fel-
low who has done no wrong is the only
one worthy ol trust.
What il the thoughts of those who
"are innocent" ol .uiv punishable crime
were Hashed on .1 screen lor all to see?
W hat il the intents and purposes of the n
hearts were readable en their faces?
What il what all of us .11 e down inside
were known In the public— who would
escape punishment?
The liogwash heresx ol 0111 liberal era
is just this Pha1is.1u.il attitude but it's
foreign gospel to the Biblical faith which
It Happened —
FIFTY YEARS AGO
(From Herald of Truth, Feb. 11, 1904)
We held our first quarterly Sunday
school meeting at Slate Hill [Shiremans-
town, Pa.] on Thursday afternoon, Jan.
14. Bro. A. Metzler of Blair Co., Pa.,
was with us.
Kokomo, Ind. . . . Bro. Daniel Kauff-
man came here [Jan. 16] and com-
menced a series of meetings, continuing
them until the 28th.
(From Herald of Truth, Feb. iS, 1904)
Bishop Eli Zook of the A.M. Congre-
gation at Ronks, Pa., passed away on the
2nd of February at an advanced age.
(From Herald of Truth, Feb. 25, 1904)
I have accepted the editorship of the
Herald of Truth and assumed the duties
of the position. D. H. Bender.
The "word edition" of the Church and
S. S. Hymnal is out and ready for ship-
ment.
(From Herald of Truth. March 3, 1904)
On March 7, 1904, it will be one hun-
dred years since the British and Foreign
Bible Society was founded.
proclaims that "the publican went down
justified rather than the other [the Phar-
isee]." We are all sinners, standing in
the need of prayer.— C. Ray Dobbins.
Editorial, in The Cumberland Presby-
terian.
As Long as God
By Edna M. Mertz
As long as God's in heaven will
The seasons come and go.
There'll be seedtime and the harvest,
Summer's heat and winter's snow.
In spite of all the skeptics.
O my friend, do not forget,
You may trust the sacred Scriptures:
Xot one word has failed us yet!
Mockers of our holy Bible.
Who declare it is absurd.
Will one day be brought to trial.
Judged by God's eternal Word!
Ft. W.iv ne. 1ml.
March g, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
221
"Go Wash in the Pool of Siloam"
Fifteen Minutes in Bible Lands
By Anis Charles Haddad
I had often been struck with the
quaint and picturesque appearance of
the little hamlet of Siloam, whose houses
seem to cling like swallows' nests to the
gray cliffs of Olivet. It takes its name
from the fountain at the base of Mount
Moriah, and it alone brings down to
modern times the sacred name of the
"waters of Shiloah that flow softly" and
of the "pool of Siloam," in which our
Lord commanded the blind man to
wash.
This is the village of Siloam. But
where is the fountain and the pool by
the same name? Let us go down along
the slanting path. The fountain comes
flowing "softly and silently" out from
beneath the rock that rises precipitously
fifty feet above our heads, its water clear
as crystal and deliciously cool.
The descent to the fountain of Siloam
is one of the most picturesque paths
about Jerusalem. We go down by a flight
of steps, much worn by the villagers, cut
through the rock. We stand under the
cool moist arch in the soft obscurity of
the cavern. The water flows in such
perfect stillness that it seemed to us to
be a "standing pool" until we put our
hands into it and felt the gentle current
pressing them aside. Nothing could be
more descriptive of the How of these wa-
ters than the words of Isaiah, "the waters
of Shiioah that go softly." The calm
silent stream of grace and power that
flows from under the throne of a recon-
ciled God is by this simple figure finely
contrasted with the loud, noisy promises
of Rezin and Remaliah's sonl
We drink with the palms of our hands
from the refreshing stream. The humid-
ity occasioned by the spring has orna-
mented the walls with mosses and para-
sitic plants, and gives to the spot a cer-
tain beauty which, apart from its asso-
ciations, would be attractive in the
midst of the heat.
Here is the pool in which the waters
are gathered before emerging from the
rock into the sunlight and to which the
blind man was commanded by Jesus to
"go and wash that he might receive his
sight." And have these waters flowed on
ever since the day when the blind man
washed in them and received his sight?
The water of the pool of Siloam flows
out through a channel cut and worn in
the rock and descends to refresh the gar-
dens which are planted below on ter-
races, illustrating the expression "a foun-
tain of gardens," for a fountain in such
a situation waters many gardens.
Women and children with their water-
pots and Bedouins filling their coarse
waterskins break the solitude of the spot.
The villagers in an almost constrant
stream come with their receptacles and
return, picturesquely carrying them
perched high upon their heads. The
dark-skinned Bedouin with his rough
white skirt, his sinewy limbs, his bright
eyes and his scarlet turban and the white
and red headgear, along with the loose
drapery and majestic gait of the women,
impart a living character to the scene,
not inconsistent with its old associations.
Indeed the fertility of this spot, its
gardens and vegetable produce, and the
precipitous crags overhanging the whole,
together with the sacred associations of
the place, render it altogether a scene
which repays the trouble of a "stroll
down to Siloam." Add to these its inti-
mate connection with the Redeemer, and
Strength is born in the deep
silence of long-suffering hearts,
not amidst joy. — Hemans.
Siloam becomes a shrine where the rev-
erent mind may happily find itself in
close proximity with the Unseen and
Eternal.
* # #
As we stand by the fountain we pic-
ture the scene of long ago. The chief
New Testament interest attaching to
Siloam is the story of the blind man
whose eyes Jesus anointed with clay. It
must have been from Bethany that Jesus
and His disciples went into the Temple,
where they appeared quietly, a little
traveling band, without the multitude
that usually dogged their footsteps.
There is something in the narrative that
follows which suggests the early morn-
ing, the Sabbath's calm, and no one near
to disturb the quiet and devout progress
of the little group, which had no doubt
gone up early before the world was astir.
They saw as they passed by "a man
which was blind from his birth." The
encounter took place evidently at one
of the gates of the Temple, since this was
a place frequented by beggars. Our
Lord stopped to look at him, His atten-
tion called by the question of His dis-
ciples: "Lord, who did sin, this man or
his parents, that he was born blind?"
He must have been a man well known
by the frequenters of the Temple, so
that his circumstances were familiar to
these strangers.
At the outset it is striking to notice
the difference in the attitude of Christ
and of His disciples to the sufferer. The
disciples merely see in the blind man a
subject for speculation on the much-
debated question of the origin of evil,
and of the transmission of the result of
sin. Jesus paused to see the object of
the question. Our Lord's attitude to the
disciples was a reproof to their absence
of thought for the sufferer. He sees in
the blind man not a subject for specula-
tion, but a man to be helped; not a case
for elaborating a theory, but a human
being in need of assistance.
With a curious unwonted ceremony
our Lord first made clay from spittle and
dust and then anointed the eyes of the
blind man with the clay. In this we
have something unusual, for practically
all the other miracles of healing per-
formed by Christ were the work of a
moment. He then dismissed him quietly
to "wash in the pool of Siloam," not far
distant from the Temple, perhaps in
order to avoid the tumult which so
striking a miracle would have caused.
Then He proceeded, to all appearances
almost without interruption, with His
teaching as if nothing had happened.
The man himself was forced to take an
active part in his own healing, for the
walk to Siloam and the washing in the
pool compelled him to take a share in
bringing to himself the coveted sight.
We look toward Jerusalem and won-
der if that path is the one over which
the blind man felt his way when he was
sent by our Lord to this pool. Do you
suppose that he crept down those rough
steps— a dangerous passage for one with-
out eyes? How pitiful he must have
looked, staff in hand, picking his way
through the streets of Jerusalem! This
man with his bespattered eyes had to
grope his way to the pool or get some
kindly soul to lead him through the
scoffing, doubtful crowd.
"Here, blind man, let me wipe off
those spatters of dirt."
"No, leave them alone; the Master
put them there, and I am going to wash
them off in the pool of Siloam. Can you
show me the way?"
That was his confession of Christ, a
confession that every one must make in
some way if he would be saved. What-
ever this taught the man himself, it is
to us a symbol of the truth that light
does not come by the instantaneous
touch of Christ's hand so much as by
our faithfully doing His bidding. It is
He who gives and is the light. But it
does not stream in suddenly upon the
soul, but comes upon the man, who
though blindly, yet faithfully gropes his
way to the place Christ has bid him to,
and uses the means prescribed by Him.
But no doubt the special significance
of the man's being sent to the pool of
Siloam lay in the circumstance that it
was in John's eyes a symbol of Christ
Himself. He was "sent by God," the
name Siloam denoting "Sent."
The blind man may have reasoned
when sent to Siloam: "Why herein is a
marvelous thing that I am to be healed
by what has been within my reach since
I was born, by the pool I used to dip my
hand in when a boy and wondered what
its coolness was like to the sight. What
hidden virtue can there be in that
spring?"
222
GOSPEL HERALD
March g, 1954
We see the blind man slowly walking
down the path, tapping with his staff
the rocks on either side as he goes. We
look at him clambering down these
stone steps. He has reached the pool.
We see him dipping up the water with
his hands and washing off those brown
earth stains from his face. He looks up
with a startled, amazed expression. A
light flashes from those eyeballs, no
longer white as of old. The man can
see. How strange the new sense of sight
must have seemed to him. No doubt
from force of habit he shut his eyes,
over and over again, and felt his way
along the path as of old.
The whole transaction bears the mark
of the utmost simplicity and natural-
ness. The man was not sought out for
the miracle's sake; he uttered no peti-
tion, but was, one may believe, taken by
surprise altogether by the sudden opera-
tion. Though he had faith enough to
go down the Temple hill to the pool of
Siloam, it was probably with no more
than a wondering thrill of the strange
possibility that it might come true; for
he was no believer, not a person of
awakened intelligence at all. The great
prophet of Nazareth about whom all
men wondered, and whose character had
been so hotly discussed in these very
precincts, was to him only "a man
called Jesus." But when he "came see-
ing," according to the brief and simple
narrative, meeting the worshipers going
up to the Temple and all the neighbors
who had known him all his life, a grow-
ing commotion arose. There is no rea-
son to believe that he looked back again
to thank his deliverer as would have
seemed natural, nor is there any sign
about him of anything higher than a
shrewd practical intelligence, appreciat-
ing the advantage he had gained and
nothing more. He does not proclaim the
wonder to the world, but comes back
soberly, a prosaic person, pleased no
doubt and happy in his restoration, but
not demonstrative, nor even roused to
any enthusiasm by the wonderful gift
which he had received.
But now once more the scene of popu-
lar excitement and questioning, which
the Evangelist John has so special a gift
of rendering, rises before us. The star-
tled people collect, growing into a
crowd, as the well-known beggar of the
gate, the blind man to whom they have
given their alms as they went to worship
tor years, meets them, with open eyes
walking toward his usual post. There
arises immediately a babel of voices
questioning and answering. "Is not this
he that sat and begged?" Some are say-
ing, "He is like him," others, " This is
he." The man himself, less excited, it
would appear, than the spectators, at
once interposes to acknowledge his iden-
tity and to explain what lias happened.
The inconceivable calm ol Ins attitude
amid the excitement of the people is
wonderful to behold. He seems as it he
might be disposed to ask what all the
fuss is about. "A man that is called
Jesus made clay and anointed mine eyes
and said unto me, Go to the pool of
Siloam and wash, and I went and
washed and I received my sight." Then
said they unto him, "Where is he?" He
said, "I know not."
Some zealots now join the crowd,
roused by the name, scenting again a
controversy, a prosecution, a breach of
law of the Sabbath in this sudden reap-
pearance of the Galilean, and they hurry
the object of the miracle off to the Phari-
sees. The story goes on with an extra-
ordinary fullness of life and nature.
Finding it impossible to deny the fact
which was before their eyes, the officials
confuse him with questions, demanding
his opinion, which could have so little
to do with the matter, finally sending
for his parents, poor bewildered people
who are yet wise enough to decline to
answer compromising questions, and to
refer their examinations to the chief
actor himself. The threat of excommuni-
cation had been leveled by some of the
authorities against any Jew who con-
fessed Christ. Such a threat involved not
merely public degradation, but also a
boycott from all religious privileges and
from all social intercourse for anyone
who fell under the ban of the authori-
ties. This was the reason why the par-
ents of the blind man refused to commit
themselves.
The once blind man seems to have
been gradually aroused by the fight go-
ing on over him. His faculties awaken
as his eyesight has done. He himself
never wavers in his testimony. His
shrewd natural sense sees at once the
fallacy of the angry assertions of his
questioners. "Herein is a marvelous
thing," he cries at length, "that ye know
not from whence he is, yet he hath
opened mine eyes." The healed man
pays the penalty for his fidelity to what
he knows of Christ. He is cast out from
the room where he was being interro-
gated. He becomes a religious and social
leper to his fellows. In this condition
our Lord meets him, and puts to him
the question, "Dost thou believe on the
Son of God?" The answer given is,
"Who is he, Lord, that 1 might believe
on him?" As soon as our Lord revealed
Himself as the Son of God, he falls at
His feet, confessing by his worship his
faith in Christ as the Son of God.
• • *
Though very pleasant to contemplate,
it is impossible adequately to imagine
the sensations of a man who for the first
time "sees" the world in which he has
alwavs been lis ing blind. 1 be sensation
of life itself, the new sense ol 100m and
distance, the expansion ol the nature, as
if ushered into a new and ample world,
the glory of color, of the skies, of the
sun, of the moon, walking in bright
ness, the fust recognition ol the "1111111.111
I. ne divine" and the joy of watching the
unspoken speech of it^ e\ci t hanging e\
piession. the thrill of first meeting par
ents, child, and friend, eye to eye, the
sublimity of the towers of Jerusalem, the
glittering Temple, the marble palaces,
by the base of which he had before daily
crept, feeling with his hand, or tapping
with his stick! To a man who by the
opening of one sealed sense is thus ush-
ered into so new a world, nothing can
seem "too grand and good" for him to
expect. He is prepared to believe in the
glorv and perfectness of God's world
and in Christ's power to bring him into-
contact with that glory. If the opening
of his bodily organs of vision has given
him such exquisite pleasure and given
him entrance to so new a life, what
might not the opening of his inward eye
accomplish?
Old City, Jerusalem, Jordan.
Prairie View Hospital Dedication
Prairie View Hospital, the 40-bed
mental hospital near Newton, Kans., and
the most ambitious construction project
in the mental health field attempted by
Mennonite and Mennonite Brethren in
Christ churches through their Mennon-
ite Central Committee, will be dedicated
Sunday, March 14.
The dedicatory services will consist of
a public program beginning at 2:30
p.m. in Memorial Hall on the Bethel
College campus in North Newton and
the formal act of dedication at 4:15 p.m.
at the hospital site one mile east of
Newton. The speakers for the occasion
will be C. N. Hostetter, Jr., chairman of
the Mennonite Central Committee, and
Dr. Milton E. Kirkpatrick, director of
the Greater Kansas City Mental Health
Foundation.
Prairie View Hospital will begin its
Christian ministry to the mentally ill
Monday, March 15. Initial services will
be applied to acute mental cases and
those who have been ill for some time
but for whom rehabilitation to home
life appears possible. Applications for
admission are already being considered.
Open house for those wishing to see
the facilities of the hospital will be held
Sundav, March 7: Saturdav, March 13:
and Sundav. March 14, following the
dedication.
The hospital staff will consist of ap-
proximatel) 21 persons soon after open-
ing. Key staff personnel have been se-
cured. The administrator, Myron Eber-
sole of Sterling. 111., has been directing
construction which started with ground-
breaking Oct. 1 9. 1952. Harold W. Vogt,
formerly of Hillsboro, Kans., will be the
clinical psychologist. Mr. Vogt has com-
pleted requirements for the Ph.D. degree
at the I'niversitv of Southern California.
He specialized in religious counseling.
Dr. Thomas Morrow and Dr. F. Carter
Newsom, who are engaged in private
practice in Wichita. Kans. have been
secured as staff psychiatrists. Dr. Mor-
row will be the hospital medical director.
March p, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
223
A Prayer for This Week
Our God, we are reminded of our
many weaknesses, our own unworthiness
to be called by Thy Son's name. And yet
we have been made Thine own heirs and
joint heirs with Christ. We who are
nothing have been made something
through Thy love and Christ's sacrifice
on Calvary. For this, Lord, we are truly
grateful. We would praise Thy name
continually, speak often of Thy mercy,
and reveal Thy grace unendingly to
those about us. Strengthen us to this
purpose. In Christ's name. Amen.
—Robert J. Baker.
and kitchen and dining room facilities.
The wing extending to the south is 225
feet long and contains the heating plant
and patient rooms. The wings have an
average width of 35 feet. The building
has been constructed so that other 20-
bed units can be added.
Prairie View Hospital is a result of the
money contributions of Mennonite and
Brethren in Christ churches, the furnish-
ing of equipment and furniture by wom-
en's groups, the gifts of I-W men and
businessmen and friends in the imme-
diate Newton community, and volunteer
labor of Voluntary Service men and
members of congregations in the Kansas
area. A report of the amount and value
of these contributions will be made later.
—Mennonite Central Committee, Akron,
Pa.
The nursing supervisor will be Lu-
anda Martin, R.N., of Elmira, Ont.
Other nursing personnel are Dorene
Lichti, R.N., of Deer Creek, Okla., and
Eliesabet Janzen, R.N., of Waterloo,
Ont.
Prairie View Hospital, like other Men-
nonite mental hospitals, has been built
and will be operated on the conviction
that such a service is a logical result of
Christian discipleship, and that, as be-
lievers in Christ, Mennonites have a
contribution of Christian love and con-
cern to add to a treatment program for
the mentally ill. The experience of
Mennonite young men in state mental
hospitals during Civilian Public Service
made the Mennonite Central Committee
constituency aware of what could be
accomplished through their own mental
hospital program.
The hospital building is a "T"-shaped
one facing north. Its russet-color shingle
roof makes a neat contrast with the light
buff bricks and aztec green trimming.
The section running east and west and
measuring 250 feet contains patient and
treatment rooms, administrative offices,
Lost Love
By Kenneth Seitz
It came to pass in the days of America
in the times of the later presidents that
America was waxen fat as the steers of
the stall. She began to say within her-
self, "We are rich, we are increased with
goods, we have need of nothing." This
was not only to speak of the increase of
the field but also of all things which
money did buy, saying, "God is in heav-
en; He hath given us these things to en-
joy. Go to now; let us use well these
things which God hath given us richly,
these the works of our hands which God
hath increased."
So it was that God's own people be-
came lovers of material things. The work
of their hands did bring them great and
large gains and they said one to another,
"See, we can give the Lord as much as
we have in former times or even more
and still attain these other needful
things which our heart desireth. For lo,
we have always wanted these things and
God hath intended that we should be
happy. Is not our God a God of beauty?
Doth He not delight in the finest and
PRAIRIE VIEW HOSPITAL near Newton, Ka.ns., the largest mental hospital to be
operated by the Mennonite Central Committee, will be dedicated Sunday, March 14. This view
shows the north side of the building. The section to the left contains patient and treatment
rooms. The section to the right, administrative offices and kitchen and dining room facilities.
A wing extending south contains the heating plant and patient rooms. Prairie View has 40
beds and will accept patients the day following dedication.
Prayer Requests
(Requests for this column must be signed)
Pray for three young men from Indiana
who were denied I-W classification and
are serving a two-year sentence at the
U. S. Reformatory at Chillicothe,
Ohio. Pray that these young brethren
—Charles Wenger, Jr., Freeman Wing-
ert, and Manas Kuhns— may grow in
grace and be a real witness in the
prison.
Pray for a husband and father who has
left his family for another love.
Parents of a son who is thinking of
changing his I-W classification to join
the army request prayers that he may
see his mistake.
Pray for two fathers who are cold and
indifferent toward spiritual things.
Pray for one of our congregations, that
indifference and coldness may be la5d
aside.
Pray for a young girl who is not willing
to give her life to Christ because of
what other people will say.
Pray for a young couple who profess to
be followers of Christ but are not liv-
ing true to Him.
the best? Yea, too, with these many con-
veniences we shall have more time for
His service and we shall not be thus
wearied with the many cares that press
upon us."
Thus it came to pass that the lovers
of God became lovers of the finest furni-
ture, the most spacious and elegant
homes, the newest and costlier cars, lov-
ers of bank accounts, lovers of insurance
policies, the latest and best Babylonish
garments, the latest automatic what-nots,
lovers of picnics, lovers of socials, lovers
of many extensive, expensive vacations,
for, said they, "Jesus hath said, 'Come ye
apart and rest a while' "; yea, lovers of
all that thrilleth the natural soul of men,
while they spake with their lips saying,
"Who is a God like unto our God who
meaneth not for us to be ascetics but
that we should be as other men that we
might win them to God." But God
looked in vain among their leaves for
some fruit and found none, for they hon-
ored Him with their lips but their heart
was far from Him. In vain did they
speak of love to God, for they loved not
the life and cross of Jesus, nor fervent
unceasing prayer, nor penitential tears,
nor lost souls.
Even many of them say of Israel, "Lo,
what fools they were to worship idols of
wood and stone who having ears hear
224
GOSPEL HERALD
March p, 1954
OUR SCHOOLS
not, eyes have they but they see not, feet
have they but they walk not. It seemeth
the height of foolishness." Little did
they perceive what God wished to speak
to them who thus mocked Israel.
"My people which are called by my
name, ii Israel's eyes had beheld what
your eyes have beheld, if Israel's ears had
heard what your ears have heard, if their
hearts had known all that your hearts
have known of all my ways in so great
salvation through my beloved Son and
Holy Spirit, they had long ago repented
and had not strayed to love other gods as
you have done. Behold, your hearts are
left unto you desolate. You neither see
with your eyes nor hear with your ears
nor understand with your heart, for all
the joy and peace and sustenance that I
would give thee thou art seeking in dead
gods as well as they. Thou art seeking
thy delight in things which can not hear
thee nor answer thee. Thou hast said,
'These shall comfort me; these shall de-
light me; these shall keep me when I am
old; these insurance policies shall save
me from loss; for lo, are they not signed
by men's hands?' Lo, all these things
shall not comfort thee nor save thee,
neither in the day of peace nor in the day
of trouble, for they are only gods which
thou hast set up before thee. They un-
derstand not, neither can they love you
as I have loved you. Your gods, too, are
gods of earth: bricks and stone, plush
and rubber, silver and gold, electrons
and nylons. They shall be a snare unto
you, for in the day that thou leavest
them they shall not delight thee, neither
will they save thy soul from hell because
thou hast not found thy delight in me
and my commandments but in them. O
fools and slow of heart to believe all that
the prophets have spoken. Oughtest thou
not to have known that whatsoever tak-
eth thy heart from thy God is thy idol,
whether it be thine own wisdom, thy
love of earth, or thine own self-right-
eousness? Truly Israel shall be beaten
with stripes, but thou shalt be beaten
with many stripes if thou dost not not
repent, for thou hast known all these
things of mine and hast left them."
"My people, my people, how I would
delight in being thy joy, and crown of
rejoicing, if thou wouldst but repent and
find thy delight in me alone."
1 [arrisonburg, Va.
Better Have a New One
Max I. Reich tells of a man who had
a wonderful blessing in Christ. He wrote
out the story of it and frequently used
to read il lo his Friends. One day when a
visitor came to his home, he said to his
wife: "Would you mind going upstairs
and getting my blessed experience? I
have not see it for some time."
When the wife returned, she told him
that the "blessdl experience" bad been
chewed into small pieces by the mice.
Do we not need to ask God lo keep us
fresh that our testimony may be ever
new!— The King's Business,
Foreign Students Speak
In the Friday morning devotion pe-
riod on January 15 at Eastern Mennon-
ite College, the four foreign students at
the college each gave a talk about their
impressions of this country and their in-
terests in their own native lands. The
meeting was in charge of Monroe Wvse,
who introduced each speaker and his
subject. These folks had been on tour
during the Christmas recess, and this
was a brief summary of their touring
programs. Some of the thoughts pre-
sented by this touring group were as
follows:
Taizo Tanimoto from Osaka, Japan,
said that he was very much disappointed
to find that American people know al-
most nothing about Japan. He also
stated that United States was the only
country on the earth started by Christian
motivations and purposes. He went on
to say, "I challenge you to keep the laith
of your forefathers. You're much like
growing up in a greenhouse here at
school. Develop a strong faith, for a
strong faith can stand strong storms later
in life."
Hoist Gerlach, Post Elze, Germany,
spoke as follows: "My first impression of
Park View was that it was the most holy
place in the world because there are
twenty-five preachers living there.
"In our country 90 per cent oi the
people are church members and belong
to the state Lutheran Church. In 1915
we suffered the most terrible defeat in
all history. My father and I were sent to
concentration camps. I never saw him
again. I was sent as far north as Alaska.
There I promised God I would go into
service for Him if He would get me out
ol that situation.
"1 volunteered for the MCC Farm Ex-
change Program. 1 was placed on a larm
in North Dakota. While there I attend-
ed church more in six weeks than 1 ever
did in all my life before. 1 was twenty-
three. They took me along to a prayei
meeting where everyone prayed. It came
m\ nun to pray, but 1 bad nevei prayed
before ami I shook like a leal in a storm.
"The second farm 1 was placed on was
in Indiana. Here the people took me 10
religious meetings again. 1 w as t om en-
ed in a revival campaign b\ George R.
Brunk near Goshen, Indiana. Politics
used lo hold first place in im life. Now
politics was moved to second place in
my life and the kingdom of God took
liisi place.
"1 returned to Germany and gave slide
lectures on America. As I was engaged
in ibis youth work, 1 It'll the need lot
more education. 1 didn't choose I'uro
pean schools because 1 thought their
interpretation of the Bible was too lib-
eral. I selected Eastern Mennonite Col-
lege because I like their interpretation
of the Bible.
"In conclusion I ask you to pray for
our German people."
Itoko Madea, Tokyo, Japan, gave her
testimony as follows: ' Japan is not a
Christian nation. My uncle and two
cousins are Buddhist priests. I was
brought up in very strict discipline. I
heard my first Bible story at six years of
age. Later I attended a mission school.
I had great interest in Christianity. I
attended church and Sunday school, but
it was not easy.
"We have many religions. The num-
ber of Christians in Japan is very few.
I was baptized when I was high-school
age. My sister became a Christian too.
One summer I attended a YWCA con-
ference. Main students decided to work
for the Lord at that conference. I have
been teaching for fifteen years as a Bible
teacher in a junior and senior high
school in Japan. I came to this country
to learn more Bible so that I could teach
more Bible in my own country."
Issa Kahlil, Bethlehem. Jordan, said
in part, "In the country I come from the
majority of people are Mohammedans.
These people do not have a Christian
hope. Their only hope is in their ma-
terial things. Since many have lost their
material things recently, all their hope
is gone. They are sullering without hope.
They do not know that possession of
riches does not bring happiness and
peace.
"The Lord is good and He will not
forget anyone. He will not forget even
those who forget Him. Some of my peo-
ple who have found the Lord are so
thankful they became Christians instead
of Communists. Many born-again refu-
gees lost everything, but they could re-
joice in the Lord. Some Moslem priests
have even asked some Christians for in-
formation about their religion.
"Lei's think about other nations and
pray for them. The elect of every nation
yvill meet the Lord someday. Prayer is
the main ministry ol every Christian.
The Lord is coming again and He is
coming soon. Let us watch and pray
that He might come soon."
-Mrs. M. J. Slabaugh.
The work of voluntary institutions
among our people can never be duplicat-
ed by government bureaucracies. Gov-
ernment", do not build character. Mass
operations do not possess that solicitude
for the individual which comes from the
serving heart.— Herbert Hoover.
March p, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
225
TEACHING THE WORD
Utilizing All Our Resources to
Make Christ Known
By John H. Mosemann
Once in a while we learn of persons who,
unknown to others, have substantial re-
sources. They may keep them buried under
the basement floor or perhaps sew them in a
mattress. This, however, is the unusual
thing. The more normal occurrence is for
people to use and invest through any task
at hand the assets and resources which they
have available. In the Christian enterprise,
however, we are less wise. We carefully hus-
band our supposed resources lest we should
appear to be overrighteous or overzealous.
Or we may err, intending to reduce our as-
sets to as materialistic a basis as possible.
Sometimes we naively sum up our resources
in the familiar formula of men, money, and
prayers. We seem to say, "Given enough
men, given an adequate pool of dollars, given
enough people who will daily mention the
missionaries and church workers in their
prayers, given all this, we preforce cannot fail
in our task of communicating Christ."
But we can fail in our responsibility, and
if we do, it will not be for these reasons.
Rather, if we fail, it will be because we are
illiterate as to what our ultimate resources
are which calculate so heavily in the church's
task of interpreting Christ to men.
Let us consider, then, some of the ultimate
factors which we are bound to recognize and
act upon if we are to function in reality as a
church. I am interested here primarily with
motivations rather than with specific needs.
An Awareness of Our Calling
Who are we? This lies at the very heart
of our ability to communicate Christ. If we
have never known Christ, we shall have lit-
tle ability to speak of Him and to represent
Him to other people. How can a stranger
declare the goodness of a land he has never
seen? How can a stranger introduce one
whom he has never known? It is therefore
imperative to be aware of our true identity
as those who introduce Christ to men. It is
unthinkable that any but those who share
the high calling of God in Christ Jesus should
be in a defensible position or representing
Christ.
In I Cor. 1:26 Paul invites us to look at our
calling. What is it? "He is the source of
your life in Christ Jesus, whom God made
our wisdom, our righteousness and sancti-
fication and redemption" (v. 30). We are,
thanks to His everlasting grace, called to
possess the life of God. We are also called
to express the life of God. We are, more-
over, called to share the life of God. Think
of your calling, brethren. That is founda-
tional in any effort to make Christ known.
Put the life thus hid with Christ in God and
then our days and lives take on new signif-
icance. God's will is brought to us each
moment. His purpose is communicated to
us, which purpose is, "Let me reveal my Son
through you."
A Vision of the Needs of Men
This factor also affects our capacity to
make Christ known. There is general agree-
ment that our world and our generation ut-
terly lack a sense of spiritual values. They
have no clear frame of reference as to what
is right. Expedience, self-interest, etc., are
frequently the best norms of conduct which
our society can boast. There is little recogni-
tion of the one moral sun in the spiritual uni-
verse— Jesus Christ. Gross darkness still cov-
ers the people. Men still love darkness better
than light because that is their moral orienta-
tion.
When sin is soaked in the tears
of repentance, then it is easiest
to wash away. — S. N. Leitner.
One can point further to the human needs
of our times. The ignorance and neglect
which the masses of earth are allowed to
suffer is almost beyond calculation. More
than one half of the world's population
would not even recognize its own language
even if it had the good fortune of seeing it
in print. Great segments of the world are
pushing aside the inferiorities and restraints
of the past and are demanding a great many
of the advantages which so long have dif-
ferentiated them from the Western nations.
In not a few countries there is the ever-
present problem and challenge of dislocated
peoples, homeless, or shattered families, with
the great challenge for someone to mend
and repair the unspeakable tragedy.
In half the homes of the world children lie
down at night with their hunger unsatisfied.
This occurs not once, but daily. Not once in
their lifetime have these multitudes known
the fullness which is so common to us.
Frankly, a good bit of this appalling need
makes little impact upon us. We find it
difficult to relate to our own Christian ex-
perience and to the expression of our faith
the appalling needs that plague people in all
parts of the world.
A Sense of Mission
No church or group is ever going to suc-
ceed in fulfilling its mission without a serious
intention to do just that. If there is any clear
contrast between the early church and the
church today, it is to be found precisely here.
There was in the church of the first century
an unequivocal, unquestioned, unrelieved
sense of purpose. From the day of Pente-
cost forward the church became the living
embodiment of the "wonderful works of
God." God had broken into history in an
unprecendented way and was now engaged
in His saving activity. God by divine inter-
vention had enacted within the framework
of history the never-to-be-repeated event of
the incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection.
These were not ideas, these were not reli-
gious suppositions. These were events which
had their warrant, proof, and extension in
the very fabric of the church's life. God was
at work and the tool in that craftsmanship
was, the church.
This consciousness was ever with the early
Christians. They knew God was at work in
them and that whatever the Almighty pur-
posed to do in their generation He would be
pleased to perform through their humble in-
strumentality. They were shackled, beaten,
stoned, and beheaded, but mind you, they
were never beaten down with a sense of
futility and frustration. They were hated and
despised, but they never retreated from the
impelling sense of being salt and light.
Without this motivation of mission we are
frequently caught on dead center. We lose
sight of our purpose in being here, or our
mission loses its sharpness of focus. Let us
take Christ as an illustration here. There was
no lack of clarity in His mission. He knew
what His purpose and work were, but im-
mediately He became specific, immediately
He personalized His love. That is when
they hated Him. So it is with us. When we
begin to personalize for ourselves and for the
whole of mankind the love of God, we too
can expect criticism. When our total mission
is seen to include the redemption of every
area of life and of every perversion of human
society, the finger of accusation will likely
again be leveled at us, "They fellowship with
publicans and sinners."
A Capacity to Adapt Ourselves to the
Requirements of Our Task
We sometimes consider inflexibility as al-
ways virtuous. We are the way we are and
want others to know they can take us that
way or not at all. In fact, we sometimes feel
complimented if others find us out of gear
and out of step with our generation. There
is, however, a strong warrant for taking into
account the character and changes of our so-
ciety whom we want to serve. Paul set the
pace for Christian ambassadors of all time
and summed it up in the well-known words
of I Cor. 9:20-23: "To the Jews I became as
a Jew, in order to win Jews; to those under
the law I became as one under the law —
though not being myself under the law —
that I might win those under the law. To
those outside the law I became as one outside
the law— not being without law toward God
but under the law of Christ— that I might
win those outside the law. To the weak I
became weak, that I might win the weak. I
have become all things to all men, that I
might by all means save some. I do it all for
the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its
blessings" (RSV). Paul was willing to take
the risk of planting the Gospel in Philippi
and to allow it to give birth to a new Chris-
tian community. He did it in Corinth; he
did it in Thessalonica. He had the daring
to believe that the Gospel of Christ, when
believed and embraced as the law of life,
would fashion a brotherhood which God
would not be ashamed to own as His.
(Continued on Page 232)
226
GOSPEL HERALD
March p, 1954
FOR OUR SHUT-INS
The School of Care
If all the roads were easy —
No hills for man to climb;
If life was only drifting —
No storm clouds any time,
Mankind would cease to prosper;
Mankind would cease to grow;
They'd fail to see the sunshine,
When through the clouds 'twould glow.
To grow men must wax stronger,
They suffering must meet;
There must be clouds and sunshine,
If life shall be complete.
The world to grow and prosper,
Must have sunshine and rain;
And to man to know the joys of life,
Must suffer some of pain.
Man cannot pluck the roses
That twine along the way,
Unless the price in service
Hath been his will to pay.
Man cannot tote a burden
That is his share to bear,
Unless he much has learn-ed
In life's great school of care.
— Harry Troupe Brewer, in "Reformed
Church Messenger."
The Ministry of Suffering
By H. R. Bulman
Has suffering a ministry to the person
afflicted by it? Unquestionably so. To
cite an instance from the Psalms note
Psalm 119:67, "Before I was afflicted I
went astray: but now have I kept thy
word."
It is a sad comment on human nature,
but a comment we must nevertheless
admit. Astray, or at least ineffective, are
too many among God's people, but afflic-
tion brings many back to God and to
their duty to Him.
While the sun shines, too many bask
in its warm beneficent rays, apparently
unmindful that clouds may too soon ob-
scure its shining. However, behind even
a frowning providence God hides a smil-
ing face, and should He hide His Eace,
it is but that we may maneuver to again
recover the lost view of His wonderful
face; and even this exercise strengthens
our sight to better see and to enjoy 11 is
grace. It was Alford who said, "Thou
canst not tell how rich a dowry sorrow
gives the soul, how firm a faith and eagle-
sight of God."
"That morn shall tearless be," but
that morn has not yet dawned for those
of us yet in life. "Brethren, I count not
myself to have apprehended: but tins
one thing I do . . . reaching forth unto
those things which are before, 1 press
toward the mark for the prize of the nigh
calling of God in Christ Jesus." It is
that we may do this one thing, and final-
ly apprehend with certainty, and help
others to apprehend, that God prunes
and trims and sometimes causes suffering
to come. Paul, the beloved apostle, had
his thorn in the flesh, a messenger of
Satan to buffet him, "Lest," said he, "I
should be exalted above measure." He
said the thorn was given to him, and so
he counted it a gift. "Lest" is a big
word with God and with sin-avoiding
men. The thorn goring into Paul's flesh
said "lest" to him, and the response of
the great apostle was, "Most gladly there-
fore will I rather glory in my infirmities,
that the power of Christ may rest upon
me."
Do we want power? God has an open
channel through which it comes, if we
will remain unflinchingly at the receiv-
ing end. And how may we thus stay?
By taking pleasure in any and every
thorn, infirmity, reproach, necessity, per-
secution, distress, or trial for Christ's
sake. "We are the children of God: and
if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and
joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we
suffer with him, that we may be also
glorified together. For I reckon that the
sufferings of this present time are not
worthy to be compared with the glory
which shall be revealed in us."
Here are two selections from Frances
Ridley Havergal:
Who would dare the choice, neither or both to
know,
The finest quiver of joy or the agony-thrill of
woe?
Never the exquisite pain, then never the ex-
quisite bliss ;
For the heart that is dull to that, can never be
strung to this!
Again:
The easy path in the lowland hath little of
grand or new,
But a toilsome ascent leads on to a wide and
glorious view !
Peopled and warm is the valley, lonely and
chill the height.
But the peak that is nearer the storm cloud is
nearer the stars of light.
One from Archbishop Trench:
When God afflicts thee, think He hews a rugged
stone,
Which must be shaped, or else aside as useless
thrown.
From Thomas a Kempis: "If there has
been any better thing, and more profit-
able to man's salvation than suffering,
surely Christ would have showed it In
word and example."
David in Psalm 119:75: "I know, O
Lord, that thv judgments are right, and
that thou in l.iithtulness hast afflicted
me."
Has suffering a ministry to the person
afflicted bv it? I'ncjucstionablv so.^
IIo!it\ess Era.
Addresses of Shut-ins
Miss Lizzie R. Grove — b. June 23, 1897
R. 1. Elizabethtown. Pa.
• • •
Mrs. Henry Ament— b. Aug. 11, 1854
211 Manor Ave.
Millersville. Pa.
• • •
Mrs. Annie Charles — b. June 14, 1874
Charles Road
R. 6, Lancaster. Pa.
• * •
Mrs. Annie Charles— b. Sept. 6, 1869
Hair Nursing Home
R. 3. Lititz. Pa.
• • •
Mrs. Christian Good— b. July 6. 1883
1G2 W. Frederick St.
Millersville. Pa.
» » »
Cy Sutter — birthday Jan. 25
Manson. Iowa
• • *
Mrs. Emma Messner
c/o Howard Erb
Lititz. Pa.
• * •
Mrs. Susan Weirieh — b. April 15. 1874
Belleville. Pa.
• • »
W. H. Shoup— b. Feb. 14. 1868
582 Emerick St.
Wooster, Ohio
• * *
Mrs. Florence Suter — birthday Feb. 16
503 W. Lake Ave.
Barberton, Ohio
» • •
Lee Z. Kauffman
R. 1. Belleville. Pa.
• » *
Leah Kurtz
R. 1. Reedsville. Pa.
• • *
Paul Brown
Leaeock, Pa.
» * *
Mrs. Lydia Hollinger
c/o Ross Esbenshade
R.D.. New Holland. Pa.
EXPRESSIONS OF APPRECIATION
I wish to express my sincere thanks and ap-
preciation to all who so kindly remembered me
with prayers, cards, gift6. and fl iwers during:
my stay at the Osteopathic Hospital and since
my return home. May the Lord richly bless
you all. — Mrs. Amos Z. Longeneeker, Elizabeth-
town. Pa.
• • *
I wish to express my sincere thanks and ap-
preciation to all who so kindly remembered me
with cards, gifts, and flowers during my stay
at the Hershey Hospital. May the Lord bless
you all. — Clair J. Smith, Hershey, Pa.
• • »
We desire to thank all our friends and neigh-
bors who in any way expressed sympathy in our
sorrow in the loss of our sister. Nora Mae Mil-
ler— for the prayers, cards, telegrams, letters,
flowers, food, and visits. These were appreciated
more deeply than we can tell. — The Miller Fam-
ilies.
• * •
We wish to express our deep appreciation for
the many gifts, expressions of sympathy, and
prayers of our friends in the accidental death
and the burial of our daughter and sister Linda
Ruth.— The Amos R. Erb family, Sheridan, Pa.
"I am sorry I am late today," said a
clergyman visiting an aged parishioner,
"but I have been all around the parish."
"Win." said the old woman, "that's
just where I've been."
"But you can't walk!" exclaimed the
astonished minister.
"Ah." said the old saint, "you see, my
soul isn't bedridden! So I just go around
the parish every day in my prayer, while
I lie here."— J. Ellis.
March p, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
227
TO BE NEAR TO GOD
THEME: THE DOWNWARD STEPS OF JUDAS
Sunday, March 14
Read John 12:1-8 — Judas Is Critical of Others
Judas criticized Mary for her act of devo-
tion to the Master. This is the first symptom
of the disintegration of his inner life. Criti-
cism to be helpful must be honest. Judas was
not honest. He said what he did not that he
cared for the poor but because he was a thief.
It becomes easy to criticize people and their
actions when there is weakness in our own
lives. The thing that Judas criticized in Mary
touched the most vulnerable area of his own
life. Perhaps it is often thus with severe
critics. When I point one finger at my fellow
man, I point three toward myself.
Monday, March 15
Head John 12:6-8; Luke 22:1-6 — Judas Becomes Money-
minded
A coin in front of the eye can darken the
light of the sun. Love of money darkened
the spiritual light in the heart of Judas.
"What will ye give me?" said Judas to the
chief priests. The "give me" attitude is inimi-
cal to the spirit of Christianity. Achan, Judas,
and Ananias were among those who met
spiritual disaster because of their attitude to-
ward material things. Money in the hands
of a Christian may serve worthy purposes, or
it may become his master and perpetrate his
downfall.
Tuesday, March 16
Read Matt. 26:14-16; Psalm 19:9-14 — Judas Becomes
Malicious
"From that time he sought opportunity to
betray him." There are sins of error and
shortcoming which are quite different from
presumptuous or willful sins. David care-
fully and willfully planned a wicked pro-
gram. He was smitten in conscience and
bitterly repented, thus finding his way back
to God. Judas sinned willfully. He sought
opportunity to betray Christ. Unlike David,
he did not find his way back to God. May
the Lord deliver us from presumptuous sins.
Wednesday, March 17
Read Matt. 26:46-50 — Judas Betrays Jesus
The name of Judas forever became in-
famous through the one act of betrayal. The
act itself took only a few moments, but in
the mind of Judas it had existed for some
time. It was the natural result of the think-
ing and planning which had gone on in his
covetous heart.
"Sow a thought, reap an act;
Sow an act, reap a habit;
Sow a habit, reap a character;
Sow a character, reap a destiny."
Guard carefully your thoughts and atti-
tudes. They grow into that which shall
eventually determine your destiny.
Thursday, March 18
Read Matt. 27:1-5 — Judas Attempts Restitution
The program of Judas began to weaken.
The framework of sin is certain to totter and
fall sooner or later. Judas repented, but he
repented to the chief priests and elders in-
stead of to God. He brought back the money,
but he kept himself. The treasure which had
appeared so attractive now became cankerous
in his hands. That which had mattered so
much now turned to ashes. Grant us, O
Lord, a proper sense of values.
Friday, March 19
Read Matt. 27:5; Heb. 6:1-6 — Judas Departed
When Judas departed he separated him-
self forever from Christ, from opportunity,
and from hope. David sinned and returned
to God. Peter sinned and found his way
back to Christ. But Judas went out from
the presence of God and never returned.
Could he not have found grace also? Was
there no forgiveness?
As a spider threads his victim to his web,
so Satan bound the heart and soul of Judas.
The blackness in his heart was so dark that
he could not find his way back to God. Sin
had wrought its work upon his soul. Let us
beware of entangling alliances with sin. Sin
doesn't care.
Saturday, March 20
Read Matt. 27:5; 8:10-12 — Judas Hanged Himself
What a wonderful opportunity Judas had
in life ! Of the billions of people who have
lived, Judas was one of twelve who was
called to be an apostle. He had sat by the
side of Jesus and heard the wonderful teach-
ings of the kingdom. He had stood by Him
as He performed many miracles. Judas
might have been a pillar of the early church,
as were the other disciples. He might have
written an epistle which would have glad-
dened the hearts of many people. He might
have, but he did not. Instead he brought
such reproach upon the name of Judas that
no parent will use it for his child today —
and all for thirty pieces of silver!
— Edward L. Kauffman.
The New Commandment
Sunday School Lesson for March 21
(John 13, 14)
With this lesson we enter the Holy of
Holies with Jesus here on earth. Where is
Jesus? With whom? Why are the world of
men shut out? Love is certainly the answer.
Here is loving "unto the end." Jesus planned
this meeting just for His own disciples. The
very atmosphere must have been very warm
with Jesus' interest in these whom God had
given Him. The only spot on His spirit was
the fact that one was present who didn't
love. Verse 21. This the other disciples
didn't exactly understand, however.
Jesus, the Son of God, gave Himself to
an act of almost unbelievable humiliation,
unbelievable as the disciples saw it. It seems
not one of the Twelve thought that He
should wash the feet of the others, and so
they had gone unwashed until they beheld
their Master do the function of a domestic
servant. He stooped to serve those He loved.
And we do not think it was difficult for
Him. It was a natural outflow of His great
heart. What a revelation to His disciples!
It almost confounded Peter. Don't miss the
picture on the outside of the Adult quar-
terly.
In this love act we get a glimpse into the
very heart of Jesus. This was His joy of
life, to serve others. This is joy such as many
don't understand and have never experi-
enced. Looking back we see Jesus traveling
this sacrificial, happy road to the cross, the
climax of self-sacrifice, from His first appear-
ance. This was and is the Christian way of
life.
As the love scene developed, Jesus talked
of love to His "little children," He, the great
Lover, was going away. He gave them a
commandment concerning love. What kind
of love? As He loved. How was that?
What was new about this? He had said be-
fore that they should love their neighbors as
themselves.
Let the class explore the meaning of this
new commandment. Here is the highest mo-
tive for Christian living. Here is passionate,
unselfish devotion to the welfare of others.
This is not some feeling of sympathy or ten-
derness, but love in action. It is sacrificial, a
willingness to lay down life if necessary.
This love is the central principle of Christian
behavior. This gives a new spirit and new
depth to love, a type of love never before
know in the world. There is to be a new
love circle, the Christian Church, dependent
on a new love center, Christ. This love will
include every one, even a Judas.
Notice the testimony of this love before
the world. Verse 35. Has this been your
pupils' experience?
What does this love require of the be-
liever? (14:21-24) What commands does
Jesus refer to that apply to your pupils? Do
we really care for people? All people? The
proof consists in what we are doing for them.
Do you and your pupils have this love? Are
you keeping the new commandment given
at this sacred meeting on this pre-redemption
night? — Alta Mae Erb.
Lesson based on "International Sunday School Les-
sons: the International Bible Lessons for Christian
Teaching," copyrighted 1951 by the Division of Chris-
tian Education National Council of the Churches of
Christ in the U.S.A.
God searches the inner recesses of the
heart, not what men see on the outside.
228
GOSPEL HERALD
March p, 1954
FIELD NOTES
Items to appear in this column for any issue of the
following Tuesday must reach Scottdale by Wednes-
day morning.
A Conference on Evangelism was given by
students of Ontario Mennonite Bible School
and Institute at the Clarence Center, N.Y.,
Church on Feb. 21.
The fourth Wellington County Missionary
Meeting was held at the Moorefield, Ont.,
Church, Feb. 27, 28. Guest speakers: Bro.
and Sister Simeon Hurst, Brethren J. Ross
Goodall and L. D. Witmer.
Brethren Howard Charles, Goshen, Ind.,
and Gerald Studer, Smithville, Ohio, con-
ducted a Ministers' Workshop at Hannibal,
Mo., the first week in March.
Attention of parents and teachers is called
to a world map and the first of a series of
missionary pictures and sketches being pub-
lished in Words of Cheer for March 21. As
a classroom or family project much mission-
ary education can be taught by means of
this project.
The Boone County Home, Harrison, Ark.,
has been remodeled, equipped with new
furnishings and other equipment, and turned
over to Amish personnel for operation. It is
now known as Hillcrest Home, and is a proj-
ect of the Amish Mission. The Home has a
capacity of sixteen aged persons.
Bro. Ellrose D. Zook, Executive Editor at
the Mennonite Publishing House, has been
granted by Syracuse University, Syracuse,
N.Y., the Master of Arts degree in religious
journalism.
Table of Contents
217 — New Testament Discipleship
Our Part (Poem)
218 — Our Readers Say
219 — The Meeting at Plain
Bible Doctrine
220 — The Revelation of lesus Christ
It Happened
As Long as God (Poem)
221 — "Go Wash in the Pool of Siloam"
222 — Prairie View Hospital Dedication
223 — A Prayer for This Week
Prayer Requests
Lost Love
224 — Foreiqn Students Spoak
225 — Utilizing All Our Resources to Make Christ
Known
226— The School of Care (Poem)
The Ministry of Suffering
Addresses of Shut-ins
Expressions of Appreciation
227— To Be Near to God
Sunday School Lesson for March 21
228— Field Notes
Calendar
229 — Mission News
Your Treasurer Reports
230 — Observations on Religious Conditions in India
231 — Living in Jerusalem
232 — Interest in Christianity Still High In lapan
233 — The Mennonite Hour
Mary Has Chosen the Good Part
234— MRSC Weekly Notes
MCC Weekly Notes
Women's Activities
735 — From Our Churches
236 — Mission Board Program
Grace for Seed Sowing (Poem)
World Conformity
237— Births
Marriages
Anniversaries
Obituaries
238 — Items and Comments
240 — Your Publishing House
A Gospel team from Eastern Mennonite
College gave a program at the Martinsburg,
Pa., Church on Sunday evening, Feb. 28.
The annual Bible meeting of the Landis-
ville, Pa., congregation was held Feb. 13, 14,
with the brethren Melvin Lauver, Lititz, Pa.,
and Jacob Rutt, Lancaster, Pa., as instructors.
According to a report sent in, an interesting
and profitable meeting was enjoyed by those
present.
Change of Address. — Bro. Austin F. Gable,
York, Pa., to Route 1, Thomasville, Pa.
A three-day European Trainee Conference
was held at the Roanoke and Metamora
churches in Illinois Feb. 26-28. The meet-
ings were at Roanoke the first two days and
the closing meeting was at Metamora, with
the Calvary congregation also joining in the
service.
Attendants at the annual meeting of the
Protestant Church-owned Publishers Associa-
tion meeting at Cincinnati, Ohio. Feb. 23-25.
from the Publishing House staff were A. J.
Metzler, Paul W. Shank, J. M. Buzzard. Paul
Blosser, Lowell Hershberger, and H. Ralph
Hernley.
A Music Conference was held at the Meta-
mora, 111., Church on Thursday and Friday
evenings, March 4, 5. It was sponsored by
the music committee of the local congrega-
tion.
At a meeting of the Young Married Peo-
ple's Get-together at the Beech Church.
Louisville, Ohio. March 1, Sister Alta Erb of
Scottdale, was the guest speaker.
Six central Illinois churches co-operated in
a week-end Sundav School Workshop held
at Peoria, March 5-7. Those serving on the
staff were Gerald Studer, Smithville, Ohio;
Mary Rover. Rov Umble. Goshen, Ind.;
Richard Yordv. Freeport. 111.; Paul M. Lede-
rach, Alta Erb, Elizabeth Showalter, Scott-
dale, Pa.; and J. J. Hostetler of Peoria. Speak-
ers served at various churches on Sunday
morning.
Note This Correction. — Through an over-
sight the Program Builder lists March 14 as
Missionary Day. The correct date for Mis-
sionary Dav is March 21, the third Sunday
in the month.
Communion services were held at the Yel-
low Creek Church, near Goshen, Ind., on
Sundav evening. Feb. 28.
The ground-breaking ceremony for the
Rethanv Christian Dav School, now being
established bv the Indiana-Michigan Confer-
ence, is scheduled for March 13, in the after-
noon, at the Watcrford site, about one mile
south of Goshen College. Construction is to
begin immediately following that date.
Bro. Glenn B. Martin, formerly of Li
Junta, Colo., is now serving as Protestant
Hospital Chaplain in Denver, Colo. He fel-
lowships with the Denver Mennonite Church.
A Y-Tcam from Hesston College, which
is working with Negroes in Wichita. Kans.,
gave a program at the Crystal Springs, Kans.,
Church, Sunday evening, Feb. 28,
A meeting for fellowship and prayer was
held at Harrisonburg, Va., on Thursday after-
noon and evening, Feb. 25, by the sisters of
that community. It was the first meeting of
this type there.
The Varsity Chorale of Hesston College
rendered a program of sacred music at the
Protection, Kans., Church on the evening of
Feb. 27. This chorus of forty-two voices is
under the direction of Paul M. Yoder.
Our condolences go out to Bro. and Sister
Eli Yutzy in the loss of their infant daughter
on Feb. 22. Bro. Yutzy is one of the minis-
ters of the Lower Deer Creek Church, near
Kalona, la.
The Iowa-Nebraska Mission Board met
Feb. 23, 24, at the Manson, Iowa. Church.
The Ministers' Meeting of the same confer-
ence was held at the same place, Feb. 25, 26.
Announcements
Henry Weaver, Jr., director of I-W serv-
ices under MRSC. guest speaker at Pigeon.
Mich., on March 28, showing pictures of the
work on Saturday evening preceding.
The Calvary Hour staff at the Central
Church, Archbold, Ohio, on Sundav evening,
March 14.
The topic for the young people's Bible
meeting. March 14, at the Hammer Creek
Church, near Lititz, Pa., is "For God so loved
the world," with Paul D. Angstadt as
speaker.
Ernest G. Gehman, Harrisonburg, Ya., at
the Wooster, Ohio, Church March 20, 21.
Bible Conference at Doylestown, Pa.,
March 27, 28, with Norman Kraus, Goshen.
Ind., and Josef Herschkowitz, Harrisonburg,
Va., as speakers.
(Conti7iu?d on Page 236)
Calendar
1954 Conrad Grebel Lectures, by G. F. Hershberger.
at E.M.C.. Harrisonburg. Va.. March 17-20.
Spring Missionary Sunday. March 21.
City Mission Workers' Round Table, Detroit Mennon-
ite Church. March 24-26.
Annual Meeting Illinois Mission Board, Pleasant Hill.
East Peoria, 111., April 22. 23.
Semiannual meeting. Commission lor Christian Edu-
cation, St Jacobs, Ont., April 30, May 1.
Conference on Christian Community Relations. E.M.C.,
Harrisonburg, Va., May 6-8.
Home Sunday, May 9.
Annual meeting Mennonite Board of Missions and
Charities, Western Mennonite School, Salem.
Oreg., Juno 18-20.
1954 Schedule for Laurelville: Writers' Conference,
June 26 to July 2; Family Week. July 3-9; Boys'
Camp (ages 9-13), July 10-16; Girls' Camp (ages
9-13). July 17-23; Junior High (ages 13-15), July
24-30; Junior High (ages 13-15). July 31 to Aug. 6;
Young People's Institute, Aug. 7-13; MYF Work-
shop and Annual Meeting. Aug. 14-20; Music
Week. Aug. 21-27; Missionary Bible Conference,
Aug. 28 to Sept. 2.
Peace Sunday. July 4, 1954.
Annual Meeting Southwestern Pa. Conference, Mar-
tinsburg, Pa., Aug. 1-4.
Annual meeting Iowa-Nebraska Conference. West
Union. Parnell. Iowa. Aug. 10-13.
Annual meeting South Central Conference, Assembly
ol God campground, near Eldon. Mo., August
17 20.
Annual Meeting Illinois Conference, East Bend.
Fisher. 111.. Aug. 24-26.
Fall Meeting, Commission for Christian Education
Laurelville Mennonite Camp, Laurelville, Pa..
Sept. 27. 28.
Study Conference ot Child Evangelism. Laurelville
Mennonite Camp. Sept. 29. 30.
Fall Meeting. General Council of Mennonite General
Conlerence. Laurelville Mennonite Camp, Oct.
I. t.
Annual Meeting of the Mennonite Board of Education,
Kalona-Wellman. Iowa area; Oct. 14-16, 1954.
March p, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
229
Go, Preach
MISSIONS
Give, Pray
The General Board Headquarters lor Mission.. Relief, and Service: 1711 Prairie Street. Elkhart. Indiana. Telephone. Elkhart 2-2786.
Mission News
Approximately 450 persons attended the
dedication services for the Hope Rescue Mis-
sion, South Bend, Ind., on Sunday afternoon,
Feb. 28. Bro. Tobe Schmucker, Goshen, Ind.,
superintendent of the Mission, had charge of
the program and Leonard Hunt, superin-
tendent of the Wheeler Rescue Mission, In-
dianapolis, Ind.; brought the message. Other
persons appearing on the program included
the brethren John H. Mosemann and Paul M.
Miller, Goshen, Ind., and Nathan Reiff, Elk-
hart, Ind., chairman of the local board.
Speakers at a week-end missionary confer-
ence at the Blooming Glen, Pa., Mennonite
Church, Feb. 27, 28, included the brethren
Elam Stauffer, missionary on furlough from
Africa; John Koppenhaver, missionary on
furlough from Argentina; and Paul Min-
inger, president-elect of Goshen College.
Bro. Sem Hershey, age 47, superintendent
of the Meadville mission near Gap, Pa., lost
his life on Feb. 16 in a tractor accident. Pray
for the family.
Bro. and Sister John Koppenhaver and
family, who are leaving New York by air on
March 10 for Argentina, will stop en route
in Puerto Rico, where Bro. Koppenhaver will
speak at the annual church conference on
March 12. Pray that God will grant the Kop-
penhavers a safe journey back to their field
of service.
The Youth Fellowship of the Elmira, Ont.,
Mennonite Church began a mission study
course on Japan on Wednesday evening,
March 3. Such courses are also available
through the Mennonite Publishing House on
Argentina, Puerto Rico, India, and China.
For health reasons, Sister Dora Taylor will
not be able to return to Honduras on March
9 as was previously planned. The sailing of
Sister Jean Garber, who was to accompany
her, has also been postponed for about a
month. At that time she will go to Hon-
duras for a week of orientation and then
proceed to Costa Rica to attend the language
school there.
Sister Mina Esch, former missionary to
India, recently resigned as director of house-
keeping services at the Mennonite Hospital
and Sanitarium after six years of service. She
has gone to assist in the home of her daugh-
ter, Barbara, 2704 L. Huntington Rd., Ft.
Wayne, Ind.
Three children have been born to Eastern
Board foreign missionaries recently: on Jan.
20, Wilbur Allen Byler was born to Allen
and Eunice Byler in Ethiopia; on Feb. 7,
Deborah Sue arrived in the home of Robert
and Florence Keener in Tanganyika; on Feb.
14, Marian Marie Lind joined her brother,
Daniel Dean, in the Lind home in Italian
Somaliland.
Bro. and Sister Mahlon Stoltzfus, For-
tuna Ledge, Alaska, report that their family
has enjoyed good health thus far this win-
ter. They will be looking for a new location
next winter. Pray that God may direct them
to the place where He wants them to witness.
Sister Una Cressman arrived safely in
Buenos Aires on Feb. 17 en route back to the
Argentine Chaco following furlough.
Bro. Wilbur Hostetler, missionary on fur-
lough from India, will keep the following
appointments during March: March 7, Forks
Mennonite Church, Middlebury, Ind.; March
14, Kouts, Ind., Mennonite Church; March
21, Canton, Ohio, Mennonite Church; and
March 28, Kidron, Ohio, Mennonite Church.
According to latest reports, $2,600.00 are
needed to complete the new Ellesmere Mis-
sion Church building near Toronto, Ont., a
mission under the Ontario Mennonite Mission
Board. The furnace has been installed and
the benches ordered.
A young member of the Bragado. Argen-
tina. Mennonite Church writes as follows to
a missionary on furlough: "There is much
enthusiasm among us at the beginning of this
New Year in the work of going out to look
for new children for Sundav school. Six
girls bave gone out bv two in different direc-
tions, and last Sunday thev brought in 22
new bovs and Paris . . . ."
The Detroit, Mich., Mennonite Church is
sponsoring an MYF Youth Conference,
March 27, 28, with Bro. Ravmond Kramer,
Meadville, Pa., as guest speaker.
The West Liberty Mennonite Children's
Home was the theme for the 186th Ouarterly
Mission Meeting- held at tbe Bethel Church,
West Liberty, Ohio, Sundav afternoon and
evening, Feb. 28. Bro. John L. Yoder. chair-
man of the local board, discussed "Child
Welfare in the Mission Program of the
Church." Bro. Loren King, former superin-
tendent, spoke on "The Home — An Oppor-
tunity at Our Door." Other members of the
local board, workers at the home, and former
residents of the home also served on the pro-
gram.
Bro. Luke Birky, La Plata, Puerto Rico,
kept the following appointments in Kansas
recently in the interests of the new Puerto
Rico hospital: March 2, Yoder; March 3,
Canton; March 4, Windom; March 5, Hutch-
inson; and March 7, Peabody. He will speak
at Hesston College, March 9; Argentine
Church, Kansas City, Kans., March 10; Men-
nonite Gospel Center, Kansas City, Mo.,
March 11; Garden City, Mo., March 12;
Versailles, Mo., March 14, morning; Leonard,
Mo., March 14, evening; Pea Ridge, Mo.,
March 15; and Hannibal, Mo., March 16.
Bro. J. D. Graber preached the baccalureate
sermon at Union Biblical Seminary, Yeotmal,
Berar, India, during his recent visit there,
March 5-7. Bro. and Sister Weyburn Groff
are serving at Yeotmal.
(Continued on Page 236)
Your Treasurer Reports
March 31 will close the fiscal year for the
Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities.
As of that date we will plan to close out all
mission accounts for the year's activities. In
many cases this will mean allocating con-
tributions to field operating funds to meet
present deficit balances. These balances exist
due to the fact that funds expended in the
particular area were larger than contributions
designated or on hand for this purpose. Most
of these accounts can be closed out through
the General Mission Fund. However, there
is not sufficient balance in the General Fund
to meet the total need of the Board at the
present time. We are very hopeful, however,
that with additional funds contributed dur-
ing this month it will be possible to close
year-end activities without holding over any
large number of deficit accounts.
At this time each year we have been listing
the major accounts for which contributions
will be needed by the end of March. The
following list of funds represents the major
accounts which show a deficit balance at the
present time. Although this list does not con-
tain all accounts, it does represent the major
mission accounts for which funds would be
appreciated. Contributions may be designat-
ed for any of these individual accounts or
for the General Mission Fund. To meet
these year-end deficits, it is suggested that
contributions be sent direct to the Mission
Board office. In doing so, please state the
name of your home congregation so that
proper credit can be given to your conference
district.
Missionary Training Fund $5,252.46
Radio Evangelism 531.51
Missionary Educational Grants 927.53
India Missionary Support
Unspecified 3,988.50
India Education 5,254.22
India Widow Support 865.72
India Bihar Mission 3,016.45
South America Mission Fund 11,093.09
South America National Workers
Support 2,525.14
Puerto Rico Missionary Support
Unspecified 3,162.82
Puerto Rico Mission Fund 906.79
Puerto Rico Car Fund 5,018.94
Belgium Mission Fund 4,199.73
France Mission Fund 1,801.77
Saginaw Mission, Michigan 4,997.60
Cleveland Mission, Ohio 6,357.01
Detroit Mission, Michigan 2,501.13
Chicago Home Mission, Illinois 5,518.99
Culp, Arkansas, Mission 3,085.42
Bethel Springs School, Culp, Ark. 5,316.02
Mathis, Texas, Mission 4,459.03
H. Ernest Bennett, Treasurer
Mennonite Board oi Missions and Charities
Elkhart, Indiana.
230
GOSPEL HERALD
March 9, 1954
St. Paul's Cathedral was designed by Christopher Wren and built 1675-1710. It
Cathedral of the Diocese of London, Church of England.
Observations on Religious Conditions
in England
By Quintus Leatherman
It would be presumptuous for an outside
observer to diagnose the spiritual health of a
nation. Perhaps the fairest approach to an
understanding of religious conditions in Eng-
land is to listen to statements made by Eng-
lish church leaders themselves.
British Churchmen Admit Spiritual Poverty
The Archbishops' Commissions Report,
"Toward the Conversion of England," adopt-
ed by the Church of England in 1944, was
a very significant analysis of religious trends
within the Anglican communion. It brought
into focus the deep spiritual needs of Eng-
land and suggested practical methods of
evangelism. It placed particular emphasis on
the wider participation of the laity in the ac-
tivities of the church. Various ways of reach-
ing the working classes were suggested. The
Report proved to be a great stimulus to all
types of missions and efforts to win back the
sluggish church members and to reach the
working classes.
Among the Free Churches, the Methodist
Church has a very active sense of mission.
An effort is being made in this year of ad-
vance (1953) to have every Methodist win
another person to Christ. In launching their
campaign of evangelism, Dr. W. E. Sangs-
ter, minister at Westminster Central Hall,
spoke as the prophet of Methodism. He
preached his first Sunday evening sermon
in the New Year on the theme, "What a Re-
ligious Revival Might Do for Rritian."1 This
sermon hit the headline in nearly every na-
tional newspaper. It was the voice of a
modern Amos decrying the flagrant evils of
immorality, divorce, and crime, and calling
for repentance and retain to Cln Lilian f.iith
and Christian living.
MISSIONS SECTION
A few quotations from this sermon reveal
some conditions and general attitudes cur-
rent in the thinking of English people. "The
exhaustion of Britain's moral capital is more
serious in some ways than the exhaustion of
her monetary capital. The bill usually comes
in the third generation. How often I have
heard young people going wrong saying in
scorn of the church, 'My parents were decent
and they had nothing to do with the church!'
Was it any good pointing out to them that
their parents were often living on the fine
past of their forebears and that the account
was now overdue?"
Another common attitude denounced by
Dr. Sangster was that of "using" Christianity
as a check on crime. These people would not
accept Christianity for themselves but they
think it good for the morals of the nation.
"If it will pay debts, check the cosh-boys, and
reduce the expense of prisons, let's have it.
It will be good for the masses." Such an at-
titude, he points out, "is just as materialistic
as Communism; and cannot meet its chal-
lenge. Christianity teaches a secret neither
Communism nor Capitalism knows — how to
die to self."
The Church Losing Its Hold on the
Population
In a recent book. The Church of England
Today, the Archbishop of York points out
the progress and strength of the state church
in the life of the nation, but also sees the
church in an age of crisis. Deploring the
general drift away from Christianity he
states that, though the influence of the
church on the state was especially significant
in the Coronation, "The great mass of peo-
ple are ignorant of the Christian f.iith and
treat religion as something irrelevant in their
lives." Among the causes and symptoms of
this drift he lists: the decline of churchgoing;
the consequent decline of the church's in-
fluence on the social and spiritual life of the
nation; the widespread condonation of theft
and sexual license; the furious assaults upon
the sanctity and permanency of marriage and
upon the Christian home as the basis of
Christian society.2
The chief failure admitted by many church
leaders is in reaching the working classes.
Canon Roger Lloyd writes of the complete
indifference of the working classes to all or-
ganized religion.3 "The working class con-
stitutes by far the toughest identifiable case
of resistance to the Gospel today. . . / It is a
hard saying but a true one that until some
more effective way of appealing to the artisan
has been found, there will be no real revival
of religion in this country, since in modern
postwar conditions this class has become so-
cially more prominent than any other."
The cause for this indifference he thinks
is due to the improvement of the lot of the
workingman under the welfare state. No
longer need he look to the church for the
supplying of his economic needs, in the form
of charity. What will awaken him to a sense
of his spiritual need? He answers, "He is
not to be exhorted to think of God, nor can
he be scolded or flattered into the kingdom
of God; he must be loved into it." This is
another way of saying that "man does not
live by bread alone." Man will best under-
stand the meaning of God's grace when it is
incarnate in a life of love. The "cell method"
of living and working among the working
classes has had some small measure of suc-
cess in breaking down the barriers of class,
and calls for the spirit of self-sacrifice, which
is very near the heart of Christianity.
One of the most difficult problems facing
the pastor or mission worker is visitation
among the working class people, especially
in the congested housing areas of London.
The typical family lives in a flat of two or
three rooms. Both father and mother work,
frequently on different shifts; the children
are placed in a nursery, or are at school, or
are left to fend for themselves. Many of
these parents are pleased that their children
are under the supervision of a Sunday school
or a summer Bible school but would not feel
any personal responsibility for church at-
tendance. Many missions, particularly those
of the London City Mission scattered through-
out the poorer districts of London, make no
effort to establish an organized church. Mis-
sion workers press for repentance from sin
and a personal acceptance of Christ. Their
converts are encouraged to find a church of
their own choice.
Attempt at Mass Revival
Evangelical leaders of the Free Churches
and Church of England are co-operating in
the Greater London Crusade which is spon-
soring the coming of Billy Graham as evan-
gelist in March, 1954. This is an effort to
reach the unchurched masses and particular-
ly the working classes. At the close of one
ot the preliminary meetings we asked one
of the leaders how the English people would
respond to the Billy Graham methods of
evangelism. His reply was indicative of the
March 9, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
231
hopes of the Crusade, "It will reach the man
of the street."
However, there are many religious leaders
|who look with disfavor on mass methods of
j (evangelism as expressed in a leading Chris-
tian magazine: "Of Dr. Graham's remark-
able powers as a preacher of the Gospel there
can be no doubt. He may be assured of the
friendliest of welcomes from Christian peo-
ple on this side of the Atlantic, but there is
I no disguising the fact that mass evangelism
ids not looked upon in this country at the
imoment with very great favor. The weak
I {point in mass evangelism has always been
{{that in the emotional atmosphere of vast as-
||semblies men and women are impelled to
[make professions which when they step back
hnto the humdrum of everyday life, they fail
to make good."4 We can only say that
llMoody, despite his lack of education, brought
la soul-stirring revival in the 1880's that af-
|pected the cultural center of Cambridge and
jbwakened many churches to Christian ac-
jltivity.
Decline in Morality
Though statistics on morality do not pres-
ent a complete picture of religious condi-
Utions, they do reflect the religious tone and
{influence of the church on the nation. Reli-
Igious leaders are constantly expressing their
{opposition to the increase of gambling, foot-
pall pools, greyhound racing, ascots and Irish
{Sweepstakes. The Church of England con-
jdemns this insidious practice in its report of
the Committee on gambling. The retiring
{chairman, Rev. Benson, expressed his deep
■concern: "We face today what is a moral
landslide in the way of personal indulgence,
■when independent observers tell us that wage
learners are spending half their income on
drinking, smoking, and gambling, and when
I it is affirmed that the Welfare State cannot
be established without the taxation derived
: by the government from these three sources,
. it is surely time for the Christian churches
to take action."5 The editorial in which this
statement was quoted, presented a call to all
. Christian people to present a clear witness by
: abstaining from gambling entirely of every
' 1 form, so as to create such moral and spiritual
influence as will serve to reduce if not to
eliminate this national menace6
Public leaders as well as church leaders are
: increasingly concerned about the decline of
personal morality throughout the nation. In
: the debate following the Queen's speech in
the House of Lords, Lord Samuel made the
usual comments and then, as if to express
• his deepest burden, he gave his views on the
nation's morals. A man 83 years of age with
50 years of public life — his views at once
captured the ear of the British people. His
was a voice not merely lamenting the passing
of the Victorian morality, but one with a
deep sense of patriotism and love for his na-
tive land. "We read in the newspapers every
day of cruel and ruthless murders, such as in
an age of education and enlightenment are a
disgrace to us all. Further there is no ques-
. tion that sexual laxity is much more than it
, has been in earlier generations. Marriages
are continually breaking up, separations are
frequent.
"We find in literature, in the drama of
life, that adultery is regarded as a jest and
divorce is a mere unimportant incident."
He attributed these conditions to several
causes. "The dogmas of heaven and hell no
longer grip and control conduct, and partly
because two world wars have shaken faith
in a providential order on earth." He decried
those developments of science which teach
"strange new doctrine of physiology and
psychology tending to weaken individual re-
sponsibility." Strangely enough, despite this
searching diagnosis of moral disease, so little
was given in the recommendation of a cura-
tive for these ills of human society. "We
should return to common sense which is
nothing else than the requirement that rules
of conduct should be based on the universal
moral law. That law itself is the outcome
of the experience of all men in all lands
throughout the ages."7
To Christians in England and throughout
the world the only hope for the cure of man's
leprosy of sin is the grace and power of God
manifested in a new creation, a new life in
Christ. "If my people, which are called by
my name, shall humble themselves, and pray,
and seek my face, and turn from their wick-
ed ways; then will I hear from heaven, and
will forgive their sin, and will heal their
land" (II Chron. 7:14).
1 Sermon in Methodist Recorder, Jan. 8, 1953.
2 Quoted from editorial, Daily Telegraph, Sept. 23,
1953.
3 Roqer Lloyd, The Church and the Artisan, 1953.
4 Editorial in Christian World.
5 and 6 Editorial, Christian World, April 9, 1953.
7 Daily Telegraph, Nov. 4, 1953.
London, England.
Living in Jerusalem
By J. B. Martin
This is the city where the Wise Men from
the east asked, "Where is he that is born
King of the Jews?" Simeon and Anna, a
prophetess, were in Jerusalem when Jesus
as a babe was presented to the Lord and of
Anna it is said, "And she coming in that
instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord,
and spake of him to all them that looked for
redemption in Jerusalem." It was in Jeru-
salem that Jesus sat in the midst of the doc-
tors hearing and asking questions when He
was twelve years old. This is the city about
which our Lord spoke in Matt. 16:21: "From
that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his
disciples, how that he must go unto Jeru-
salem, and suffer many things of the elders
and chief priests and scribes, and be killed,
and be raised again the third day."
What a pity that the greater number of
people in Jerusalem are still looking for the
Messiah of whom the prophets spoke and
are without a Saviour and forgiveness of
sins! We believe the Christian Church has
a witnessing obligation to Israel. "For I am
not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it
is the power of God unto salvation to every
one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also
to the Greek" (Rom. 1:16).
The housing problem in Jerusalem is
rather difficult. The rents are government
controlled and reasonable, but there is a key
charge by the owner which is legal. After
one has contracted for rent, then the owner
has a right to charge whatever he wants be-
fore the key to the house is turned over and
this amount is often more than a renter
wants to pay. The Lord directed us to a
Christian family who for good reasons would
not rent their second flat to anybody but
Christians and that without the key charge.
The Kreiders and we have learned to cook
with small kerosene burners and to do the
laundry by the hand method (washing ma-
chines are a luxury in Israel). Shebbath
(Jewish Sabbath) begins about 4:30 p.m.
Friday and ends about 5:00 p.m. Saturday.
No business places are open from 3:00 p.m.
Friday until Sunday morning. No buses run
during the hours of Shebbath. All this means
an adjustment to doing business. The milk
is delivered in the morning; so if one does
not buy milk on Sunday he must buy enough
milk to last from Thursday morning until
Monday morning. The strict enforcement
of Sabbath keeping does not mean that every-
body is loyal to the Jewish religion and
synagogue service. A great percentage of
people are unbelievers and boast in a non-
godly profession.
Today I went uptown to get a small check
cashed. I wanted to get home in good time
for lunch. I got to the bank at about 11:00
a.m. and stood in line for one hour. My first
thought was that I would disappoint the
folks who have dinner ready by being late,
but suddenly I thought of the people ahead
of me trying to get to the cashier, that pos-
sibly only one out of twenty-five have any
treasure laid up in heaven because of unbe-
lief and rejection of the Saviour. In order
to get home quickly I elbowed my way
through the crowds on the street to catch a
bus. When I got to the bus stop there were
enough people lined up to fill two buses and
again I thought of being late for dinner. I
got on the second bus. I counted between
80 and 90 people on the bus. I again forgot
about being late for dinner and as I studied
their expressions the word "PERISH" came
to my mind. "For the preaching of the cross
is to them that perish foolishness; but unto
us which are saved it is the power of God"
(I Cor. 1:18). To give the Gospel to the
people of Israel is difficult, difficult because
of the language that is spoken, but more
difficult because of hardened hearts.
We thank God that His chosen people
Israel are now in our field of missionary ex-
pansion and witnessing. The line-up at the
bank and the line-up at the bus stop reminded
me of coming judgment and possible line-up
when each soul must meet God. In the light
of judgment do we feel at ease that we have
done our duty to witness to the Jews about
the Lord who saved us ? How often have you
prayed for Israel? How burdened are you
for God's chosen people who are blinded to
the truth of Christ's coming two thousand
years ago? How much money have you giv-
en for Jewish evangelism?
We live in Jerusalem. We live in the midst
of many unsaved people in Jerusalem. And
may you who live in Canada and the United
States share with us the burden of a great
MISSIONS SECTION
232
GOSPEL HERALD
March 9, 1954
Jewish Christian who wrote and said, "Breth-
ren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for
Israel is, that they might be saved" (Rom.
10:1).
Jerusalem, Israel.
TEACHING THE WORD (Continued)
This is basically a matter of whether or
not we can trust the Holy Spirit to determine
what the character of the church shall be in,
for example, Japan, in Puerto Rico, in Bel-
gium, in Sicily, in Uruguay, in Navaholand.
In the show window of a bookstore in one
of our cities I observed an attempted replica
of an African hut. It was rather obvious at
first glance that this little model was made
not in Africa, but in America. Too often a
spiritual architecture of churches in the
Orient or in primitive countries bears the
distinct marks of having been made in the
West. We must cultivate the grace and cour-
age and daring which will allow the de-
clared principles of redeeming grace to ex-
press themselves in the life of the church in-
digenous to the country which is being evan-
gelized. For example, our peace witness and
its expression in Japan could be carefully
tailored in this country and "sold" to the
new church in Japan. It appears to me that
such a testimony will be far more vital and
vigorous and far more capable of surviving
if its specific expression is given encourage-
ment and allowed to emerge through na-
tionals. If they with their New Testaments
are led to embrace the principles of peace,
they themselves are in the strongest possible
position to explore the extent and the charac-
ter by which these can be expressed in Japa-
nese Christian living.
Now Paul's capacity to adapt himself to
varying cultures and environment did not
make of him a spiritual derelict. He knew
what the unchangeables were. He knew, too,
that Rome and Antioch, or Rome and Jeru-
salem, would not be identical in all the out-
ward expressions which accompany the Chris-
tian faith. Our fitness as a missionary wit-
ness is in part premised upon our capacity to
allow the Holy Spirit to work creatively
through our first- and second-generation
Christians throughout the world.
A Willingness to Evaluate the Effectiveness
of Our Efforts
The church lives constantly under the
judgment of Cod. The Lord of the church
speaks today to us as He spoke to the first-
century church, "I know thy works." The
Christian workman builds today under the
watchful eye of Him who carefully judges
both motives and results. The awful reality
is that Cod will judge between that which
is wood, hay, stubble, as over against that
which is imperishable. Past experience, its
effectiveness as well as its ineffectiveness, can
and ought to be instructive and an asset to
us in making Christ know n. It remains true
as one has well said, " Those who will not
MISSIONS SECTION
learn from the past will be doomed to re-
peat it."
Here is a place, I feel, where we dare not
hedge and excuse ourselves if the future is
to be more fruitful than the past. Where and
how we build upon the sand might well be
discovered so that we can move out of such
a perilous situation before the testing storms
come. As an example of this willingness to
evaluate our effectiveness I suggest we ask
ourselves, Do we succeed in communicating
Christ? Do we speak the language that peo-
ple know and understand? They may rec-
ognize every word that we use, but even
where that is the case, do they know what
the thought concepts are which we attempt
to communicate to them5 What does sin
mean to the average American today? What
does salvation mean to the average person
in your community? Does our concept of
discipleship really mean anything to the peo-
ple among whom we move?
A group of frustrated seminary students
who were trying to interpret and communi-
cate Christ to a man from a far country were
simply told that he could not understand
their words, meaning, of course, their ideas.
Said these students in frustration, "Such
pagans do not exist." But they do exist, and
if we are not striking the chord in people's
hearts we should never cease to ask ourselves
why.
A Boundless Faith
To effectively release our resources requires
that we have a tremendous faith in our mes-
sage. We are vending false wares if we lack
such faith. Paul in II Cor. 3 and 4 reassures
himself and his readers that we are not of
those who traffic in the unknowns, but we
are those who are persuaded both of the Gos-
pel of Christ and of its power unto salvation.
To relay a message to our world without
any confidence as to its potential to salvation
is to be guilty of the grossest hypocrisy.
We need furthermore a tremendous faith
in God and therefore in the future. I know
of no better, way to emphasize this fact than
to share an illustration which Bishop Berg-
grav used in addressing a youth conference
in Oslo, Norway. He pointed to the tempor-
ary ceiling in the Cathedral in which the
conference was being held. He invited his
hearers to look at the low ceiling and to
sense the oppressive atmosphere, both of
which were symbolic of the whole situation
among mankind. Said he, "I wish I could
tear away this temporary ceiling which has
been here now for eleven years. I wish you
could see beyond, for there above the tempo-
rary ceiling (using it as a floor) is one of
Norway's master artists at work. In another
year you will see one of the most marvelous
and convincing portrayals ol Jesus as Lord.
We can't see it today, but we will. The
temporary ceiling will be removed and we
will discover that he was there anil working
all the while." That is faith. That is faith in
the future. That is a faith which accepts
things as they arc but has the deep, penetrat-
ing, and permeating assurance that w hen the
temporal Scaffolding is swept away, however
oppressive now may be the spiritual climate,
however low the ceiling in the world in
which we work. Cod is there. He is beyond
the scaffolding. He is beyond the temporary.
More than that, He is not only there but He
is at work all the while.
These, I believe, are the real keys for un-
locking our resources. These are the con-
siderations without which any amount of re-
sources would be a sacrifice unacceptable. 1
Give mc a man or woman who has a deep
awareness of his high calling in Christ, who
has clear vision of what the needs of his gen-
eration are, who has an unrelieved sense of
divine mission, who has a capacity to adapt
to the demand of any situation, who can learn
easily and accurately from past experience,
and who has an unmixed faith, and I will
show you a person whose purse strings and
bank accounts are under the management of
God. I will show you, too, a person whose
life is not his own, but as a Livingstone or a
Betty Stam will count his life worthy of in-
vestment only in terms of its relation to the
kingdom of God. I will show you, too. one
who is mightily constrained in a life of in-
tercession.
Men will not go, give, nor pray unless there
is an inner quality of heart and purpose. We
need organizations, we need leadership in ex-
tension and outreach, but far more than these
we require a spontaneity of spiritual dedica-
tion that involves us all. Our ultimate re-
source, our ultimate recourse, the one thing
which will revolutionize the total extension
of the church is not an army of people willing
to go to Japan, Brazil, or Uruguay, not an
extra million dollars to open new fields, but
our ultimate recourse is to the apostolate of
the laity which will place the Christian fron-
tier in the dime store where people work. It
will place the Christian frontier on the mail
route where men serve. It will place it in the
factory where for eight hours a day (what-
ever else you are doing) you interpret Jesus
Christ to men. Our problem is not too few-
part-time workers; rather it is too many part-
time Christians. "Having gifts that differ
according to the grace given to us, let us use
them."
Goshen, Ind.
Interest in Christianity Still High
in Japan
Dr. William Axling, retired Baptist mis-
sionary now acting as a traveling evangelist
for the Kyodan (National Christian Church
of Japan), has reported 432 baptisms as a re-
sult of 210 meetings held during 1953. Al-
though attendance at the meetings averaged
slightly less than in 1952, Dr. Axling believes
interest in Christianity is still high in Japan,
and cited the 2,152 decision cards which he
received to prove this. While 80 per cent of
these cards were from young people. Dr.
Axling also reported some success with the
older generation, supposedly notoriously diffi-
cult to convert. An 82-year-old was the old-
est convert resulting from the 40 special meet-
ings he held for the older age group, but
another 8 or 9 convertees were over 70. Dr.
Axling will be continuing his evangelistic
work during the coming year. — Japan Chris-
tian Activity News.
March 9, 1954
The
Mennonite
Hour
Mail Month
We are very much encouraged by the Feb-
ruary mail response. One day we received
mail from 24 states, another day 19 states.
The daily average at this writing would be
about 15 states. To share a few excerpts with
you:
From Berne, Indiana:
". . . We heard the Mennonite Hour over
WOWO after we retired. It came in clear
and we enjoyed the program so much. The
music was beautiful. What interested us is
that it was Mennonite. We are Mennonites
also. We didn't know there were Mennon-
ites in Virginia."
From Pennsylvania:
". . . My husband doesn't go to church, but
this morning when I came downstairs he
was listening to your program. . . ."
From a widow in Colorado:
"... I have been a shut-in this fall and
winter so I am not able to go to our Metho-
dist Church. I get a good deal of help from
your talks. . . ."
A nurse from Iowa writes:
"... I am a nurse working at the
Hospital and living in the nurses' home. Al-
though many nurses are indifferent about
GOSPEL HtRALD
attending church, some of them do listen to
Gospel radio programs. Several times I
have heard radios down the hall tuned to
your program. . . ."
From Chicago a mother writes:
". . . My son is interested in finding a
Christian college and our pastor told him
that there is a Christian Mennonite college
at Goshen, Indiana. If so, would you please
ask them to send him their catalogue. . . ?"
233
Radio Evangelism Committee of the General
Mission Board which met recently at Harrison-
burg, Va. Left to right: Amos Bauman, Howard
Zehr. Lewis Strite, Ernest Bennett, Sec;
B. Charles Hostetter. Richard Weaver, Lester
Hershey, guest; Truman Brunk, V.-Pres.; Har-
ley Rhodes. Not on picture: J. D. Graber,
President; John Gingrich, Jesse Martin.
Broadcast Now in North Carolina
A group of individuals in the Franconia
Conference are sponsoring a program over
WNNC, Newton, N.C., an area where mis-
sion work is now in progress under the lead-
(Continued on Page 235)
Schedule of Broadcasts of
The Mennonite Hour
Colo., Denver
D.C., Washington
Idaho, Boise
Ind., Fort Wayne
Iowa, Boone
Iowa, Boone
Iowa, Iowa City
Iowa, Waterloo
Kansas, Wichita
La., New Orleans
Mass., Boston
Md., Hagerstown
Mich., Ann Arbor
Mich., Bay City
Mich., Escanaba
Mich., Lapeer
Minn., Minneapolis
Minn., Wadena
N.Y., Patchogue
Oregon, Salem
Pa., Coudersport
Pa., Allentown
Pa., Lancaster
Pa., Montrose
Pa., Norristown
Pa., Pittsburgh
Tenn., Knoxville
Va., Harrisonburg
Va., Richmond
Vt., Brattleboro
Vt., Rutland
W. Va., Elkins
B.C., Dawson Creek
Ont, Hamilton
Ecuador, Quito
KOA
850
kc
95.7
mc
9:00
a.m.
WMAL
630
kc
107.3
mc
12 :30
p.m.
KDSH
950
kc
8:30
a.m.
WOWO
1190
kc
96.1
mc
9:00
p.m.
KFGQ
1260
kc
12 :30
p.m.
KFGQ-FM
99.3
mc
7:30
p.m.
KXIC
800
kc
4:00
p.m.
KNWS
1090
kc
1:30
p.m.
KFBI
1070
kc
2:00
p.m.
WWEZ
690
kc
1:00
p.m.
WBZ
1030
kc
92.9
mc
10:30
p.m.
WJEJ
1240
kc
104.7
mc
9:00
a.m.
WHRV
1600
kc
2:00
p.m.
WBCM
1440
kc
96.1
mc
2:00
p.m.
WDBC
680
kc
8:30
a.m.
WMPC
1230
kc
9:00
p.m.
KTIS
900
kc
4:00
p.m.
KWAD
920
kc
2:00
p.m.
WALK
1370
kc
97.5
mc
8:30
a.m.
KSLM
1390
kc
4:30
p.m.
WFRM
600
kc
12:30
p.m.
WSAN
1470
kc
99.9
me
10 :30
p.m.
WLAN
1390
kc
96.9
mc
12:30
p.m.
WPEL
1250
kc
1:30
p.m.
WNAR
1110
kc
8:00
a.m.
KDKA
1020
kc
92.9
mc
3:00
p.m.
WBIR
1240
kc
93.3
mc
7:45
a.m.
WSVA
550
kc
100.7
mc
3:00
p.m.
WRVA
1140
kc
10:30
p.m.
WTSA
1450
kc
7:30
p.m.
WHWB
1000
kc
1:30
p.m.
WDNE
1240
kc
8:30
a.m.
Sun.
Sun.
Sun.
Sun.
Sat.
Tue.
Sun.
Sun.
Sun.
Sun.
Sun.
Sun.
Sun.
Sun.
Sun.
Wed,
Sat.
Sun.
Sun.
Sun.
Sun.
Sun.
Sun.
Sun.
Sun.
Sun.
Sun.
Sun.
Sun.
Sat.
Sun.
Sun.
MST
EST
MST
CST
CST
CST
CST
CST
CST
CST
EST
EST
EST
EST
CST
EST
CST
CST
EST
PST
EST
EST
EST
EST
EST
EST
EST
EST
EST
EST
EST
EST
Canada and Foreign
C.IDC 1350 kc 9 :30 a.m.
CHML 900 kc 7 :30 a.m.
HCJB 15.1, 11.9, 9.75 mc 2 :00 a.m.
10:00 p.m.
10:15 p.m.
Sun. PST
Sun. EST
Wed. EST
Thure. EST
Wed.
Radio Ceylon
Above is the complete list of stations broadcasting The Mennonite Hour. The
stations in bold type are 50,000 watt stations which can be heard in many states. This
Schedule of Broadcasts has been printed on a convenient and attractive card. The cards
may be obtained by writing The Mennonite Hour, Box 22, Harrisonburg, Va., and they
are suitable for distribution.
Missions Editorial
Mary Has Chosen the Good Part
Jesus could get hungry. He appreciated the
physical comforts of a home. But these were
secondary needs for Him. He would much
rather talk to Mary or the Samaritan woman
or Nicodemus about spiritual verities, spirit-
ual joys.
Jesus sent His disciples out to heal the
sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast
out devils, and preach the arrival of the king-
dom of heaven. He gave Himself to a simi-
lar ministry.
When the disciples returned from their
special ministry, He took them to a desert
place apart for fellowship and prayer. Even
there the crowds found Him and He met
their needs.
But He would not be thwarted in keeping
His tryst with God. While His disciples re-
turned home across the sea at night, Jesus
went into a mountain to pray. If people de-
manded His attention from sunrise to sun-
set, He found time to pray after sundown
or before sunup.
Jesus could very easily have succumbed to
a program of service and preaching which
would have left no time for meditation and
prayer. The need in His world was suffici-
ently great to consume all of His time, but
He never allowed that to happen.
Someone has said recently that the Men-
nonite Church has very little devotional liter-
ature. We are developing a literature on
what we have done, are doing, and ought to
do as Christians living in our world, but we
have little to say about fellowship with God.
Is it possible to become so occupied with a
church program, a mission program, that
we take God for granted, that we begin to
do things in our own strength and not in the
power of God? To Jesus and the apostles
such a situation was unthinkable.
But we will need more than the example
of Jesus to save us from such a catastrophe.
We will need more than pastors and mis-
sionaries with a strong devotional life, al-
though complete faithfulness in an adequate
devotional life among those two groups of
church workers would be a tremendous pow-
er for God in the witness of the church.
We need an increasing number of Marys
throughout the "whole church, if we are to
meet the witnessing challenge of our day. An
increasing number of church members must
daily experience spiritual refreshing at the
feet of Jesus and go about their daily task
with a renewed testimony if we are to save
our society from self-destruction.
We cannot be effective either as salt or
light in our world if we miss these daily re-
newals.— L. C. Hartzler.
234
GOSPEL HERALD
March 9, 1954.
Relief and Service News
MRSC Weekly Notes
Voluntary Service
On March 3-5 the brethren, Boyd Nelson
and Mark Lehman, along with other service
organization representatives, participated in
a Service Emphasis Conference at Eastern
Mennonite College, Harrisonburg, Va.
A similar conference is being planned by
the YPCA of Hesston College, Hesston,
Kans., for March 9-12. These conferences
are designed to present various service op-
portunities to the young people.
A men's quartet from the Kansas City
Voluntary Service Unit, Kansas City, Mo., is
planning a tour of several states and part of
Canada from March 27 to April 9. An itin-
erary for this quartet is being worked out in
Indiana, Michigan, Ontario, New York,
Western Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Illinois.
I-W Services
Part of the I-W group in Cleveland, Ohio,
is assisting in the purchase of the tile floor
for the new Gladstone Mission building.
An Area Field Representatives Meeting
was held at the Prairie St. Church, Elkhart,
Ind., on March 4 and 5.
This meeting was designed to acquaint the
area field representatives who are serving
I-W men all over the country with the various
phases of the I-W program. The brethren,
Atlee Beechy and Melvin Gingerich, Goshen,
Ind.; Oswald Goering, Bloomington, Ind.;
Robert Keller, Elkhart, Ind.; B. Charles Hos-
tetter, Harrisonburg, Va.; and Miss Frances
Clemmens, Chicago, 111., discussed the vari-
ous services being offered to I-W men.
Bro. William Hallman, missionary on fur-
lough from Argentina, gave an illustrated
lecture on the evening of Feb. 27 and brought
the morning message on Feb. 28 to the I-W
group in Indianapolis, Ind.
Administrative
At the Feb. 25 meeting of MRSC sixteen
persons were recommended and approved for
service within the Voluntary Service and
I-W programs. These sixteen persons have
begun service since the last meeting held on
Dec. 3, 1953. Also, six men were approved
for service in the PAX program.
The Committee also approved enlarging
the Indian Migrant Unit in Arizona and
New Mexico up to six persons. At present
there are four service workers in this unit
bringing educational, recreational, religious,
and visiting nurse services to the Navahoes.
Bro. Robert Lehman, Harrisonburg, Va.,
was officially appointed as leader of the Vol-
untary Service Unit in Iowa City, Iowa.
Robert is a I-W man serving at the Universi-
ty Hospitals in Iowa City.
Bro. and Sister Norman Lyndaker, Cro-
ghan, N.Y., were appointed to the Volun-
tary Service Center in Elkhart, Ind. They
MISSIONS SECTION
are replacing Bro. and Sister Orie Roth, Al-
bany, Oreg., in this responsibility.
Released Feb. 26, 1954
Office for Relief and Service
Elkhart, Indiana
MCC Weekly Notes
Hospital Dedication March 14
The dedicatory message for Prairie View
Hospital, the 40-bed psychiatric treatment
center near Newton, Kans., on Sunday,
March 14, will be presented by C. N. Hos-
tetter Jr., chairman of the Mennonite Central
Committee. He has selected as his subject:
"The Master's Mandate."
Bro. Hostetter, president of Messiah Col-
lege, Grantham, Pa., will develop his subject
on the Scripture text: "as the Father hath
sent me, so send I you." The dedication ad-
dress will be presented by Dr. Milton E.
Kirkpatrick, director of the Greater Kansas
City Mental Health Foundation. His address
will be entitled: "The Social Responsibility
of Psychiatry."
See the special article on page 6 for fur-
ther details concerning the dedication of the
hospital.
European Mennonite Congregations Need
Church Halls
The resettlement and regrouping of Men-
nonite refugee families in Germany are re-
sulting in the organization of Mennonite
congregations who need church building faci-
lities to make their worship and service ac-
tivities effective. Such congregations are de-
veloping in Backnang, Enkenbach, and
Wedel where PAX men are assisting in the
construction of refugee housing. Mennonites
in Luxembourg also need help in completing
construction of a church building.
The immediate need for a church hall is
in Backnang where 226 Mennonite refugees
are living in the first 10 houses built by PAX
men. This group meets in one of the houses
which makes extremely crowded quarters for
church services. When the second 10 houses
are completed in Backnang there will be
homes for 106 families. Backnang will then
be the largest Mennonite congregation in
south Germany.
Approximately one-fourth of the present
Backnang Mennonites are children 15 years
or younger. A church building is needed to
facilitate their spiritual growth. This church
hall will not only be used by the Backnang
congregation, but also for summer Bible
school work and other services to extend the
Kingdom of God among the people of that
area. A church building will enable the
Backnang Mennonite congregation to be an
effective witness for Christ in south Ger-
many.
A fund has been opened at MCC head-
quarters in Akron, Pa., for contributions to
.issist l'luopc.tn Mennonites in the construe
tion of these church halls. There will be a
continuing need for such assistance. Men-
nonites in north Germany in the Bielefeld
area may also need such help. More informa-
tion on the need for financial help for the
building of these church halls will be pre-
sented in the coming months.
Money for these church halls can be sent
through your district conference treasurer
clearly marked for churches for European
Mennonite refugees or direct to Treasurer,
Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities,
Elkhart, Ind. Immediate contributions will
assure early construction of these urgendy-
needed facilities.
PAX Leader Sails for Europe
Dwight Wiebe, Hillsboro, Kans., sailed
from New York, Feb. 26, for Europe where
he will assume leadership responsibilities for
PAX men working in Germany and Hol-
land. He will be headquartered in the MCC
center in Frankfurt, Germany, and will be
succeeding Curtis Janzen, Henderson, Nebr.,
who will be returning to the United States.
A total of 85 men are now serving in the
PAX program. The number of men in the
nine countries in which they serve: Germany,
52; Greece, 11; Holland, 7; Jordan, 7; Korea,
4; and Egypt, France, Iraq, and Paraguay,
1 each.
Released February 26, 1954
MCC Information Service
Akron, Pa.
Women's Activities
Have you as a sewing circle president had
pleasant surprises from members of your
congregation who could not attend your
meetings because of illness in the home? A
circle president recently wrote me of an en-
couraging experience, one of these inspiring
surprises. A sister who has not been priv-
ileged to attend the sewings for some time
brought to her a box of new clothing con-
sisting of shoes, woolen knit shirts, knit caps,
mittens, dresses, and other useful items. Hav-
ing taken advantage of the January sales, the
kind sister had purchased well over fifty dol-
lars' worth of merchandise for the needy.
What joy she must have experienced!
# • •
When members of the Iowa-Nebraska dis-
trict met for their October meeting, Mrs. H.
James Martin, missionary appointee to Uru-
guay, gave an inspiring talk on "Motivations
for Faithfulness." Before giving her main
topic, Sister Martin told about plans for do-
ing mission work in this new field and also
spoke briefly about their experience in Costa
Rica while in language study.
Mrs. Mahlon Eigsti, general secretary of
WMSCO, also a guest at the district meet-
ing, spoke on "Stewardship of Our Time."
Having established the fact that much time
is wasted, Sister Eigsti explained that by
budgeting our time we can accomplish much
more.
Sister Grace Miller, recently returned re-
lief worker from Germany, encouraged the
women to write letters to our workers on the
various fields, whether they know them or
not. Sister Miller spoke of the uplift she re-
ceived from a letter written by an unknown
friend.
• • •
On Dec. 5, 1953, officers of the local cir-
cles of the Indiana-Michigan district met at
Marc/i 9, 1954
the North Goshen Church, Goshen, Ind., for
an all-day meeting. Mrs. Guy Hershberger,
district president, opened the meeting with
devotions, centering her thoughts around
parts of John 17. Sister Hershberger explained
that the world is sick and in need, that we
must acquaint ourselves with these needs and
do something about them. As Christians we
can supply that extra need by sending our
prayers with our materail aid.
Mrs. Glen Yoder, district treasurer, report-
ed on the sewing projects to which the cir-
cles contribute; Mrs. Willis Bontrager, litera-
ture secretary, emphasized the use of and
need of our circle literature; Mrs. Lloyd
Mishler, secretary of girls' work, reported on
the various projects supported by the junior-
intermediates.
At the beginning of the discussion, Orpah
Mosemann, director of the Goshen College
School of Nursing, gave an account of Nurs-
ing Education. She explained that our nurses
today need a broad knowledge of the sick,
and that Nursing Education as set up by our
church schools today is prepared to meet the
total needs of the patient. Sister Mosemann
stressed that our nursing schools need our
prayer support.
At the beginning of the afternoon session
Mrs. Pauline Schrock, district vice-president,
served as chairman for an open discussion
during which there was a lively exchange of
ideas. This period was followed by a short
address by Mrs. J. D. Graber, president of the
general organization. Presenting an over-all
picture of the work carried on by our women
and girls, and of the place they fill in the work
of the church, Sister Graber challenged her
listeners to greater service in the work of the
kingdom. — Mrs. C. L. Shank.
From Our Churches
BLOOMFIELD, MONTANA
(Bed Top Congregation)
Dear Herald Readers :
"The Lord is good to all : and his tender mer-
cies are over all his works."
We were glad to have Bro. and Sister Lark
in our midst last summer. Sister Lark gave a
message to the children and sang for us. Bro.
Lark told of their work in Chicago and gave a
message.
Our Sunday-school and church officers for
this year are as follows : Supt., Roy Mullet ;
Asst.. Clifford Kauffman ; Church Chor., Roman
Chupp; S.S. Chor.. Florence Mullet; Sec-
Treas., Elmer Johnson ; Librarian, Laura Mae
Chupp; Cor., Lena Borntrager; Church Histo-
rian, Mary Nissley ; Y.P. Supt., Earnest Mullet ;
Asst. Y.P. Supt., Rufus Nissley.
There was a joint sewing circle meeting with
the White Chapel Church in Glendive on Oct.
8.
Bro. Elmer Borntrager helped in the winter
Bible school at Loman, Minn., for three weeks
in January.
In November a number of our group attended
the Peace Conference at Minot, N. Dak., and
enjoyed the messages given.
Some of our members are away for the win-
ter attending school. Oscar Borntrager and
Ezra Miller are attending the Ontario Mennon-
ite Bible School at Kitchener; Janice Borntra-
ger is at Iowa Mennonite School, Kalona,,
Iowa ; and Jeremy, Curtis, and Sharon Dietz
are at Hesston College, Hesston, Kans.
We ask an interest in your prayers.
Lena Borntrager.
GOSPEL HERALD
EUREKA, ILLINOIS
(Roanoke Mennonite Church)
Christian Greetings:
"The Lord hath done great things for us;
whereof we are glad."
Throughout the winter we have had visiting
ministers. Bro. Alvin Becker of the Northern
Bible Society told us of his work and brought
the morning message. On Feb. 9 Frank C. Peter
of Tabor College spoke on the Holy Land Today.
Bro. Robert Harnish of Pleasant Hill gave us a
Sunday evening message.
The MYF has separate meetings every Sunday
evening. These are taught by Robert Yoder.
On the second Sunday of every month Bro.
Edgar Metzler comes from Goshen College to
bring both morning and evening messages.
The European Trainee Conference was held
at our church from Feb. 26 to 28. This was a
very interesting meeting for the trainees and
also for the public.
We ask an interest in your prayers for the
work at Roanoke.
Wilma Yoder.
FISHER. ILLINOIS
(East Bend Congregation)
Sunday, Feb. 14, was an inspirational and
enjoyable day for both the radio personnel of
"The Gospel for Today" and the capacity crowd
at the East Bend Church. A Radio Rally was
held in observance of the third anniversary of
"The Gospel for Today" to give the listening
constituency an opportunity to become acquaint-
ed with the program and with the Mennonite
Church. _
Pastors Richard Martin, Elida, Ohio, and
Kenneth G. Good, Morton, 111., were the guest
speakers. In the afternoon service Bro. Good
said, "It is impossible to tabulate all the results
of 'The Gospel for Today.' Only eternity will
reveal them. The Lordship of the Anointed One
has been the central theme of the program."
Joe Massanari, member of the radio council
and promotional assistant, told how the broad-
cast operates. He emphasized, as did the other
speakers,, that the main medium is by and
through prayer.
We enjoyed hearing the music by the different
quartets who contribute to "The Gospel for To-
day." They are Schrock Brothers' Quartet and
Sc'hrock-Noe Quartet, Metamora, 111. ; Springer-
Birky Quartet, Hopedale, 111.; Messengers'
Quartet. Flanagan, 111.; Men's Quartet and
Mixed Quartet, East Bend, Fisher, 111.
This is a weekly broadcast under the direction
of Bro. Howard J. Zehr, Fisher, 111., pastor of
the East Bend Church. It began as a 15-minute
program released over station WIRL, Peoria,
111., on Feb. 11, 1951, and was extended to a
30-minute program on Oct. 7, 1951. At that time
Bro. Zehr was pastor of the mission in Peoria.
The Lord blessed this venture of faith and to-
day "The Gospel for Today" is being released
over the following Illinois stations :
WIRL (1290) Peoria, 8:30-9:00 a.m., Sunday
WRMN (1410) Elgin, 8:30-9:00 a.m., Sunday
WDWS (1400) Champaign,
9:00-9:30 a.m. Sunday
WVLN (740) Olney, 1:00-1:30 p. m., Saturday
The purpose of this broadcast is to present
the Gospel of Jesus Christ to those who do not
know Him, to help Christians grow in grace,
and to minister to shut-ins who find it impos-
sible to attend a place of public worship. Will
you join us in prayer for "The Gospel for To-
day"? ■ .
Edna Springer.
LEONARD, MISSOURI
(Mt. Pisgah Congregation)
Greetings in Jesus' precious name :
"I was glad when they said unto me, Let us
go into the house of the Lord" (Psalm 122:1).
On Oct. 7 Bro. and Sister John Miller Yoder
were here from Parnell, Iowa. Bro. Yoder gave
an evening message in place of our regular
prayer meeting. Our souls were spiritually fed
■also from Oct. 15 to 25 by Frank Raber, our
evangelist from Kansas City, Mo. On Oct. 25
we had our communion services. Bro. and Sister
Earl Yeackley and daughter from Thurman,
Colo., were with us and Bro. Yeackley helped
with the serving of communion.
On Nov. 1 we had a Sunday-school meeting in
the morning and in the afternoon the dedication
of our remodeled church building.
On Thanksgiving Day we had a prayer and
praise service conducted by our pastor, and on
Dec. 21 a Gospel team from Hesston College
gave an inspiring Christmas program.
235
Bro. Marcus Lind, Salem, Oreg., brought the
message on the evening of Dec. 29.
Correspondent.
WAKARUSA, INDIANA
(Holdeman Congregation)
Dear Readers :
"The Lord is good to all." During the past
several months He has been pouring out His
spiritual blessings on our congregation in many
ways.
The A Cappella Chorus from Goshen College
was with us some time ago and thrilled us with
the power of God in song.
Our Bible school was well attended with an
average attendance of 110, although there were
a number of other schools in the community.
Several men and women helped with the work
at the Caney Creek, Ky., mission home for a
number of weeks during the summer. Later
Bro. and Sister Wayne Wenger, who are the
workers there, were with us for a service.
Bernice and Primrose Smeltzer assisted with
Bible school work at several places in Michigan.
Sister Primrose is now in Voluntary Service at
Kansas City, Mo.
Among the visiting ministers and missionaries
the past few months were Bro. and Sister John
Koppenhaver, on furlough from Argentina ; Bro.
Maurice Long, from the mission at Osceola ;
Floyd Seiber, on furlough from South America ;
Elno Steiner, Elkhart ; Verle Hoffman, Elkhart ;
and Bro. and Sister Jonathan Yoder, on fur-
lough from India.
Bro. and Sister Gingerich, our pastor and
wife, were at the Mennonite Gospel Center, In-
dianapolis, Ind., for the morning service some
time ago.
The Sunday-school meeting of Olive and Elk-
hart and their mission outposts met with our
congregation. The evening message was brought
by Daniel Stoltzfus, pastor of the Hudson Lake
Mission.
The Youth Team, consisting of James Det-
wiler, Ruth Gunden, Paul Shank, and Winifred
Mumaw, spent a week end with the youth of
our church. The Sunday evening message was
brought by Richard Burkholder.
Bro. Jesse Short, Archbold, Ohio, spoke and
showed pictures of the work of the MCC at the
Wakarusa High School in September.
Bro. J. D. Graber was our evangelist Oct. 4-
11. One young man accepted Christ.
A farewell service was given for Bro. and
Sister Warren Shaum, who left to take up their
duties in the church at Brethren, Mich. We
pray the Lord may bless them richly in their
work at that place.
The following officers were elected at our
last business meeting : Trustee for three years,
Robert Gongwer ; Mission Board Member, For-
rest Metzler ; Assistant Mission Board Member,
Everett Freed ; Ushers, Lomar Stahly, Nelson
Gongwer, Paul Weldy, and Wendell Yoder ;
Publishing House Agent, Lomar Stahly ; Cor-
respondent, Edna Yoder.
Again we thank God for His goodness and
great love.
Edna Yoder.
THE MENNONITE HOUR (Continued)
ership of Clayton Godshall. The time of
this broadcast is Sunday at 5:00 p.m. and is
found at 1230 on the dial.
WOWO Fort Wayne
The Mennonite Hour will not be heard on
WOWO Fort Wayne on March 14 because
of a previous priority contract. It will be
heard regularly each Sunday thereafter at
9:00 p.m. CST (10:p.m. EST) 1190 on the
dial.
Kishacoquillas Valley and Vicinity
Since KDKA is not coming into this area
too well, it was requested that the program
should be released over WKVA, Lewistown.
The Mennonite Hour will be heard each
Sunday beginning March 7 on WKVA,
Lewistown (920 kc) at 2:00 p.m.
236
GOSPEL HERALD
March p, 1954
The Fortieth Annual Meeting
Eastern Mennonite Board of Missions and
Charities
ELIZABETHTOWN MENNONITE CHURCH
March 9-11, 1954
THEME: "Upon this rock I will build my
church" (Matt. 1G:18).
Tuesday, 9:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Bimonthly Meeting of the Eastern Mennonite
Board of Missions and Charities. The brother-
hood is invited and encouraged to attend these
sessions.
Wednesday, 9:30 a.m.
Devotional Period (Eph. 2:11-22)
■ — Noah Hershey
Missionary Sermon — Clarence Lutz
Laying Foundations in Honduras
— George Miller
A Church Grows in Sicily ■ — Truman lirunk
Wednesday, 1:00 p.m.
Devotional Period (Eph. 2:11-22)
— Noah Hershey
Annual Reports
The Church Ministers to Physical Need
— Boyd Nelson
The Nature of the Church — Truman Brunk
Wednesday, 7:00 p.m.
Devotional Period (Eph. 2:11-22)
— Noah Hershey
The Church and I-W Service — Boyd Nelson
Planting the Church in Rural Pennsylvania
and New York — Melviu Kauffman
The Church in Puerto Rico — Lester Hershey
Thursday, 9:00 a.m.
Devotional Period (Eph. 2:11-22)
— Noah Hershey
Trustees of God's Gifts — Urie O. Miller
Building the City Church — Prank Enek
The Growing Church in Tanganyika
— Simeon Hurst
Thursday, 1:00 pjn.
Devotional Period
Foreign Mission Annual Reports
Testimonies of Furloughed and Appointed
Missionaries
Consecration Service
"And when they had fasted and prayed, and
laid their hands on them, they sent them
away." — Paul Miller
Thursday, 7:00 p.m.
Devotional Period (Eph. 2:11-22)
— Noah Hershey
Building the Church at Home
— Martin Lehman
The Witness of a Spiritual Brotherhood
— Paul Miller
MISSION NEWS (Continued)
Bro. B. Charles Hostetter, pastor of The
Mennonite Hour radio broadcast, spoke in
the following churches in Elkhart County,
Ind., March 6, 7: Saturday evening, March 6,
Holdcman Mennonite Church, Wakarusa,
Ind.; Sunday morning, March 7, North Go-
shen Mennonite Church; Sunday evening,
March 7, East Goshen Mennonite Church.
Three students of Goshen College repre-
senting three mission fields will give the Mis-
sionary Day program at the Rosclavvn Men-
nonite Church, Elkhart, Ind., on Sunday eve-
ning, March 21: Virgil Vogt, Bihar, India;
Anita Swartzentruber, Argentina; and Caro-
lyn Weaver, M.P., India.
The Executive Committee of the General
Mission Hoard at the Feb. 22 meeting ap-
proved plans submitted by the Puerto Rico
Executive Committee for the enlargement
of the Bctania School building at Pulguillas
at a cost of up to $(i,000 to take care of the
expanding program. It also approved the
purchase of three lots at Mathis, Texas, for
the expanding mission-service program there.
FIELD NOTES (Continued)
Johnstown Bible School Chorus at Beech
Church, Louisville, Ohio, Sunday evening,
March 28.
All-day meeting at Black Oak Ridge
Church, Hancock, Md., March 21, with Har-
ry Y. Shetler, Davidsville, Pa., Andrew
Jantzi, Manila, N.Y., as visiting speakers.
Bro. and Sister T. K. Hershey, Goshen,
Ind., at the Holdeman Church, Wakarusa,
Ind., Sunday forenoon and afternoon,
March 14.
Visiting Speakers
Feb. 14. Amish ministers who took part in
the Pinecraft Church Sarasota, Fla., services
during this week were: Eli Bontrager, Ship-
shewana, Ind.; Melvin E. Troyer, Sugarcreek.
Ohio; David Miller, Thomas, Okla.; Daniel
S. Bontrager, Goshen, Ind.; and Abram J.
Yoder, Hartville, Ohio. J. C. Clemens, Lans-
dale, Pa., at deaf service, Mellingers, Lan-
caster, Pa.
Feb. 21. Abram Risser, Manheim, Pa.;
Russel S. Zeager, Phares Z. Longenecker,
Middletown, Pa., at Pinecraft, Sarasota, Fla.
Perry Blosser, South English, la., at Orrville,
Ohio. Etril Leinbach, Moorepark, Mich., at
Clinton Frame, Goshen, Ind.
Feb. 28. Dr. Jonathan Yoder, missionary
to India, at Walnut Creek, Ohio, in the eve-
ning. Harry Saulnier, Pacific Garden Mis-
sion, Chicago, 111., at Yellow Creek, Goshen,
Ind. Jess Kauffman, Colorado Springs, Colo.,
at Lower Deer Creek, Kalona, Iowa.
March 7. S. M. King, India missionary, at
Pleasant Hill, Smithville, Ohio.
Evangelistic Meetings
J. Irvin Lehman, Chambersburg, Pa., at
Strasburg, Lancaster Co., Pa., March 14-28.
Urie Bender, Baden, Ont., at Johnstown, Pa.,
Mission, April 22 to May 7. Mervin Baer,
Carlisle, Pa., at Good's Church, near Eliza-
bethtown, Pa., March 13-24. B. Charles Hos-
tetter, Harrisonburg, Va., at Worcester, Pa.,
March 11-18. John C Wenger, Goshen, Ind.,
at Elmwood, Kendallville, Ind., beginning
March 1.
Grace for Seed Sowing
By Edna Beiler
Christ, Thou light of lights
(Essence of growing),
Quicken to urgent life
Seed of my sowing.
Breathe lightly, till this loam
Softens to greening.
Breathe lightly till fruit hangs
Heavy for gleaning.
And come, divinest Guest,
At dusk or dawning.
May beauty from Thy breath
Tempt Thy returning.
May no neglect of mine
Hasten Thy going.
Oh, bless abundantly
Seed of my sowing!
Reading, Pa.
World Conformity
Opposition! It is a bad sign for the Chris-
tianity of this day that it provokes so lirde |
opposition. If there were no other evidence
of it being wrong, I should know it from
that. When the church and the world can
jog along comfortably together, you may be
sure that there is something wrong. The
world has not altered. Its spirit is exactly
the same as it ever was, and if Christians
were equally faithful and devoted to the
Lord and separated from the world, living
so that their lives were a reproof to all un-
godliness, the world would hate them as J*
much as ever it did. It is the church that
has altered, not the world.
You say, "We should be getting into end-
less turmoil." Yes, "I came not to bring
peace on the earth, but a sword" (Matt.
10:34). There would be an uproar. Yes; and
the Acts of the Apostles are full of stories of
uproars. One uproar was so great that the
chief captain had to get Paul over the
shoulders of the people, lest he should have
been torn in pieces. Acts 21. "What a com-
motion!" you say. Yes; and bless God, if we
had the like now we should have thousands
of sinners saved. Acts 2:41. — Catherine
Booth.
Superfluous and diaphanous materials are
the proof of a weak mind, covering as they
do the shame of the body with a slender veil.
For luxurious clothing, which cannot conceal
the shape of the body, is no more a covering.
For such clothing falling close to the body,
takes its form more easily, and adhering as
it were to the flesh, receives its shape, and
marks out the woman's figure, so that the
whole make of the body is visible to spec-
tators, though not seeing the body itself. . . .
I admire the Ceian sophist, who delineated
like and suitable images of Virtue and Vice,
representing the former of these, viz., Virtue,
standing simply, white-robed and pure,
adorned with modesty alone (for such ought
to be the true wife, dowered with modesty).
But the other, viz.. Vice, on the contrary,
he introduces dressed in superfluous attire,
brightened up with color not her own; and
her gait and mein are depicted as studiously
framed to give pleasure, forming a sketch of
wanton women. ... In the fashioning of
our clothes, we must keep clear of all strange-
ness, so in the use of them we must beware
of extravagance. For neither is it seemly for
the clothes to be above the knee, as they say
was the case with the Lacedaemonian vir-
gins; nor is it becoming for any part of a
woman to be exposed. — (Chapter 11), from
Clement of Alexandria.
We are living in the post-Christian era,
and we cannot presuppose that the man of
the street knows the elements of the Chris-
tian faith.— Paul M. Miller.
March 9, 1954
BIRTHS
'Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord" (Ps. 127:^a)
Albrecht. Johu and Betty (King), Sebewaing,
Mich., second daughter, Suzanne B., Jan. 25,
1954
Bender. John and Elizabeth (Nisly), Gulf port,
Miss., second child, Dorothy Fern, Feb. 11, 1954.
Birkey, Joseph Lee and Virginia (Bute), Man-
ion, Iowa, second daughter. Donna Jean, Feb.
20. 1951.
Charles. Abram H. and Ruth (Keller), Lan-
caster, Pa., first child, Carol Anne, Feb. 21,
1954.
Chupp, Roman and Laura Mae (Summers),
Bloomfield. Mont., second child, a daughter,
Anita Irene, Dec. 18, 1953.
Eash, Floyd and Jean (Eicher), Burr Oak,
Mich., second son, Eldon Leon, Feb. 10, 1954.
Fox, Willis and Vera (Wise), New Holland,
Pa., fifth child, second son, Willis W., Jan. 3,
1954.
Freeman. Walter and Alice (Seawright),
Culp. Ark., seventh child, fifth daughter, Ruth
Arlene, Feb. 13. 1954.
Freyenberger, Edward and Irene (Good), Mt.
Pleasant, Iowa, third child, first son, Keith
Allen, Feb. 2, 1954.
Gerber, Orris and Esther (Taylor), Dalton,
Ohio, third daughter, Cheryl LuDonna, Dec. 31,
1953.
Good, James and June (Sherfy), Nampa,
Idaho, 6econd child, first son, Kenneth Abraham,
Dec. 18. 1953.
Graber. Albert and Edna (Chupp), ,
Ind., a daughter, Debra Yvonna, Dec. 25, 1953.
Hershberger, Elmer J. and Sara (Bontrager),
Sarasota, Fla., fifth child, James Lee, Feb. 10,
1954.
Hershberger, John and Grace (Bontrager),
Kansas City, Mo., first child, Geneva Ann, Feb.
15. 1954.
Horst, Stanley and Mary (Horst), Mason and
Dixon, Pa., second daughter, Ella Rose, Feb. 14,
1954.
Hostetler. Lloyd and Kathryn (Nissley),
Bloomfield. Mont., fourth child, first son, Larry
Jay, Jan. 15. 1954.
Hostetler. Robert and Christine (Sturgis),
Bloomfield, Mont., first child, Steven Robert,
Nov. 13. 1953.
Hostetler, Andy and Ruth (Kropf), Tampico,
111., third son, Myron Dale, Feb. 11, 1954.
Hostetler. Bennie and Ruth (Miller), Anna-
wan. 111., a daughter, Susie Ann, Feb. 3, 1954.
Janzen, Samuel and Lila Mae (King), Greens-
burg, Kans., sixth child, fourth daughter, Re-
II becca Joy, Jan. 25, 1954.
Keener. Robert and Florence (Weaver),
Tarime, Tanganyika, Africa, fourth child, sec-
ond daughter, Deborah Sue, Feb. 7, 1954.
Lind. Wilbert and Rhoda (Hess), Somaliland,
I Africa, second child, first daughter, Marian Ma-
j rie. Feb. 14. 1954.
Longenecker, Phares. Jr., and Anna Ruth
i (Bair), Elizabethtown, Pa., fourth daughter,
1 Feme Elaine, Jan. 31, 1954.
Martin. Nelson and Mary Elizabeth (Yoder),
Nappanee, Ind.. second daughter, Barbara Jean,
i Jan. 24. 1954.
Mast. Lloyd and Edith (Mast), Elverson, Pa.,
first child. Sharon Louise. Feb. 10, 1954.
H. Meek. Howard and Helen (Roth), Archbold.
fOhio. first child. Dorthy Sue, Jan. 29, 1954.
Mever. Dean and Doris (Eigsti), Wayland,
Iowa, third child, first daughter, Kathryn Jean,
! Feb. 5. 1954. _ „
Miller. Paul W. and Leta (Brenneman), Well-
| man. Iowa, third child. Donald Keith, Jan. 14,
1 1954.
I Moyer. Mark and Betty (Augsburger). Quak-
ertown. Pa., a son. Timothy William, Dec. 11,
1953.
Nolt. Ivan M. and Anna (Weaver), Bareville,
Fa., second son. James Kenneth. Feb. 15, 1954.
Paul. Milford and Winifred (Erb). Scottdale.
Pa., fifth child, third son, Gregory Erb. Feb. 27,
1954.
Petersheim. Elam and Lois (Stoltzfus), Elver-
sun. Pa., first child, a daughter, Sheryl Marie,
Jan. 18. 1954.
Ramseyer. Oliver and Inez (Gerber), Tavi-
stock. Ont., first child, a daughter, Bonnie
Marie. Dec. 21. 1953.
Reeder. Harrv and Mary Anna (Jones), Mo-
lalla, Or<-g.. third child, first daughter, Marlene
Kay, Feb. 12, 1954.
GOSPEL HERALD
Rohrer. Wilmer D. and Arlene (Neff), Lan-
caster, Pa., fourth child, Glenn Wilmer, Feb. 3,
1954
Roth, Clarence, Jr., and Carol (Wolfe), Way-
land, Iowa, first child, Gary David, Feb. 20,
1954
Roth, Ray and Edna (Reschly), Wayland,
Iowa, fourth son, Reynolds Lee, Jan. 27, 1954.
Roth. Wilfred, and Jean (Ruby), Bright,
Ont., first child, Thomas David, Feb. 7, 1954.
Ruby, Roy and Margaret (Gerber), Kitchen-
er, Ont., first child, Peggy Lynn, Dec. 29, 1953.
Schrock, Harry and Joy (Hooley), Ontario,
Calif., first child, Harry Joe, Feb. 9, 1954.
Seiler. Ralph and Delilah (Liechty), Auburn,
Ind., fifth son, Ralph Allen, Feb. 20, 1954.
Sensenig, Melvin G. and Margaret W.
(Hurst), New Holland, Pa., first child, Arlene,
Dec. 24. 1953. „, 4
Sommer, Otto L. and Lillian (Wenger), New-
ton, Kans., sixth child, second son, Gerald Keith,
Feb. 10. 1954. ,
Stutzman, David and Erma (Swartzentruber I.
Holmesville, Ohio, sixth child, Jesse Dean, Feb.
13. 1954.
Zimmerman, John R. and Doris (Fox), Lititz,
Pa., first child. Nancy Jane, Dec. 9, 1953.
MARRIAGES
May the blessings of God be upon the homes
established by the marriages here listed. A yea.r's
subscription to the GOSPEL HERALD is given to those
whose address is supplied by the officiating minister.
Burkholder — Zimmerman. — Ivan Z. Burkhold-
er, Ephrata, Pa., and Irene M. Zimmerman,
Lititz, Pa., bv Warren S. Good at his home,
Feb. 21. 1954.
Harnish — Haverstick. — A. Thomas Harnish,
New Danville congregation, Lancaster, Pa., and
Joanne K. Haverstick, Byerland congregation,
Willow Street, Pa., by Henry W. Nauman at the
home of the bride, Feb. 24, 1954.
Sensenig — Lefever, — Irvin Jay Sensenig, Mar-
tindale. Pa., congregation, and Gladys M. Lefev-
er, Millersville, Pa., congregation, by C. K. Leh-
man at the home of the bride, Feb. 17, 1954.
Swartzendruber — E ichelberge r. — J o h n P.
Swartzendruber and Anita Eichelberger by
Simon Gingerich at the Sugar Creek Church,
Wavland, Iowa, Feb. 21, 1954.
Wolf — Kreider.— Jay Wolf and Esther Krei-
der, both of the New Danville congregation,
Lancaster, Pa., by Henry W. Nauman at the
church. Dec. 19. 1953.
AJVNIVERSARIES
Hursh. — John and Ivy Hursh, Red Lion, Pa.,
observed their fiftieth wedding anniversary
Tuesday, Feb. 2, 1954. They are the first mem-
bers of the Stony Brook Mennonite Church to
celebrate their golden wedding anniversary.
They are the parents of five children, three
daughters and two sons. One son is deceased.
They have 13 grandchildren and 8 great-grand-
children.
OBITUARIES
May the sustaining grace and comfort of our Lord
bless these who are bereaved.
Andrews, Lydia Ann, daughter of the late
John Dave and Mary (Grove) Andrews, was
born near Staunton, Va., May 24, 1879; passed
away at her home near Waynesboro, Va., Jan.
21, 1954; aged 74 y. 7 m. 28 d. At the age of
sixteen she moved to the farm near Waynesboro,
where she spent the remainder of her life. She
is survived by 3 nieces and 3 nephews, and also
the caretaker of the farm, Harry Arnold, who
with his family made their home with her for
a number of years. Her only brother preceded
237
her in death ten years ago. Fifty-five years ago
she united with and remained a faithful member
of the Springdale Mennonite Church, from
which place funeral services were held Jan. 24,
in charge of J. R. Driver and Charles Grove.
Berkey, Edward J., son of the late Joshua
and Christina (Blough) Berkey, was born
March 16, 1874, in Middlebury, Ind. ; passed
away at his home in Harrisonburg, Va., Feb.
15, 1954; aged 79 y. 10 m. 30 d. He suffered
a paralytic stroke six years ago and had since
been an invalid. On Feb. 7, 1954, he suffered
another stroke, from which he never recovered.
He was left an orphan at the age of four
years. He attended Mt. Morris College, Mt.
Morris, 111., and the Moody Bible Institute of
Chicago. He was associated with the Chicago
Home Mission for several years, prior to mov-
ing to Warrenton, Va., where he was ordained
to the ministry in 1902. In 1914 he went into
the evangelistic field and traveled extensively
throughout the United States and Canada. He
made his home at Oronogo, Mo., for 36 years
prior to moving to Park View in July, 1952.
He possessed a kind and pleasant personality,
and this combined with a deep religious under-
standing, character, and convictions won for
him respect and admiration of all with whom
he came in contact. He delivered over six
thousand sermons during his ministry.
Bro. Berkey was twice married. His first
wife, the former Mary Rhodes, whom he mar-
ried on Jan. 27, 1896, preceded him in death on
Dec. 6, 1913. On Dec. 30, 1915, he married
Mary Shenk who survives him. Besides his wife,
he is survived by 12 children (Elmer R., Sheri-
dan Oreg. ; Ruth— Mrs. J. J. Hostetter, Park
View Va. ; Esther — Mrs. Martin Weaver, Go-
shen ' Ind. ; Martha— Mrs. Ralph Smith, Orono-
go Mo. ; Bertha — Mrs. Norman Wenger, Lan-
caster, Pa. ; Marietta Berkey, Wooster, Ohio ;
Mabel— Mrs. Robert W. Martin, Elsie, and
Janet, of Park View ; Ruby— Mrs. George Reno
and Bernice — Mrs. Harry Reno, Jr., both of
Akers, La.; and Earl A., Kansas City, Kans.),
28 grandchildren, and 25 great-grand children.
A daughter (Mrs. Ethel Buerge) died on Feb.
23, 1947. Two brothers and two sisters also
preceded him in death.
Funeral services were held 1 eb. lo, trom
the Eastern Mennonite College Chapel in Park
View The brethren Harold Eshleman and
Timothy Showalter conducted the services at
the church. Burial was made in the Lindale
Mennonite Church cemetery near Edom with
John R. Mumaw in charge.
Erb, Linda Ruth, was the daughter of Amos
R. and Ruth Garber Erb, Sheridan, Pa. She
was instantly transplanted by the heavenly
Gardner as she ran out on the road in front ot
an oncoming car Feb. 20, 1954. In her five and
one-half years she had endeared herself to
many folk. She often sang songs of heaven and
living with Jesus — the words and tunes being
original. A good while ago she gave her heart
to God. She longed for the time to come when
she would be old enough to understand and re-
ceive the rite of baptism. Her parents, her
sister (Mary Alice), brothers (David and Har-
ry) will miss her as well as her half brother and
sisters (Martin, Lititz, Pa.; Elizabeth, India;
Mable, Scottdale, and Anne, Philadelphia). Serv-
ices were conducted at the Gingrich s Church
with Bishop Simon G. Bucher in charge. Burial
was made in the adjoining cemetery.
Fulmer, George E., son of George and — —
Fulmer, was born Jan. 1, 1868, in Chester Co.,
Pa.; passed away Sept. 14, 1953 at Mont-
gomery Hospital, Norristown, Pa.; aged 85 y._ 8
m 13" (1. At the age of 77 he accepted Christ
as his Saviour and united with the Worcester
Mennonite Church. He was much interested in
the work of the church and attended when
health permitted. He was married to Kathryn
Jacobs, who died 25 years ago. One of his
last testimonies was that he still rejoiced in
Christ his Saviour and was thankful that God
spared him until he made preparation to meet
Him. His only survivors are 3 nieces and I
nephews. Funeral services were held at Wor-
cester Mennonite Church and burial was made
in the Great Valley Presbyterian Cemetery
where his wife's body rested. AH services were
in charge of Paul Clemens.
Hostetler, Harley Hilbert, youngest son of
Simon G. and Pearl Kropf Hostetler was born
in Clackamas Co., Ore., June 20, 1920; died
at his home near Aurora, Oreg., Dec 27, lVt&.i ,
a^ed 33 y. 6 m. 7 d. He united with the Z1011
Mennonite Church in his youth and remained
faithful to his Lord until death. On Oct A,
1942 he was married to Ruth Berkey of Hub-
bard Oreg. To this union were born 3 chil-
dren! One daughter (Roxanne) and two broth-
ers preceded him in death. Surviving are his
238
GOSPEL HERALD
March g, 1954
companion, one daughter (Judith Pearl, 10),
one son (Randall, 5), his father and mother, 2
sisters and one brother (Feme — Mrs. Ben Kauff-
man, Nettie P., and Leslie, all of Aurora), a
grandmother (Mrs. Geo. Hostetler, Albany,
Oreg. ), 4 nieces, 3 nephews, one great-nephew,
and a host of other relatives and friends. In
1944 he united with the Calvary Mennonite
Church of Barlow, Greg., and served there un-
til death. Paul N. Roth officiated at the funeral
services at the Canby Funeral Home. Inter-
ment was made in the Zion Mennonite Ceme-
tery, near Hubbard, Oreg.
King, Susa Gail., daughter of Joe, and Clara
King, Roanoke, 111., was born Jan. 2, 195 J;
passed away Feb. 8, 1954 ; aged 1 m. G d. She
was ill only eight hours when the Lord called
her home. Surviving are her parents and grand-
parents (Mr. and Mrs. Joseph King, Goodfield,
111., and Mrs. Thelma Laurence). Funeral
services were held at Vincent Funeral Home,
Roanoke, 111., with Ezra B. Yordy officiating.
Burial was made in the church cemetery.
Long, Julia Catherine, daughter of the late
Rosetta Burns and George Hedriek of Onego,
W. Va., was born March 19, 1891 ; departed
this life Jan. 5, 1954; aged G2 y. 9 m. 21 d.
She had been suffering from heart trouble for
about two years. She was a faithful member of
the Mennonite Church for more than 20 years.
She was united in marriage to Strife Ira Long
on March 17, 1911. To this union were born 0
daughters and 4 sons. Surviving are her hus-
band, 5 daughters (Rosie, Hatfield, Pa.; Nora,
Dayton, Va. ; Ella — Mrs. Oliver Mawery, Har-
man, W. Va. ; Nanna and Lettie, at home), 4
sons (Lenza and Gerald of Dryfork ; Kelly, at
home; and Russel, Petersburg, W. Va.), 9
grandchildren, and a brother-in-law (James)
who has made his home with them for several
years. Funeral services were held at River-
side Mennonite Church, Jan. 7, conducted by
Paul Good and Oliver Keener. She was laid
to rest in Bennet Cemetery near Dryfork, W.
Va.
McCann, Jennie, daughter of John and Mary
(Strunk) McCann, was born at Chester, Pa.;
passed away Sept. 28, 1953, at Bernhard Nurs-
ing Home, near Norristown, Pa. ; aged 93 y.
7 m. 22 d. As Jennie was the last of the fami-
ly, the only remaining relatives are four nieces.
She was never married and failed to decide
life's most important question until on her sick-
bed on Feb. 28, 1950, at which time she was
baptized and united with the Worcester Men-
nonite Church. Friends never expected Jennie
to recover from her illness, but the Lord al-
lowed her to prove her decision for Christ, that
it does change the heart and life. After her
conversion she was very calm, patient, and
always smiling. Funeral and burial services
were in charge of Paul R. Clemens.
Mast, Moses, stillborn son of Levi W. and
Miriam (Stoltzfus) Mast, was born Jan. 22,
1954, at Oley, Pa. Surviving are his parents,
0 brothers and 5 sisters, all at home, and one
grandmother (Mattie Mast, Nnrvon, Pa.). Brief
services were held at the home in charge of
Omar A. Kurtz, with interment in the Oley
Mennonite Cemetery.
Neuhauser. Amos E., son of Christian and
Mary Sarin Neuhauser, was born near Morton,
111., Sept. 27, 1883; passed away at his resi-
dence Feb. 7, 1954; aged 70 y. 5 m. 10 d.
He was united in marriage to Katherine M.
Ilouseholter on Dee. 0, 1904, near Eureka, 111.
To this union were born one son and four
daughters. Surviving him are his wife, one
son (Tillman, of Eureka), 4 daughters (Ruth —
Mrs. Lee Stnlter, of Eureka ; Ann — Mrs. George
Smucker, of Gibson City; Esther — Mrs. Harold
Schrock, of Roanoke; and Martha — Mrs. John
Pappas, of Eureka), 13 grandchildren, one
great grandchild, and one brother (John, of
Eureka, 111.). He united with the Mennonite
Church as a young man and was n faithful
member to the end. He was a Sunday-school
teacher for many years until ill health forced
him from active teaching. Funeral services
were held nt the Roanoke Mennonite Church
Feb. 10, with Ezra Yordy officiating.
Nolt. IJzy.ie. daughter of the late John K
and Lizzie (Hartman) Huber, was born June 28,
1890. In Warwick Township, Pa.'! died Feb,
17, 1951. in the Lancaster General Hospital
where she had been a patient for over two
weeks; aged 03 y. 7 in. 21 d. Her husband,
Amos Noah Nolt. died a number of years ago
Two children also preceded her in death. Sin
viving are one son (Elmer, BowmauRvllle, Pa.),
2 brothers (John, Lancaster, and Alu-nn. Wil-
low Street. Pa.), and a sister (Katie Fetter,
Bowinansville) . She had been an Invalid for
many years. She was a member of tin' Bow
mansville Mennonite Church. Services were
held at the Groffdale Mennonite Church by
Benjamin Weaver and Paul Z. Martin. Inter-
ment was made in the adjoining cemetery.
Schertz, Henry K.. .-on of the late Peter and
Magdalene (Esch) Schertz, was born Feb. 24,
188(1. at the Schertz homestead near Washing-
ton, III. At the age of 15 he accepted Christ
as his personal Saviour, and on Oct. 15, 1901.
he was baptized and united with the Metamora
Mennonite Church, to which he remained faith-
ful until the end. On June 10. 1900, he was
united in marriage to Martha Imhoff of Low-
point, who preceded him in death on May 12,
1947. On April 17. 1951, he was united in mar-
riage to Ruth Springer, Hopedale, 111. He be-
came ill while visiting in Florida, but seemed
to be recovering satisfactorily. Upon arriving
at home, he became seriously ill and was rushed
to the Methodist Hospital where he peacefully
passed away Feb. 9, 1954, aged 67 y. 11 m. 17 d.
He leaves to mourn his departure his wife, 4
sons (Floyd, Russell. Robert, and Donald), 10
grandchildren, 2 brothers (Manuel of Washing-
ton; and William of Eureka), and 4 sisters
I Mrs. Emma Schertz of Metamora ; Mrs. Anna
Schertz and Mrs. Alma Smith of Eureka ; and
Mrs. Matilda Yoder of Goshen, Ind.).
At an early age he became actively engaged
in the work of the Sunday school where he
served as superintendent for some time. He
was ordained to the ministry on Feb. 5, 1917.
Having a desire to further prepare himself for
the ministry, he attended the Bethany Bible
School four years, during which time he served
as superintendent of the Chicago Mennonite
Home Mission. He moved back to the farm
where he spent the remaining years of his life,
serving as pastor of the Metamora Mennonite
Church. On April G, 1941, he wa6 ordained as
bishop. He was actively engaged in the ministry
for 37 years. He served on the Executive Com-
mittee of the Mennonite Board of Missions anil
Charities for a number of years, on the Men-
nonite Board of Education for 28 years, during
which time he was president for five years. In
the fall of 1947 he was elected as assistant
moderator of General Conference. He also served
as moderator of the Illinois Conference at var-
ious times. His primary interest was in the
Christian welfare of his children and grandchil-
dren, and the spiritual growth of his congrega-
tion. Funeral services at the home on Feb. 12
were in charge of Ezra Yordy and Ben Esch.
Services were held at the Metamora Mennonite
Church with LeRoy Kennel, Jesse Short, San-
ford C. Yoder, and A. C. Good participating.
Six bishops from the conference served as pall-
bearers. Burial was made in the Hickory Point
Cemetery.
Swinehart, Hilda, daughter of Ira C. and Mae
Shoup, was born July 9, 1910, near Dalton.
Ohio; died after a brief illness at the Mercv
Hospital,^ Canton, Ohio, Feb. G. 1954. aged 43
y. 0 in. 27 d. She was a graduate of the Orrville
High School and of the Massillon City Hos-
pital School of Nursing. She lived all of her
life in the vicinity of Orrville, Ohio. On Oct.
12, 1933, she was united in marriage to .Olen
Swinehart. They were blessed with two daugh-
ters (Marilyn, a sophomore at Goshen College,
and Elaine, at home, a senior in the Apple Creek
High Seho(d). Besides her husband and daugh-
ters, sin' is survived by her stepfather and
mother (Hayes and Mae Adams) 2 brothers
(Lee, of Orrville, and Irvin, of Ashland, Ohio)
and 2 stepbrothers (Albert Adams, of Mansfield,
anil Bar! Adams, of Port Clinton. Ohio). She
was preceded in death by her father and twin
brother and sister who died at birth. There re-
main many other relatives and friends who
share with the family in their sorrow and
sudden bereavement in the passing of their
loved one. In her youth she accepted Christ as
her Saviour and became a member of the Orr-
ville Mennonite Church on Dec. 30. 1922.
Memorial services were held at the Orrville
Mennonite Church, Feb. 9. Harold Uatiman
and I. W. Royer, with E. W. Rarbee of the
Church of Christ, were in charge. Interment
h is made in the Crown Hill Cemetery of Orr-
ville.
Weaver, Judith Ann. daughter of Irvin and
Katherine I I'henneger) Weaver, was horn Oct.
27, 1951, at Harrisonburg. Va. ; went to sleep
in Jesus, Feb. 9, 1951. at home while being
prepared to go to the hospital ; aged 2 y. 3 m.
13 d. Her short life was one of much pain and
suffering, having had a rare, bone and blood
condition. Her memory will be cherished by her
parents, her older sister (Susan Lorraine),
and a brother (Irvin David). Surviving also
.ire her grandparents (Mr. and Mrs. Hiram
1! Phenneger, Malvern, Pa., and Mr. and Mrs.
Levi M. Weaver. Lancaster. Pa.), her 2 grent-
grandinothers (Mrs. John §, Rohrer. Paradise.
Pa., and Mrs. Lizzie Nolt, Lancaster, Pa.), and
many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Funeral serv-1
ices were held at the Gospel Hill Mennonitel
Church, Feb. 11. with Daniel Suter and Ken-!
neth Seitz in charge. Her body was laid to resi
in the Weaver Church Cemetery with J. Earljn
Suter in charge.
Wenger. Susan B., daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
Samuel Witmer. was born in North Lima. Ohiuj
April 2G. 1850: died at the home of her niece]
Mrs. Raymond Yoder. Wakarusa, Ind., Aug. 25yl
1953 ; aged 97 y. 3 m. 29 d. She was the oldesj
resident of Olive Township. Elkhart Co.. Ind.
She lived in the vicinity of Wakarusa 6ince she
was nine years old. Her marriage to Eli N.
Wenger took place Nov. 30. 1876. This union'
was blessed with one child (I^ieretia) who die*
at the age of 19. She had been a member of the
Mennonite Church but later transferred hea
membership to the Church of the Brethren. Sur->
viving are a brother (I. B. Witmer. ColumbianaJ
Ohio), a sister (Mrs. Lucretia Weldy, Waka-
rusa), and a foster daughter (Mrs. Myrtle
Brautigam, Chicago, 111.). On her last birthday*
she sang a solo for the Bango congregationj
Funeral services were conducted at the Olive
Mennonite Church by H. S. Bowers and Orvin
Kilmer.
Witmer. Maria Elizabeth, daughter of the
late Christian M. and Maria (Burkholderi
Kuhns. was born March 13. 1893. near Cbam-
bersburg. Pa. ; died Feb. 17. 1954, at the Cham-
bersburg Hospital after an illness of several
months; aged 60 y. 11 m. 4 d. She was a mem-
ber of the Rowe Mennonite Church. She is sur-
vived by her husband (Aaron Witmer). 2 daugh-
ters (Mary, at home; and Mrs. Clayton Ritter,
Bridgewater, Va.), 4 sons (Irvin, Shippensburg.
Pa. ; Norman. Sheldon. Wis. ; Arthur. Orrstown,
Pa.; and Raymond. Hagerstown, Md.). one sis-
ter, and 2 brothers. Funeral services were held
at the Rowe Mennonite Church. Feb. 19. in
charge of Amos E. Martin and Harvey Shank.
Burial was made in the Rowe Cemetery.
Zook. Mary Ann. daughter of D. Z. and Mary
Ann Smiley Yoder, was born in Wavne Countv.
Ohio. March 2S, 1S82. She was a lifetime resi-
dent of this county except for a short time
which was spent near Denbigh, Va. She
passed away at the age of 71 y. 10 m. 14 d. On
Feb. 1. 1912, she was united in marriage to
Simon P. Zook. who preceded her in death
July 11. 1934. Surviving are 2 sons (Paul D..
of Sterling, and Roy. of Chagrin Falls, Ohio),
a daughter (Mrs. Walter Sehmid, of Orrvillel.
4 grandchildren. 3 brothers (Dan S., of Woos-
ter : Floyd, of Venice, and Milton, of Barber-
ton. Ohio), and a sister (Mrs. Amos Yoder.
of OrrviHe). Four sisters and one brother pre-
ceded her in death. She accepted Christ as
her personal Saviour and was received into the
Mennonite Church at Denbigh. Va.. in 1^9s.
later transferring her membership to the Plea-
ant Hill Church near Sterling, Ohio. Funeral
services were held at the Pleasant Hill Church,
conducted by I. W. Royer. William G. Der-
weiler, and Gerald C. Studer. Interment was
made in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery.
ITEMS and COMMENTS
A feature article in one of Canada's leading
magazines, Macleans, issue of December 15,
atgues a decline of the influence of the church
in the world. The article says that "in spite
of the complexity of the evidence, some fair-
lv clear facts emerge: (1) The Christian
Church considered in its world-encircling en-
tirety is declining — in membership, in the
devoutness and obedience it commands from
its members, and as a major influence on
public thought and action. (2) The decline
is most evident in Europe and in the for-
eign mission fields in Asia and in Africa. (3)
The decline is least in the Americans: in
fact, here the Christian Church may be said
to be holding its own. If, as the most op-
timistic Christians believe, the Christian
Church is to capture eventually the soul of
jhe world, its final triumphant march may
March 9, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
239
well be launched from its new bastion of the
Americas, not the heartland of its old
strength — Europe. If it is to die, as some
pessimists and skeptics believe, it will die
here last. (4) To break down the picture in
the Americas: Protestantism appears to be
slightly in decline; Roman Catholicism is
gaining slowly. (5) Christianity, the attitude,
the way of life, distinct from the organized
church which promotes it, cannot of course
be measured, but there is much reason to be-
lieve it is gaining strength."
* * #
This last year over 11,500 families in nine
different countries benefited from shipments
of livestock and poultry made by the Heifer
Pro;ect. Twenty-two shipments were required
to deliver the 285 goats, 160,770 chickens,
425 cattle, and 384 pigs by truck, freighter,
and airplane to regions as distant as Iran or
as near as the mountains of Kentucky.
* # #
Gideons International have given 90 Bibles
to the Pan-American World Airways for use
in its planes flying to Latin America.
* # *
La Salle College in Philadelphia conferred
a PHT or "putting him through" degree on
the wives of 68 married students at a Roman
Catholic Family Day observance. The "de-
gree," a certificate suitable for framing, cited
the women for sacrifices and encouragement
in their making it possible for their young
husbands to complete their college education.
* # *
A resolution calling upon Texas Protes-
tants to "accept" whatever ruling the U.S.
Supreme Court makes on racial segregation
in the public schools was adopted by the first
annual convention of the Texas Council of
Churches. The resolution finds its setting in
the expressed intention in several southern
states to abolish the public schools if racial
segregation is made illegal by the Supreme
Court. The Texas resolution urged Protes-
tants to "help insure to every person his full-
est rights and opportunities as an American
and as a child of God."
* * #
Members of the Church of the Nazarene
gave a record average of $118.33 each to the
church during 1953. This average is 36^
higher than that for 1952. During the year
the denomination's membership made a gain
of 3.2 per cent. 152 new congregations were
organized.
* * #
Observing that thirteen and one-half mil-
lion United States citizens are older than 65
years, Miss Catherine Lee Wahlstrom, of the
National Council of Churches, points out
that the aging have for the first time in his-
tory become a numerically significant group.
Pointing out that this group have suffered
"loss of family, work, status, health, and in-
come," she urged the church to recognize its
duty to them. Only a handful of the 62 non-
profit clubs and centers serving older people
in New York City are in church buildings or
sponsored by religious groups.
* • •
The McCarran-Walter Immigration Act is
making it extremely difficult for Protestant
ministerial students from foreign lands to
continue their education in American semi-
naries, according to the National Association
of Evangelicals. Canadian students are being
particularly affected by the provision which
denies them the right to hold off-campus
jobs while attending colleges or seminaries
in United States.
# # *
The American people are spending twice
as much per minute for liquor as they are
for religious, charitable, and educational in-
stitutions. This was one of the findings re-
ported recently by the Family Economics
Bureau of Northwestern National Life In-
surance Company. During 1953, according
to the Bureau, American people contributed
$8,500 a minute in religious, charitable, and
educational donations and spent $17,000 for
alcoholic beverages. Other national per min-
ute expenditures by the American people last
year were Federal taxes $135,000, State and
local taxes $38,000, National Defense $85,000,
Foreign Aid $11,000. The Bureau calculated
American income at $600,000 a minute.
# # #
Ninety-five per cent of the population of
Finland are Lutherans.
# # #
A long report by the International Labor
Office shows from firsthand study by ex-
perts that the injurious chewing of coca
leaves by South American Indians is due
chiefly to poverty — it is a way of relieving
hunger.— (WP)
(Continued on next Page)
Christian
Li
ivmg
the new magazine
for home and
community
now begins a heart-warming story of a
Mennonite refugee family:
BUT NOT FORSAKEN
BY HELEN GOOD BRENNE MAN
Terror, uncertainty, and the deep heartache of refugee life have been
gathered into this true-to-life, book-length story. You will not want to
miss a single chapter. But Not Forsaken begins with the April issue of
CHRISTIAN LIVING.
CHRISTIAN LIVING comes to you each month packed full of stimulating
ideas, inspirational thoughts, and worth-while activities. This family magazine
brings you articles, stories, devotional aids, and monthly feature columns to
meet the many interests and needs of a growing Christian family in any com-
munity. You will want to read every issue from cover to cover. Subscribe today.
CHRISTIAN LIVING
Circulation Department-H
Mennonite Publishing House
Scottdale, Pennsylvania
Please begin my subscription to CHRISTIAN LIVING with the
April, 1954, issue.
□ 1 year - $3.00
□ 3 years- $8.00
□ 5 years - $12.50
Name _____ . — •
Address . — .
□ Check
□ Money Order
240
GOSPEL HERALD
March p, 1954
YOUR PUBLISHING HOUSE By A. J. Metzler, Publishing Agen,
1. Our Annual Report
The church should be fully informed, not only of the activi-
ties in the congregations throughout the brotherhood, but of
the work of the agencies serving the entire church and through
which she works co-operatively. Among such agencies is the
Mennonite Publishing House.
A description of the work of the Mennonite Publishing
House, and especially a review of progress made the past year,
will again be reported in the Gospel Herald. This will ap-
pear in about fourteen weekly installments, of which this is
the introduction. These are also available, without charge, in
booklet form for distribution in congregations or otherwise.
In the opposite column are the Mennonite Publishing House
objectives which serve as a guide in planning and carrying on
the work of the House.
As these views of your publishing work are presented, your
questions and suggestions are invited.
Next week: Administration.
Publishing House Objectives
1. To know and to understand the basic literature needs and
demands of the Mennonite Church.
2. To produce, to select, and to distribute to the Mennonite
Church, Gospel literature which meets denominational
needs and which is of high literary quality, physically at-
tractive, and durable.
3. To provide adequately for the literature needs of every
division of the life and work of the Mennonite Church,
such as our missionary, educational, and relief work.
4. To provide adequately for the varying literature needs, as
to content, of every unit in the church— the conference,
congregation, home, and individual.
5. To give a witness and service by providing and distributing
Gospel literature outside our denomination.
6. To maintain an ideal business institution whose personnel
and activities exemplify Christian standards of life and
conduct as held by the Mennonite Church.
(Continued from preceding page)
The Huntington, W. Va., Ministerial As-
sociation has gone on record as opposing
racial segregation at any future joint Thanks-
giving Day services in the churches of the
community. Heretofore joint Thanksgiving
Day services for white churches, organized
on a geographical basis, had been a regular
part of the Association's calendar, while a
single service was held for all Negro con-
gregations. The Association's president said
the step was a part of a drive to "educate
the community toward totally Christian at-
titudes with respect to race."
# * #
The Augustana Luther League has recent-
ly polled 400 congregations for their favorite
hymns. "Beautiful Saviour" and "A Mighty
Fortress Is Our God" were at the top. Run-
ners-up were "Beneath the Cross of Jesus"
and "Take My Life and Let It Be, Consecrat-
ed." Others of the ten top hymns included:
"Holy, Holy, Holy," "My Jesus, I Love
Thee," "What a Friend We Have in Jesus,"
"Rock of Ages," "The Old Rugged Cross,"
and "Faith of Our Fathers."
• • #
The 1954 E. F. Hoff lectures at Bethany
Biblical Seminary in Chicago will be given
by Pastor Martin Nicmoellcr, of Germany.
# # #
More than two and one-half million pounds
of clothing were contributed by United States
Lutherans in response to the 1955 Thanks-
giving clothing appeal of Lutheran World
Relief. The clothing is being shipped to Ger-
many, Austria, Trieste, Jordan, Syria, and
Korea.
• • #
American churches set an all-time build-
ing record in 1953. A total of $474,000,000
worth of new construction was started by re-
ligious groups tinting the year. This was an
increase of $75,000,000 over ll)52. Parochial
schools and private colleges also broke rec-
ords for construction during the year.
# * *
West German Lutherans, at heavy sacri-
fices to themselves, have decided that all U.S.
aid from Lutherans will hereafter be chan-
neled to Christians in East Germany. — Be-
tween the Lines.
* * »
An Episcopal Committee has made a study
of funeral practices which is generally criti-
cal of present trends. We give a few quotes
from the report.
"The dominating concern for tiptoed en-
trances and exits, the emphasis on leak-proof
caskets, and the display of the physical re-
mains artfully improved by cosmetics and
specially tailored casket apparel represent es-
sentially a reversal of Christian belief and its
candid committal of the material body to
ashes and dust.
"Call your minister immediately. Families
are urged to invite him to share in the plan-
ning of the burial preparations and services.
"Embalming is not necessary except in de-
layed burials and except when casket is
shipped by common carrier for nonlocal
burial. . . .
"The simplest casket possible should be
secured.
"The burial service is a regular congrega-
tional service in the life of the church fam-
ily. . . . Since church services are integral
centers of our parish life, fees to clergy,
choir, organist, or for use of church building
for burial service must not be considered."
• • •
According to the Christian Century, the
recommendations of the Presidential Com-
mission on Universal Military Training are
meeting very frigid reception throughout the
country. The new plan calls for a lottery to
determine whether a young man shall take
universal military training or be subject to
the two-year draft.
• • »
An Anglican Vicar has said in his parish
magazine that "The Christians' God and
the Masons' God are not one and the same
. . . the two loyalties are in conflict."
• • #
A religious outlook must be maintained
in education or our schools will foster the
worship of state power, according to C. H.
Becker, president of Wartburg, Waverly,
Iowa.
• • •
Sections of British opinion have been
shocked to learn from two regimental news-
papers in Kenya that in the campaign against
the Mau Mau, awards have been offered for
"rirst-killings" — resulting in the slaughter of
Africans who may or may not have been
in the Mau Mau. — (WP)
• • •
Needy students in Israel are being helped
by German students in a campaign in-
augurated by the Socialist German Student
Union, together with the German Catholic
Student Union. Food and other necessities
arc distributed through the American CARE
organization in Israel. — (WP)
• • •
The Indonesian government has made a
study of English compulsory for all new
university students and has advised all other
students to take special English courses for
four hours a week. — (WP)
H0X3 Hi £ I 0T\0iH0
3AV rU'VlGCCM H9t
NllN3>iciVM V %
AEYNIW3S "IVOlieiC 31INONN3W
GOSPEL HERALD
"In the defence and confirmation of the gospel" "How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace'
VOLUME XLVII-
-TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 1954-
• NUMBER 11
Righteousness Is by Faith
By Emerson McDowell
The doctrine of righteousness by faith
holds a central place in the Gospel of
Christ. It has been termed one of the
grandest displays of the mercy of God
to mankind. In His wisdom God knew
that man could not become righteous by
personal effort, by following ceremonial
rites, or by the moral law of the Old
Testament. "All have sinned, and come
short of the glory of God." In this situa-
tion God provided a far superior means
that man might stand just before Him.
Righteousness is a gift of God granted to
man on the basis of faith.
Paul fought many a battle in prayer
and in teaching to uphold this truth.
When the Galatians were slipping back
to the law for righteousness, it was so
serious that he travailed again that
Christ should be formed in them. It was
this truth that came to life for Luther
and started the Protestant Reformation.
In more modern times it is said that the
study of Romans and Galatians has start-
ed great revival movements. May we
enter into its significance more fully that
the impact it brings may quicken our
lives.
Righteousness by faith is first brought
into clear light in Abraham's experience
as related in Gen. 15:1-6. After rescuing
Lot from the kings who had plundered
Sodom, God appeared to him and pre-
sented Himself as Abraham's "shield,
and . . . exceeding great reward." If
this revelation were true, then Abraham
faced a problem he must lay before God.
He had no heir and unless he would
have a son the steward of his house
would become his heir. In this situation
Abraham asked the significant question,
"What wilt thou give me?" God re-
sponded with the promise that Abraham
would have a son that would be his heir.
Then to further impress Abraham with
the grandeur and extent of this blessing,
God took him out under the heavens.
After pointing to the multitudes of the
stars, He assured Abraham, "So shall thy
seed be."
Abraham Trusted God
This brought the patriarch to another
crisis in his life. God had called him
from his father's house with the promise
that he would become a great nation.
Because of the age of Abraham and
Sarah a child seemed humanly impos-
sible. Could God bring forth life from
their "dead" bodies? Time was passing
and natural hope faded. The promise
was staggering. Yet, because it was God
who had promised, and with no other
hope or possibility, Abraham "believed
in the Lord." God immediately responds
to this complete trust by counting it "to
him for righteousness."
Righteousness Imputed
The fact that righteousness was count-
ed to Abraham is evidence that he was
not righteous in himself. Scripture
makes it clear that "all have sinned, and
come short of the glory of God." "There
is none righteous, no, not one." From
the ceremonial law we find that every
product of the flesh was unclean. Paul
is aware of the fact when he casts away
his own righteousness as filth that he
may have that which is of God by faith.
Righteousness is not attained, nor is it
derived from our actions.
It remains that if we are to have a
right standing with God, it must come
as a gift. Paul uses the terms, "counted,"
"imputed," "reckoned," and "gift." The
general sense is to credit or to ascribe.
Righteousness then is credited to the
believer by the grace of God. "But to
him that worketh not, but believeth on
him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith
is counted for righteousness."
Let us pause to notice that although
God does not grant a right standing with
regard to one's own righteousness, yet
He is not careless of a believer's life. In
the same passage where Paul disregards
his own righteousness for that which is
of God, he immediately longs for the
spiritual resurrection that issues in holy
living. James points out that faith and
good works are inseparable. When God
imputes righteousness by faith He is
aware that faith embodies the strongest
tendency to righteous living. Faith that
has any vitality at all will product good
works.
Why Does Faith Hold a Key Position?
We now face the question as to why
God put righteousness to Abraham's ac-
count in view of faith. Faith and right-
eousness are not in themselves similar.
Faith is an attitude of belief or trust,
while righteousness, in this connection,
is a right standing with God. It implies
that one is just or free from sin.
Let us examine' fthe exact nature of
Abraham's response to God. His faith
represented a complete trust in God,
stripped bare of the power of human
effort, human reason, or human merit.
It was born in the power and faithful-
ness of God, and it was a response be-
fitting God's character and nature. In
this regard let us study Paul's evaluation
in Romans 4.
In verse 17 we read, ". . . whom he be-
lieved, even God, who quickeneth the
dead, and calleth those things which be
not as though they were." This clearly
suggests that Abraham had every confi-
dence in God's power and that nothing
Faith
I will not doubt, though all my ships at sea
Come drifting home with broken masts
and sails;
I shall believe the Hand that never fails
From seeming evil worketh good for me;
And though I weep because those sails are
battered,
Still will I cry, while my last hopes lie
shattered,
"I trust in Thee!"
I will not doubt, though all my prayers return
Unanswered from the still white realm
above;
I shall believe it is an all-wise Love
Which hath refused those things for which
I yearn;
And though at times I cannot keep from
grieving,
Yet the pure ardor of my fixed believing
Undimmed shall burn.
I will not doubt, though sorrows fall like
rain
And troubles swarm like bees above the
hive;
I shall believe the heights for which I strive
Are only reached by anguish and by pain;
And though I groan and tremble with my
crosses,
I yet shall see, through my severest losses,
The greater gain.
I will not doubt; well anchored is this faith.
Like some staunch ship, my soul braves
every gale;
So strong its courage that it will not fail
To breast the mighty unknown sea of Death.
Oh, may I cry, when body parts with spirit,
"I will not doubt," so listening worlds may
hear it
With my last breath.
—Ella Wheeler Wilcox. Selected by S.
Elizabeth Yoder.
242
GOSPEL HERALD
March 16, 1954
was impossible with Him. This is an im-
portant aspect of faith. During Christ's
ministry people were usually blessed to
the extent to which they believed He
could help them. In His home town
Jesus' ministry was hindered because of
their unbelief. A saving faith is one that
accepts the promises of God and is not
overcome by human limitations.
In verse 18 Paul continues, "Who
against hope believed in hope, that he
might become the father of many na-
tions, according to that which was spok-
en, So shall thy seed be." This was a
staggering prediction. His seed would
be as the milky way. Here we see an un-
wavering confidence in what appeared
to be, humanly speaking, a hopeless sit-
uation. His faith superseded natural
laws, and God was absolutely trust-
worthy. This trust in God represents
the commitment of faith. It was impos-
sible to Abraham, and so it was in God's
hands. A person may believe that God
is able, but unless he commits himself to
God's promises, it is not real faith.
Faith goes far beyond the recognition
of facts. Abraham "was strong in faith,
giving glory to God." The promises be-
came so real that he was led to rejoice in
the grace of God. Faith will lead us to
a proper response to the person of God.
He will receive our worship and our
deepest joy will be in Him.
At this point we come to the climax of
Paul's passage on righteousness by faith.
"And being fully persuaded that, what
he had promised, he was able also to
perform. And therefore it was imputed
to him for righteousness. Now it was not
written for his sake alone, that it was
imputed to him; but for us also, to
whom it shall be imputed, if we believe
on him that raised up Jesus our Lord
from the dead."
"Therefore" It Was Imputed
The word "therefore" points to the
nature of the faith just described. It was,
lirst, a faith that was in a person, even
God, and not primarily in a truth, a
fact, or a doctrine. It was fully persuad-
ed of God's ability to perform, it was
committed to the promises of God, and
it reached the highest peak of response,
namely, glorifying God in worship. Such
a faith altitude will always open the way
for God to work His unsearchable pur-
poses in and through a person. H. li.
Smith underscores this thought as fol-
lows: "It is because faith is the only way
in which man can receive Christ. The
act of the soul trusting Christ is the only
mode in which the soul can be saved.
Faith is the only conceivable act by
which the sinner can be united to Christ.
It brings us to rest in God, to renounce
self, to turn from self to Christ, and it is
the only act of the mind by which this
can be achieved."
When we say that faith is a worthy
and fruitful response to God, it does not
follow that it merits righteousness.
Though it may please God, it is not even
the greatest virtue. Love is greater.
There is nothing of ourselves that could
merit us righteousness if we are unright-
eous. Faith is only a medium, and im-
puted righteousness remains one of the
grandest displays of God's mercy to man-
kind.
"For Us Also ... If We Believe"
Yes, righteousness shall be imputed to
us also if we believe. The faith that God
rewards does not cease with an intel-
lectual consent to a fact. We need to be
reminded that this is one of the curses
of Greek thought that is deceiving multi-
tudes today. The Greeks were quite
capable of divorcing ideas from their
bearing upon life. Many worshipers of
our age can profess to fear and reverence
God, to exalt and magnify Christ, and
speak in glowing terms of the Holy Spir-
it, as well as to admit the authority of
the Word, and yet their concerns and
affections are focused in this present age.
This is not faith. As John identifies love
and obedience, and as James cannot
separate faith and works, so our belief
will join and conform us to God.
Thanks be to God, that righteousness is
by faith, and it is "for us also, to whom
it shall be imputed, if we believe on him
that raised up Jesus our Lord from the
dead."
Toronto, Ont.
The Light in the Porthole
D. L. Moody tells the story of an Atlan-
tic passenger who lay in his bunk in a
storm, deadly seasick. A cry of "Man
overboard!" was heard. "May God help
the poor fellow," prayed the man; "there
is nothing I can do." Then he thought,
"At least 1 can put mv lantern in the
porthole," which he did. The man was
rescued, and recounting the story the
next day said, "1 was going clown in the
darkness for the last time when someone
put a light in a porthole. It shone on
my hand, and a sailor in the lifeboat
grabbed it and pulled mc in." Weak
ness is no excuse for our not putting
forth all the little strength we have, and
who can tell how God will use iO—Thc
All NdtiotU Missionary Review.
Our Readers Say-
I appreciated the editorial, "Our Amish
Brethren." in the Feb. 9 Gospel Herald. I live
in an Amish neighborhood (Holmes County,
Ohio), and I think I understand their reluctance
to send their children to school beyond eighth
grade. Since their tradition and culture are so
much at variance with "the world," they are
loath to expose their children to the worldly in-
fluence of the public schools, which influence is
certainly more forceful in the high schools than|
in elementary schools. Not only is the social
influence hard to combat, but as more advanced
subjects are taught, they are presented with a
terrible disregard of God's Word, or even of
His existence. The Amish people are losing
many of their young people to other churches
or to no church at all, through the pressure of
the "modern" culture about them.
I, personally, see no harm in the use of cars
and tractors, electric power, and other labor-
saving devices. I see no reason why these things
should be incompatible with the principles of
Christian living. The Mennonites use them and.
for the greater part, use them rightly. (Not
self-defense; I am not a Mennonite.) But I
maintain the right of the Amish to use them or
not to use them, to send their children to high
school or not to send them, to live and to bring
up their sons and daughters as their conscience
dictates ; or else we all stand in danger of losing
our right to worship God according to our con-
victions, and the words "religious liberty" be-
come a mockery in America.
Let us not condone the attempt of any group
to legislate the conscience of any minority. If
the lawmaking bodies succeed in forcing the
Amish to act against their convictions, we shall
all be the losers. The Amish people will lose
their peculiar culture (it is hard to maintain
Christian nonconformity in such a secular at-
mosphere, especially for the young) ; we shall
lose our assurance that our government w ill not
interfere with our religion ; our country will
lose the intercessory prayers of many who will
be turned from God. who left to the guidance
of their parents and their church would have
become that preserving element, "the salt of the
earth."
If the civil authorities can force our Amish
friends to conform to their demands in this mat-
ter, it will be only "the thin edge of the wedge,"
a prelude to more and worse in prospect. — Lorie
Canity Gooding, Holmcsi-ille, Ohio.
* * *
I was moved when I read Harold Bauman's
article, "God Still Loves." Are we doing our
part or are we so used to the cries from the
millions that it doesn't touch us any more; Are
we crowding Christ out? The article by Edna
Human in the Feb. 9 issue should give us some
thoughts on this line. One time a brother told
me he thinks missionaries have to be different
from us here at home. Is that possibly the rea-
son we don't have more converts from non-
Christian homes in our large Mennonite com-
munities? Can anybody be truly in Christ and
not be working in or with the ministry of rec-
onciliation which God has given him? II Cor.
5:17. IS. If we want to advance, we must do it
on our knees and we should all take part. —
C. E. Sxvarisentruber, Kalona, Ioica.
GOSPEL HERALD
ESTABLISHED 1BOO AS SUCCESSOR TO GOSPEL WITNESS lISOSI AND HERALD OF TRUTH I 1364 i
PAUL ERB. EDITOR JOHN L. H OR ST . MILLARD C. LIND. CONSULTING EDITORS LEVI C HARTZLER. MISSIONS EDITOR
TKI OOSPEL HERALD IS A RELIGIOUS WEEKLY HUM I ' IN THE INTMIITI OF THI HINNONI1I CHURCH BY THI UK N MON IT I PUBLICATION BOARD, SCOTTOALE. FA.
INTKRIO AS SECONOCLASS MATTER IN ISOE AT THI FOST OFPICI AT BCOTTOALI, FA., UNDER ACT OF MARCH >. ISTS. SUBSCRIPTION PRICE: II » PCR YEAR. THREE YEARS
IN ADVANCE, SB.OO. FIVE YEARS IN ADVANCE, Sll.nO SAMPLE COPIES SENT FREE ON REQUEST . SEND ALL MATERIAL FOR PUBLICATION TO OOSPEL HERALD. SCOTTOALE. FA.
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
March 16, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
243
EDITORIAL
Mixed Marriages
This term carries with it various im-
plications and connotations. The "mixed
multitudes" caused trouble for the Is-
raelites from the days of Moses to Ezra
and Nehemiah. "Mixed marriages" in
the form of intermarriage with heathen
people were forbidden in the Old Tes-
tament because they tended to lead the
people of God into idolatry. Deut. 7:3, 4.
That they led even great leaders into
sin and ruin is evidenced by the lives of
such men as Samson and Solomon. The
New Testament expressly forbids mar-
riages of Christians with unbelievers
(II Cor. 6:14-17) and counsels that mar-
riage should be "only in the Lord"
(I Cor. 7:39).
There are other applications which we
can make that are pertinent to our time.
It seems very clear that one of the causes
for the high divorce rate in our country
is certain types of mixed marriages. The
Evangelical Press states that a syndicated
newspaper column by Dr. Paul Popenoe
reported that data from 4,108 marriages
showed up the danger in mixed mar-
riages. For instance, where a Roman
Catholic man married a Protestant wife,
20.6 per cent of the marriages ended in
divorce, whereas if he married a woman
of his own church the rate dropped to
4.4. The general rate among Protestants
is 6 per cent.
From the teaching of the Scriptures,
from statistics, and from experience we
can make some general observations.
Marriage is such an intimate union of
two personalities that it requires a high
degree of common background and in-
terest in order to make it the mutual
blessing that God intends that it should
be. It is not only a physical union but
a blending of mind and spirit.
As suggested by the Scriptures quoted
in both Old and New Testaments, a
marriage that is not based on common
spiritual interests can be ruinous to the
participants. While "marriage is hon-
ourable in all" (Heb. 13:4), its highest
degree of happiness and blessing can
only be reached when both parties are
Christians. Furthermore, they should be
Christians of similar spiritual interests
and concerns for their own happiness
and the spiritual interests of their chil-
dren. It is a matter of common observa-
tion that mixed Christian marriages, of
which the intermarriage of Catholics and
Protestants is the most glaring example,
very often cause grave spiritual problems
for children in such homes. At a time
when children need spiritual help the
most, parents are forced into silence be-
cause of their diverse religious beliefs
and practices.
Because successful marriages require a
high degree of compatibility in every
area of the personality, the admixture of
race and culture in marriage often re-
sults in grave problems. While these are
not forbidden in the Scriptures, they are
fraught with considerable risk as to the
happiness of both parents and children.
Because of the alarming divorce rate
in our country it is essential that we
think seriously of the elements that make
for happy marriages and of the factors
that cause unhappiness and failure. That
these are legion all will concede. That
the various forms of "mixed marriages"
are contributing factors to the failure in
modern home life should be equally
apparent.
We do well to take seriously the ques-
tion of the prophet, "Can two walk to-
gether, except they be agreed" (Amos
3:3)? For marriage is not "to be entered
into unadvisedly or lightly; but reverent-
ly, discreetly, advisedly, soberly, and in
the fear of God."— H.
A Suggestion
The recent editorial request for funds
to pay for Testaments sent to medical
students in India has brought from our
liberal readers a total of over $800. This
will pay for the present sendings to Vel-
lore and give a good balance to take
care of the next request.
The good response to this request
gives us boldness to make a bigger one.
The January 31, 1954, financial state-
ments of the Mission Board at Elkhart
show that the net deficit earlier an-
nounced has decreased some by recent
contributions but that a net deficit of
about $22,000.00 still exists. During this
fiscal year since April 1, 1953, the total
mission fund balances of the Board have
decreased about $100,000.00. This means
that total contributions within the year
have been about $100,000.00 less than
total funds needed to operate the mis-
sion, relief, and service programs. This
major difference is largely accounted for
by major construction programs, in-
creased number of mission fields and
missionaries, and increases in cost of car-
rying on the work. Funds on hand at the
beginning of the fiscal year helped in
sponsoring some of the major projects of
the Board but many deficits exist in
actual mission accounts. From these fig-
ures it is evident that if income cannot
be increased, the Board program of mis-
sions and charities and relief will have to
be decreased.
The fiscal year closes March 31. If re-
ceipts this month are not very liberal,
the Board treasurer will come to the
annual meeting with a financial report
that will warn the Board that the pres-
ent scale of operations must be cut down.
Do we want that? Incomes among many
of our people are no doubt going down.
But we still have a high standard of liv-
ing. Can we honestly tell our Lord we
are giving all we can?
Now for the suggestion. If 22,000 of
the 73,000 people of our constituency
would send a dollar bill to our treasurer,
the mission fund deficit would be wiped
out. We won't miss those dollars. For
most of us they are just change— what we
pay for a haircut, a pound of coffee, a
pound of steak, a box of handkerchiefs,
a pair of hose, a few gallons of gas, an
ice-cream dessert. Some of us may want
to send more than a dollar— one for each
member of the family, one for the occa-
sional person who can't send his, one for
the neglectful person who will not read
this editorial, or choose to act upon it.
Act now. The editor's first fruits will
get there first, but he hopes it will be
covered up by a mountain of greenbacks
and checks that will bring a smile of
relief to Ernest Bennett's face, and send
him to the task of balancing the annual
accounts with a real joy. Lighten the
hearts of your servants in responsible
Board positions, who are often torn be-
tween seen needs and the inadequate re-
sources to meet those needs. Say to your
Board: "We are back of you as you estab-
lish more stations in Japan, as you build
the church in the new section of Chi-
cago, as you build the new hospital in
Puerto Rico, as you send out new mis-
sionaries to join the older ones who are
proclaiming the blessed Gospel of our
Lord." Your dollar will be a vote to go
244
GOsPt L HERALD
March 16, 1954
on supplying the physical and spiritual
needs of multitudes all over the world.
Don't expect a receipt. It will save a
lot of work and postage if we let the
Elkhart office handle all these gifts as a
unit. If you send §5.00 or more and
want a receipt for tax purposes, ask
for it.
Remember, before March 31 your bill
or check must reach Ernest Bennett,
Treasurer, 1711 Prairie St., Elkhart, Ind.
Let us demonstrate what a little work-
ing together can do.— E.
The Revelation of Jesus Christ
By J. L. Stauffer
28. The Seven Angels and the Seven
Vials Poured Out. Rev. 1^:^—16:12
The vial angels come out of the tem-
ple in heaven. They are bearing the
vials of God's wrath to be poured out
upon the earth.
The first vial brings a grievous sore
upon the worshipers of the image of the
beast, or on those who have his mark.
This vial of wrath corresponds with the
sixth Egyptian plague. Ex. 9:8-12. If we
believe the Egyptian plague was literal,
we should have no difficulty with this
one.
The second vial is poured out upon
the sea and it becomes blood. This can
easily be a repetition of a plague similar
to the one that turned the river Nile into
blood. Ex. 7:19-21.
The third vial is poured out upon the
rivers and fountains and they are turned
into blood, which appears to be a con-
tinuation of the second vial, only extend-
ing the area of the judgment. The com-
ment of the angel of the waters likewise
argues for the literalness of the judg-
ment. They literally shed the blood of
saints and prophets and now they have
blood to drink. Can we agree that "true
and righteous are thy judgments"?
The fourth vial is poured out upon
the sun, and the sun scorches men so
that they blaspheme the name of God.
but note that "they repented not."
The fifth vial is poured out upon the
seat of the beast and his kingdom is filled
with darkness. They gnaw their tongues
for pain and they blaspheme the God ol
heaven, but there is still no repentance
because of their evil deeds. We can be-
lieve that God would still have merq
upon them if they would repent. This
plague of darkness corresponds with the
ninth Egyptian plague of darkness. Ex.
10:21-28.
The sixth vial is poured out upon the
great river Euphrates ami the water is
dried up. is this any more improbable
or impossible with Gcxl than the drying
up of the Red Sea in Ex. 14:21 so thai
Israel could pass over? The Euphrates
is dried up so that the great barrier to
western invasion is taken away. The
kings of the East are being prepared.
Nations are preparing for their march
to the great battle of God Almighty.
The interpretation of the sixth vial has
been most difficult for those who figurize
these plagues. Perhaps the most familiar
idea advanced has been the waning of
the Turkish or Mohammedan Empire.
The simplest and safest thing to do is to
accept it as God's working in nature as
He worked in the crossing of the Red
Sea under the direction of Moses and
later the crossing of the swollen Jordan
under the leadership of Joshua.
World Conference Committee
at Work
By Harold S. Bender
The North American Committee ol
Reference and Counsel for the Sixth
Mennonite World Conference has now
been set up and is beginning its work.
The committee is constituted of one rep-
resentative appointed by each North
American Mennonite General Confer-
ence which decides to participate. The
members are Olin J. Krehbiel (General
Conference Mennonite Church), Berne,
Ind.; H. H. Janzen (Mennonite Breth-
ren Church), Winnipeg, Man.; H. S.
Bender (Mennonite Church). Goshen.
Ind.; C. N. Hostetter, Jr. (Brethren in
Christ), Grantham, Pa.'; H. E. Bertsche
(Evangelical Mennonite Conference).
Archbold, Ohio; George L. Classen
(K.M.B. Church), Yale, S. Dak.
The committee met in Chicago Jan. 2.
1954, and organized as follows: Olin J.
Krehbiel, Chairman; H. H. Janzen. Vice-
Chairman; H. S. Bender, Secretary. The
same three persons were appointed to
serve on the Preparatory Commission for
the Sixth Mennonite World Conference.
Since the first meeting of the Prepara-
tory Commission to be held in Germain
this coming summer will be preliminary
only, it was decided, for reasons of econ-
omy, to send only one representative to
attend this session, namely, the secretaiv
of the committee, H. S. Bender. All three
delegates will be expected to attend the
1955 session of the Preparatorj Commis-
sion. Traveling expenses to Europe will
he paid out of the balance of the Fourth
World Conference Fund which is on d<
posh with the MCC treasurer at Akron
and subject to the disposal of the com
mittee.
The committee is responsible to be
the channel through which the concerns,
wishes, and suggestions of the North
American Mennonite bodies will be re
reived, considered, and passed on to the
Preparatoiv Commission. It is respon-
sible solely to its appointing bodies and
not to the Mennonite Central Commit-
tee, It will make reports from time to
time to the various participating confer-
ences and endeavor to represent them
faithfully in its work in preparation foi
the next World Conference. One ol its
It Happened —
TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO
(From Gospel Herald, Feb. 28, 1929)
An agreement of far-reaching signifi-
cance was recently effected between the
Italian Government under Premier Mus-
solini and the pope of Rome. . . . The
recent agreement recognizes the inde-
pendence of the Vatican with the pope
exercising temporal as well as ecclesi-
astical power.
(From Gospel Herald, March 14, 1929)
On Feb. 26 Vachel Lindsay, one of the
best American poets, was with us [Hess-
ton College] and read a number of his
own works. . . . Since Mr. Lindsay
harvested wheat in the Hesston commu-
nity while he was earning his title, the
"tramp poet," his audience appreciated
his presence all the more.
David D. Buick, founder of the Buick
Automobile Company, died in Detroit
on March 6 of cancer. . . . Mr. Buick
died a poor man.
first responsibilities will be to prepare a
proposal for the method of delegate rep-
resentation for the North American
churches in the next World Conference.
By action of the last World Confer-
ence, the next conference is to be held in
Germany. It is expected that the exact
location will be decided by the Prepara-
tory Commission this coming summer.
The exact date will also be determined,
the year 1957 having already been fixed
at Basel in 1952.
Goshen. Ind.
"I Am Dore"
Dore. the famous painter, once lost his
passport while traveling in a foreign
country. W hen the official demanded it.
he said: "1 am sorry to say that I have
lost an passport; 1 can only tell you I
am Dore. the artist."
"Ah!" responded the officer, sneering-
h: "We'll see very quickly whether you
are Dore," and handing him pencil and
paper, he said. "Prove it if you are."
Taking the pencil, the artist, with a
few strokes, sketched a group of peasants,
who happened to be standing by, with
such inimitable skill that the official said,
"Yes. no doubt of it; you must be Dore."
Can the scrutinizing world say of us,
"You must lie a Christian"? Do our col-
ors prove it? — Holiness Christian Mes-
senger.
March 16, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
245
Nonresistance in
By Martha
Several years ago a guest in our home
related this incident: Soon after Dan
Eshfeld (not his real name) was ordained
to the ministry, both Dan and his wife
Nancy became arthritic. In time it was
a physical impossibility for him to farm
as competently as his more vigorous
neighbors. They cast critical eyes at his
struggles and pronounced judgments of
laziness and poor management. Dan's
bones were licked quite clean of reputa-
tion. To Dan and Nancy it seemed tor-
ture enough to suffer arthritis, but to
fall victims to unjust criticism and slan-
der besides, so shocked and offended
Nancy that she became neurotic and
even quite ill if she so much as appeared
in a gathering which these critics at-
tended.
The details vary, but sometime or oth-
er every Christian who lives long enough,
suffers the cruel shock of injury from a
fellow Christian. These injuries bruise
deeper and cause more pain than those
dealt us by an unchristian, yet paradox-
ically we receive less instruction for treat-
ing them. Consequently, when in the
grip of such an emergency many unpre-
pared Mennonites have reacted in unbe-
coming and even shameful ways.
What are these injuries? Maybe your
theology has been fiercely attacked under
the guise of correcting heresy, or some
innocent blunder has been advertised
and ridiculed all out of proportion to the
success of your total program. Maybe you
have fallen victim to malice or hate or
disloyalty or contempt or temper or lack
of co-operation or intrigue or jealousy.
Maybe your generosity has been miser-
ably exploited, your loving motives total-
ly misunderstood and perverted, your
counsel set at naught. Perhaps your con-
gregation, board, family, or relatives fail
to give you the support they pledged.
Perhaps your cherished program was
rudely sacrificed for another's or anoth-
er's wrong was laid on your innocent
shoulders. Maybe you have been grieved
to the quick by disappointment or you
have been snubbed, unappreciated, neg-
lected, rejected, scorned, oppressed, or
slandered.
(On the other hand, we must remem-
ber with humility that all saints, you and
I included, are capable of some very un-
saintly words and actions.)
For such painful situations Scripture
prescribes: "See that none render evil
for evil unto any man; but ever follow
that which is good, both among your-
selves, and to all men" (I Thess. 5:15).
Paul shamed the revengeful Corinthians
who dragged their brother-to-brother
grievances into the civil court, "Why do
ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not
rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded"
(I Cor. 6:7)? "Be not overcome of evil,
but overcome evil with good" (Rom. 12:
21).
the Brotherhood
B. Nafziger
If we expect the world to value our
nonresistance testimony, each of us
should first know how to practice this
doctrine skillfully in the laboratory of
our homes and churches. Surely no bish-
op should be compelled to lament, "I've
seen better sportsmanship on the ball
field than in some church committee
meetings."
How different often is the practice of
the disciple of nonresistance! When a
blow comes, his tendency is to take a
swift glance at the torn garments of his
conceit and to indulge in that most ex-
travagant of all luxuries— self-pity. The
president, business manager, and board
chairman of one of our Mennonite col-
leges met together in an informal confer-
ence. The president read aloud a letter
of complaint concerning the school
which he had recently received from a
caustic critic. When he finished, the busi-
ness manager inquired, "How many such
letters can a man get in a day and not be
discouraged?" The president replied
compassionately, "I just feel sorry for the
person who writes such letters." Pity,
yes, but not directed at self.
Step one in practicing nonresistance
is: Do not indulge in self-pity. Incident-
ally, self-pity is an indulgence of children
and immature adults. The positive side
of this rule could well be Rom. 8:28.
Nothing touches God's children without
His knowledge and permission. Un-
doubtedly this painful experience is just
what He knows you need in order to de-
velop you! Hannah Smith says we should
no more resent the instrument God uses
to discipline us with than to resent the
postman for bringing us an evil letter.
Step two— forget the incident. Re-
hearsing the injustice over and over in
your mind or mentioning it to someone
else only adds fuel to the fire. Give it
not a splinter of kindling by thinking
about the apologies Abe owes you, nor
about the damage he is doing his spir-
itual life, nor about the big beam in-
consistencies in his eye, nor how sore will
be God's judgment upon him. Such
thoughts are generated of the flesh, not
of the spirit.
Step three-forgive absolutely. Scrip-
ture commands you to love your brother
and you cannot succeed in this if you
persist in practices that produce enmity.
You cannot build up love for him by di-
recting cunning word thrusts at him
from ambush, nor by suave diplomacy,
nor by foolishly ignoring his presence
when you come together. A man's atti-
tude may change without his making an
acknowledgment of the fact. Forgive so
completely that this will be your gener-
ous opinion of the one who injured you.
In a Christian home where the husband
and wife debated an issue, the wife made
an unkind retort. The husband gave her
a patient, loving look and said tolerant-
ly, "I believe the Lord will forgive you
for saying that." Ponder thoughtfully
the mountain of meanness Joseph for-
gave his malicious brethren and your
little molehill grievance will assume its
proper size.
However, if your problem does not
clear up, if you cannot forgive, if enmity
still rankles in your bosom, then you are
eligible for some confessions. Probe the
very depths of your wound, cleanse and
disinfect it thoroughly by confessing ev-
erything that hinders your victory— even
to the one who injured you if need be.
Leave nothing unconfessed that may
later fester and trouble your spiritual
health.
Now an interesting problem may arise.
You have taken the steps outlined. You
do not hate your brother, yet you cherish
no warm benevolent feeling toward him.
And here the Scripture's formula sounds
just too simple to be believed and prac-
ticed. "Bless ... do good . . . pray"
(Matt. 5:44). If you determine to obey
this tri-command, your mind will be so
busy looking for opportunities to com-
mend your brother's virtues to himself
and others, to promote his interests, to
seek ways to be helpful to him that de-
rogatory thoughts concerning him shall
find no dirt to sprout in. You will go
out of your way to shake his hand, to in-
vite him to Sunday dinner, to wash his
feet at communion, and to appreciate
and enjoy his fine family. You will pray
that this brother may grow in wisdom
and in grace, that he might be preserved
from evil, that Christ might constantly
be exalted in his life, and that his influ-
ence might increase.
You faithfully obey. Eventually some-
one will say to you, "That was a nasty
thrust Abe gave you at the business meet-
ing last winter." You will blink your
eyes and wonder what it was! Suddenly
those baffling mists dissolve. Out of that
clod which Abe stole from under your
feet, God fashioned a continent for you.
The miracle of it! You stand looking
north, south, east, and west, and glory in
its magnitude. Those commitments you
made, those Scriptures you appropriated
by faith, those humiliating sins you con-
fessed, those earnest prayers you prayed,
those good deeds you rendered tremen-
dously enlarged the scope of your Chris-
tian life. This rugged training accom-
plished much more than merely teaching
you to love Abe— it prepared you for a
promotion in your Christian life and
service. Without it you could not pos-
sibly have qualified. Great resources of
spiritual wealth are yours and now you
may share them lavishly with other lives.
"Not rendering evil for evil, or railing
for railing: but contrariwise blessing;
knowing that ye are thereunto called,
that ye should inherit a blessing," and
what a blessing!
Ft. Vermilion, Alta.
About 4,500,000 mothers of families
work outside their own homes.
246
GOSPEL HERALD
March 16, ipjj
Revival in the North
Bv Gerald Derstine
Greetings in the name of our Saviour
Jesus Christ who is the same yesterday,
today, and forever; glory to His precious
name forever.
"Therefore I say unto you, What
things soever ye desire, when ye pray, be-
lieve that ye receive them, and ye shall
have them" (Mark 11:24).
The traditional holidays between
Christmas and New Year of the past 1953
marked the second annual winter Bible
school at Loman, Minn. This Bible
school which lasts for only one week is
intended primarily for the young people
of the northern Minnesota missions. It
had its origin in 1952 when Bro. Llewel-
lyn Groff had the faith to believe that it
would benefit the churches represented.
God always rewards faith, for we truly
can see its benefit to the different church-
es.
This article is written for the edifica-
tion of the saints and especially for the
glory of our great Lord.
This year's Bible school was not just
an ordinary Bible school as you and I
have been accustomed to. God answered
prayer and faith in a most unusual way,
but in a Biblical way, praise God.
There were five Bible subjects by four
teachers and a music class conducted by
Bro. Lawrence Yoder of the Rainy Riv-
er Mission. The other teachers were:
Bro. Henry L. Ruth— "I Corinthians"
and "Social Problems of Young People";
Gerald Hoffer— "God, Man's Healer";
Mark Landis-"Praising God and Why";
and Gerald Derstine— "The Victorious
Life."
It was the prayer and concern of each
saint at this Bible school that each pupil
receive a definite experience of either
salvation or infilling of the Holy Ghost,
or better yet, both.
There were approximately 67 pupils
enrolled, representing t e n different
churches in Northern Minnesota.
Monday and Tuesday were ordinary
Bible school days, but on Wednesday a
definite conviction of deep prayer and
concern gripped us, and as we waited up-
on God, He caused great conviction to
fall upon all of US and much confession
of sin was made and tears of sorrow, fol-
lowed by tears of joy. We knew this was
not of man but of God, because it mani-
fested the wickedness of the self-life and
replaced it with the mighty love of God.
It brought fresh testimonies Erom the
lips of those whom God has touched.
Yes, this is revival.
Then again on Friday God manifested
Himself m even a much greater way.
Words cannot describe the sorrow and
joy manifested at tins meeting. All we
can say is, God be praised for it all. We
had to look in wonder and ania/ciuciu
and say we never saw anything like this
before. The meeting lasted an hour and
a half overtime, but we forgot about
time.
Eight young souls received Christ for
the first time, which included all un-
saved ones present. Many of the others
received new power and boldness and an
infilling of the Holy Ghost which caused
them to praise God audibly. It caused
our minds to think back to the days of
the apostles in the Book of Acts, and how
the people praised God. Glory to God,
praise His precious name.
The invitation at the final close of the
service was given for all those wanting
to rededicate or reconsecrate their lives
to come forward to the altar. It didn't
take much time until the whole school
and audience was standing in front at
the altar.
I believe God wants to bless all our
schools and churches in this manner if
we meet the right conditions that will
allow Him to do it. Remember Mark
11:24.
I have heard from some that the young
people coming back from Bible school
have made a very good influence in their
local churches. I know it definitely has
influenced the members here at Straw-
berry Lake. In fact, a revival spirit has
been shown and acted such as this
church has never seen before.
Pray for those eight souls who received
Christ. God bless everyone who reads
this article, and may it bring to our re-
membrance that all things are possible,
"if thou canst believe."
Ogema, Minn.
Stewardship and the Tithe
By Wm. E. Detweiler
There seems to exist in the Mennonite
Church a complacency in regard to stew-
ardship and giving, due probably in part
to the fact that in many congregations
records show increase in offerings o\er
previous years. The question is, Have
offerings risen to the same extent as in-
comes? Before anyone becomes elated
over any figures, let us consider a few
other facts and figures.
How docs the Mennonite Church rank
in per capita giving? Records show that
some denominations give over ten per
cent of their income per capita. Records
also show that the Mennonite Church
gives less than two per cent of her total
income per capita. One can imagine
what could be done if the other eight
per cent were forthcoming. And there is
yet another angle which I believe would
far outweigh this.
In Mai. 3:10 God gives the invitation
(or is it a command?) to "in Him out"
and see if He will not pour out a bless-
ing. Who knows how huge this outpour-
ing could become? We can sec what
could lake place in the Mennonite
Church and is taking place in some other
churches. On one hundred dollars, one
tenth amounts to ten dollars. On one
thousand dollars, one tenth amounts to
one hundred dollars, and so on. And if
all Christians, or even all Mennonites,
were to "try the Lord" and His blessing
became multiplied, then the tithe would
also become multiplied, and we are awed
at what could be done.
Speak to almost any member of the
church and he will readily agree that a
Christian is only a steward in this world
and that everything he has belongs to
God. Likewise he will agree that in this
dispensation of liberty and love one
should give at least as much as was re-
quired of the Jews under the law. Mai.
3:8 says, "Will a man rob God? Yet ye
have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein
have we robbed thee? In tithes and offer-
ings."
Now let us notice that tithes and offer-
ings are two separate things. In other
words, under the law the tithe or ten per
cent was a debt, and when it was paid,
and only then, did the offering begin.
Let us assume that the above state-
ment is correct, that almost any member
of the church will readily agree that in
our dispensation a Christian should give
at least as much as was required of the
Jew under the law. We lace the ques-
tion, which is an individual one, How
much has my offering been the past year,
over and above the tithe? Then, too, let
us ask ourselves— if I were as systematic
in business as I am in my account with
God, what kind of steward would I be?
The tidie is a system that works for
our day. It has been tried. God sanc-
tions it. Many have claimed Mai. 3:10
for this day and have "proved God." and
testify to the pouring out of God's bless-
ings. This svstem is the regulation in
some churches and more and more of our
people are tithing and are convinced
that it is the best method of Christian
stewardship. As stated before, tithing is
the method God ordained and it works.
It is not spasmodic but systematic. Cer-
tainlv we need to be svstematic with
God.'
So dare we give less than the tithe?
Eph. 4:28 says, "Let him that stole steal
no more: but rather let him labour,
working with his hands the thing which
is good, that he may have to give to him
that needeth." We are commanded to
pray the Lord of the harvest to send
forth laborers into His harvest.
Rut how can we thus prav when we
are about to call off some of those who
are alreadv on the fields for lack of
funds, and this while we are buying
farms, fine cars, the latest in furnishings,
and going on vacations? The need is
here.
The time is short. Facts stare us in
the face. God's share is His; dare we
withhold?
Dorchester. Nebr.
Robert G. Insrersoll. famous infidel,
O
sent one of his atheistic books to his
aunt. On the title page he wrote: "If all
Christians had lived like Aunt Sarah,
perhaps this book would never have been
written."— Moody Student.
March 16, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
247
A Prayer for This Week
For hands that are folded, withered,
sinful;
For hearts that are listless, unkind,
obstinate;
For feet that are inexperienced, indiffer-
ent, unwilling;
For eyes that are blind;
Lord, we beseech Theel Let Thy power
rebuke and Thy mercy forgive.
For hands that are old, deformed, or
poor;
For hearts that are worried, dejected,
neglected;
For feet that are tired, worn, and weary;
For eyes that are dim;
Lord, we implore Theel heal, comfort,
and bless.
For eyes that see Thee and a neighbor's
need;
For hands that are ready, able, active,
skillful;
For hearts that are loving, understand-
ing, humble, consecrated;
For feet shod with peace, willing, tireless;
1 Lord, we thank Thee, for only Thou
canst cause them to be so.
—Mrs. Walter Oswald.
y
: — — ^
:
©n Being Eclipsed
By Stanley C. Shenk
It is hard for one to be eclipsed
(placed, that is, in the shadow of a big-
ger, wiser, stronger man). It is said that
some Mennonite preachers of sixty years
ago were very reluctant to invite the
great John S. Coffman into their pulpits;
, they were afraid of the unfavorable com-
parisons that their people might make
afterward between them and Coffman!
J On that same basis Barnabas would have
had a perfect right to reject any inner
t suggestion that perhaps he should get
: Saul as his assistant pastor. "After all,"
! he might have said to himself, "the
■ young fellow is so able! Won't the peo-
5 pie just flock around him and leave me
out?" If the devil ever put any such
' thoughts into the mind of good Barna-
bas, he didn't let them stay there long.
Straight up to Tarsus he went and got
: God's man. He was prepared in his heart,
I believe, to be eclipsed.
That is the measure of greatness. I be-
lieve, too, that Barnabas rejoiced in the
growing usefulness and popularity of his
assistant. I believe he prayed for God
: to pour boundless blessings on the young
fellow. His was the spirit portrayed by
Dr. F. B. Meyer in an address delivered
^ in Rome in 1907. "I find in my own
ministry," Dr. Meyer declared, "that sup-
posing I pray for my own little flock,
God bless me; God fill my pews; God
send me a revival; I miss the blessing,
but as I pray for my big brother, Mr.
Spurgeon, on the right-hand side of my
church, God bless him; or my other big
brother, Campbell Morgan, on the other
side of my church, God bless him; I am
sure to get a blessing without praying for
it, for the overflow of their cups fills my
little bucket."
This testimony accords with the fol-
lowing advice given to a class by a Bible
teacher at one of our church colleges
several years ago: "If you see a fellow
who you think is a rival in Christian serv-
ice, or who is maybe being used more
than you are, pray God that He will
bless him twice as much as He blesses
you. That kind of prayer will do won-
ders for you!" Amen.— Herald Youth
Bible Studies, March, 1952.
Home of the Human Soul
By John K. Denlinger
From out the abyss of vast space
The earth was formed, arranged in place;
And in the darkness of earth's void
Was beauty formed, where naught annoyed
The sense of God. In land so fair
He planned to make a garden lair,
And there He placed His final goal —
A home possessed of human soul.
There perfect love was found to dwell;
There music grand was wont to swell
In harmony of human souls
And God.
God walked with them at eventide,
And ever with them did abide
His beauty, love, and peace; the span
Of His great love found seed in man
Till dark and envious powers intrude
And hate, with interruption rude,
Broke down the chain of love and peace
In God. Sin ushered in disgrace,
Made vile what God had foreordained
And peace was killed by murder —
No God.
In Christ was love restored to man;
Calm peace dwelt in the soul again.
Home is where Christ and man are one;
Where battles fought and victories won
Will strengthen high ideals. The young
Receive vast wisdom from the tongue
Of time. Affection, memories, love
Unending, peace sent from above —
The mind of man fails to construe
Such love and peace. Find God, and you
Have found the home of human souls;
Find God.
Denver, Pa.
Why should one vote when one knows
that every government decision is sus-
tained by force? Let us remain strangers
because we are such.
—Felix van der Wissel.
Prayer Requests —
(Requests for this column must be signed)
Pray for three young men from Indiana
who were denied I-W classification and
are serving a two-year sentence at the
U. S. Reformatory at Chillicothe,
Ohio. Pray that these young brethren
—Charles Wenger, Jr., Freeman Wing-
ert, and Manas Kuhns— may grow in
grace and be a real witness in the
prison.
Parents of a son who is thinking of
changing his I-W classification to join
the army request prayers that he may
see his mistake.
Pray for a young girl who is not willing
to give her life to Christ because of
what other people will say.
An Amish I-W man requests prayers for
a spiritual awakening in the home
churches.
Pray for our missionaries in Israel, that
the Holy Spirit may use them in re-
moving the veil of blindness of Israel,
that some may be saved.
A Thought
Murmuring Is Short-Sighted. Murmur-
ing and disputing is an indication of un-
faith. It means that at this particular
stage of affairs we cannot possibly see
how God is going to bring anything good
out of this or that specific circumstance
about which we are presently exercised.
True, God has blessed us in the past and
all of His dealings have been good. And
true, there is, as a matter of fact, still
time in which even this circumstance
might take a turn for the better. But at
present we are too preoccupied with the
current phase of matters. We do not
have a compelling conviction that God
is almighty and that He has the situation
in hand and that He will accomplish a
worthy purpose through this test.
It is like the little mouse who runs
along a plank in the studio of a great
artist and looks up at an unfinished
painting which is standing there. Seeing
the meaningless jumble of color upon
color, of high lights and shades, the lit-
tle mouse pronounces judgment and says,
"Well, he certainly made a mess of that
one." The insolent little creature is not
fitted by his nature to comprehend ulti-
mate good in the realm of art, nor is he
willing to allow the talented artist time
in which to demonstrate his solution, the
denouement of his purpose in this par-
ticular artistic situation. Our murmur-
ing demonstrates a lack of faith in a
mighty and purposeful God.— Stephen
W. Paine, in Toward the Mark.
248
GOSPEL HERALD
OUR SCHOOLS
Goshen College News
The Goshen College 1954 Bible Lectures
are to be given by Dr. Robert Traina of
Biblical Seminary in New York, who in
eight lectures will discuss "The Way Out,"
based on studies in Genesis, Exodus, and
Leviticus. The first lecture will be on "Man's
Fall" and will be given at the regular chapel
service on March 11. The closing address,
"Vicarious Sacrifice— The Means of Redemp-
tion," will be delivered in Union Auditorium
on Sunday afternoon, March 14, at 3:00.
Plans for the 1954 spring and summer ses-
sions have been announced. The two three-
week spring sessions will be May 10-28 and
June 8-25 and will offer courses on the Hiram
plan. The Seminary also offers two terms of
work as a graduate summer school of the-
ology, the first term being from June 8 to
June 26 and the second term June 28 to
July 15. The college regular summer session
begins June 8 and ends August 6. A work-
shop for camp leaders and counselors will
also be held on the campus June 8 to June 22.
The out-of-state spring chorus tours are
planned for the A Cappella Chorus and the
Motet Singers. These two choruses as well as
the Collegiate and School of Nursing Chor-
uses are also scheduled to give programs in
our churches in northern Indiana this spring.
The Motet Singers will make a five-day pre-
Easter trip to the Northwest and a ten-day
tour of Ohio and Pennsylvania during Easter
vacation, April 9-19. The A Cappella Chorus
will fill one appointment in Indiana, two in
Iowa, and spend the remainder of Easter va-
cation among our churches in Illinois. One
of the programs in Iowa is to be given con-
jointly with the Hesston College chorus. In
the annual election of the YM and YWCA
officers held recently the following were
elected to take office on March 24, 1954.
YMCA Name Address
Pres. Richard Yoder Midland, Mich.
Sec Earl Schwartzentruber Tavistock, Ont.
Treas. lames Delp Utltz, Pa.
YWCA Name Address
Pres. Marlorie Ann Yoder Kalona, Iowa
Sec Barbara Amstutz Goshen, Ind.
Treas. Marian Landls Bloominq Glen, Pa.
Goshen College Chorus Tours 53-54
MOTET SINGERS
Tour I
March 18 South English, Iowa
10 Freeman. S. Dak.
20 Mt. Lake. Minn.
21 Manson, Iowa
April 9 Orrville, < >hlo
10 Bphrata, Pa.
„ft. ii Souderton (H.S. Auditorium]
eve' ii Deep Run
12 Springs
18 Scottdale
14 North Lima. Ohio
IB Louisville
10 Kidron
17 _. Plain Oitv
morn IS Bethel, West Liberty
„f(. is South Union, West Liberty
evo. IS Elida
19 Arehbold
A CAPPELLA
Tour II
April 9 Kokomo. Ind.
10 Arthur, 111.
aft. 11 Fisher
eve. 11 Hopedale
12 Morton
13 Metamora
14 Flanagan
15 Tiskilwa
10 Iowa City, Iowa
17 East Union (joint Hesston)
aft. 18 Freeport, 111.
eve. 18 Sterling
19 Chicago Home Mission
S. M. King.
March 16, 1934
fine stockings or shoes for thy feet, but only
such as suit the measures of decency and use-
fulness. Neither do thou put a gold ring up-
on thy fingers; for all these ornaments arc
the signs of lasciviousness which if thou be
solicitous about in an indecent manner, thou
wilt not act as becomes a good man. — Book
One, Section Two — "Commandments to
Men," from Apostolic Constitution-
Western Mennonite School News
Western Mennonite School is having the
seventh Bible school this winter. Clarence
Ramer is guest instructor. He is also holding
evangelistic meetings in the three congrega-
tions of Western, Sheridan, and Bethel. The
Christian Workers' Conference has arranged
to have him speak in the other churches in the
valley.
C. F. Derstine spoke to the student body in
chapel and addressed the students in both
mixed and closed meetings.
Our commencement date is May 24.
Clayton L. Swartzentruber.
PEACE AND WAR (Continued)
heartlessness of soldiery, and the broken lives.
The report is objective, seemingly not bitter,
and throws the Russian soldiers in a bad light.
But surely Lali Horstmann knows that war is
war and that German and American soldiers
would have done, or did, the same.
« To Hell and Back, James H. Ellis; Vantaae Press;
1954; 145 pp.; $2.75.
To Hell and Back* is James H. Ellis' pilgrim-
age from a pleasant little country boy through
his parent's saloon into drunkenness, lost jobs.
World War II as a righting man, and then back
on his feet again as he found his Saviour and
Lord. The mental agony of a drunkard, his
problems, his soldiery which he admits is too
awful to tell in full, disclose frankly the way ot
life lived by nearly millions. The book shows
that war is simply devastating to morale. The
author has found Christ, and now feels that he
is on the right track. May he continue thus.
Scottdale, Pa.
A STRANGE GUEST ROOM
A certain popular woman, with a strange
sense of humor, said she had the guest room
in her house wired with a microphone and a
recording machine — both carefully concealed.
Then, at the breakfast table, she played
back the conversation of the couple who had
occupied the room the night before.
"Oh, horrors!" you say. You may never
be an occupant of such a room, but do not
forget that Heaven is keeping a perfect rec-
ord of your every thought and motive, as
well as your every word and act. Read Psalm
139.
Jesus Himself warned: "For there is noth-
ing covered, that shall not be revealed;
neither hid, that shall not be known. There-
fore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness
shall be heard in the light; and that which ye
have spoken in the ear in closets shall be pro-
claimed upon the house tops" (Luke 12:2, 3).
That beauty which God and nature has
bestowed on thee, do not further beautify.
Thus do not thou permit the hair of thy head
to grow too long, but rather cut it short, for
it is not lawful for thee, a believer and a man
of God, to permit the hair of thy head to
grow long and to bush it up together, nor
to suffer it to spread abroad, nor to puff it
up, nor by nice combing and platting to
m.ike it curl and shine. Neither do thou
wear over-fine garments to seduce any; neith-
er do thou with an evil subtiltty affect over-
House of Dust
By Florence R. Yeackley
Lord, I would walk with Thee—
My spirit wills it so;
But when temptation faces me
My feet to sin would swiftly go,
For I am made of dust!
Lord, I would talk with Thee—
My spirit hungers thus:
But when upon my knees I fall
The world crowds in against my will.
With other things my mind to fill,
For I am made of dust!
My hands wan Id work far Thee,
My lips would sing Thy praise:
But Satan's power so cunningly
My will doth Thine replace.
For I am made of dust!
O house of dust wherein 1 dwell,
Flow long shall I your sewant be?
Shall Satan with his princely power
Always declare his masteiy.
Because I am of dust?
Christ died, my bonds to free;
Fie rose, that I might life
Victorious over iceaknesses,
For grace and strength He gives.
My dust? He dwells within.
Tlnrrman, Colo.
March 16, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
PEACE AND WAR
249
men something. Why should it not cost
the church as a whole something also?
We stand together in a common faith
and common testimony.
Harold S. Bender, Chairman,
Peace Problems Committee.
The Pastoral Ministry to Our
I-W Men
A Report and Announcement by the
Peace Problems Committee
L The Present Status of Mennonite
CO's
The past year has brought a greatly
increased tempo in the drafting of con-
scientious objectors. As of Jan. 26, 1954,
approximately 4,000 CO's are in I-W
service, of whom 70 per cent are Men-
nonites and Amish, with 32 per cent
(1,200) members of our own Mennonite
Church. Most of these men are serving
in mental hospitals and general hospi-
tals. Some 90 are serving overseas, chiefly
in PAX units in Germany, Greece, Jor-
dan, and Korea. Mennonite I-W men
serve in 162 locations. There are eight
organized centers for the larger units,
and eight organized units without cen-
ters. Eleven area field representatives
serve our I-W men under the I-W Serv-
ices Program administered by the Men-
nonite Relief and Service Committee
(MRSC, Elkhart, Ind.). About 15 per
cent (190) serve in Voluntary Service,
Relief, PAX, and Mennonite Church in-
stitutions. The MRSC monthly budget
for I-W work is as follows: PAX, $3,000;
MRSC I-W Services, $3,000; support of
MCC I-W Services, $1,200. The MCC is
responsible by agreement for I-W serv-
ices to groups and location where the
majority of men are not of our own con-
stituency. It serves 42 locations, and
operates 1 1 organized units.
2. Pastoral Ministry to I-W Men
While the general services to I-W men
are the responsibility of the Mennonite
Relief and Service Committee (Elkhart,
Ind.), the pastoral ministry to the men
is the responsibility of the district con-
ferences, with the Peace Problems Com-
mittee responsible for general supervi-
sion and co-ordination. Bishop Anson
Horner of Kokomo, Ind., served for ap-
proximately six months during 1953 as
part-time visitor and co-ordinator of pas-
toral services. He did the groundwork
in preparation for the establishment of
a regular office for supervision and co-
ordination which was set up at Elkhart,
Ind., in the Mission Board Headquarters
and began operations Feb. 8, 1954.
3. Appointment of Robert Keller
Robert Keller, on leave of absence for
one year from his work as pastor of the
Science Ridge congregation at Sterling,
111., has been appointed to direct the
work of the I-W Pastoral Service office.
The office will publish a biweekly 4-page
pastoral messenger, The Lantern, begin-
ning March 3, 1954. Many of the district
conferences have appointed part-time
field pastors to serve the scattered I-W
units and men in their areas, and a num-
ber of the large units have regular reli-
gious services. The church seeks to main-
tain its regular spiritual ministry to
those who are temporarily (for two
years) living in new locations, where for
the most part no normal congregational
life and fellowship is available. The
work of the Pastoral Services office will
be to assist in making this ministry as
effective as possible, and particularly to
see that there is adequate coverage of
the field including the isolated individ-
ual men and smaller groups.
4. Area Pastors of I-W Men
The following list includes all con-
ference-appointed area pastors as known
to the Peace Problems Committee at the
present time:
Franconia Conference
Omar V. Showalter, Wismer. Pa.
Illinois Conference
Harold Zehr, Roanoke, 111.
Indiana Conference
Etril J. Leinbach, Moorepark, Mich
Verle Hoffman, 1522 Independence, Elkhart,
Ind-
Donald E. Kin*. Pigeon, Mich.
J. Paul Myers, R.R. 4, Box 161, Kokomo, Ind.
Peter Wiebe, R.R. 3, Goshen, Ind.
J. Kore Zook, R. 3, St. Johns, Mich.
Iowa-Nebraska Conference
A. Lloyd Swartzendruber, Kalona, Iowa
Lancaster Conference
Clarence E. Lutz, 250 Bainbridge St.
Elizabethtown. Pa.
North Central Conference
(No one yet appointed)
Ohio Mennonite and Eastern A.M. Conference
Newton Weber. Box 32, West Liberty, Ohio
Pacific Coast Conference
Paul E. Yoder, Waverly Drive, Albany, Oreg.
South Central Conference
Harrv A. Diener, R.R. 2, Hutchinson, Kans.
South Pacific Conference
John David Zehr, ISl'A W. 73rd St., Los
Angeles, Calif.
Southwestern Pennsylvania Conference
Harry Y. Shetler, Davidsville, Pa.
Virginia Conference
Harold H. Lahman, Star Route, Elkton, Va.
Washington Co. and Franklin Co.
(No one yet appointed)
Conservative Amish Mennonite Conference
Shem Peachey, R.R. 3, Quarryville, Pa.
We appreciate very much the con-
tinued support of the church for the
I-W Service Work, including the Pas-
toral Services. Including the support of
the conference-appointed area pastors
and the Elkhart office as well as the
PAX men (see budget statement under
first paragraph above) we will shortly
be using about $100,000 per year. This
will probably be the maximum amount
during the present draft period. This
is much less than the most of CPS, and is
a sum which can easily be carried by the
church. It is an expenditure which we
can fully justify and gladly contribute.
Our nonresistance stand costs our young
Five Books to Help Us
By Ford Berg
Although not presented with a theo-
logical approach, some books make a
fine impact on the reader, especially to
substantiate the correctness of the non-
resistant Christian position. Here are
five books which prove indirectly the
superiority of full discipleship.
Snakepit Attendant is the startling record
of the twenty-five years' service of one attend-
ant in 49 mental hospitals. While roving about,
as hospital attendants do, he kept a diary, lhese
notes were given to a sociologist who edited
them into book shape. .
Here is jolting evidence that Christians shou d
be in the mental hospital field, a fact so clearly
observed by conscientious objectors during
World War II but just about as promptly for-
gotten This attendant's frank recording of ex-
periences, food served, punishment given, and
all of the other shameful conditions described
are bitter medicine for the complacent Christian.
The attendant didn't claim to be a Christian,
but has a fair sense of human justice. Some
paragraphs reveal brutality, others extreme
kindness and caution, others immorality and
illegitimacy, others inadequate treatment. The
stark realism of this book should serve well to
hand to I-W men and their wives to help them
select a worthy service as they contemplate the
significance of their conscientious objection to
war.
Diary of a Self-Made Convict? by Alfred
Hassler. is the record of his observations of
prison life as he served a sentence for refusal
to submit to Selective Service. He tells us about
the impact of prison life on all types of in-
mates, the degradation of men, hardships suf-
fered, pathetic instances of young men who are
in prison for life. Of primary importance is the
disclosure how there is general deterioration of
minds when men enter prison. The forgiving
spirit, the Balm of Gilead, is needed in prisons
as well as in mental hospitals.
From Pearl Harbor to Golgotha3 is the ex-
perience of Capt. Mitsuo Fuchida of the Japa-
nese Air Force who led the attack on Pearl
Harbor in 1941. After World War II, his life
became desolate, hollow. He was converted to
Christianity, and is now spreading the Gospel
instead of bombs. This could be an ideal ex-
ample of complete conversion, but unfortunately
Fuchida is in the hands of militant Fundamen-
talists, and so he says, "My conversion does not
mean that I, as a militarist, in becoming a
Christian, lost my patriotism" (p. 49). Yet, he
turned down the post of Chief of Air Staff in
Japan because of his greater interest in Chris-
tianity. A postscript by an American Funda-
mentalist sponsor justifies Fuchida's bombing of
Pearl Harbor (p. 93).
We Chose to Stay* is the report of Lali
Horstmann, wife of a landowner in the Eastern
sector of Germany who chose to stay when the
Russian Army moved in. Here is presented
plainly the aftermath of war, the brutality and
1 Snake Pit Attendant, Jesse Walter Dees, Jr.; Ex-
position Press; 1950; 144 pp.; $2.50.
2 Diary of a SeH-Made Convict, Alfred Hassler;
Regnery; 1954; 182 pp.; $3.00.
3 From Pearl Harbor to Golgotha, Mitsuo Fuchida;
Sky Pilots of America; 1953; 96 pp.; $1.95.
1 We Chose to Stay, Lali Horstmann; Houghton-
Mifflin; 1954; 207 pp.; $3.00.
{Continued on page 248)
250
GOSPEL HERALD
March 16, 1954
FAMILY CIRCLE
Are All the Children In?
I think ofttimes as the night draws nigh,
Of an old house on the hill,
Of a yard all wide, and blossom-starred,
Where children played at will.
And when the night at last came down,
Hushing the merry din,
Mother would look all around and ask,
"Are all the children in?"
'Tis many and many a year since then,
And the old house on the hill
No longer echoes to childish feet,
And the yard is still, so still.
But I see it all as the shadows creep,
And though many years have been
Since then, I can hear our mother ask,
"Are all the children in?"
I wonder if, when the shadows fall,
On the last short earthly day,
When we say good-by to the world outside
All tired with our childish play,
When we meet the Lover of boys and girls,
Who died to save them from sin,
Will we hear Him ask as Mother did,
"Are all the children in?"
— Reprinted from YCC at request of Dan-
iel Diller.
What Are You Giving Your
Children?
Parents are ever in the process of giv-
ing their children something. They may
give them fears, phobias, doubts, inferi-
ority complexes, or some dreaded disease.
Or they may give them poise, steadfast-
ness, assurance, an undying will to live
right and be right. What are you giving
your children? Be sure you are giving
them something.
One day a man of fifty, who is both
lather and grandfather, said to me amid
tears, "My children have all reached the
age of maturity and have set up homes
for themselves. While I had them at
home as children, I failed to teach them
the things that really count, and now
none of them are saved."
Luke 1:6 says of Zacharias and Elisa-
beth, the parents of rugged John the
Baptist, "And they were both righteous
before God, walking in all the command-
ments and ordinances of the Lord blame-
less." Godly parents cannot be sure that
they will rear godly children, for they
have Adam to deal with. Nevertheless,
here is a lac I we have always to deal with:
We do not expect the negligent, irre-
sponsible, careless, and godless to re-
plenish the world with fine citizens and
noble Christians. We parents have the
joy and task of bequeathing to our chil-
dren the best possible physical and spirit-
ual inheritance.
The night Peter denied Christ, one of
the bystanders said to Peter, "Why, your
accent betrays you" (Mat. 26:73, Mof-
fatt). The physical traits, habits, and
characteristics of children often betray
the parents. Parents, your children ac-
cent you. If we want better children, we
must have better parents.
Parents are stewards over their little
children's bodies. It is the parents' busi-
ness to care for the bodies of their chil-
dren; their bodies are the temple of God.
Underfed and poorly clothed children
are many. It is disturbing to think that
many parents waste enough money on
tobacco and alcoholic drinks to supply
every physical need of their children-
good food, proper dental and medical
care, good clothing.
Of equal importance is the social in-
heritance of your children. As long as
there are two persons on earth, we have
social problems to deal with. Into what
kind of society do you take vour chil-
dren? What kind oi people do you av
sociate with?
Many young couples come to us min-
isters seeking counsel. They went to the
wrong place, met the wrong people,
married the wrong person. A young mar-
ried woman said to me just recentlv, "I
went to the wrong place, met the wrong
man, and married him. Now I have to
just sweat it out, because I don't believe
in divorce." Most young women are not
graced with conviction and endurance
as she is and they do go to the divorce
courts.
One of the encouraging things in the
church I pastor is that many of the
parents are vitally concerned about their
children. If there is a youth camp, a
youth convention, an interchurch activ-
ity, they go and take their children. They
know that youth must have activity, and
they seek to help them enjoy ths right
kind. Children whose parents make no
effort to know where they are and where
they go and what they tlo usually sutler
irreparable loss.
Of greatest importance is the spiritual
inheritance that parents give then chil-
dren. What are you giving your children
in the realm ol lasting values? Every
age has admired John the Baptist with
Ins deep-seated, rugged convictions foi
righteousness, his straightforwardness
and godliness. He was every inch a man.
Why? In his formative years he saw Gcxl
in his lather and mother. He was born
and bred in a wholesome, godly atmos
phere.
Luke's account of Zacharias and Elisa-
beth tells us why they could produce a
John the Baptist: "They were both
righteous." They were upright and holy
in all their conduct. Luke says they lived
"before God." They lived as they pro-
fessed. They exercised themselves con-
stantly in the presence of God. They
were not spasmodic followers of God.
John the Baptist knew his parents meant
business in living for God.
And Luke also says of these wonderful
parents that they walked "in all the
commandments and ordinances of the
Lord blameless." No one could lav any
evil to their charge. They were as ex-l
emplary and conscientious in the dis-
charge of their religious duty as in the
discharge of their other duties. Do you
suppose they were the kind of people
who go to work every morning through
rain, cold, and sickness and then let a
tew drops of rain keep them from church
on Sunday? Not on your life! They were
diligent about God— and that spirit
rubbed off on John the Baptist.
What kind of spiritual inheritance are
you giving your children? Remember,
you are in the process of giving them
something. Give them the best you pos-
sibly can!
M. L. Dugdale made a study of two
large families of the nineteenth century.
His study covered five generations of
these two families. The first family he
calls the Jukes family. There was no
spiritual life in the Jukes home. Of
1,200 persons born in five generations,
not one was even moderately educated.
Only 20 learned a trade, and 10 of those
learned it in prison. There were 310
professional paupers kept in the poor-
house an aggregate of 2.300 vears. Fiftv
women in this family were notoriously
immoral; 400 men and women were
physical wrecks because of wicked living.
There were 7 murderers in the Jukes
family, 60 habitual thieves, and 130 per-
sons convicted of various crimes.
The other large family studied was the
Jonathan Edwards family. Jonathan
Edwards and his wife built their home
life on Christ. Within five generations,
there were 285 college graduates among
the men. There were 30 colleges presi-
dents, 65 college professors, main minis-
ters, principals of academies, profession-
al men, and mothers of happy families.
What made the difference between
these two families? |ust this: In the
I ukes home there was no spiritual life,
no prayer, no Bible reading, no high
ideals, no real love. The Edwards familv
was built on Christ.
What kind of inheritance are you gi\
ins your child? Your attitude, love or
lack of it, your influence, may determine
whether vour bov is a John the Baptist
or a Herod or a Pilate. Let me urge you
to obev this Scripture: "Train up a
child in the way he should go: and when
he is old. he will not depart from it"
fProv. 22:6).-Hillery C. Rice, in The
Gospel Trumpet.
(Continued on page 259)
March 16, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
251
TO BE NEAR TO GOD
ADMONITIONS FROM THOMAS A KEMPIS (1380-1471)
Sunday, March 21
Read I Cor. 2:9-14— On Reading the Scriptures
Not eloquence, but truth, is to be sought
in the holy Scriptures, every part of which
must be read with the same spirit by which
it was written. In these, and all other books,
it is improvement in holiness, not pleasure in
the subtlety of thought, or the accuracy of
expression, that must be principally regard-
ed. The profitable reading of the holy Scrip-
tures is frequently interrupted by a vain
curiosity which prompts us to examine, dis-
cuss, and labor to comprehend those parts
that should be meekly and submissively
passed over. But to derive spiritual improve-
ment from reading, we must read with hu-
mility, simplicity, and faith; and not affect
the reputation of profound learning.
Monday, March 22
Read I Pet. 4:12-19 — On Adversity
It is good for man to suffer the adversity
of this earthly life; for it brings him back
to the sacred retirement of the heart, where
only he finds that the heart is an exile from
his native home, and ought not to place his
trust in any worldly enjoyment. It is good
for him also to meet with contradiction and
reproach; to be evil thought of, and evil
spoken of, even when his intentions are up-
right, and his actions blameless; for this
keeps him humble, and is a powerful anti-
dote to the poison of vainglory.
Tuesday, March 23
Read I Sam. 16:1-7 — On Judging
We busily inquire what a man hath done,
but not from what principle he did it; we
ask whether this or that man be valiant,
rich, beautiful, or ingenious; whether he be
a profound scholar, an elegant writer, or a
fine singer; but how poor in spirit he is, how
patient, how meek, how holy and resigned,
we disregard as questions of no importance.
Nature looks at the outward man, but grace
at the inward. Nature dependeth wholly
upon itself, and always errs; grace trusts
wholly in God, and is never deceived.
Wednesday, March 24
Read Matt. 7:1-5 — On Judging
Keep thy eye turned inwardly upon thy-
self and beware of judging the actions of
others. In judging others, a man labors to
no purpose, commonly errs, and easily sins;
but in examining and judging himself, he is
always wisely and usefully employed.
We generally judge of persons and things
as they either oppose or gratify our private
views and inclinations; and, blinded by self-
love, are easily led from the judgment of
truth. If God alone were the pure object of
all our intentions and desires, we should not
be troubled when the truth of things hap-
pens to be repugnant to our own sentiments.
Thursday, March 25
Read I Cor. 13 — On Forbearance
Endeavor to be always patient of the faults
and imperfections of others: for thou hast
many faults and imperfections of thine own,
that require a reciprocation of forbearance.
If thou art not able to make thyself that
which thou wishest to be, how canst thou
expect to mold another in conformity to thy
will?
Friday, March 26
Read Matt. 20:20-28 — On Prerequisites
No man can safely go abroad, that does not
love to stay at home; no man can safely
speak, that does not willingly hold his tongue;
no man can safely govern, that would not
cheerfully become subject; no man can safe-
ly command, that has not truly learned to
obey; and no man can safely rejoice, but he
that has the testimony of a good conscience.
Saturday, March 27
Read Eph. 5:14-20 — On Redeeming the Time
Never suffer the invaluable moments of
thy life to steal by unimproved, and leave
thee in idleness and vacancy; but be always
either reading, or writing, or praying, or
meditating, or employed in some useful
labor for the common good. "Blessed is that
servant, whom his lord when he cometh
shall find so doing. Of a truth I say unto
you, that he will make him ruler over all
that he hath." — Edward L. Kauffman.
What thou art in the sight of God, that
thou truly art. — Thomas a Kempis.
Jesus Strengthens His Disciples
Sunday School Lesson for March 28
(John 15, 16)
Tread softly as we enter this most sacred
little meeting. Listen to Jesus as He speaks
to His disciples and to us. Although we are
on this ' side of the cross, much of "these
things" are for our strengthening too.
How wondrously kind was our Lord to
those whom God had given Him! They were
so sad and soon would be sadder. For this
need Jesus spoke. He had to strengthen them
for the great bridge they must span between
His death and departure and the coming of
the Holy Spirit. We cannot appreciate what
the disciples experienced in these days. But
they truly believed, and by Jesus' help they
were kept till the great day of Pentecost.
This night before His death Jesus fed them
the Bread of Life and the Water of Life. Be-
gin with chapter 15 and see how He strength-
ened them. "You are to me like branches on
a vine. If you abide in me, the Vine, you
will bear much fruit." This figure they un-
derstood well. They had been with Jesus for
months now and surely knew something of
the fruit they could bear as they kept at-
tached to the vine.
"I have loved you. This relation will con-
tinue if you keep my commandments." "You
are my friends, not servants. I have told you
what my Father has told me." "I wanted
you. I chose you and ordained you to bear
fruit. You ask God in my name and you
will receive what you ask." "Don't forget
the new commandment I gave you, Love one
another." "The world will hate you, but
that's the way they treated me. You know.
But you are not of the world. They may
think they are serving God in killing you,
but this shows they do not know God.
"Now why am I telling you these things?
So that you will be strong when tried.
"I will leave you, but I will send the Com-
forter unto you. He will testify of me and
take of mine and the Father's and show it
unto you. You will know the truth. I came
from the Father and I am going back to Him.
The Spirit will reprove the world of their sin.
"Keep your heart in peace by abiding in
me. Don't worry about your abuses by the
world. I have overcome the world. Rejoice
in me."
Imagine how these things spoken must
have strengthened them. Although Jesus
was facing death as the Lamb of God, yet
He didn't ask them to help Him, but He
gave Himself to them. "In me." "In me."
There's our strength — in Him.
— Alta Mae Erb.
Lesson based on "International Sunday School Les-
sons: the International Bible Lessons lor Christian
Teaching," copyrighted 1951 by the Division of Chris-
tian Education National Council of the Churches of
Christ in the U.S.A.
If thou desirest to be one of the faithful
and to please the Lord, O wife, do not super-
add ornaments to thy beauty in order to
please other men; neither affect to wear fine
broidering, garments or shoes to entice those
who are allured by such things. For al-
though thou dost not these wicked things
with design of sinning thyself, but only for
the sake of ornament and beauty, yet wilt
thou not so escape future punishment as hav-
ing compelled another to look so hard at thee
as to lust after thee, and as not having taken
care both to avoid sin thyself and the afford-
ing scandal to others. . . . When thou art in
the streets, cover thy head, for by such a
covering thou wilt avoid being viewed by
idle persons. Do not paint thy face which is
God's workmanship; for there is no part of
thee which wants ornament inasmuch as all
things which God hath made are very good.
But the lascivious additional adornment of
what is already good is an affront to the
bounty of the Creator. — Book One, Section
Three— "Commandments to Women," from
Apostolic Constitution.
252
GOSPEL HERALD
March 16, 1954
FIELD NOTES
Items to appear in this column for any issue of the
following Tuesday must reach Scottdale by Wednes-
day morning.
Bro. C. J. Ramer, Duchess, Aha., gave a
lecture on "The Tabernacle" at the Moun-
tain View Bible College of the United Mis-
sionary Church at Didsbury, Alta., during
the six-week Winter Bible School of the Al-
berta-Saskatchewan Conference held at Car-
stairs, Alta., where he served as principal and
one of the instructors.
Bro. Warren Swartley, Souderton, Pa., who
served as music instructor at the Winter Bi-
ble School at Carstairs, Alta., with Sister
Swartley visited nearly all the mission stations
in northern Alberta during his stay in the
province.
The revival spirit which prevailed through-
out the six-week Winter Bible School at Car-
stairs, Alta., resulted in a program of house-
to-house visitation and a number of conver-
sions in non-Mennonite homes. An outcome
of this was the formation of Mennonite Chris-
tian Service, a combined effort of the MYF
and Home Mission Volunteers to make a
regular coverage of all the homes in the dis-
trict, using the distribution of "The Way" as
a means of contact. Bro. Willard Hartzler
has been elected chairman of this unit.
A group of foreign students from E.M.C.
gave a program at the Zion Church, Broad-
way, Va., on Sunday evening, March 7.
Table of Contents
241 — Righteousness Is by Faith
Faith (Poem)
242 — Our Readers Say
243 — Mixed Marriages
A Suggestion
244 — The Revelation of Jesus Christ
World Conference Committee at Work
It Happened
245 — Nonresistance in the Brotherhood
246 — Revival in the North
Stewardship and the Tithe
247 — A Prayer for This Week
On Being Eclipsed
Home of the Human Soul (Poem)
Prayer Reguest
248 — Goshen College News
Western Mennonite School News
A Strange Guest Room
House of Dust (Poem)
249 — The Pastoral Ministry to our I-W Men
Five Books to Help Us
250— Are AH the Children In? (Poem)
What Are You Giving Your Children?
251 — To Be Near to God
Sundov School Lesson for March 28
252— Field Notes
Calendar
253 — Mission News
Your Treasurer Reports
254 — Leaving for America
255 — Observations on Religious Conditions in England
256 — Rescue M'ssionaries Write
PAX — A Sianificant Part of the I-W Program
257 — The Mpnnonite Hour
Hospital S»rvice Ii Mission Service
Th»re Is Time (Poom)
258— MRSC Weekly Notes
MCC Weeklv Notes
259 — Women's Activities
From Our Churches
Advice to Parents
261— Births
Marriages
Anniversaries
Obituaries
262— The Book Shelf
Items ond Comments
263 — Your Publishing House
Correction. — In a recent issue of the Gos-
pel Herald the Kansas City, Kans., address of
Bro. Frank B. Raber was incorrectly given
as 24th Street. The correct address is 1438 S.
34th Street.
Bro. David Alderfer, who had been en-
gaged in private business for the past year,
is again in the employ of the Publishing
House. He is working in the Finishing De-
partment, where he had earlier served for
eight years.
Bro. Lester Hershey, missionary on fur-
lough from Puerto Rico, spoke at the Beech
Church, Louisville, Ohio, on Sunday evening,
March 14.
Bro. Harold Bauman, Orrville, Ohio, was
scheduled to lead a series of spiritual life
meetings at the Rockway Mennonite School,
Kitchener, Ont., March 15-19.
Bro. A. T. Rollins, a deacon at Hebron
and Crossroad churches, in Virginia, was or-
dained to the ministry on Feb. 28 at the
Salem Church, near Needmore, W. Va.,
where he will be located soon. Services were
in charge of Brethren Timothy Showalter
and John L. StaufTer.
The third Pacific Coast Educational Con-
ference was held at the Fairview Church,
near Albany, Oreg., Saturday, March 6.
Speakers included C. J. Ramer, Duchess,
Alta.; C. F. Derstine, Kitchener, Ont., and
people from the district.
Bro. B. Charles Hostetter and the Men's
quartet, of the Mennonite Hour, gave pro-
grams at the following Pennsylvania church-
es March 12-14: Friday evening, Pleasant
View, Schellsburg; Saturday evening Allens-
ville; Sunday afternoon, Bethel, Mummas-
burg; Sunday evening, Monterey, Leola.
Ordination services at the recently or-
ganized congregation at Walker, Mo., were
postponed from March 14 to 21, on account
of the Prairie View Hospital dedication on
the iormer date.
Bro. D. A. Yoder spoke concerning his
travels abroad at the Olive Church, Elkhart,
Ind., on Sunday evening, March 7.
Answered Prayer. — The prayer request sent
in to the Gospel Herald concerning the father
in a hospital who needed deliverance from
Satanic power has been graciously answered.
Thank you. — A Sister.
Baptismal services were held at the Clinton
Brick Church, near Goshen, Ind., March 7,
when nine young persons were received into
church fellowship by water baptism. Bro.
Amsa H. Kauffman officiated.
The Nurses Chorus from the Mennonite
Hospital and School of Nursing, La Junta,
Colo., gave a program at the Denver Men-
nonite Church on Sunday morning, Feb. 28.
Bro. LeRoy Kennel, pastor of the Meta-
mora, 111., Mennonite Church, served as spe-
cial speaker for the Youth Conference at the
Prairie St. Mennonite Church, Elkhart, Ind.,
March 13, 14.
Speakers in the Christian Life Conference
held in Kitchener, Ont., Feb. 16-18, were the
brethren ]. L. StaufTer, Harrisonburg, Va.,
and Simeon Hurst, Tanganyika.
The second annual Music feast was held
at Western Mennonite School, Salem, Oreg.,
Sunday afternoon, Feb. 21. Singing groups
throughout the district participated.
Ordination. — On March 4 Bro. Howard
Good was ordained bishop at the Bowmans-
ville Church to serve as assistant to Bro.
J. Paul Graybill in the Weaverland District.
Bro. Donald Lauver preached the sermon
and Bro. Graybill had charge of the ordina-
tion, which was by lot. May the Lord bless
our brother in this new responsibility.
Brethren John G. Hochstetler, Creston,
Mont., and M. D. Stutzman, Kingman, Alta.,
were the instructors at the Bible school held
at Stirling, Alta., in February.
Bro. Harold Boettger, Tofield, Alta., filled
the monthly appointment at Edson, 134 miles
west of Edmonton, Alta., in February.
At Duchess, Alta., in the first week in
February, Bro. Milo Stutzman give Bible in-
struction and evangelistic messages. Bro.
Warren Swartley, Souderton, Pa., had charge
of the music.
Excellent interest marked the Regional
Sunday-school Workshop held at Morton,
111., March 5-7. The average attendance in
the workshop groups was 145. There were
Sunday-school workers present from most of
the congregations of Illinois.
Ground breaking of Bethany Christian
High School near Goshen, Ind., was held
Saturday afternoon, March 13.
Bro. Harold Bauman, Orrville, Ohio, spoke
in a Youth Rally at Midway, Columbiana,
Ohio. Feb. 27, 28. Two members were re-
ceived by baptism on Feb. 28.
(Continued on page 260)
Calendar
1954 Conrad Grebel Lectures, by G. F. Hershberger.
at E.M.C. Harrisonburg. Va., March 17-20.
Spring Missionary Sunday, March 21.
City Mission Workers' Round Table, Detroit Mennon-
ite Church, March 24-26.
Annual Meeting Illinois Mission Board. Pleasant Hill.
East Peoria. 111., April 22. 23.
Semiannual meeting. Commission for Christian Edu-
cation. St. Jacobs. Ont., April 30. May 1.
Conference on Christian Community Relations, E.M.C
Harrisonburg. Va., May 6-8.
Home Sunday, May 9.
Annual meeting Mennonite Board of Missions and
Charities. Western Mennonite School, Salem.
Oreg.. June 18-20.
1954 Schedule for Laurelville: Writers' Conference.
June 26 to July 2; Family Week. July 3-9; Boys'
Camp (ages 9-13), July 10-16; Girls' Camp (ages
9-13), July 17-23; Junior High (ages 13-15). July
24-30; Junior High (ages 13-15). July 31 to Aug. 6;
Young People's Institute. Aug. 7-13; MYF Work-
shop and Annual Meeting. Aug. 14-20; Music
Week, Aug. 21-27; Missionary Bible Conference.
Aug. 28 to Sept. 2.
Peace Sunday. Inly 4, 1954.
Annual OHo VYF convention. Ohio Mennonite Camp
Ground, Kidron, Ohio, July 30 to August 1.
Annual Meeting Southwestern Pa. Conference, Mar-
tinsburg. Pa.. Aug. 1-4.
Annual meeting Iowa-Nebraska Conference. West
Union. Parnell, Iowa, Aug. 10-13.
Annual meeting South Central Conference, Assembly
of God campground, near Eldon, Mo., August
17-20.
Annual Meetinq Illinois Conference, East Bend.
Fisher, 111.. Aug. 24-26.
Fall Meeting, Commission for Christian Education.
Laurelville Mennonite Camp, Laurelville, Pa..
Sept. 27. 28.
Study Conference of Child Evangelism. Laurelville
Mennonite Camp, Sept. 29. 30.
Fall Meeting. General Councii of Mennonite General
Conference. Laurelville Mennonite Camp, Oct.
I. 2-
Annual Meeting of the Mennonite Board ol Education.
Kalona-WeUman. Iowa area; Oct. 14-18. 1954.
March 16, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
253
Go, Preach
MISSIONS
Give, Pray
The
General Board Headquarters lor Missions. Relief, and Service: 1711 Prairie Street. Elkhart. Indiana. Telephone. Elkhart 2-2786.
Mission News
Sister Anna Kay Massanari, missionary
teacher in the Betania Mennonite School,
Puerto Rico, arrived home on furlough on
Feb. 27. She will reside with her parents at
Fisher, 111.
The William Hallman family have been
delayed five days in New York due to a
shipping strike. Final sailing date for their
ship was set at March 11 instead of March 6.
Bro. Orie Roth, formerly of Albany, Oreg.,
who with his wife has been serving as host
and hostess of the Voluntary Service Center in
Elkhart since April, 1952, a task which they
have recently relinquished to another volun-
tary service couple, is continuing at the Elk-
hart headquarters on a staff basis as director
of the multigraphing department and is re-
sponsible for the maintenance of Board
property.
Bro. and Sister S. M. King, missionaries on
furlough from India, spent the first two week
ends in March serving churches in Wayne
and Holmes Counties, Ohio: Friday, March
5, Mrs. King spoke at the World Day of
Prayer observance at the Martins Church near
Orrville; on Sunday, March 7, the Kings
served in two Wayne County churches; on
Friday, March 12, Sister King spoke to a
Women's Missionary Meeting at the Martins
Creek Church, Millersburg; on Saturday eve-
ning, March 13, the Kings spoke to the MYF
at the same church; on Sunday morning they
served at the Flat Ridge Mission, Newcomers-
town, and on Sunday evening at the Martins
Creek Church. Bro. King will accompany
the Motet singers from Goshen College to
Mt. Lake, Minn., over next week end and
will serve at Manson, Iowa, on March 21.
Bro. Floyd Sieber, missionary on furlough
from Argentina, will keep the following ap-
pointments during the next several weeks:
March 21, Belleville, Pa.; March 28, Freeport,
111. He spoke at Rensselaer, Ind., on
March 14.
The Mexican Mennonite Mission, Chicago,
111., is planning a 20th anniversary observ-
ance, March 26-28. Bro. Lester T. Hershey,
former pastor, will be the main speaker for
the occasion. Testimonies will also be given
by other former workers.
Bro. Jonas Beachy, Staples, Minn., will
conduct pre-Easter services at the Rainy River
Mission, International Falls, Minn.
Bro. Lester Wyse, Hartville, Ohio, conduct-
ed special services at the Gladstone Mennonite
Church, Cleveland, Ohio, March 9-14.
Bro. Theodore Wentland, Chatsworth, 111.,
served the Bethel Mennonite Church, Chi-
cago, Sunday morning and evening, Feb. 28.
The young people from the Mexican Men-
nonite Mission, Chicago, spent the week end
of March 20, 21, in a youth retreat at Brunk's
cabin in southern Michigan near Mennonite
Youth Village.
The John Beachy family arrived safely in
Southampton, England, on March 4 and
transhipped for Bombay, India, the next day.
Bro. Clyde Mosemann, missionary under
appointment to Uruguay, spoke at the East
Fairview Church, Milford, Nebr., on Sunday
morning, March 7, and at the West Fairview
Church, Beaver Crossing, in the evening. The
Mosemanns were en route to La Junta, Colo.,
where Bro. Mosemann will serve as hospital
chaplain for the next several months while
awaiting a residence visa for Uruguay.
Bro. James Lark, Chicago, 111., will be the
Missionary Day speaker at the Oak Grove
Mennonite Church, West Liberty, Ohio, on
March 21. He will spend the following week
end, March 26-28, at the Gladstone Mennon-
ite Church, Cleveland, Ohio, and March 30-
April 1 at the Mennonite Gospel Chapel,
Youngstown, Ohio.
Sister Rowena Lark, Chicago, 111., con-
ducted a music conference over the week end
of Feb. 21 at the Ninth St. Mennonite Church,
Saginaw, Mich. Three new members were
recently received into church fellowship at
Saginaw.
The annual Missionary Orientation Con-
ference for missionary candidates and mis-
sionaries on furlough will be held this year
from July 20-27 at the Elkhart, Ind., head-
quarters according to present plans.
A missionary service with Peter Letchford,
missionary from South Africa as the speaker,
was held at the Saginaw, Mich., Church on
Feb. 22. Bro. Letchford, who is now home
director for the South Africa General Mission
with headquarters at Toronto, Ont., was ac-
companied by a young man from Southern
Rhodesia.
The annual Missionary Bible Conference
at Laurelville Mennonite Camp, Mt. Pleasant,
Pa., will be held this year, Aug. 28 to Sept. 1.
Bro. John Mosemann, Goshen, Ind., has been
appointed as General Board representative on
the program committee by the Executive
Committee of the Board.
Bro. John E, Gingrich, superintendent of
the Johnstown, Pa., Mission, is convalescing
in the south from a serious illness, by order
of his doctor. His address is 2000 Bahia
Vista, Sarasota, Fla.
(Continued on page 260)
Your Treasurer Reports
Brother and Sister Stanley Weaver have
now been able to establish their mission com-
pound for the work among Navaho Indians.
The mission is located on the reservation at
Black Mountain and the mission work there
will be directed among the Indians on the
reservation. The present address of Brother
and Sister Weaver is Black Mountain Mis-
sion, Chinley, Arizona.
Through the assistance of brethren in
near-by conferences, work has been fairly
well completed on the erection of three small
metal buildings which will serve as housing
and living facilities for the missionaries. In
connection with the establishing of the mis-
sion facilities it has been necessary to pur-
chase certain equipment. Due to the dif-
ficulties of shipping equipment in from a dis-
tance, it has been found advisable to pur-
chase this through local agencies. We have
been able to obtain this equipment at fairly
acceptable prices and at present have ar-
ranged for the basic furnishings which will
be needed.
Since equipment of this kind is very adapt-
able for special projects we are publishing
the following list of equipment which has
been purchased and the amount which is
needed to cover the cost of the particular
item or items. The list is as follows:
1 gas range (36 in.) $ 89 95
1 refrigerator (11.5 cu. ft. 50# freezer) 284.95
1 washing machine
4 folding chairs <a) 4.50 18 00
3 space heaters ® 5G.50 1G9.50
4 chest of drawers (unfinished)
@ 27.88 111-52
1 book shelf (unfinished) 11.79
3 steel bed frames @ 12.95 38.85
3 steel springs ® 24.95 74.85
4 mirrors (24 in.) @ 5.29 21.16
1 utility table 11.49
1 kitchen table (drop leaf 60 in. open) 56.95
4 chairs @ 12.50 50.00
1 studio couch 94.95
3 mattresses @ 44.95 134.85
1 sink-cabinet outfit (4 pieces) 183 50
1 bitch for Jeep 37.52
1 250 gal. water tank and trailer and
hand pump 313 90
In addition to the above specific items, the
cost of erecting the buildings including the
cement slabs on which the buildings are
placed, electrical work, insulation, and em-
ployed labor is estimated to cost about
$5,000.00 Some contributions have already
been given toward the building program but
additional funds to help defray the total cost
of this project are needed.
Any individual or group interested in
supplying any of the above equipment items
should send their contribution clearly desig-
nating the particular item for which the con-
tribution is given. In case duplicate con-
tributions are received for any item, the
funds will be applied to some other piece
of equipment and the contributors informed
accordingly. Contributions for the building
fund should be labeled accordingly and will
be applied toward supplying total costs of
the buildings. Contributions may be for-
warded through your District Conference
Treasurer or direct to the Mission Board
office.
H. Ernest Bennett. Treasurer
Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities
Elkhart, Indiana.
254
C OS PEL HERALD
March 16, 1954
The railway officials are having a compartment emptied for the Friesens and Hostetlers at
Raipur, M.I*., India, when these families were returning to America on furlough last December.
Leaving for America
By Alvin Hostetler
Whenever we saw the John Friesens or
the Wilbur Hostetlers several months ago,
they were talking about their preparations
to go to America on furlough. Both families
were packing things to be taken along or to
be stored here for their return. Everything
seemed to be going along quite smoothly
(as it always seems when there is still plenty
of time). As the days came and went, the
day of departure came nearer and nearer.
When the time came for last preparations
to be made, Helen and I decided to go along
to Dondi with the Friesens and help them
complete the packing and disposing of goods
that would be for sale. Because of the
work here in Dhamtari, we did not get to
Sankra (18 miles away) at the appointed
time to meet the Friesens. They had already-
left Sankra; so we started out for Dondi,
32 miles farther on over terribly rough
roads.
About half way to Dondi the truck
started missing, and after checking the dash
instruments and seeing that everything was
normal, we decided wc would try to keep
going. Wc had to drive through many rivers
where there were no elevated bridges, ami
each time the motor almost stopped. It
finally did, just as wc pulled through a river.
We were in jungle, and our flashlight did
not work right. Trying to find out the
trouble in the dark was like looking for a
needle in a haystack; so wc had a short prayer
and God permitted die inotoi to m.iu ami ii>
keep running until we reached Dondi. It
was about 11:00 p.m. when wc arrived, the
■50 mile trip taking us a little over five hours.
MISSIONS SECTION
Within a few days the truck and trailer
were loaded with goods to be taken back
to Dhamtari. Starting out early in the morn-
ing, we ate breakfast at a quiet place by a
river. John and Genevieve Friesen and little
Willie were following in their car. About a
mile from Sankra the truck stopped, and
so a pull with John's car was in order. Be-
fore we reached Dhamtari it had stopped
four more times and each time needed to be
pulled.
The sailing date was approaching fast
and there was still much to be done. Wilbur
Hostetlers were bringing their things in from
Mohadi by jeep and trailer loads and did their
last minute packing at E. I. Weaver's. The
Friesens stayed at our house and did their
last-minute packing there. Incitement was
getting higher and higher. Why? Well, up
to this point Friesens did not have any sure
sailing and were trying to have sailing ar-
ranged so that they and Hostellers could trav-
el together. Certain permits had not arrived
and when they did come, they had to be
mailed back for correction. Not all the
things that needed to be sold were sold and
1 lostctlcrs' sailing date was less than a week
away. Friesens, I lostctlcrs, and the rest of
the missionaries here at Dhamtari repeatedly
prayed about the situation, both in groups and
in family devotions. And then things began
to happen' lYinuts came through, telegrams
concerning sailing came from Bombay, things
to be sold were easily sold, and many worries
were tumbling down and turning into praise
lor the wonderlul Clod that wc have.
On the day before the group was to leave
Raipur on the train, I took the trunks ami
barrels to Raipur on the truck. Hostellers
look their things in by trailer. That evening
we ate with Wilbur, John, and Mr. Flisher
at a restaurant at the railway station. After
giving them our best wishes and good-bys
we went to the hotel and said good-by to
Genevieve and the children. On the way
home we remarked how wonderfully God
had made every thing turn out for them.
Bro. and Sister Weaver were to take
Mrs. Hostetler and the girls to Raipur early
the next morning to catch the train; so we
planned on seeing them then before they
left, but we missed them by a few minutes.
Back home while sipping our coffee around
the breakfast table, we heard a knock at the
door. It was one of the merchants here in
Dhamtari, and he was very much excited.
He said that he received a telephone call
from Raipur saying that Mr. Friesen had left
his suitca e with all his clothing for the trip
in our dressing room and would I please
bring it right away. He thought that I would
never be able to make it in time since Raipur
is fifty miles away and it was only one hour
and twentv minutes until train time.
We left. Our little girl, Gloria Joyce, kept
praying on the way that we should get there
in time. The truck, which had not fully re-
covered from her illness, started spitting and
sputtering from dirt in the gas line. Finally
I had to stop and blow out the gas line. Joyce
thought at first that God was letting us
down, but we were able to work fast and
the stop delayed us only a few minutes. The
roads were badly chopped up and rough,
but God seemed to put wings on the pick-
up and we traveled much smoother than
it seemed could ever be possible. Usually
there are many cattle on the road, and the ox-
carts are slow to turn out to let one pass by.
On this morning oxcarts and cattle got off the
road, giving us plenty of room to pass. We
arrived at the station in one hour and fifteen
minutes, five minutes before train time.
When the train arrived there was still the
problem of a compartment, because they
had not been able to make reservations. The
rail coaches in India do not have an aisle
down the middle like the American coaches.
Thev have small rooms with bunks that fold
out to serve as seats and beds. Each compart-
ment has a door to the outside. After talking
to some of the railway officials, a compart-
ment was made available so that both families
could travel together. What was even bet-
ter, Mr. Friesen received a telegram that
both families had sailing on the same ship
now.
Before thev left. Bro. Weaver led us all in
a short pravcr service by the station, and we
sang "Blest Be the Tie That Binds." Al-
though we all hated to see them go, we
realized that thev had earned a rest.
Is it possible for things to roll into place,
for problems and worries to work themselves
out together so perfectly as they were worked
out for the Friesens and Hostetlers? Or is
there a mightier hand working those things
out for us? Do we need more proof when
we can look all about us and see where
things have happened that could not pos-
sibly have happened just as they did at just
the right time unless God was helping? Why
do wc try to do so much on our own rather
than take our problems to God and have Him
help us with them5 Have we not had many,
March 16, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
255
many things happen in our lifetime that
challenge us to come to God more often in
prayer, bringing not only the big things
but also the little things which we often feel
are too small to be brought to such a mighty
God? We show our love for God by bring-
ing everything to Him and receiving guid-
ance from Him for each problem or task
regardless of how big or small it may be.
Dhamtari, M.P., India.
Observations on Religious Conditions in
England
By Quintus Leatherman
II
Now that we have let the English leaders
present their case for religious life in Eng-
land, perhaps we may make a few personal
observations. In all fairness it should be
said that a description of moral and religious
conditions in England would in many re-
spects apply to conditions in the United
States and other civilized countries as well.
Sin in all of its foul and leprous forms is
evident in human society everywhere and
exists concurrently with the saintliest of
Christianity.
Contrasting Conditions in England
and America
We can best present some observations by
way of contrast with the United States.
Americans speak of what is called a "separa-
tion of church and state," that is to say, no
church has any privileged position with re-
spect to the affairs of government in the
United States. The church must provide for
its own support, and pay for the maintenance
of its own schools. In England, the Church
of England does have a privileged status be-
cause it is part of the very Constitution of the
nation. The queen was crowned by the Arch-
bishop of Canterbury in a most impressive
religious ceremony. Two archbishops and
24 bishops have seats in the House of Lords.
An Act of Parliament is necessary for any
revision of the Book of Common Prayer.
The queen is the head of the Church of
England and "Defender of the Faith," and as
such has pledged herself to maintain the laws
of God, the Protestant Reformed religion,
and the Church of England.
All of these associations of church and
state are rich in tradition, pageantry, and
ceremony. The English as a people retain
their monarchy because of their deep re-
spect for tradition. Some of their churches
and cathedrals are over a thousand years
old. Large sums of money are spent in
maintaining these landmarks of history.
Another interesting contrast distinguishing
the English and the American is their edu-
cational system. In the United States only
state schools are supported by public taxation
and no religious instruction is to be given
on state school premises. In England there
are varying degrees of support in which the
church and state share. This is true because
the voluntary or denominational schools were
actually taken into the state system. By the
Education Act of 1944 daily worship and
religious education in all schools maintained
by the state is made compulsory with pro-
vision that any teacher, or child, if the
parents so wish, be excused from partici-
pation. The quality of this instruction is of
course dependent upon the character and in-
terest of the teacher and headmaster.
It would appear that with religious in-
struction in the state school there would
be a general knowledge of the Bible and a
beneficial effect on the morals of the chil-
dren. It would perhaps be difficult to assess
the value and results of religious teaching
as part of the state school curriculum. Such
questions as these need to be answered: Does
making religious instruction compulsory
simply place it on the level with other
subjects and thereby depreciate the unique-
ness of the Bible as a divine revelation? Since
the state has assumed a partial responsibility
for religious instruction, will this increase or
decrease the individual responsibility of the
parents? What effect will such instruction
have on the support of and interest in the
activities of the churches in providing re-
ligious instruction?
Wealthy Classes Are Churchgoers
As to church attendance in England, a gen-
eral observation has been that the more
wealthy and educated people are the sup-
porters of the church. Except in the village
parish churches, it is not usual to find mem-
bers of the church from all walks of life.
A trustee of one particular church told me
that in his church only two members were
artisans, a plumber and an electrician, and
that they have not attended for some time.
One gets the impression that the church be-
longs to a class because of its wealth and
education, and therefore does not attract the
tradesman and unskilled laboring classes.
Unfortunately, this situation plays into the
hands of Communists who think of the
church as a part of the capitalistic system and
accuse the church for some of the economic
ills of the country. While this charge may
not be justified and is the usual part and par-
cel of Communist propaganda, it is never-
theless true that the very position of the
"church in the state" lays the whole church
including the Free churches open to such
a criticism. Furthermore, it places the
church in the political arena in its efforts to
maintain its status and influence. This can
only result in a struggle for power as against
the increasing political strength of the labor-
ing classes. While the Free churches are not
in such an uncomfortable position, they are
also affected by this general attitude of indif-
ference and even hostility on the part of
artisans and laboring classes.
Churches in London are not very well
attended generally, although there are ex-
ceptions. Dr. Lloyd Jones, minister at G.
Campbell Morgan's Westminster Chapel, Dr.
Leslie Weatherhead, of City Temple, and
Dr. Donald Soper, at Kingsway Hall, have
large audiences. There are certainly many
others not so well known who are faithfully
preaching the Gospel and keeping alive Chris-
tian fellowship. There are numerous Gospel
missions that are doing an excellent work
with children, but it is unusual to find large
groups of adults attending church services.
Sunday schools are usually held in the after-
noon for children only, up to the age of 14.
There is usually a morning and an evening
service, with the best attendance in the even-
ing. Occasionally there are Bible classes for
youth during the Sunday-school period. In
active churches the usual thing is to have a
midweek Bible study group for adults. Other
services throughout the week include a
Women's Own Meeting for older women, a
Pensioner's Group for older men, and various
youth clubs and activities.
Religious Trends and Institutions
One interesting contrast I find here is that
the larger denominations do not have their
own colleges such as we have in the States.
Both the Anglicans and the Free churches
have colleges associated with the Universities.
The independent evangelical churches sup-
port Bible schools similar to our Bible insti-
tutes which prepare students for the ministry
and the mission fields. It is this group of
Christians who keep alive the Puritan em-
Westminster Chapel, a Congregational Church,
center of evangelicalism in London. Dr. Martin
Lloyd Jones is minister, and Dr. G. Campbell
Morgan was former minister here.
MISSIONS SECTION
256
GOSPEL HERALD
March 16, 1954
phasis and holiness, such as one finds in the
widely known Keswick Conventions.
One cannot escape the observation that
there is a wide range of views held on Chris-
tian doctrine within the larger denominations.
While theology in England is generally more
conservative than on the continent, the in-
fluence of the German rationalist school is
still evident. There is general acceptance of
the theory of evolution and of higher criti-
cism in educational circles. The Inter Varsity
Fellowship, a conservative union of Chris-
tian students, is keeping alive loyalty to the
Bible and encouraging personal prayer and
Bible reading, in an effort to counteract the
skepticism and liberalism in the universities.
Perhaps we could generalize on a few re-
ligious trends we have noticed here. One
of these is an increasing interest in divine
healing. The Pentecostal groups teach that
the atonement covers physical disease. There
are other groups that place the emphasis on
psychology and the psychomatic. Still others
gather together in prayer groups in their
homes to pray for their sick friends and
neighbors. However, there is much less
sensationalism connected with this interest
than we find in the States.
Another religious trend has to do with the
meaning of baptism. The Anglican Church
and three large Free churches — the Metho-
dists, 743,590; the Congregational union of
England and Wales, 224,008; and the Presby-
terian churches of England and Wales, 224,-
480 — all practice infant baptism.9 The Bap-
tist Church of Great Britain and Ireland,
332,187, and the Plymouth Brethren, and
other smaller groups stand alone in the prac-
tice of believers' baptism (immersion).10
While there is no general drift from infant
baptism, there seems to be a more open at-
titude toward believers' baptism.
Our Mennonite Witness
I have tried to picture the context in which
we find ourselves in establishing a Mennonite
Center in London. We have spent over a
year in learning to know how to approach
the English people. We have found them
friendly once they know our purposes. They
arc slow to accept some new doctrines; in
many cases there is hesitancy about anything
American. We must not forget that Eng-
land has been afflicted with some American
religious heresies such as Mormonisin, Spirit-
ualism, and Jehovah's Witnesses, and this
would explain their reluctance to accept any
new American group. To many people in
England Mennonitcs arc unknown; so part
of our task is to acquaint them with our
Reformation Anabaptist background. Our
relief program in England during the war has
been a decided help in introducing us to Eng-
lish friends.
Wc have found a warm response among
the Baptists and Quakers who have some
thing in common with us in faith and peace
witness. Wc have enjoyed the fellowship
of many F.nglish Christians in the various
missions and churches. Progress toward Lo-
cation of a ("enter has been slowed by such
factors as the housing shortage and resi
dential restrictions, but we arc grateful that
MISSIONS SECTION
we have a temporary residence where wc
can also have fellowship meetings and re-
ceive inquirers. Wc also enjoy here the visits
of the missionaries and relief workers who
stop in London on their way to their fields
of service. Wc are made increasingly con-
scious of the church's challenging commis-
sion to go into all the world and preach the
Gospel to every creature. Above all, wc arc
made deeply aware of the need of fellowship
in prayer that binds us together with the
home church and missionaries in the various
fields throughout the world. "Let us there-
fore come boldly unto the throne of grace,
that we may obtain mercy, and find grace
to help in time of need."
9 and 10 Annual Report of Free Church Federal
Council. 1953.
London, England.
Rescue Missionaries Write
By Ai yin and Madhline Roth
During this past year two men who found
Christ as their personal Saviour at the mis-
sion have passed on to glory. Sylvanus Jeffer-
son, the colored man who lived on the mis-
sion farm, was one. He passed away last
fall. The second one was James Stevenson,
who passed away suddenly last month at the
home of Lome Martin, a Christian barber, in
Wcllesley where James stayed while attend-
ing the six-week Bible school term for the
third winter. We wish to express sincere ap-
preciation for all the Christian kindness
shown to James and to any other men whom
we have sent out into Christian homes. May
the Lord richly reward every one of you for
it. A report from the school stated that a
few days previous to his death, he gave a
testimony with such sincerity, even to the
point of almost breaking down in tears be-
fore he got finished, telling the young people
how he regretted the fact of wasting his life
and encouraged them to redeem the oppor-
tunities of Bible school in their younger days.
It is true that many years of his life were
wasted in drunkenness, but since that morn-
ing of October 17, 1951, at the age of 69,
when wc knelt together in prayer and he re
ccived Christ as his own personal Saviour,
James was a different man. Many times did
he testify in tears, to the Saviour's love, at the
mission in the presence of the old friends
who knew him.
At Elmer Schwartzcntrubcr's where James
had made his home the last three winters
since he was a Christian, he made a few re-
marks the Monday morning when he left
them for the last time to go to Bible school
for the week. One was. "Now I am doing
what I should have done forty years ago, that
is. study the Bible and take life serious." An-
other was. "It I was younger vet, I'd go up
north to the lumber camps and tell the lum-
bermen what Christ means to me." May
these statements from a man who lived just
one more day challenge us to let everything
wc have and are count, in order to en souls
ready for heaven— Goodwill Rescue Mission
News, London, Ont.
I — \Y/oRSHIP
W ITNESS
PAX— A Significant Part of the I-W Program
One of the most significant parts of the
Mennonite Central Committee program of
I-W Services is that of PAX.
PAX was begun in the early days of the
1948 Selective Service Act and from its in-
ception was intended to be a moral equivalent
of military sen-ice. As a foreign program, it
provides a Christian witness and service
which has compelled attention and respect.
In Germany, PAX began with refugee
housing development. The contribution made
by PAX men in their labor was one link in
a chain of government assistance, first and
second mortgages, Mennonite Central Com-
mittee aid and self-help which has made it
possible for many Mennonite refugees to
slowly acquire their own homes. As PAX
progressed in Germany, it has moved from
one location to another establishing small
Mennonite cells by giving permanency to the
homes built in a community.
In the Middle East, PAX assists the refu-
gees in a number of ways. In Egypt, a PAX
man is part of an international voluntary
service program assisting in the agricultural
experimental and educational program of
Assiut College. In Greece, PAX men have
carried on experimental agricultural and com-
munity building programs with much suc-
cess. In Holland, PAX men have been a
significant part of the international Mennon-
ite voluntary service team working in the
recent flood disaster areas. In other parts of
Europe, PAX men have been assigned to
regular relief teams.
PAX men are on a basis similar to that of
the voluntary service or relief assignments.
They receive their transportation, an orienta-
tion period in Akron. Pa., maintenance and
work costs, and an incidentals allowance of
ten dollars a month. The total of PAX men
now in service is near ninety. Of this total,
forty are supported by the Mennonite Relief
and Service Committee at $75.00 per month
per man. Funds for this support come from
the monthly relief and service offering of the
local congregations. — Boyd Nelson.
Office for Relief and Service
Elkhart. Indiana
Summer Activities
Now wc are entering into the summer
activities, summer vacation Bible school,
camp activities, and evangelism. Our con-
ational motto for the summer and com-
ing year is, "Each One Bring One." As we
enter upon our last year in Pehuajo, Argen-
tina, bctore coming home on furlough, we
want to "strengthen the stakes and lengthen
the cords" so that the Pehuajo congregation
CtUD soon become a self-supporting organism.
As wc labor during the summer to realize
our goals, we ask you to pray for and with
us.— Lawrence Brunk Christmas letter.
March 16, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
257
§. The
r Mennonite
Hour
Did You Know . . .
1. The Mennonite Hour is now released
weekly on 37 stations?
2. Within the last two months the wattage
power has more than doubled, which means
that millions more will now be able to hear
the broadcast?
3. The Mennonite Hour now utilizes ap-
proximately a half million watts in trans-
mitting the program each week?
4. More than 168,000 radio sermons have
already gone out in booklet form?
5. Due to the great demand, we have
placed our second order for 25,000 schedule
cards ?
6. If you want schedule cards for distribu-
tion, you can have them free of charge by
writing to us now?
7. During mail month (February) people
from 38 states and five Canadian provinces
wrote and said they have heard The Men-
nonite Hour? (This does not include re-
sponses from the foreign broadcasts over
HCJB, Ecuador, and Radio Ceylon.)
8. There are about 400 members of the
Prayer Band receiving a monthly prayer
calendar listing prayed needs and requests?
9. The Mennonite Hour INFORMER, a
monthly, pictorial, four-page bulletin, can be
had free of charge at your request?
10. Since The Mennonite Hour is a de-
nominational program, it needs to depend
primarily on the brotherhood to financially
support the program?
Our mailing address is: The Mennonite
Hour, Box 22, Harrisonburg, Va.
From Box 22
A Baptist minister writes:
"I have been hearing your broadcast for
some time now. I enjoy listening in. Your
music is soul-inspiring and the preaching is
of a high character.
"I am a missionary pastor here. We have
one Mennonite congregation in our county
and they are fine people. Brother is
the pastor and we feel that these dear friends
of Christ are doing a lot of good in this back-
ward area. . . ."
Mission Workers from Georgia write:
"We have been here nine months and
often wished we could get The Mennonite
Hour. Then one Sunday night we were
thrilled to get The Mennonite Hour from
Richmond, Va. It wasn't too clear. How-
ever, last night was the best when we got it
from WOWO, Fort Wayne, Ind."
Former Sunday-school pupil writes:
"I heard your program for the first time
last night over WOWO and enjoyed it very
much. I am a widow, 58, and live alone.
When I was a little girl I used to attend the
Mennonite Church, so you can see I enjoyed
it very much. . . ."
Saved after reading booklet:
"I do enjoy your good sermons and
through the booklet 'How to Know You
Are Saved' which you sent me, I was
saved. . . ."
From a lady in West Virginia:
"... I need your prayers. I am not
saved. . . ."
What's in a Name?
Box 22 gives us some very interesting varia-
tions for the word Mennonite. Here are a
few of them:
Minnite Hour
Midianite Hour
Midnight Hour
Moonlight Hour
Man of the Night Hour
Mennoitie Hour
Why these variations? Perhaps our an-
nouncer is not pronouncing the word clearly
enough. Some of the variations are obvious-
ly a result of poor spelling.
I'm wondering, however, if the biggest
reason for these "freaks" could not be traced
to the fact that we as a denomination are not
too well known even in the U.S. Even when
we place all Mennonite groups together we
have a total of only 151,000 in the U.S. ac-
cording to 1954 World Almanac. This would
mean that there are more than 1,000 U.S.
citizens to every U.S. Mennonite. It is not
too hard to understand then that you could
very easily be lost in the 999.
I believe one mission The Mennonite Hour
program has to perform is to help tell the
999 that the central message of the Men-
nonite Church is "God loved us and there-
fore sent Christ to be our Saviour and Lord."
This morning a letter came from Ohio say-
ing, "It is a real joy and inspiration to receive
your program into our home and also to
know what your particular denomination
stands for ... I feel the need greatly to be
more of a disciple for Him." This man lives
at our back door but yet doesn't know what
we believe.
It does not disturb me too greatly if they
do not know who the Mennonites are as
long as we can help people closer to God. It
disturbs me more, however, when they know
our name but don't know what we believe.
After all, what's in a name unless Christ
is in it?
There Is Time
There is always time to find
Ways of being sweet and kind:
There is always time to share
Smiles and goodness everywhere.
Time to send the frown away,
Time a gentle word to say,
Time for happiness and prayer,
Time for kindness everywhere.
Time to give a little flower,
Time for friendship any hour:
But there is no time to spare
For unkindness anywhere.
— Mennonite Home
Mission Bulletin.
Missions Editorial
Hospital Service Is Mission
Service
Since 1907 the Mennonite Church through
its General Mission Board has been operat-
ing a hospital at La Junta, Colo. The service
rendered there has received state-wide and
nation-wide recognition. The consecrated
service of our workers has prompted other
communities such as Lebanon, Oreg., Greens-
burg, Kans., Rocky Ford and Glenwood
Springs, Colo., to request the Mennonites to
operate a hospital in their community built
and equipped with community funds. By the
end of this year the General Board will be
operating five hospitals, although it owns
just one.
This trend toward operating hospitals
rather than owning and operating them we
believe to be a great mission opportunity for
the church. The same witnessing opportuni-
ties obtain whether we own or do not own
the hospital as long as we have freedom to
operate it.
During the past five years the General Mis-
sion Board has had numerous requests to
operate community hospitals which it has
had to turn down for lack of personnel. The
cost to the church for such witnessing is per-
sonnel and not funds.
Operating a hospital provides opportuni-
ties for witnessing on the individual and
community level. Wherever a Christian meets
another person, a witnessing situation ob-
tains. Consecrated young people serving in
our hospitals have daily opportunities for
witnessing, particularly those who deal direct-
ly with the public. Those who serve in main-
tenance, housekeeping, the kitchen, the laun-
dry, and other departments not directly as-
sociated with the public are helping to main-
tain these witnessing contacts and should
feel that theirs is also a significant task.
Hospital service provides opportunities for
the exercise of many different kinds of tal-
ents: administrative, scientific (doctors,
nurses, technicians, dietitians), business, cleri-
cal, and maintenance. Young people can
give their lives and talents in hospital service
with the assurance that they are serving their
fellow men through a Christian hospital.
At the present time our hospital at La
Junta has an urgent need for a physical
therapist, a laboratory technician, a laundry
manager, and a bookkeeper. There are con-
stant openings for other types of service. The
church does not lack the young people to
meet these needs. Perhaps the trained young
people are not immediately available, but
MISSIONS SECTION
258
GOSPEL HERALD
March 16, 1954
this call should move those who are just
entering training to consider these mission-
ary opportunities.
If we are going to increase our witness
through this kind of service, wc will need a
generation of young people ready to live on
a cost of living allowance to give this wit-
ness. When God calls you to this service, may
your answer be, "Here am I; send me!" —
L. C. Hartzler.
Relief and Service News
MRSC Weekly Notes
Voluntary Service
Construction of the Mathis, Texas, materni-
ty home is proceeding as rapidly as possible.
At the present time the outside walls are al-
most completed. Continue to pray that the
community folks might keep up their fine
spirit of co-operation and concern for this
work.
On March 3, Louis Yoder, Belleville, Pa.,
joined the Voluntary Service Unit at the
Mennonite Hospital and Sanitarium, La
Junta, Colo.
I-W Services
Men in I-W and Voluntary Service partici-
pated in a I-W Conference on March 6 and 7
at the Howard-Miami church near Amboy,
Ind.
In order to facilitate nonpastoral services
to I-W men MRSC has appointed area field
representatives who are each responsible for
a certain area of the country.
The brethren who are serving in this ca-
pacity and who attended the March 4 and 5
meeting of Area Field Representatives held
at the Prairie St. Church, Elkhart, Ind., arc
Aldine Brcnncman, I Iarrisonburg, Va.; Paul
Swarr, Lancaster, Pa.; Harry Shetler, Davids-
ville. Pa.; Andrew Gingerich, Mannsville,
N.Y.; Newton Weber, West Liberty, Ohio;
Cleo Mann, Indianapolis, Ind.; Roy Bucher,
Last Peoria, 111.; Vernon Ccrig, Wayland,
Iowa; Lowell Nissley, Crystal Springs, Kans.;
Floyd Kauffman, Minot, N. Dak.; and Paul
Yoder, Albany, Orcg.
Sessions were held dealing with education,
recreation, and religious life. Atlce Bcechy,
Goshen, Ind., discussed counseling tcch-
nic]ucs for vocational guidance, pointing out
the purpose of educational and vocational
guidance tests and how results should be in-
terpreted. 1 1c also discussed the place and
use ol correspondence anil part-time courses
in the I-W educational program,
Books that are of value and interest to
I-W men were suggested in Melvin Ginge-
rich's talk on Visual Education. Ideas tor
making interesting reading matter available
to the men were presented and discussed.
During the evening session on Thursday.
Oswald (locring, Bloomington, Ind., dis-
cussed Christian principles which should
form the basis of an adequate program of
MISSIONS SECTION
fellowship, and the following morning
Frances Clcmmens, Chicago, 111., presented
ideas in crafts for worth-while spare-time ac-
tivities.
Bro. B. Charles Hostetter, Harrisonburg,
Va., led the closing discussion on Counsel-
ing Techniques. The purpose, objectives, and
good techniques in various situations were
fully discussed. Bro. Hostetter mentioned
the importance of approaching this work
with an attitude of redemptive love and
under the direction of the Holy Spirit.
Released March 5, 1954
Office for Relief and Service
Elkhart, Indiana
MCC Weekly Notes
A "Thank You" Speech from Korea
Among the clothing distributions in Korea
was one to approximately 250 boys picked up
off the streets of Taegu and placed in three
shelters situated in different areas of the city.
A distribution at one of these shelters was
concluded by a "thank you" speech by eight-
year-old Kim Sum Choul:
"We orphans have never thought of such
good articles as we received from the Men-
tor, ites. When we received these things it
was a big surprise and we did not know how-
to express our thanks.
"We are about 100 in number without
parents and relatives and without homes. We
were wanderers with tears and sighs on the
dark street, but by God's love we have been
led to the orphanage to find a true life.
"We appreciate that you have given us
such good clothes. Let us remind you that
you are good Samaritans. We cannot help
that our tears burst out because of your kind-
ness. When we grow up to the second gen-
eration wc will struggle for the peace of the
world and work for the helpless people and
the orphans like us. God bless you and the
Mennonites."'
This distribution to these 250 boys was
reported by Harold and Patricia Yoder of
Columbiana, Ohio, who said these boys "were
indeed very grateful for the warm clothes.
It was written all over their faces as they
tried them on.
"One little fellow in the front row found
his orange 'in the name of Christ' label on
the inside of his trouscr cuff while the fellow
next to him had his on his shirt pocket. The
first boy soon solved this inequality by trans
fcrring his label to his shirt where it could
be seen by all."
Pach of these boys was outfitted with such
clothing as underwear, sox, shirts, sweaters,
and jackets.
Visits MCC Relief Activities in Far East
|. 1). Grabcr, secretary of the Mennonite
Board of Missions and Charities. Flkhart,
Ind., visited MCC! relief activities in the Far
Fast while on a visit of his Board's mission
interests in Asia and Europe. In a report of
his observations on MCC work in Korea and
Formosa he noted the spiritual significance
of these activities and their tie-in with church
programs.
Concerning Korea he reported: "The most
inspiring element of the Christian enterprise
in Korea is the vitality of the church. MCC
workers are, as usual, building close friend-
ships with missionaries and national church
leaders. This is a very desirable situation and
serves on the one hand to give spiritual rel-
evance to the physical relief tasks and on the
other hand to give spiritual motivation to the
workers. To identify one's self with the vital
Korea church is in itself a valuable experi-
ence."
He was impressed with the vocational
training school for orphan boys in Korea. He
observed that such "a rehabilitation program,
especially when spiritual rehabilitation is part
of it, is ever so much more fruitful than a
mere distribution program, however impor-
tant that is in emergency circumstances."
In Formosa his visit was limited to the
main medical center at Hwalien. He noted
that this hospital "serves a lot of people who
would otherwise be ill cared for. The health
problems are colossal and no institution and
no person can solve them. But to serve needy
people 'in the name of Christ' always has an
eternal value. ... To make hospital facili-
ties available to these mountain tribes, espe-
cially since many are also accepting Christ,
is a task of great significance."
Distribution to California Migrants
Migrant laborers in west-side Fresno Coun-
ty, California, suffering from lack of work,
money, and food, have been aided by Reedlev
Mennonite churches, the Reedley MCC office,
and voluntary service personnel working in
the Coalinga-Huron area. Wet weather pre-
vented these laborers from cotton picking
during January and February and deprived
them of income. Many families were with-
out food for several days.
Large quantities of food were contributed
by Reedley churches and have been distribut-
ed by West Coast MCC workers. Before this
food was distributed a label bearing the
words, "in the name of Christ," was attached
to each item. These needy people have also
been given shoes and clothing from the Reed-
ley MCC clothing center. Contributed foods
included potatoes, rice, macaroni, beans,
oranges, dried fruit, shortening, fiour, cereals,
sugar, and canned fruit, vegetables, and meat.
Other church and school groups have also
l>een assisting these migrants.
A touching experience while serving one
of these migrant families is related by Gloria
Regicr of Mountain Lake, Minn., one of the
VS personnel:
"lust recently this Spanish family accepted
Christ as their Saviour and are now living
for Him the best thev can. There are five
little tots and they are expecting another one.
"I took along a Spanish Bible one after-
noon when I went to visit them. They had
a New Testament w hich they had read many
times, but they were delighted to have a
whole Bible. They told me they were not
able to work and so could not buy food. They
had planted a lovely garden but nothing was
ready to cat vet.
"I returned to the church to make arrange-
ments with other unit members to take the
family to the relief office to see if they could
get something there. When I returned to tell
March 16, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
1
259
the family of the arrangements made for
them, I saw the sweetest picture I've ever
seen. The whole family was sitting around
the father listening to him read from the
new Bible. I was reminded of Phil. 4:19:
'But my God shall supply all your need ac-
cording to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.'
How strong is our faith when compared to
theirs?"
Released March 5, 1954
MCC Information Service
Akron, Pa.
Women's Activities
"They Caught a Vision" is the theme an-
nounced for the Illinois district sewing cir-
cle meeting to be held at Sterling, 111., April
24. Their three guest speakers, Mrs. Jonathan
Yoder, Mrs. Floyd Sieber, and Mrs. Virgil
Brenneman, will represent their respective
: fields: India, South America, and the home-
' land.
* * #
Among the prayer requests that came in
'after the manuscript for the 1954-55 Prayer
: Guide was already on its way to the printers,
lis this one from our Orphans' Home, West
; Liberty, Ohio: "Pray for foster homes for
; some of the children who are in our care.
' Many of our children are completely rejected
jby their parents and are direly in need of
someone who will truly love them ... as
; their own."
As we pray for this need may our homes
; be on the altar, ready to be offered if God
I calls on us for this favor.
* * #
How is it with the people of your congrega-
tion? A diligent sewing circle leader and
1 worker writes that when they ask for mate-
I rials they "get almost swamped," but when
. they ask for workers, "It's a different story."
i Is it easier to give of our surplus, than to
' give of our time and ability to work for Him
j who blesses us so abundantly?
* # *
In the January-February Ohio Evangel Sis-
ter Olive Yoder, Akron, Pa., has a convincing
, article on the matter of giving of our time
for the work of the Lord. Making it a ques-
■ tion of the measure of our love, Sister Yoder
■ goes right to the core of our attitudes, sug-
: gesting that we take time now; that this is
the only way we shall ever accomplish worth-
while tasks for others. "Our hearts cannot
contain the love of God," says our sister,
"without overflowing into our neighborhood
to the sick, the old, the needy, the friendless."
These will feel the warmth and the power of
God's love if we truly love Him.
In conclusion Sister Yoder says, "If we
would serve, we must love, we must pray,
we must be something, we must do some-
thing; it is then that our world will be a
better place in which to live."
With God's love comes a vision for help-
ing others, ways and means for finding time
to do the things we know we should do.
How much do I love God?
* * #
The East Bend circle, Fisher, 111., took ad-
vantage of the January sales and purchased
three big boxes of clothing, bedding, and
shoes which they sent immediately to MCC.
The January special project for the circle
was baby shirts and vests.
# # *
The editor of your Missionary Sewing
Circle Monthly would very much appreciate
receiving copies of talks given at district
meetings. This is a way of sharing the good
thoughts and ideas with the whole sister-
hood. If you will notify your speakers ahead,
,t will be easier for you to obtain copies.
* # *
When renewing your subscriptions to the
Missionary Sewing Circle Monthly please
send your orders to WMSCO, Scottdale, Pa.
The price is 35^ for single subscriptions; 25^
in clubs of ten or more. — Mrs. C. L. Shank.
From Our Churches
CARSTAIRS. ALBERTA
(West Zion Congregation)
Dear Herald Readers :
Tlie Alberta Winter Bible School was held
at Carstairs from Dec. 28 to Feb. 4. Many rich
blessiiigs were enjoyed by those who attended.
On Thursday evening, Feb. 4, our closing pro-
gram was given to a full house. The program
featured a number of selections of music by the
chorus under the direction of Bro. Warren
Swartley, Souderton, Pa. Bro. C. J. Ramer de-
livered a challenging address.
Our revival meetings were held in conjunction
with our Bible school. Our hearts were thrilled
by the messages delivered by Bro. Milo Stutz-
man. One confessed Christ and many recommit-
ments were made.
During the school term many of the young
people engaged in personal evangelism in this
district. Their efforts were rewarded and a
number made decisions for Christ. Pray that
these may go on in faith and obedience to Him
who has given His life for us.
On the evening of Feb. 1 seven young appli-
cants were received into the church by water
baptism and one brother reclaimed.
Plans are being formulated for an organized
distribution of "The Way" in the surrounding
community, and cottage meetings will be held.
We are also looking forward to a teachers'
training class to be held every Friday evening
throughout the coming months.
Pray that the spirit of revival that is mani-
fest among us might continue and that other
souls may be saved. Stella Hartzler.
NAPPANEE, INDIANA
(North Main Street Mennonite)
Dear Hekald Readers :
The following officers were elected at our
business meeting : Trustee Chairman, Floyd
Kauffman ; Church Chor., Wayne North ; Mis-
sion Board Members, Edward Miller and Ed-
ward Stutzmau; Ins. Director, Alvin Yoder;
Ushers, Eldon Yoder and Nathaniel Yoder;
Asst. Uehers, Kenneth Bollman and Ervin
Schwartz; YPM Officers: Mod., C. J. Holaway ;
Asst. Mod., Lester Miller ; Committee Member,
Carl Stickel; Sec, Dorothy Yoder; Chor., Pa-
tricia Schrock ; Asst. Chor., Esther Weldy.
The first service of the Week of Prayer,
sponsored by the churches of our city, was held
at our church on Jan. 3.
On Jan. 10 Bro. Ray F. Yoder officiated in a
baptismal service.
Our guest speakers at the Women's Day of
Prayer service were Sisters Minnie Graber,
Esther Graber, and Mary Groh. Recent speak-
es at our Women's Missionary Meetings were
Adeline Fast, a returned missionary from Af-
rica, Yuko Shinohara from Japan, and Lydia
Muller from France. Our meetings have been
challenging as well as interesting.
Anna Bollman.
RENSSELAER. INDIANA
(Burr Oak Mennonite Church)
Dear Hekald Readers :
Greetings in Jesus' name. During the months
of December and January our Christian lives
were enriched by a series of two revival meet-
ings. The first week-end meeting, held just be-
fore Christmas, was led by Bro. Orvin Hooley,
Sturgis, Mich. Bro. William Miller, Crums-
town, Ind., was in charge of the meetings in
January. Several persons came forth for God
at these meetings.
Jan Visser, a foreign student from the Neth-
erlands, told of his experiences during World
War 11 and of the concentration camp in which
he was a prisoner. He also had many interest-
ing slide pictures of his homeland.
For some time we have been working on im-
provements for the church. This winter we
installed a new furnace. At the present time
we are about to put in a new oak floor.
May God bless all of you. Regina Frey.
SMITHVILLE, OHIO
(Oak Grove Congregation)
Dear Herald Readers :
During the months of January and February
we with other churches in this community
canned beef for relief. Our next month's project
will be canning chicken.
Our aged bishop, J. S. Gerig, and his wife
observed their sixty-fifth wedding anniversary
recently. They are able to attend church serv-
ices quite regularly.
Mrs. Lydia Smucker, mother of J. W. Smuck-
er, was 'Jl years old, the oldest member in our
congregation. She also is able to attend church
and sewing circle meetings.
We are glad for the young folks who have
made known their desire to accept Christ as
their personal Saviour. They are at present
receiving instructions and will be received as
members in the near future.
H. A. Driver, treasurer of the Congo Inland
Mission, gave an illustrated lecture entitled
"Along African Paths."
A Peace Team from Goshen College presented
afternoon and evening programs 011 Feb. 21. At
the evening session there was a panel discussion
on practical problems relating to the peace wit-
ness in our modern world.
Uur ehorus is about to begin rehearsals for
music to be rendered at the Easter season. We
are thankful for the many blessings we are en-
joying. Mrs. W. W. Schrock.
WEST LIBERTY, OHIO
(South Union Congregation)
Christian Greetings :
God has made available to us many spiritual
blessings in the past several months by way of
the Brunk evangelistic campaign and our an-
nual Christian Life Conference in December.
The brethren Wyse Graber and Nelson Kauff-
man served as speakers for the latter occasion
and a6 instructors in a five-night Bible school
held at the Bethel Church for the benefit of the
three congregations.
The meat-canning project was both a blessing
and an opportunity which we enjoyed with our
sister congregations.
The new church building is being used since
the first Sunday in November. Dedicatory serv-
ices were held Nov. 15.
In Bro. Shenk's absence, Bro. Wayne North,
of Indiana, is serving us well. Bro. North's
Sunday morning messages from I John have
been greatly appreciated as well as the study
of I Corinthians in the midweek service.
We will appreciate the prayers of those who
are interested in our spiritual health and
growth. Martha E. King.
FAMILY CIRCLE (Continued)
Advice to Parents
It may be helpful for parents to know
what some children think about them;
it may be there are here lessons suggest-
ing needed changes. Listen to some ideas
from children: (1) "They don't give us
enough freedom. They don't trust their
children. Children and parents should
have confidence in one another, and I am
afraid it's the parents who lack the con-
fidence." (2) "Parents expect too much
of their children. They want us to
be somebody we really aren't. I also
object to the fact that too many par-
260
GOSPEL HERALD
March 16, iptf
ents choose their children's friends."
(3) "Instead of guiding us, they boss us.
It takes parents too long to realize that
their children don't remain infants."
(4) "They don't think we take life seri-
ously enough. Of course, we want to
have fun, but we take life seriously in
our own way."— Clara and Carl.
EXPRESSIONS OF APPRECIATION
I wish to express my sincere thanks and
appreciation to my friends, relatives, and neigh-
bora who so kindly remembered me with prayers,
card*, gifts, fruit, and visits during my stay at
Osteopathic Hospital and at home. May God
bless ynu all. — Catharine Martin, Washington
P.oro, Pa.
• * *
I wish to express my sincere thanks and
appreciation to all who so kindly remembered
me with prayers, cards, letters, gifts, fl >wers.
money, and visits during my stay at the sana-
torium. May the Lord bless you all. — Mrs.
Vernon A. Good, Harrisonburg, Va.
* • «
We wish to express our sincere thanks and
appreciation to all who remembered us with
prayers, cards, gifts, and visits during our ill-
ness. May the Lord richly bless you all. — Mrs.
Monroe H. Weber and son, Leon. Fleetwood, Pa.
MISSION NEWS (Continued)
Bro. Lester Hershcy, missionary on fur-
lough from Puerto Rico, will be Missionary
Day speaker on March 21 at the Calvary
Mennonite Church, Souderton, Pa. He spoke
at the Midway Mennonite Church, Colum-
biana, Ohio, on Sunday morning, March 14,
and at the Beech Mennonite Church, Louis-
ville, Ohio, in the evening. His March 7 ap-
pointments at the Worcester and Towamen-
cin Mennonite Churches, Pa., were postponed
until a future date.
Bro. HL James Martin, missionary under
appointment to Uruguay, is doing deputation
work in Michigan during the next few weeks
while awaiting a residence visa for Uruguay.
He spoke at Imlay City on March 11 and
Saginaw on March 12. He will be the Mis-
sionary Day speaker at Pctoskey on March 21.
Two students from Coshen College serve
our Chicago churches each week end: Bro.
Eugene Herr at Dearborn Street, an outpost
of Bethel, and Bro. Wilfred Rudy at the
Mexican Mennonite Church. On March 7,
Bro. David Croh, also a student at Goshen,
spoke at the Dearborn Street Mission.
Two Gospel Teams composed of former
workers at Mennonite Youth Village, White
Pigeon, Mich., are giving Sunday evening
programs in the churches of northern Indiana
during the next two months telling about the
work at Youth Village and the witnessing
value of summer camps for children. One
team gave a program at Goshen College on
March 7. Other March schedules include the
Shore Mennonite Church, March 14; the
East Goshen Mennonite Church, March 21;
and the Middlcbury Mennonite Church,
March 28.
Bro. J. G. Yodcr, missionary on furlough
from India, will serve .is Missionary Day
speaker at the Cedar Grove Mennonite
Church, Grccncastlc, Pa., on March 21. Bro.
Yodcr spoke at Plain City, Ohio, on March 14.
Bro. John I.cdcrach, lormeily ol I.cdcrach,
Pa., was licensed to preach at the Sunnysidc
Mennonite Church, Dunlap, lnd., on Sunday
morning, March 7, by Bishop S. J. Hostetler.
Sunnyside is a mission outpost under the
Indiana-Michigan Mission Board. Bro. Lede-
rach is working part time in the office for
Publicity and Church Relations of the Men-
nonite Board of Missions and Charities, Elk-
hart, lnd.
Junior Sewing Circles, junior or intermedi-
ate classes, or individuals who have planned
the purchase of specific articles for the
Navaho Mission at Black Mountain should
note the list given in "Your Treasurer Re-
ports."
Bro. T. K. Hershey, well-known mission-
ary to Argentina, now retired, celebrated
his seventy-fifth birthday Sunday, March 14.
Many happy returns of the day.
Dedication of the Bridgeport, Pa., Mission
was held in the afternoon of March 7.
Bro. Jesse B. Martin, Waterloo, Ont., who
with Sister Martin has been in Palestine to
help in establishing a mission there, is sched-
uled to saii from Haifa, Israel, on March
30. He plans to stop at a number of places
in Europe in the interests of our relief and
mission work His schedule calls for sailing
from Liverpool, England, on April 30 and
arrival at Quebec about May 8. May the
Lord grant Bro. and Sister Martin journey-
ing mercies.
A new mission station at Herstines near
Schwenksville, Pa., will soon be opened.
Necessary improvements on the building are
about completed.
Bro. Paul Clemens has been appointed by
the Franconia Mission Board to do regular
visitation at Grandview Hospital.
Farewell services were held for the John
Koppenhaver family at the Blooming Glen
congregation on Feb. 28. Bro. Paul Mininger
spoke, the Lansdale Men's Quartet sang,
and Bro. Joseph Gross led in the prayer of
consecration.
FIELD NOTES (Continued)
Announcements
Christian Life Conference at Spring Mount,
Pa., congregation, March 27, 28, with Nor-
man Bechtel, Spring City, Pa., and Harold
Lahman, Flkton, Va., as speakers.
At Blainsport, Pa., on Sunday evening,
March 21, the young people's group from
Vine Street, Lancaster, Pa„ will give the
program.
Sunday school conference of the churches
in Mifflin Co., Pa., at Allensville Church,
Saturday evening, April 3, and Sunday after-
noon and evening, April 4. Guest speakers:
Bro. ami Sister Paul Frb, Scottdale, Pa., and
Bro. W alter Otto, Springs, Pa.
Passion Week services at N'auhinwav
Church, Mich., with Ftril Lcinbach, Moore-
park, Mich., as speaker.
Bible Conference at CrolTdule congrega-
tion. Pa., Saturday evening, March 20, and
all day Sunday following. Speakers: Ray
mond Charles, Lancaster, Pa., Pari M.uist and
Myron Augsburgcr, Harrisonburg, Va.
Dr. Jonathan Yodcr, India misSM
speaking at North Side, Hagcrstown. Md.,
together with a group of singers and foreign
students from E.M.C., all day Sunday,
March 21.
Communion dates for Bro. Christian K.
Lehman's district, Lancaster Conference:
March 21, Slackwater; March 28, Millersville;
April 4, Rohrerstown; April 11, Old People's
Home; April 15, Columbia; April 25, Mount-
ville; May 2, Habeckers; May 9, Masonville.
Communion dates for Bro. G. Parke Book's
district, Lancaster Conference: March 21,.
Nickel Mines; March 28, evening, Mead-
ville; April 4, Welsh Mt. colored; April 11,
Mt. Pleasant; April 18, Paradise; April 25,
Hershey; May 2, Old Road; May 9, Kinzer; j
May 16, Samaritan Home.
George Miller, Honduras, at Sunnyside
Mission, Lancaster, Pa., 7:30 p.m., March 28.
Vernon E. Bontreger, Goshen, lnd., at
Fairpoint, Ohio, April 4.
Ordination to the ministry of Irvin Nuss-
baum at Walker, Mo., March 21.
Paul M. Lederach, Scottdale, Pa., at a
week-end conference at North Lima, Ohio,
March 27, 28.
Paul M. Miller, Goshen, lnd., in Victorious
Life Conference at Blooming Glen, Pa.,
March 27, 28.
"Holy City" presented by Franconia Cho-
ruses at Blooming Glen, Pa., 7:30 p.m.,
April 4.
Visiting Speakers
Feb. 21. Clarence J. Ramer, Duchess, Aha.,
at Zion Church, Hubbard, Oreg. Rufus
Horst, Kansas City, Kans., at Sycamore
Grove, Garden City, Mo. Lester Mann, Go-
shen, lnd., at Rainy River, International
Falls, Minn.
Feb. 28, Jacob Weirich, Belleville, Pa., at
Wellman, Iowa. Leonard Hunt, superin-
tendent Wheller Rescue Mission, Indiana-
polis, lnd., at East Goshen, lnd.
March 7. A. J. Metzler and David Alderfer,
Scottdale, Pa., at Pleasant View, Schellsburg,
Pa., morning; Pleasant Grove, Salix, Pa., eve-
ning; in behalf of Ministerial Committee of
S. W. Pa. Conference. Samuel E. Miller,
Argentina missionary, at Congregational
Mennonite, Marietta, Pa.
March 14. Mark Fakkema, National As-
sociation of Christian Schools. Congregation-
al Mennonite, Marietta, Pa. Jonathan Yoder,
India missionary, at Sharon Church, Plain
City, Ohio. Mary Royer, Orrville, Ohio, at
Peoria, 111.; Rov Umble, Goshen, lnd., at
Pleasant Hill, Peoria. 111.; Richard Yordy,
Freeport, 111., at Highway Village, Peoria,
111.; Elizabeth Showalter, Scottdale, Pa., at
Midway, Pekin. 111.; Aha Mae Erb, Scottdale,
Pa., at Dillon, Tremont. 111.; Paul M. Lede-
rach, Scottdale, Pa., at Morton, 111. Harry Y.
Shcder, Davidsville, Pa., at Steelton, Pa.
Evangelistic Meetings
Eli Miller, Elton. Pa., at Otelia Church, Mt.
Union, Pa„ March 16-28. Galen Johns. Ben-
ton. Ind., at Hudson Lake, lnd., March 7-14.
Alvin Martin. Terre Hill, Pa., at East Peters-
burg. Pa.. Feb. 28 to March 14. Wm. Miller.
North Liberty. Ohio, at Cold Springs, Man-
celona, Mich., April 5-11. Paul M. Landis,
Crockett, K.v., at Chappell, Nebr. Wesley
lantz, l.a Junta, Colo., at Perryton, Texas.
March 24 to April 4. I. Mark Ross, Hesston.
Kans.. at Dillon. Tremont, III., March 26 to
April 4. Raymond Kramer. Meadville. Pa.,
at Dillonvale, Ohio, May 9-16.
\March i6, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
261
BIRTHS
"Lo. children are an heritage of the Lord" (Ps. 127:3a).
Bender. Claude and Viola (Slabaugh), Can-
ton. Ohio, fourth child, Regina Louise, Feb. 25,
II 1954.
Blosser. Herman and Eileen (Perry), Colum-
biana. Ohio, first child, a son, La Verne Herman,
■Jan. 21. 1954.
Bowman. Paul E. and Ruth (Detwiler), Can-
field. Ohio, a daughter, Lorelle Kay. Jan. 25,
1 Brenneman. Orlo C. and Thelma (Gilnett),
IScottdale, Pa., fifth child, second son, James
Leroy, March G, 1954.
Derstine. Dayton A. and Mary Ellen (Clem-
Imer), Franconia, Pa., a daughter, Laurene, Feb.
H Esch. Claude and Luella (Hondrich), Mio,
Mich., fifth child, second son, Wilton Menno,
UFeb. 22. 1954. .
Fisher. Robert and Rachel (Swartzendruber),
I' Iowa City, Iowa, third child, second daughter,
■ Suzette Jean. Feb. 25. 1954.
Gall. Allen and Alice (Lehman). Elizabeth-
town. Pa., fourth daughter, Martha Jane, Feb.
Il 1954
I, Givens. Norman L. and Arlene (Shoemaker).
({Bainbridge, Pa., twin sons. Gerald Anion and
■ George Arthur, Feb. 18, 1954.
Good. Elmer and Esther (Good). Orrville,
BOhio, fourth child. May Louise, Feb. 18. 1954.
Hartzler. Jesse G. and Bertha A. (Hertzler),
r Mill Creek. Pa., sixth child, third son, Delmar
I Ray. Feb. 20. 1954.
H Hershberger, Willard and Wilma (Kuhns),
. Bedford, Ohio, first child, Martin Lee, Feb. 12,
1 1954.
I Horst, George W. and Beulah (Troyer). Phil-
dadelphia, Pa., a daughter, Paula Jean. Feb. 1,
11954. , „ ,
Horst. Harold and Ella (Nussbaum). Dalton,
I Ohio, second daughter, Edna Marie, Feb. 17,
1 1954.
-I Horst. Milton K. and Kathryn (Zimmerman).
I New Holland, Pa., first child, Curtis Ray. July
■ 3. 1953.
KaufTman. Delmar and Ruth (Swartzentru-
Iber), Turner, Mich., fourth child, third daughter,
I Colleen Joy. Feb. 1G. 1954.
I KaufTman, Kenneth and Esther (Kauffman).
i Goshen, Ind., first child, Michael Dean, Dec. 20.
: H 1953.
< Knepp. Edwin and Tressie (Sehrock), Topeka,
. I Ind., second child, first son, Gaylord Eugene,
J Jan. 3. 1954.
I Knepp. Joseph and Orpha (Swartzentruber).
I Au Gres. Mich., fourth child, second daughter,
.1 Donna Joy, Feb. 15. 1954.
Oswald. Dale and Maxine (Schweitzer).
Beaver Crossing, Nebr., a daughter. Amy Joy,
. I Feb. 17. 1954.
. 1 Nofziger, Aaron and Mary (Sehrock). Canby.
Oreg.. fourth child, fourth son, Arnold Ray, Jan.
, 12. 1954.
• I Rice, Noah and Alverda (Leatherman), Pi-
persville. Pa., third child, Jacob Arlin, Feb. 9,
• 1954.
. I Rohrer, C. Kendig and Kathryn (Huber),
Manheim. Pa., a son, James H., Dec. 8. 1953.
Rutt. Glenn E. and Pauline (Landis), New-
. town, Conn., first child, Glenn Roger, Feb. 12.
, 1954.
: Srhrag. David and Wilda (Stauffer), Mc-
Pherson. Kans.. third child, first son, Mark
David. Feb. 15. 1954.
Smoker. Wilbur and Alta (Doufrich), Fig,
N.C., fifth child, second daughter, Rhoda Ruth.
Feb. 25. 1954.
Stutzman. Nathan O. and Velda (Wideman).
I Kinsman, Alta., a daughter, Sharon Rose, Jan.
22. 1954.
Washington. Abie and Gertie. Sa-rinaw. Mich.,
a daughter, Lois Marie, Feb. 15. 1954.
Wea'-er. Allen M. and Arlene (Martin), Lan-
caster. Pa., first child. Rose Ann. Nov. 21. 1953.
Weaver. Floyd E. and Edna (Stalter), Go-
shen, Ind., first child, Sharon Renee, Dec. 9,
1953.
Weaver, Levi H. and Mildred (Hershev). Lan-
ca«ter. Pa., second son, John Henry, Feb. 22,
195 1.
Weaver, Paul A. and Berneiee (Ramer),
Nappanee. Ind., third child, Marjory Lucille,
Feh. 14. 1954.
Wenger, Leroy and Ida (Eberly). Orrville,
Ohio, fifth child, Doyle Ward, Feb. 10, 1954.
Wyse, Mablon C. and Valeria (Stuckey),
Northville. Mich., second daughter, Patricia Sue,
Jan. 21, 1954. _ ,
Yoder, Ernest and Esther (Beachy), Kalona,
Iowa, second son, David Eugene, Feb. 4, 1954.
Yoder, Mr. and Mrs. Melvin, Walker, Mo.,
third child, Ron David, Feb. 27, 1954.
Wenger. Herbert C. and Marian E. (Smith),
Telford, Pa., second child, a son. Herbert
Michael, March 4, 1954.
Ziok. Ed and Iris (Hesterly), Clarksville,
Mich., fifth child, fourth daughter, Mary Elaine,
Dec. 23. 1953.
MARRIAGES
May the blessings of God be upon the homes
established by the marriages here listed. A year s
subscription to the GOSPEL HERALD is given to those
whose address is supplied by the officiating minister.
Broadfoot — Friesen. — Jack Broadfoot. Guern-
sey. Sask., and Neta Friesen, Duchess, Alta., by
C J. Ramer at the Duchess Mennonite Church,
Dec. 30. 1953. „ „
Dafoe — Siemens. — Kenneth Dafoe and Viona
Siemens, both of Mt. Calvary congregation,
Westward Ho, Alta., by Linford D. Hackman,
Jan. 2. 1954. ^ , „ . ,
jonec — Weiser. — Joseph D. Jones. Royersford,
Pa and Barbara J. Weiser, Sehwenksville, Pa.,
hv Elmer G. Kolb at the Providence Mennonite
Church. Yerkes. Pa.. Feb. 20, 1954.
Krarz Yoder. — Harold M. Kratz. Plain con-
gregation, Lansdale, Pa., and Esther Y. Yoder.
Towamencin congregation, Kulpsville, Pa., by
John E. Lapp, assisted bv Ellis L. Mack, at the
Towamencin Church, Feb. G. 1954.
Kreider — Landis. — Jacob Irvin Kreider. Para-
dise. Pa.. Mennonite Church, and Mildred
Bender Landis. Stumprown Church. Bird m
Hand. Pa., bv Elmer G. Martin. Feb. 24. 1954.
Mi"er-^-Hershberger. — Ervin Miller and .Ten-
nis Hershberger by D. J. Fisher, at the East
Union Church. Kalona, Iowa. Nov. 15. 1953.
Lindner — Mirtdaugh. — Emile Lindner. Jr., Tis-
kilwa. 111., and Shirley Middaugh, Princeton,
111., bv C. Warren Long at the home of the
groom's parents. March 3. 1954.
Z°iset — Weaver. — Paul S. ZMset and Carolyn
M Weaver, both of the Gr^ffdale congregation,
Bareville, Pa., by Mahlon Witmer at the Groff-
dale Church. Jan. 30. 1954.
Zimmerman — Wenger. — Harry R. Zimmer-
man, Kmlls congregation, Lebanon, Pa., and
Irene S Wensrer. Carpenter congregation. Bare-
ville Pn„ by Mahlon Witmer at his home, Dec.
19. 1953.
AJNNIVERS ARIES
Nissley, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel B. Nisslev of
East Petersburg. Pa., celebrated their fiftieth
wedding anniversary on Feb. 17. 1954, with
some of their friends. They were married at the
home of the bride near Strasburg, Pa., in 1904.
OBITUARIES
May the sustaining grace and comfort of our Lord
bless these who are bereaved.
Groff. Maggie, daughter of the late John G.
and Lydian (Wenger) Newswanger. was born
in Lancaster Co., Pn., May 2. 1881; departed
this life Jan. 11, 1954, in the Osteopathic Hos-
pital, Lancaster, Pa.; aged 72 y. 8 m. 9 d.
Her parents were called home in early life, leav-
ing the family to become separated, but Magiie,
the second child in a family of fourteen chil-
dren, was "mother" to the younger children.
In early life she was a seamstress and for many
years went into homes to do the familv sewing.
She was a faithful member of the Mennonite
Church for many years. After her marriage to
David B. Groff in 1941. she faithfully filled her
place in the various phases of mission work her
husband was engaged in. She is survived by
her husband, a foster stepson (John, Manheim,
Pa.), 2 grandchildren, and these brothers and
sisters (Samuel, Kinzers, Pa.; Reuben, Ronks,
Pa.; Aaron, Bird in Hand, Pa.; Henry, Bare-
ville, Pa. ; Jacob and John, both of Los Angeles,
Calif. ; Lydia — Mrs. Garfield Becher, Lancaster,
Pa., and Ada- — Mrs. Ben Fiester, Coatesville,
Pa.). Funeral services were held Jan. 14 at the
Mellinger Church near Lancaster, Pa., in charge
of D. Stoner Krady, Frank Garman, John S.
Hess, and Ira Nafziger. Her body was laid to
rest in the cemetery near the church.
Harshbarger, C, son of Jonas and Mary
Yerger Harshbarger, of Mattawana. Pa., died in
the Lewistown Hospital Dec. 5. 1953; aged 81 y.
6 m. 2 d. He had not been well for a long time
and had been in the hospital almost a month.
He had improved enough to be taken to the
home of his niece (Mrs. Pauline Rhodes) where
he had been taken care of before going to the
hospital, but the next day after coming home,
he took critically ill and lived from Sunday un-
til Tuesday after having been admitted to the
hospital again. He leaves one brother (David
Harshbarger, Mishawaka, Ind.), 3 nephews, and
3 nieces. He was a member of the Mattawana
Mennonite Church. His parents, 6 brothers,
and 3 sisters preceded him in death. Funeral
services were held in the Booth Funeral Home
at McVeytown, Dec. 18. In charge of Ross
Mefzler and Raymond Peachey. Interment was
made in the Pleasant View Cemetery.
Herr, Annie H., daughter of the late George
K. and Elizabeth (Harnish) Herr, was born in
Lancaster Co., Pa., Jan. 1G, 1883; departed this
life Jan. 11. 1954; aged 70 y. 11 m. 25 d. She
was a faithful member of the Mennonite Church
from her youth and was always willing to do
any humble service for others. Two brothers
preceded her in death. Surviving are 3 sisters
(Mary H. — widow of Elmer B. Thomas, New
Danville, Pa.; Elizabeth H. — Mrs. Aaron C.
Souders, Millersville, Pa., with whom she re-
sided the last four years, and Barbara H. Herr,
Philadelphia, Pa.). Funeral services at New
Danville Church, Jan. 14. were conducted bv
Henry Nauman and David N. Thomas, with
burial in the adjoining cemetery.
Immel. Malinda, daughter of the late Chris-
tian and Catherine Sommers, was born near
Walnut Creek. Ohio, April 3, 1890; departed
this life following an extended illness at the
Union Hospital, Dover, Ohio. Feb. 17, 1954;
aged G3 v. 10 m. 14 d. In her youth she ac-
cented Christ and became a member of the
Walnut Creek Mennonite Church, where she
held membership until death. On July 20. 1907.
she was united in marriage to Alvin Immel.
This union was blessed with 2 sons and 4
daughters. Two daughters and one son pre-
ceded her in death. Surviving are her husband,
one son (Walter. Sugarcreek, Ohio), 2 daughters
(Mrs. Darrel Miller. Sugarcreek, and Verna,
at home), 7 grandchildren, one great-grandchild,
2 sisters (Mrs. Clement Mnt-chelknaus, Navarre,
Ohio, and Mrs. Lydia Hershberger. Charm,
Ohio), 2 brothers (Manasses C, Sugarcreek,
and Arletus. Strasburg. Ohio), besides a host
of other relatives and friends. Funeral services
were held at the Walnut Creek Mennonite
Church, Feh. 19. in charge of Venus Hersh-
berger. A. W. Miller, and Paul R. Miller, with
interment in the church cemetery.
McDonnell, Eugene Allen, son of Roy James
and Iln Mae MeConnell,, was born March 24,
1953. His short stay on earth came to a close
on Feb. 4. 1954, when he onietlv fell asleen in
Jesus at the Memorial Hospital, Wauseon, Ohio;
aged 10 m. 11 d. His health failed gradually
for the past few months until death came as a
result of bronchial pneumonia. He leaves to
mourn his departure his parents, one brother
(Duane), 3 grandparents, and 2 great-grand-
parents. Funeral services at the Tedrow Men-
nonite Church. Feb. 7, were in charge of Roy
Sander, with burial in the Eckley Cemeterv.
Mast. S"«ie. daughter of Christian and Katie
(Miller) Gingerich, was born June 2G, 1881;
passed awnv at her home near Topeka. Ind.,
Feb. 12. 1954; aged 72 y. 7 m. 1G d. She was
a member of the Clearspring Old Order Amish
Mennonite Church. On Feh. 2, 1905, she was
married to Levi L. Mast who survives. To this
union were born 9 sons and 3 daughters. Sur-
viving are 12 children (Daniel and Annie —
Mrs. Alvin Miller, both of Ligonier, Ind. ;
Henry, of Middlebury ; Mary — Mrs. Lewis
Trover, and Samuel, of Lagrange: Christian,
at homo; Ervin, at home farm: Uriah. Sara-
sota, Fla.; Ada — Mrs. David Yoder. of Millers-
burg: John, of Goshen: Edward. Topeka. Ind.,
and Melvin, Phoenix, Ariz.), 45 grandchildren,
262
GOSPEL HERALD
March 16, 1954
3 brothel! (Jacob, Daniel, and Benjamin t. and
4 sisters (Fannie, Annie, Mattie. and Mary).
One grandson an(j (jne sister preceded her in
death. Funeral services were held at the Menno
J. S. Yoder home, Feb. 15, in charge of Noah
Bintrager. William Yoder, and Simon Gingerieh,
with burial in the Clearspring Cemetery.
.Miller. Sylvester, son of Jacob and Barbara
(Livinghouse) Miller, was born March 20. 1880.
in St. Joseph Co.. Ind.; died Feb. 18. 1954, at
the home of his foster daughter, Mrs. Floyd
Oerber, Nappauee, Ind.; aged 73 y. 10 m. 28 d.
He was married to Susie Christophel on Dec
25, 1902. and they celebrated their golden an-
niversary on Christmas of 1952. Besides his
widow and daughter, he is survived by 2
brothers (James, Wakarusa. Ind., and Jerry.
Elkhart, Ind.) and a number of nieces and
nephews. In early manhood he accepted Christ
and united with the Mennonite Church, attend-
ing the North Main Street congregation in
Nappanee. For the last number of years he
was engaged in selling Bibles and Christian
literature in an endeavor to extend a Christian
witness. Services were held in Nappanee, Feb.
20. with Homer F. North officiating and C. A.
Shank assisting. Burial was made in the Yellow
Creek Cemetery.
Kohrer. Emma B., widow of Witmer B.
Bobrer, died Feb. 25. 1954, at the home of her
daughter. Mrs. Flam M. Bamberger, Mount Joy,
Pa. : aged 88 y. 2 m. 29 d. She was the daughter
of the late Christian E. and Fannie (Brenne-
man) Nissley. and a member of the East Chest-
nut Street Mennonite Church, Lancaster, Pa.
Surviving are a daughter (Violet — Mrs. Elam
M. Homberger), a son (A. Nissley, Lancaster.
Pa.), 0 grandsons, and 2 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services from the Sheetz Funeral H'tne
were in charge of Jacob E. Brnbaker and Earl
M. Wert. Interment was made in the Mellinger
Cemetery.
Ropp. Katie, daughter of Daniel and Barbara
fZebr) Eimen, was born March 10. 1873. near
Morton. III.: died at her home in Kalona. Iowa.
Feb. 17. 1954; aged 80 y. 11 m. 7 d. She was
united in marriage to Mose Ropp on Sept. 20.
1890. To this union 0 children were born
(Cleora — Mrs. Aaron Snicher; Blanche — Mrs.
V I ) Miller: Rozettfl — Mrs. Gordon Miller, all
of Kalona : Alta— Mrs. Joe W. Erb. of Well-
man ; Katie. Hesston. Kans.. and Omer Frank-
lin, who died nt the age of one year). Besides
her husband and five daughters she leaves to
mourn her departure 2 sisters (Mrs. Samuel
Trover, Hnlmesville, Ohio, and Fannie Eimen.
Wavland. Iownl. one brother (David, of Iowa
City), 7 grandchildren. 3 stepgrnndehildren. 4
great-grandchildren, nnd a large number of other
relatives and friends. A niece (Nancy R'>pt>
Spieher) and a nephew (Herbert Ropp) lived
in the home of Rro. nnd Sister Ropp for a num-
ber of years after the death of their mother.
Preceding her in death besides her son are one
grenf-grnnd--on (Craig Erb Wade), her parents.
4 sisters. 5 brothers, nnd one half brother. She
accepted Christ ns her Saviour in her youth,
united with the Mennonite Church, nnd was a
faithful member of the East Union congregation
for many yenr*. Nearlv two years ago she fell
and fractured her hip from which she recovered
and was able to be around the h»me and attend
church services a few times. Her death was
caused bv hardening of the arteries anil other
complientions. Funeral services were held from
the E"*f I'nion Church. Feb. 19. in charge of
I) J. Fisher. A. Lloyd Rwnrtienrtmber, and Roy
Uo'h. with burial in the East Union Cemetery
Both. Ada Ruth, ilmiitbrer of Dan E and
Laura ( Ringenherg) King, was horn near Flan-
agan. III., Oct. 8, 189.8; passed away at her
home near Morton, III.. Feb. 20. 1951. after an
illness of four months: nged 55 v. 4 m. 12 d.
On Auir. 21. 192(1, she was mnrried to Amos D.
Roth. To this union were horn three sons. One
son (Flton Amos) preceded his mother in death.
Surviving are her husband. 2 sons (Herbert D.
nnd Donald F.. both at home), her parents, one
sister (Mrs. Roy Aclierman. Pehin. III.), and a
host of other relatives ami friends. She accept, .,|
Christ at an early age and became n member ol
the Morion Mennonite Church in which she
served faithfully unto the end. It was here she
ncted as n Sunda v-s'-hool teacher ns long as her
health permitted, Funeral services were cop
ducted at the Morton Mennonltt Church. Feb.
21. by Kenneth fl, flood, nssisied bv Noah N.
Roeselilev. Kurial was made in the Pleasant
drove Cemetery.
Ehinnenlf, iloMepb Mm "n« °r 'he late Henry
G. and Rthwhelh lMn««pr) Sensenig, wns horn
in IWmnnsvllle |>„.. n,.,.. si. 18T4i tiled Feb
II. 1951: need 79 v. 1 ID. 10 d. In his youth
he accepted Christ as bis Saviour and wns a
faithful member of the Churchtown Mennonite
Church. He had a lingering illness but was
bedfast only two days. He experienced several
times the very definite answer to prayer for the
healing of his body and he had great faith in
God for everything. He was married to Mary
Frances Weaver on Jan. 1. 1905. She preceded
him in death Feb. 9. 1948. A foster eon also
preceded him. Surviving are 2 foster daughters
(Gertrude — Mrs. Walter Ament. New Holland.
Pa., and Mary, at home), one brother (Henry
M., Sheridan. Pa.), 4 grandchildren, and one
great-grandchild. Funeral services were held at
the Goodville Mennonite Church by John Burk-
holder and David Weaver. Burial was made
in the adjoining cemetery.
Wambold, Isaac Albert, son of the late Abram
and Hannah (Wanner) Wambold. was born
near Kitchener, Ont.. Nov. 6. 1802: died in
the East General Hospital. Toronto. Ont., Feb.
15. 1954; aged 91 y. 3 m. 9 d. Hie boyhood was
spent in Huron Co.. Ont. At the age of 21 he
came to Breslau. Ont* where he renewed his
covenant with the Lord. In 1886 he married
Emma Ilershey, who died in 1890. In this same
year lie was ordained to the ministry in the
Breslau congregation where he faithfully served
for 22 years. In 1912 he resigoed from his
pastoral charge because of voice difficulties and
moved to Markham. Ont. He married Mary
Elizabeth Fretz in 1890. She predeceased him
eight years ago. Surviving are one daughter
(Ruth — Mrs. Samuel Brownsberger. Toronto,
with whom he lived prior to his departure) and
5 grandchildren. One son (Leslie) died in 1949.
The funeral was held at the Wideman Church.
Markham. Ont.. Feb. 18. nnd burial was made
in the adjoining cemetery. Services were con-
ducted by Elmer Burkholder. Aaron D. Grove,
and Oscar Burkholder. who followed Bro. Wam-
bold in the pastorate nt Breslau. Bro. Wam-
bold's testimony was. "My only refuge is_ the
cross nnd my only plea is the blood of Christ."
Thus passed to his eternal rest the oldest min-
ister in the Ontario Conference.
Wangoman, John Wesley, son of the late
Simeon and Margaret (McLean) Wangoman.
was born in Somerset Co.. Pa.. Aug. 10. 1871 :
died at Mercv Hospital. Johnstown. Pa., Feb
13. 1951: aged 82 y. 0 m. 3 d. He was married
to Ida Mae Leventry who died Jan. 15. 1944.
He is survived by one sister (Mrs. Henrv C.
Wehn). a nephew (Arthur), and one niece (Mrs.
Ray Dunkle). all of Johnstown. Pa. He became
a member of the Thomas Mennonite Church.
June 7. 1953. He attended services regularly as
long as health permitted. Funeral services were
held at the Thomas Mennonite Church in charge
of Aldus Wineard and D. Edward Canfield, with
burial in adjoining cemetery.
Yurzv. Susan Kay. infant daughter of Eli and
Grace Yntzy. Kalona. Iowa, was horn Feb. 21.
1951. and died the following day. She leaves her
parents. 3 brothers, nnd one sister to mourn her
departure. Graveside services on Feb. 22 were
in charge of J. Y. Swartzendrnber.
THE BOOK SHELF
p ~ - V * rovlowed In th*»*e column* m-*v K*> ordered
fr^m the Mennonite Publishing House R<-ottdal». Pa.
Day bv F>av, by Vance Havner: Fleming
H. Rcvcll Company; 1953; 272 pp.; $2.00.
I lerc is a new hook of Bible devotions con-
taining a devotional meditation of about 17S
words for eacb of the 36*> davs of tbe year.
Fach meditation consists of a tboucbt pro-
voking title, a Scripture verse or portions of
one or several, followed bv searching and
penetrating comments. The discussions are
thoroughly Biblical and verv practical, em-
pliasi7ino the solutions to the dailv problems
and difficult situations of the Christian life
and stressing discipleship. cross-bearinc. obe-
dience, and taking Christ not onlv as Saviour
but also as l ord and Master. Weaknesses in
the lives of Christians are pointed out and
worldliness is opposed. Preachers can find
many texts ar»d germinal ideas for sermons.
The methods of comparison and contrast are
much used and likewise many modern ex-
pressions and current ideas are employed as
tools for keen spiritual insights. With this
book the reader can make daily journeys into
the Bible and can find "spiritual strength in
heaping measure." — Edwin L. Weaver.
ITEMS and COMMENT;
The Southern Railroad has ended all
alleged discrimination against Negro travel-
ers in its dining cars. — (WP)
• • »
The governor of Puerto Rico reports re-
markable advances in that country in the
last few years. Since 1940, 1,388 new in-
dustries have been built up; life expectancy
in the same period has been raised from 46
years to 61; there has been a drop in the
death rate from 18 per thousand to 9 per
thousand. One of the most noteworthy gains
has been education, on which 6 per cent of
the nation's income is spent, about 4 times
the percentage spent on the United States
mainland.— (WP)
• • •
Marc Boegner, president of the French
Protestant Federation, has organized the first
Protestant chapel in the Sahara. Comment-
ing on present world tensions, Dr. Boegner
said that they arise not so much from the
opposition of two world blocs, but from the
growing exasperation of the colored races
against the whites. "This is the greatest dan-
ger that the world will have to face during
the coming 20 years," he said. Dr. Boegner
called upon the churches to protest against
the policy of segregation in South Africa.
• • •
Attempts to find a religious justification
for racial discrimination were denounced by
the Anglican Bishop of Johannesburg in a
sermon there. "The church cannot keep
silent, but is bound to raise its voice against
those who seek not only to discriminate be-
tween people of different nationalities, but
to bolster that discrimination by appeal to
the Holy Scriptures," Bishop Reeves said.
• • •
Brass bells that were salvaged from Louis-
ville and Nashville Railroad steam locomo-j
tives scrapped in the line's conversion tol
diesel engines are ringing in 270 small!
churches along the company's right-of-way
from Alabama to Illinois. One of the bells,!
however, calls worshipers to service in Sierra
Leone. West Africa. The bells have gone to
churches of many denominations.
• • •
So-called Bible action comics that concen-j
trate on violent incidents mentioned in the
Scriptures are sharplv censured in a recent!
issue of Presbyterial Action. The author, an
educator and a mother, declares that small
children "may imbibe a great deal of horror
and fear" rather than the moral intended
from the graphic depictions of the cruci-|
hx ion and other scenes of physical violence,!
and she warns against their indiscriminate
use in the Sunday school and home. More-
March 16, ip$4
GOSPEL HERALD
263
over, unless Bible comics are carefully
planned and integrated with widely accept-
ed teaching programs, she says, "we add to
the child's confusion by giving him isolated
Bible stories entirely out of context and for-
eign to his limited experience." Children
should learn that the Bible is not just an-
other storybook, declares the article.
# * *
Unjust and distressing treatment of Prot-
estants by the government of Colombia,
South America, was sharply condemned in
a message recently adopted by the National
Council of Churches. The Council specifical-
ly termed indefensible the Colombia govern-
ment order of September 3, which would
kvipe out Protestant activity in eighteen large-
fay rural areas comprising three fourths of
!the country's territory. The Colombian gov-
jernment, according to the Associated Press,
(promptly denied the charges of the National
jCouncil. A government communique insist-
ed that there was no religious persecution,
illt added that the Colombian constitution
(guaranteed "perfect and complete security"
jfor non-Catholic foreigners in Colombia
jwhen their missions were carried out in
.churches "destined to that purpose." The
communique added, however, that mission-
jaries must respect the Catholic Church, the
,laws of the country, and must not "subvert
. .the public order." The government said
!that it was investigating the complaints that
. iProtestant missionaries had not received full
.protection.
# # #
3| A bookmark containing Bible readings for
.each day of 1954 is available at the rate of 1
. cent for each 2 copies from American Bible
'j Society, Department U, 450 Park Avenue,
j New York 22, New York.
# * *
The Heifer Project has set as its minimum
goal for 1954, the shipment overseas of 100,-
000 chicks, 1,000 heifers, 500 goats, and 400
pigs. Major areas for distribution will be
Korea, Austria, Germany, and Greece. Re-
quests have also been received from France,
Italy, Liberia, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Puerto
Rico, Cuba, and Okinawa. Eight American
Christian service groups, including the Men-
nonite Central Committee, will operate in
this agency's activities.
# * •
The Board of Education at Lincoln, Ne-
braska, has voted, following the complaint
of a Unitarian minister, to discontinue a
long-standing practice of permitting dis-
tribution of Gideon Bibles in the public
schools. The board also rejected a request
that the Lincoln Council of Churches be al-
lowed to circulate a questionnaire in high
schools on the religious affiliation of stu-
dents. Public schools should not perform
any function of church organization, the
board unanimously agreed.
of the minister deprived him of a free trial.
The United States Supreme Court has re-
jected the plea for a new trial.
# # #
Donald Soper, president of the Methodist
Conference in England, warns against any
Christian movement that is "too thin" the-
ologically. He feels that a movement that
scorns theology is inadequate.
# * #
Billy Graham has approved the choice of
Churchill Downs as a site for an evangelis-
tic campaign to be held in Louisville, Ky.,
in 1955. Churchill Downs is the grandstand
of a famous race track. Defending his choice,
Graham said, "Christ went among those
who were unacceptable in His day. God
In a Florida murder trial a Baptist min-
ister was admitted to the chambers of the
jury to read Scriptures and lead the jurymen
in prayer. Later, the convicted murderer ap-
pealed the case, first to the Supreme Court of
Florida and then to the United States Su-
preme Court, with the plea that the prayer
could sanctify a beer hall. The church has
waited too long for the world to come to it.
It must go to the world if it expects to reach
sinners and the unchurched."
# # #
A striking and terrible crystallization in
words of the Near East tension was the re-
cent demand of the new king of Saudi
Arabia that the nation of Israel must be
completely destroyed, even if one fifth of the
Arabs have to die to do it.
* # *
The Mississippi State Legislature has voted
to abolish the public school system of the
state if the Supreme Court should rule
against segregation.
(Continued on next page)
Christian
Living
the new magazine
for home and
community
now begins a heart-warming story of a
Mennonite refugee family:
BUT NOT FORSAKEN
BY HELEN GOOD BRENNEMAN
Terror, uncertainty, and the deep heartache of refugee life have been
gathered into this true-to-life, book-length story. You will not want to
miss a single chapter. But Not Forsaken begins with the April issue of
CHRISTIAN LIVING.
CHRISTIAN LIVING comes to you each month packed full of stimulating
ideas, inspirational thoughts, and worth-while activities. This family magazine
brings you articles, stories, devotional aids, and monthly feature columns to
meet the many interests and needs of a growing Christian family in any com-
munity. You will want to read every issue from cover to cover. Subscribe today.
CHRISTIAN LIVING
Circulation Department-H
Mennonite Publishing House
Scottdale, Pennsylvania
Please begin my subscription to CHRISTIAN LIVING with the
April, 1954, issue.
□ 1 year - $3.00
□ 3 years- $8.00
□ 5 years - $12.50
Name
Address -
□ Check
□ Money Order
264
GOSPEL HERALD
March 16, 1954
YOUR PUBLISHING HOUSE By A. J. Mctzler, Publishing Agent
/. C. Wenger, member of E. C. Bender, Board Presi-
Executive Committee and dent
former Board President
Administration
The Mennonite Publishing House is owned and managed
by and for the Mennonite Church. This management is vested
in the Mennonite Publication Board of twenty-nine members,
provided as follows: Twenty by district conferences, five
at large by the Board, three by General Conference, and the
Publishing Agent. The Board meets annually, on alternate
years at the House and at other times at points throughout
the church. The Executive Committee of five exercises more
direct control and usually meets quarterly at the House.
The immediate supervision of the House is vested in the
Publishing Agent and the Assistant Publishing Agent, who are
appointed by the Executive Committee and approved by the
Board. These officers in turn work through the heads of the
four divisions of House operations, as follows: Editorial, Pro-
duction, Sales, and Einance. These division heads carry out
their responsibilities by working through their foremen or
department heads.
The Administrative Council of the House is made up of
the Publishing Agent, the Assistant Publishing Agent, and the
four division heads. This group usually meets each week to
consider matters of common interest relating to the House
work. Committees appointed by the House Council are: The
Library Committee and the Training-in-Service Committee.
Other committees chosen by the workers: the Mutual Aid
Committee, the Spiritual and Social Welfare Committee, and
the Cafeteria Committee.
Special committees are set up as the work of the Board and
House warrant.
The Board uses the services of two other committees in
carrying out its task. The Curriculum Committee of five is
appointed jointly by and serves both the Commission for
Christian Education and the Publication Board. It serves in
the area of philosophy and objectives of Christian education,
of outlining and selecting Scriptures for the courses for the
various teaching agencies, such as the Sunday school and the
Summer Bible school, and in giving the Editorial Division
counsel in the further preparation of these materials for pub-
lication. It meets several times each year.
The Publishing Committee of five carries the responsibili-
ty for examining manuscripts intended for book or pamphlet
publication.
House Administrative Council
I.avrenti P. Bcria, former Soviet Deputy
Premier, executed on December 23 for hi^h
treason, is reported to have asked for a Riblc
to read in his cell just before his execution. —
Christian Ncwscttc.
• • •
Former Premier Katayama, of Japan, a
Presbyterian, has translated excerpts from
the Gospels and the complete letters of Paul
into a language which he believes can be
easily understood by all Japanese. His aim,
primarily, is at Japanese unfamiliar with
( In i -.dainty.
• • •
A healthy note was struck by a Presby-
terian minister speaking to the Parents'
League down in Charlotte, North Carolina,
recently. He said, "Some parents are so in-
volved in the serious business of doing some-
thing for the children of the community that
they fail to do as they should for the chil-
dren of their own homes . . . (even) the
church may invade too deeply the interests
of the home. Parents have no right to look
after the affairs of the church down the
street to the penalty of the church of the
borne." That is a good phrase, "The church
of the home."
• • •
Fifteen French Protestant university stu-
dents recently spent five days with twenty
Protestant seminary students in the East
zone of Germany. They were given com-
plete freedom of speech and movement, and
mixed with the general population. The
theme of their conference was "The Church
of Jesus Christ in the Modern World."
* • •
In Switzerland, according to Between the
Lines, no one under 18 is allowed to attend
movie theaters. Even the cinema managers
agree to this measure for the purpose of pro-
tecting young minds.
1 " OT.VDIHD
ivoneis siikonn^w
GOSPEL HERALD
\Jn the defence and confirmation of the gospel" "Jiow beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace'
VOLUME XLVII-
-TUESDAY, MARCH 23, 1954
Christians Wash One Another's Feet
By John D. Zehr
In order to understand the ordinance
Jof feet washing properly, we need to
(understand the circumstances under
[which it was initiated. The Synoptic
Gospels give us an account of the solemn
events that transpired in the upper room
jthe night before the crucifixion. The
(Passover memorial was itself a sober re-
Jmembrance of God's deliverance of Is-
jrael from bondage. That Passover the
)Lord kept with His disciples in the up-
rper room. Then too Jesus stunned His
! disciples with the prophecy that one of
them should betray Him. Again Jesus
lintroduced a solemn and ominous new
Ijmemorial of His own, the communion
l|or Lord's Supper. He told them that the
broken bread and the wine represented
His broken body and shed blood. This
solemn memorial foreshadowed the bit-
ter events of the coming day.
It seems inconceivable that the disci-
ples should have carried their self-seek-
ing bickering about great places in the
kingdom into the solemn atmosphere of
the upper room with them. That serious
time should rather have driven all self-
ish thoughts from their minds. And yet
Luke tells us that they renewed their
shameful quarreling in the upper room.
There is some difference of opinion
among commentators as to the sequence
of events in the upper room. The Luke
account almost sounds as if this conten-
tion followed all of the solemn events of
the evening, though few harmonists
place it there. But regardless of when
in the evening's activities the discussion
among the disciples took place, the point
is they were still selfishly quarreling
about the "great" places in the kingdom.
It seems that the solemn moment when
Jesus took water and began to wash the
disciples' feet is an answer to the spirit
of self-seeking among the Twelve. That
does not mean that Jesus decided upon
impulse to use this lesson to silence their
quarreling. He probably had long
planned to institute this ordinance along
with that of the communion supper. The
selfish spirit had been evident among the
disciples almost from the beginning. He
doubtlessly had planned to use this sym-
bol of true greatness in His kingdom
long before this quarrel in the upper
room. But the quarrel offered an op-
portune time to introduce this new ordi-
nance, even as this was a timely oppor-
tunity for the initation of the commun-
ion service. And the disciples must sure-
ly have been humbled and shamed by
this fitting rebuke to their proud self-
aspirations.
The truths that are symbolized by the
feet-washing act are several, as we shall
further notice. Prominent among these
is the symbolism of humble service. "If
I then, your Lord and Master, have
washed your feet; ye also ought to wash
one another's feet," Jesus said by way of
summarizing His deed. In this menial
task the Lord showed His disciples the
basic importance of service in Christian
understandings of greatness. They had
been arguing as to who should be the
greatest and they thought of greatness in
terms of pomp and power and honor.
Now the Master wordlessly demonstrates
how true greatness is bound up with
humblest service. How often they had
heard Jesus say, "He that would be great
among you, let him be the servant of
all," or similar words. They had not
learned the lessons very well that He had
tried to teach them by precept. Now in
this last attempt to teach them these ele-
mentary values of His kingdom, Jesus
uses this humble task as an object les-
son. And along with this lesson on serv-
ice He symbolized the true spirit of hu-
mility as the spirit of Christian service.
Their selfish ambitions were fed by
pride. In their pride they longed for hu-
man vainglory and power. Jesus does
not say, "See how humble I am." He
shows humility by His willingness to do
any task for them whom He had come
to serve. And His self-abasement re-
buked their pride.
Nor is this feet washing the custom-
ary ceremony of washing feet that Orien-
tals observed before they entered the
house. That customary feet washing was
functional. People washed their feet be-
fore they entered the house because they
were soiled. Their feet needed washing
due to the dusty roads, the flimsy foot-
wear, and the manner of reclining while
dining which left their feet quite ex-
posed. The evidence points to the fact
that people washed their own feet upon
entering a house after having been pro-
vided a basin of water by the host. But
as Jesus stoops to wash Peter's feet, we
hear Peter protest, "Lord, do you wash
my feet" (RSV)? He did not understand
number 12
Ing. He did not think
shing. That is under-
later when he sug-
j^ts that hc^^ did not need washing
an^ 'mMe^tp^rdid his hands and his
head. AlSF^esus admitted that He was
not washing dirt off Peter's person, nor
for that matter off any of them. "He that
is washed needeth not save to wash his
feet, but is clean every whit [RSV— all
over] : and ye are clean, but not all. For
he knew who should betray him; there-
fore said he, Ye are not all clean" (John
13:10, 11). Jesus was performing a sym-
bolic, not a functional, act. He was not
washing dirt off anyone. So He stated
in the verses quoted. So John interpret-
ed His words in verse 11. So Peter under-
stood it as he allowed his Master to wash
his feet.
Then in verses 10 and 11 we have an-
other symbolism revealed. Jesus was
symbolizing for His disciples the spirit-
ual cleansing that they had received
from Him. Just as the broken bread and
the wine of the communion were ad-
vanced as symbols of the broken body
and the shed blood of Christ, so the feet-
washing ordinance was a symbol of the
total cleansing from sin. Jesus' words
carry a double meaning. Physically they
were clean and did not need to be wash-
ed. He was not washing dirt away. But
they needed the washing that this phys-
ical washing symbolized. They needed
to be washed all right. It is true that
they were all clean but Judas, but they
were clean because they had received
cleansing from their Lord. And per-
haps this symbol was an appeal to Judas
to submit to that inner cleansing. Cer-
tainly it was a symbol of the inner cleans-
ing that the others had already received.
Peter's impulsive cry, "Thou shalt never
wash my feet," brought a simple answer
from Christ, "If I wash thee not, thou
hast no part with me" (v. 8). One com-
mentator notes that Jesus did not say,
"If I do not wash your feet, you will
have no part with me." Surely no one
would want to deny that the prime
Communion That Is Real
By Edna Hull Miller
We need to gird a towel
For service, when we eat
Last-suppers that are holy,
Heart-warming, real, and sweet.
Crescent, Okla.
266
GOSPEL HERALD
March 23, 1954
meaning of Jesus' words was spiritual.
Jesus was reminding Peter that he was
not self-sufficient, that he had to receive
spiritual cleansing from without himself,
liut neither dare we divorce the state-
ment from Peter's reckless declaration.
It was of the literal loot washing that
Peter had said, "Thou shalt never wash
my feet." And it certainly was in answer
to Peter that Jesus said, "If I wash thee
not, thou hast no part with me." Evi-
dently Jesus meant His words to apply to
the physical symbolic washing too. At
least He wanted Peter to understand it
that way, and at least so Peter Under-
stood it, and submitted to the foot-wash-
ing ritual accordingly. It is evident that,
in this beautiful ceremony that Jesus ini-
tiated, the physical symbol and the spir-
itual truth symbolized intertwine so as
to be inextricable from each other.
Which observation now brings us 10
the meaning of the ordinance for the
church. It must have been a humbled
and sober group ol disciples that waited
silently to hear their Lord's further
teaching on this symbolic act. "So altei
he had washed their leet, and had taken
his garments, and was set down again,
he said unto them, Know ye what I have
done to you? Ye call me Master and
Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. II
I then, your Lord and Master, have
washed your leet; ye also ought to wash
one another's feet. For I have given you
an example, that ye should do as I have
done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto
vou, The servant is not greater than his
lord; neither he that is sent greater than
he that sent him. If ye know these things,
happy are ye if ye do them." It seems
clear from these verses that this act ol
Jesus was not just an evening's lesson to
stop a petty quarrel. The Lord meant
to set a precedent. His purpose was to
establish an ordinance to be kept per-
petuall) by I lis lollowers. No cleaiet
path ol duty has ever been more cleat lv
traced than the words ol Jesus show in
John 13:12-17. He well knew that the
self-seeking sphii ol pride among the
disciples would not be rooted out OBCfl
for all by this one simple lesson. There
would be a recurring temptation to gfaap
at selfish interests, even within the
church itself. And bo this ordinance was
10 be a recurring reminder ol the Chris-
dan standard of greatness and of cleans-
ing from sin. The disciples must hive
vividly recalled that bom when the Lord
washed their feet as they kept this memo-
rial ordinance in the apostolic church.
And the- Holy Spiiit, seeing the continu-
ing need lor this symbol, inspired John
to writedown this account as the pattern
of observance for the church of all the
ages to come. If the spirit of self-seeking
and pride were merely local and con-
temporary, then perhaps we might be
able to say that the ordinance of feet
washing found its completion in the
apostolic church. But since Christians
have ever needed to be reminded of the
truth it symbolizes, the ordinance of
feet washing remains a necessary and
meaninglul memorial for the church of
all time. Jesus was not only speaking
to the disciples when He said, "Ye also
ought to wash one another's feet." His
words are a clear word of command to
be obeyed by all who call Him "Lord."
It has always seemed strange to me
that the great majority of Christians
esteem so highly the communion memo-
rial and yet despise the feet-washing
memorial. To spiritualize the one and
to insist upon a literal observance ol the
Other is the height of inconsistency.
These are sister ordinances instituted
at the same time and under similar con-
ditions. They are born of like needs and
represent related truths. The commun-
ion represents the sacrifice that Christ
made for the expiation of sins. Its sig-
nificance is as a memorial to keep viv idly
before our minds the awful price ol the
salvation we have received. The leet-
washing ordinance, on the other hand,
symbolizes the spirit of Christian serv-
ice and reminds us that there is a life
of devoted service to be lived lor our
Lord. It is the symbol ol the Christian
lile and spirit. Perhaps it is because ol
the insistence upon the life ol disciple-
ship, that the Mennonite Church, along
with a lew other groups, has maintained
this ordinance in Christendom. "II ye
know these things, happy are ye if ve
do them."
Los Angeles, Calif.
While He Endures
I trust in Nature for the stable laws
Of beauty and utility. Spring shall p'ant
And Autumn garner to the end of time.
I trust in God — the right shall be the right
And other than the wrong, w hile He endures;
I trust in my own soul, that can perceive
The outward and the inward. Nature's good
And God's.
— Robert Browning.
It will be so impossible lor the Chris
tian to share the sinful practices ol the
World that the world itself will cist him
out.— Felix van der W'issel.
Our Readers Say-
I am glad that the Gospel Herald still gives!
a place for the Church Music interest of ouil
brotherhood even though, according to the rej
cent survey, it does not enjoy a large reading
audience. I believe that this section of the HerJ
vld can be improved by featuring items and
subjects of immediate, current concern; we need
strong, forthright testimonies as to the valaj
and beauty of our form of church music; wd
need to face up to the present faults and abuses
of our practice of congregational music ; we need
to have an intelligent, spiritual approach to a
more reverent, meaningful program in church
music for every congregation.
I was disturbed by the way Frances Haver-
gal's hymn was listed in a recent issue of the
Herald. In referring to this great consecration
hymn by the "singer of consecration," we must
choose between Take My Life or Take My Life,
and Let It Be Consecrated. To say Take My
Life, and Let It Be, we do not honor the spirit
of Havergal's deepest concern. As we read the
diary of Havergal, in which she comments on
this hvmn, we see she does not want the Lord
to let her life be ; she wants her life to be con-
secrated. Lord, to Thee. Let's be careful how
we read the titles of our hymns. May the Lord
help us to consecrate our lives more completely
to Him.—/. Mark Stauffer, Harrisonburg, Va.
* * *
I am thankful for . . . "Our Readers Say "
It tells us what many of us ordinary people are
thinking .... It gives us the sentiment of
many of our people, and is not the voice of a
selected few, who sometimes plan and think ac-
cording to their views, and seem to forget the
choices, longing, and desires of the masses. —
Clarence Shank, Marion, Pa.
* * »
After reading Lulu Smith's letter, I would like
to express my opinion. . . . The Church Hymnal
can hardly be surpassed for beautiful hymns. I
would suggest that whoever does not know these
songs should try to learn them. In our congre-
gation nearly all the hymns are used in the wor-
ship service and everyone puts his heart into the
singing. I might add that the congregation is
made up almost entirely of country folk who
have taken the time to learn and love these beau-
tiful hymns. I have seen and sung out of many
hymnbooks but have yet to see one that sur-
passed our own Hymnal in any respect.
Hymns should be sung to honor and glorify
God. Simplicity is our Mennonite ideal in this
respect, and therefore most of the songs in the
Hymnal are simplicity itself, but. when sung
properly, are truly magnificent.
Let me quote from the "Music Committee's
Note" in the Hymnal. "During the period of
ten years, since the appointment of the commit-
tee to undertake the work of compiling this
hymnal, there has been a constant outlook and
effort to select hymns that are true to the Chris-
tian faith, and which give faithful testimony to
those principles for which the church has ever
stood." I think the appointed committee made
a wonderful job of selecting these hymns. There-
fore please let us not alter our Hymnal. When
we have really got something good, let's keep
it. — Mrs. Lome J. Keesor, Maple. Ont.
GOSPEL HERALD
Iff ABt-lflHKO IIOK A* tUCCrtlOH TO GOSPEL WITNMt llOOS) AND HCRALO OF TRUTH >I8««>
PAUL ERB, editor JOHN L H OR ST . MILLARD C LIND. consulting editors LEVI C HARTZLER. missions EDITOR
rHI aoifll HIRALO II A MliaMUl *"«L» PUBLIIMIO IN THE INIIallTI Or IMI aiNNONIII CHUKCH IV TNI MINNONI it PUBLICATION SOARO, SCOTTDALE. PA.
INIIRIO A* IICONO ClAII HA T TIN IN IIIM AT TNI Pol T OPPICC AT SCOTTDALE. PA , VNOCR ACT OP MARCH I. 117* SUBSCR I PT I ON PR I CI „ H rtK TEAR. THRU YEARS
IN ADVANCE. •• ou. P I V I VIARI IN ADVANCI. *IIK> IANPLI COPIII IINT PRII ON RIQUIIT SEND ALL MATERIAL POR PUBLICATION TO OOIPEL MIRALO. SCOTTOALE. PA.
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
March 25, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
EDITORIAL
The Elizabethtown
Meeting
Among the important meetings in the
promotion of the various interests of the
Mennonite Church are the biennial
meeting: of the General Conference and
the annual meetings of our three church-
wide boards: Missions and Charities,
Education, and Publication.
District conferences and other meet-
ings also fill a large place in the work of
the church. One of the largest and most
significant of these is the annual meeting
of the Eastern Mennonite Board of Mis-
sions and Charities, the district mission
board of Lancaster Conference. The
writer had the privilege of attending this
year's meeting, which was held at the
Elizabethtown meetinghouse, Elizabeth-
town, Pa., March 9-11.
This meeting is significant because
its constituency represents almost one
fourth of the membership of the Men-
nonite Church in the United States. It
is also significant because of the board's
extensive program of missions and other
activities which reaches into seven dif-
ferent states and five foreign countries.
The board also is responsible for a num-
ber of institutions, although a number
of the charitable homes and the mental
hospital in this area have their own
boards. It sponsors the work of the
Welsh Mt. Samaritan Home, the Sharon
Christian Day School at Tampa, Fla.,
and is in the process of establishing a
home for aged colored people in Phila-
delphia. It publishes a monthly paper,
the "Missionary Messenger," with a cir-
culation of nearly 5,000. Some of the
important committees working under or
in co-operation with the board are the
Itinerant Evangelism Committee, the
Voluntary Service Committee, and the
newly created Mission Welfare Commit-
tee.
The reports given during the meeting
revealed that foreign mission work is be-
ing conducted in the following countries,
with a total personnel of 91, distributed
as follows: Tanganyika, 40; Ethiopia, 35;
Honduras, 8; Luxembourg, 4; Italian
Somaliland, 4. This includes workers on
the field, on furlough, and under ap-
pointment. The board also has under
its care 33 city missions and 38 rural mis-
sion points. Geographically the home
missions and voluntary service touch the
following states: New York, Pennsylva-
nia, Maryland, South Carolina, Georgia,
Alabama, and Florida.
To implement such an extensive pro-
gram of missions and charities requires
a good financial stewardship on the part
of the board and its constituency. The
financial report showed receipts for the
year for all purposes amounting to
$390,196.68, a 15.7 per cent increase over
last year. Expenditures for foreign mis-
sions were $169,855.92; home missions,
$93,305.18; voluntary service, $10,996.81.
Total relief contributions amounted to
$55,916.14. The relief program is ad-
ministered through the Mennonite Cen-
tral Committee. The total assets of the
board are $542,749.57, the estimated
mission budget for the coming year,
$309,900.00.
It should be stated that the Eastern
Board also makes contributions toward
the work of the General Board at Elk-
hart, financially and otherwise. People
from this district have served and are
serving in our other foreign fields, such
as India and South America. The East-
ern Board also receives some help from
other areas, both in finances and person-
nel.
But not all of the Elizabethtown meet-
ing was taken up with reports and other
business. Inspiring talks were given on
different phases of home and foreign
mission work, on relief and I-W service,
and on the work of the church, by repre-
sentative people from different areas of
the Mennonite Church. An impressive
consecration service was also held for
mission workers at home and abroad.
We praise God for the missionary zeal,
for the fine spirit of consecration and co-
operation, and for the far-flung work of
the Eastern Mennonite Board of Mis-
sions and Charities. It is filling a large
place, by the blessing of the Lord, in
carrying out the Mennonite Church's re-
sponsibility toward a needy world— H.
Religion is no more possible without
prayer than poetry without language,
or music without atmosphere— Martin-
eau.
267
Concerning Renewals
In the issue of February 23 we de-
scribed the new procedures for taking
care of subscription renewals. Subscrib-
ers are now sent a notice one month be-
fore their subscriptions expire. If they
do not answer, another notice is given
at the time of expiration. The paper con-
tinues to be sent for one more month, so
that people who intend to renew but can-
not do so immediately will not miss any
copies. At the end of that month, how-
ever, if we have not heard from them,
their address plates are destroyed. If re-
newals are sent after this, we must make
new plates.
This method replaces the former rath-
er slipshod one in which the paper was
sent to subscribers for many months after
expiration. It really was not right for us
to bill people for subscriptions which
they had never ordered. While some ap-
preciated our taking care of their de-
linquency, others resented it, saying, "I
didn't ask you to send it longer than a
year." Newly married couples receive a
year's free subscription, without their
asking for it, and it isn't right for us to
continue sending without order, and
then billing for something never or-
dered.
Under the old plan much extra work
was required in looking up the amount
needed to apply to back dues, or in tak-
ing care of complaints concerning credit,
which were often due to our applying
part of a remittance to back dues. The
new system will simplify procedures and
make for economy.
Your Publishing House is conducting
a business amounting to $1,000,000 a
year, and we believe the church expects
us to be efficient in our procedures. Dur-
ing the last few years accounting meth-
ods have been improved to give a more
accurate picture of what is happening.
Obviously, good accounting cannot pro-
vide for magazine service which is un-
ordered, and for which we have no right
to send a bill. Good business also re-
quires an efficient system, economically
administered. We are commanded by
the Word not to be slothful in business.
The new method is removing some
hundreds of names from our subscrip-
tion list. Only those who really want
the Gospel Herald are now receiving it.
We do appreciate the many renewals.
There have been a few complaints that
we are applying pressure. One brother
sent one dollar to pay back dues and dis-
268
GOSPEL HERALD
March 23, 1954
I
continued his subscription in protest,
even though he had been a subscriber for
over half a century. Another said our
letter made him sick at heart, as it did
"not sound like our dear old brethren of
the past." We are sorry to lose long time
subscribers, and we are sorry to cause
grief. We are writing this editorial to
explain why we are changing our meth-
od, and we hope that those who have
not renewed will miss the weekly visit
of the Gospel Herald, and will soon be
back with us.
You will help us greatly by responding
promptly to the first subscription notice.
Then we need not send the others, sav-
ing both labor and postage. Take ad-
vantage of the saving in a three- or five-
year subscription, and reduce your work
and ours.
Pray for your editors as they labor
week after week to give you a helpful
church paper. Pray for those who write
the articles and other features. And pray
for the Publishing House as a whole,
that each person working here may ha\e
a heart filled with love to God and to
all men, and that together we may be
able to publish abroad the glorious Gos-
pel.-E.
The Revelation of Jesus Christ
BY J. L. SlAUFFER
(Fourth Parenthesis or Inset between
the Sixth and Seventh Vial)
2ij. Gathering or Preparing foi
Armageddon. Rev. 16:1 yib
This parenthesis pictures the gather-
ing ol nations E01 Armageddon. John
sees three unclean spirits who come out
of the mouths ol the satanic trinity, the
dragon, the beast, and the false prophet.
These spirits are influenced to gather to-
gether to destroy Israel in the land ol
Palestine. They are really gathering for
the greal da\ ol God Almighty. Doubt
leas nations feel justified, in the interests
ol world co-operation, to thus gather to
destroy the Jew. Hitler lelt he was justi-
fied in what hedid. Some ol oui Funda-
mentalist friends who seem aide to ai < epi
the nation's argument for the justifica-
tion ol their military program mav h ue
some ol theii kin participating in this
last international gathering foi the last
battle ol this age.
Jesus Christ issues a warning to all
who are noi watchful, while it was
necess.u\ to watch when Jesus was in the
Garden ol Gethsemane. it would seem
that here much more is involved for
those who are pcisuadcd to participate
in this rebellion against Jesus Christ
They will 1 ue it forevei
The gathering nations will assemble
upon the gieat field ol Armageddon.
This may i>e the third world war, 01 the
fourth. No <>ne is able to predict when
it will occur, but of one thing we can be
certain, it will be the last one for this
age. The complete description is given
in Rev. 19:11-21, and our Lord Jesus
Christ will be the victor in that day.
The interest of nations throughout the
world at this time in relation to the land
of Palestine, and the tensions and mili-
tary preparations in progress, make it
rather easy to believe that a crisis could
develop sometime later in the land of
Palestine.
Traveling Bible Sehool
By Ruth Conrad
"Will you be back again tomorrow?
Will you come tomorrow? Oh, goody,
goody! Good-by!" Amid such clamor -
ings from four Mexican boys we proceed-
ed to the car and drove away. It was
1 1:30— the end of our third and last class
for the morning. However, not such a
hearty response awaited us everywhere,
for at the first stop on our third morn-
ing of classes we were greeted with, "No.
you can't have your Bible class here any
more. The priest won't let us." Many of
the people whom we had contacted and
prayed that we could teach were Mexi-
cans from Old Mexico, and hence Catho-
lic. Mexico knows no religious freedom.
The priest's word is final and authorita-
li\e. Anyone who embraces a Protestant
religion is severely persecuted. Riots are
frequent. Religious freedom is prom-
ised by our national constitution, yet
these Mexicans bring with them to the
United States their fear of the priest.
But for one week— six days— we were try-
ing to bring Bible school to these peo-
ple, Catholic, or Protestant, Mexican or
white.
Brother and Sister Lauver have been
laboring in Davenport, Iowa, for four
years, but this was their first experiment
with a traveling Bible school. Since the
children are widely scattered and would
have to be brought in by car, it was de-
cided to try to have classes in the homes.
In this wav children could be contacted
whose parents would not permit them to
go to a Protestant (Mennonite) Bible
school. Besides, these patents need the
Gospel too. and what better way to give
it than under the guise of telling stories
to their children?
F.vcry morning at 8: 15 we would leave-
lot the fi 1st class. The same morning we
were refused entrance to the one home,
we found another home opened to us.
Two other morning classes followed in
dilferent sec tions of Davenport. At noon
we paused to eat the lunch we had
hi ought with us and to rest for .1 few
minutes. \lter luncheon. Ave had a
fourth class in Davenport and then
1 tossed the Mississippi for a class in Mo-
line. A home in Brettendorf h id no time
aftei our first meeting, but throughout
this week we continually discovered Oth-
er homes which did allow us to enter
and teach. Our classes varied in size
from fOUl 10 twenty. Usualh there was
It Happened —
FIFTY YEARS AGO
(From Herald of Truth, March 10, 1904)
Death. Feb. 23, 1904, at her home in
West Donegal, Lancaster Co., Pa., Fan-
nie, wife of Bish. Martin Rutt; aged 62
y. 2 m. 6 d.
(From Herald of Truth, March ij, 1904)
Pre. S. A. Kurtz of Nampa, Idaho, who
had been ailing for some time, suc-
cumbed to the dread disease, consump-
tion, and peacefully fell asleep in Jesus
on March 5.
(From Herald of Truth, March 24, 1904)
By careful computation it has been
shown that the Spanish-Philippine war
has cost the United States the enormous
sum of "one thousand million dollars."
This amount would more than have
paid all our bonded indebtedness.
at least one mother and sometimes a
grandmother present. The largest at-
tendance we had in one day was forty-
seven and the least fourteen, with an
average attendance of thirty-three.
But let me introduce you a bit more
personally to some of our classes and
pupils. It was truly a blessed, inspira-
tional week, for some of these children
had never heard the familiar storv of
the first Easter and they listened with
keen interest to the story of the resur-
rection and the ascension. After hearing
about Jesus' ascension and His promised
leturn, pupils in one class responded
with awed cries of "I want to go there
too." Further inspiration came to us
through a ten-vear-old bov who came
to our class on Tuesdav but whose moth-
er forbade him to go with us on Wednes-
day. However, Friday morning he found
the class while he was bicycling, came in,
and returned again on Saturday. Al-
though there were disappointments, as
some homes closed to us and one class
decreased from fourteen one day to four
for the remainder of the week, there
was also joy as one class began with six
and increased daily until on the sixth
day a peak of twenty had been reached.
We tried to bring the same stories,
learn the same Bible verses, and sing the
same choruses in each group, so that the
children would have a feeling of famil-
iarity and unity when they met togeth-
er it the church for a public meeting on
Friday evening. Twenty-three children
attended this exening meeting and we
praise God for them. Won't you pray
with us that this Word which He has
sent out may not return unto Him void,
but that it will accomplish that which
He pleases and prosper in the thing
whereto He sent it?
Wavland, Iowa.
March 23, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
269
Elisha' s Fountain in Jericho
Fifteen Minutes in Bible Lands
By Anis Charles Haddad
In the times of the patriarchs the Jor-
dan Valley was well watered everywhere,
even as "the garden of the Lord." It was
in this fair valley that Lot chose to make
his home, when "he pitched his tent to-
ward Sodom." At the time that the cities
of the plain were destroyed, the region
round about became a desolate waste,
and it has since formed a part of the
wilderness of Judea.
A portion of the beautiful valley re-
mained with its life-giving springs and
streams to gladden the heart of man. In
this valley, rich with fields of grain and
forests of date palms and other fruit-
bearing trees, the host of Israel had en-
camped after crossing the Jordan. Be-
fore them had stood the walls of Jericho.
Soon its walls were thrown down, and its
inhabitants slain. At the time of its
fall, the solemn declaration was made in
the presence of all Israel: "Cursed be the
man before the Lord, that riseth up and
buildeth this city Jericho" (Josh. 6:26).
Five centuries passed. The spot lay deso-
late, accursed of God. Even the springs
that had made residence in this portion
of the valley so desirable suffered the
blisihtins effects of the curse.
Entering Jericho we make our way
along the asphalted road leading to the
Fountain of Elisha. Right and left in
great sweeping curves stretch the giant
fronds of the banana trees. Here and
there silhouetted against the sky rise
graceful palms and tall, slim poplars. A
further ten minutes' walk brings us to
the fountain, where the hand of modern
improvement has depleted its surround-
ings of naturaf sylvan interest. We will
pause at this fountain, as does every
visitor.
An artificial walled pool encloses the
fissure of the rocks from which the spring
issues. Bubbling of the water is all that
indicates its outlet. To one side stands
a small native cafe, with many rush-
bottomed low stools grouped near the
edge of the pool.
This spot is supposed to be of surpass-
ing beauty, a reputation which I can-
not but think is echoed from the past
rather than evidenced in the present.
Here certainly is something that con-
nects itself directly with the Bible story.
Of all the requisites for living in the
East the fountain of every city is apt to
be the most enduring. There is generally
one water supply for the place. To it
the women resort with their jars borne
on head or shoulder.
Now this is the only spring of good
water to be found anywhere near either
ancient or modern Jericho. It is called
the "Sultan's Fountain," as if to express
its supremacy over all water on the
plain. The banks of the stream, it is
true, are not so wanting in life as the
surrounding district; and in the spring-
time it is vocal with the song of birds.
It is a generous spring and is represent-
ed by a cheery little river which comes
rushing and ramping out of the hill like
a stream of noisy children bursting out
of school. It is a marvelous spectacle, for
it bubbles forth with such freshness that
it might come from a glacier, while in
fact it issues from a mountain of hot
limestone as unlikely to give forth water
as a heap of ashes! The stream flows on,
Hashing with tiny fish, past a mill wheel
and finally runs across the country in a
hundred channels, which keep green the
gardens in the Plain of Jericho.
Few men have strength to honor a
friend's success without envy. —
Aeschylus.
By this abundant water, fertility and
verdure are spread over the plain as far
as the eye can see. It is a remarkable in-
stance of the lavish bounty of nature,
contrasted with the indolence of man.
Where the water does not flow, the plain
produces nothing!
# # *
Not far from Jericho in the midst of
iruittul groves was once the "School of
the Prophets." Thither after the ascen-
sion ol Elijah, Elisha went. Could any
sense ol loneliness be more complete
than thai which must have come upon
Elisha as he saw the vision of the "Char-
iot and Horses" fading and the heavens
become silent and still? The fiery char-
iot had swept up his master.
News that Elijah's successor was dwell-
ing at Jericho was soon conveyed to the
inhabitants of the city. Jericho was a
newly built city, having been restored in
defiance of Jehovah's warning during the
reign of Ahiab. Its situation on the main
road out of Jerusalem and its proximity
to the river Jordan assured its becoming
an important and influential city. While
other cities decayed and vanished, Jer-
icho remained a city of considerable im-
portance to the time of our Lord. The
immediate neighborhood is fertile, but
the brackish water of the Dead Sea has
always been infused in the southern
reaches of the Jordan.
During his sojourn among them, the
men of the city came to the prophet and
said, "Behold, I pray thee, the situation
of this city is pleasant, as my lord seeth:
but the water is naught, and the ground
barren." The water in the vicinity of the
city was so bad that the land cast its
fruit before it was ripe, and suffered ac-
cordingly. The spring that in former
years had been pure and life-giving and
had contributed largely to the water sup-
ply of the city and the surrounding dis-
trict, was now unfit for use.
It is difficult to estimate how much
of the prosperity and health of a city are
dependent upon good water. The day
when through well-laid pipes and from
safer reservoirs an abundance of water
is brought into the city is appropriately
celebrated with oration and pyrotechnic
display. Thank God every day for clean,
bright, beautiful, sparkling water, as it
drops in the shower, or tosses up in the
fountain, or rushes out of the hydrant.
The city of Jericho in ancient days, not-
withstanding all its physical and com-
mercial advantage, was lacking in this
important element. There was enough
water, but it was diseased and the peo-
ple were crying out by reason thereof.
Seeing in their complaint a hidden
request to him for help, Elisha came to
the rescue and said, "Bring me a new
cruse, and put salt therein." Can you
not see the prophet standing here, a jar
filled with salt in his hand, some such
jar as that woman is just dipping into
the pool? He sprinkled the salt upon
the water, salt— that which has hitherto
made the water useless. Lo! all the im-
purities depart, through a supernatural
and divine operation, and the waters are
good and fresh and clean. And all the
people clapped their hands and lifted up
their faces in gladness. Water for Jer-
icho: clean, bright, beautiful, God-given
water. A wonderful change comes across
the fountain. It pours forth bitter water
no more, but sweet and fresh. And
sweet and fresh it has continued for over
three thousand years since.
# # #
The healing of the water of Jericho
was accomplished, not by any wisdom of
man, but by the miraculous interposition
of God. Those who had rebuilt the city
were undeserving of the favor of Heav-
en; yet He who "maketh his sun to rise
on' the evil and on the good, and sendeth
rain on the just and on the unjust" saw
fit in this instance to reveal, through this
token ol compassion, His willingness to
heal Israel of their spiritual maladies.
The restoration was permanent. "The
waters were healed unto this day," ac-
cording to the saying of Elisha. From
age to age the waters have flowed on,
making that portion of the valley an
oasis of beauty.
Many are the spiritual lessons to be
gathered from the story of the healing
of the waters. The new cruse, the salt,
the spring, all are highly symbolic.
In casting salt in the bitter spring,
Elisha taught the same spiritual lesson
imparted centuries later by our Saviour
to His disciples when He declared, "Ye
are the salt of the earth." The salt min-
gling with the polluted spring purified
its waters and brought life and blessing
where before had been blight and death.
When God compares His children to
salt, He would teach them that His pur-
pose in making them the subject of His
270
grace is that they may become agents in
saving others. The object ot Cod in
choosing a people belore all the world
was not only that He might adopt them
as His sons and daughters, but that
through them the world might receive
the giace that biingeth salvation.
The world needs evidence ol sincere
Christianity. Cities and towns are steep-
ed in sin and moral corruption. 1 tie
world is lull of sickness, suffering and
iniquity. The souls ot the people drink
in bitterness, because the springs are
poisoned, when they should be like a
well ol water springing up into everlast-
"falt^inust be mingled with the sub-
stance to which it is added. It must pene-
trate, intuse it, that it may be preserved.
So it is through personal contact and
association that men are reached by the
savin- power ol the Cospel. It is to up-
htt to sweeten the lives and characters
ol others by the power ol a pure exam-
ple united with earnest laith and love
The polluted stream represents the
soul that is separate Irom Cod. Sin not
only shuts away trom God, but destroys
in the human soul both the desire and
the capacity lor knowing Him. Through
sin the whole human organism is de-
ranged, the mind is perverted, the imag-
ination corrupted, the faculties ot the
soul are degraded. There is an absence
ol pure religion, ol heart holiness.
To the heart that has become punned
all is changed. Tianslormation ol char-
acter is the testimony to the world o
an indwelling Christ. The Spirit o Cod
produces a new hie in the soul, bring-
ino the thoughts and desires into obedi-
ence to the will ot Christ, and the inward
man is renewed in the image ol Cod.
The heart that receives the Word ot
God is not as a pool that evaporates,
not like a broken cistern that loses its
treasure. It is like the mountain stream,
led by unlading springs, whose cool,
sparkling waters leap Irom rock to rock,
refreshing the weary, the thirsty, the
heavy-laden. It is like a river constantly
Bowing and, as it advances, becoming
deeper and wider, until its hle-giving
waters are spread over all the earth. 1 he
stream that goes singing on It* way
leaves behind us gilt ol verdure and
fruitlulness. The giass on Us bank is a
tresher giecn, the trees have richer ver-
dure, the llowers are more abundant.
When the earth lies bare and brown
under the summer's scorching heat, a
line of verdure marks the river'l course.
So it is With the true child ol Cod.
The religion ol Christ reveals itsell as a
vitalizing, pervading principle, a living,
working, spiritual energy, When the
heart is opened to the heavenly inlluence
of truth and love, these principles will
How forth again like stic-.uns in the des-
ert, causing h uittulness to appear where
now are barrenness and deailh.
As those who have been cleansed and
sanctified through a knowledge of Bible
truth engage heartily in the work of
soul saving, they will become indeed a
GOSPEL HERALD
savor of life unto life. As daily they
drink of the inexhaustible fountain of
grace and knowledge, they will find that
their own hearts are filled to overflowing
with the spirit of their Master, and that
through their unselfish ministry many
are benefited physically, mentally, and
spiritually. The weary are relreshed,
the sick restored to health, and the sin-
burdened relieved.
• • •
Here is this fountain beside the an-
cient road leading up to Shechem. What
countless passers-by, prophets, priests,
kings, crusaders have since dipped their
jars into this refreshing stream and have
drunk from it! Doubtless the water that
was on the table of Zacchaeus when he
entertained our Lord at his house came
trom this ancient spring. Do you know
that King Herod, who slaughtered the
inlants ot Bethlehem and who vainly
strove to slay the Infant Christ, passed
the last months of his life near this
place? He too must have drunk from
this fountain.
As we walk back in the beautiful
moonlight, we pass across a tract of land
dotted with thousands ot tents housing
thousands of ragged Moslem refugees.
These homeless men, women, and chil-
dren who fled Israel in 1948 and cannot
return to their homes until the issue is
settled, huddle together in their despair
and await their late. Their thirst is
quenched trom the same fountain which
Llisha sweetened, but not their thirst
for homel The plight ot these homeless
souls is the saddest in all the Holy Land
today. We met the chief of the camp,
himself a retugee. Hearing us talk about
the story of Elisha's Fountain and its
clear, sweet water, he interrupted and
said, "You talk about ancient history,
but what is history compared with a
man's own home?" These restless, de-
spairing refugees are indeed the world's
touchiest problems today.
Old City, Jerusalem, Jordan.
"The Half of My Goods"
By Ella May Miller
I sat upright, startled, and a bit doubt-
ful. "Really, can this statement be true?"
I asked myself, then proceeded to re-
read the article. In the immediate weeks
following various other articles con-
firmed the veracity ol the statement.
A mission deficit ol $32,000! Unbeliev-
able! Unnecessary! Never before in the
history of our Mennonite Church in
America has there abounded such pros-
perity as now. Cod has been true to His
promise and has led the Mennonites into
a land llowing with "milk and honey";
He has blessed even beyond the third
and fourth generation because our lore-
l.ithers lived a life of faith, love, and
gratitude to Almighty God in return for
II is love to them. We are abundantly
and extravagantly blessed.
March 2}, 1954
m I
Our gratitude?
A $3^,UUU debt in the fund which en-
ables others, heretolore in darkness, sin,
and misery, without hope in this world
nor in the world to come, to know the
Light, Jesus, and the love of God.
A tew months ago some figures, enor-
mous figures, were released giving a par-
tial view ot the wealth of our chui ch-
in tithes alone we were indebted to Cod
several million dollars.
Those figures represented tithes.
When Zacchaeus, a wealthy man, had a
personal encounter with Jesus, when his
greedy, covetous, grabby, and selfish
heart was cleansed, he immediately re-
sponded,
■ Behold, Lord, the half of my goods
I give to the poor; and it I have uenaud-
eu any one ot anydung, 1 restore it tour-
told" (Luke iy;tt, RSV).
Might we Mennonites be owing God
a fouriold return? And maybe to pile on
top ot that one half ot our wealtli?
After staggering and stumbling over
this dishonoiable debt for a tew days I
came to God and said, "God, if I had a
million dollars, I'd hand it right over to
you." Then 1 laughed-a million dol-
lars! "Well, but a I would have just
some extra property, or a nice invest-
ment, I'd give it to you." (1 can just
hear some remarking, "You re a good
one to say that; you who don't own a
thing.") somehow after telling this to
Cod 1 received no reply. 1 conunued in
deep thought.
Ihen Cod and I entered into a little
dialogue; it ran something like this, with
Cod speaking and 1 representing the
Mennonite Cnurch:
"You have robbed me, not the Mission
Board."
"Where have I robbed you? There are
so many demands on my pocketbook
these days. 1 give to rehet, hospitals,
church schools, church building, 1-W
mens support, besides to the mission
fund. There are too many avenues of
giving."
Jesus sadly replied, "True, my child
Your good works are known world-wide
All the causes you mentioned are most
noble. May 1 ask you a question? What
task did 1 give you when 1 lett you nearly
two thousand years ago? Was it not the
task ol evangelizing the world? These
r 1
other causes are secondary. When I faced
Calvary my prayer for the disciples and
lor you who would believe through their
words was that you would be sent intoi
the world and that through me in you
the world might see their Saviour. Myj
only purpose in coming into the worldj
was to reconcile it to God; 1 have passed
the mantle on to you."
Chagrined to the nth degree I and
swered, "God, 1 am an unworthy servant,1
not even doing my duty."
He continued, "1 left my mansion in*
heaven where the doors were of pearl,]
the streets of gold, the light was the.
radiance beaming trom my Father, the,
water sparkling as crystal; love, beauty,(
truth, and comfort reigned. 1 changed
March 2), 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
271
A Prayer for This Week
O Holy Father, we come to Thee with
no great words today— only with bowed
heaits. We have only one great need:
Teacii us to master lliy words, "Humble
youisel>es . . . ."
Jbauier, 1 nou hast given us the privi-
lege to willingly humoie ourselves; the
ngnt to clioose to rid our souls ol pride;
tne opportunity to do it beioie 1 hou
must lcsist us lor our stubbornness.
"Humble yourselves . . . ." God, our
Father, we would cease to covet the
opinion ol others regarding our doings.
Vve would stop pitying ourselves when
we are misunderstood or unappreciated.
We would take this step ol Humbling
ourselves as another deathblow at sell;
in us.
Make us willing to confess our faults.
Help us to ask forgiveness of our injured
brother. Give us an opportunity to take
"a lower seat." Place us around people
who are to us what we are to Thee.
Sooner or later, if we continually
flee from humiliation, Thy hand will
resist us. Lord, teach us Thy message,
'Humble yourselves . . . ." For Jesus'
sake, Amen.— Marie A. Yoder.
my home and came to earth. Often I
had no place to lay my head; 1 ate when-
ever people invited me to their homes.
My sustenance depended on the generos-
ity of others. Yet I never lacked. Have
you ever sacrificed for me to the point of
denying yoursell?"
1 thought ol our luxurious, fine, con-
venient tiomes, cars, equipment, prosper-
ing businesses, abundance ol extra gar-
ments and lood, and of the articles we
were steadily working lor.
God interrupted, "Are you lacking?
Thousands ol mine are in relief camps,
homeless lor years with meager rations,
inadequate clothing and protection, with
no loving care or necessary medical atten-
tion in time ol sickness."
My head dropped low, "No, Lord, I
lack nothing." riowever, after a few mo-
ments 1 pioudly raised it again, in self-
del ense,
"But, God, since my youth I have kept
all your commandments and doctrines."
He gently responded, "True; but if
you would be a true disciple of mine,
rid yourself of those material possessions
that are hindering you Irom loving me
with all your heart, soul, mind, and
strength; then come, follow ine. Lay up
for yourself treasure in heaven, where
moth and rust do not corrupt, where
there is no loss, and where no one will
quarrel over it. For where you have
your treasure, there you will have your
heart."
I was about to turn away; God laid
His hand on me and questioned,
"Do you love me? 1 loved you before
the foundation ot the woi Id and gave
my only Son to be the sin offering lor
your wickedness and to be the assurance
ot eternal life. Does that mean anything
to you?"
My arguments, my self-justification,
my defense, vanished. With a new love
in my heart and repentant tears in my
eyes, I cried,
"Yes, Lord, I love Thee! 'All that I
am or have is Thine; 1 will be true to
Thee.' "
I no longer represented the church.
I was only one ot the individuals that
comprised it. I came to Him again and
desired to know His will,
"O Lord, what can 1 do to help erase
this shameful debt?"
Harrisonburg, Va.
Prayer Requests-
What Is Legalism?
By Stanley C. Shenk.
Legalism is the process whereby a man
tries to save himself through obedience
to God. It is the expression ot a fer-
vently religious spirit. It seems to be
miles ahead of human ism (winch says
that man doesn't need salvation) and
hedonism (which ignores salvation and
concentrates on sensual satisfaction).
And yet, the legalist is just as lost as the
humanist or tne hedonist. Legalism is
olten hard to identily tor what it is. It
often is found in those who are fervent,
earnest, and filled with a zeal lor holi-
ness and tne glory ot God. Those who
are following its hard, frustrating path
usually believe that they are ciniiuing
the narrow way of the true disciple—
when actually they are on the devil's
cleverest detour.
Legalism takes many forms. The legal-
istic Jewish Ghristians who opposed
Paul ueclared their belief in Ghrisc, but
they were also intent on "earning their
own way" through either keeping all of
the Oid Testament law, or its symbol,
circumcision. They were traveling down
a blind alley. "Behold," Paul said to
those of this persuasion, "if ye received
circumcision, Christ will profit you noth-
ing" (Gal. 5:2). Paul knew what he was
talking about. He had been there. He
too had tried to keep the law, and the
law had slain him! "For 1 through the
law died unto the law" (Gal. 2: ID).
Then on the road to Damascus, he had
come alive through a lull genuine laith
in Christ.
John Wesley was a legalist before he
found liberty in Christ. From eaily
youth until he was thirty-five years of
age, he devoted himself with unflagging
zeal to live a holy life in order that he
might save his soul. He believed ilie
great doctrines, he searched the Scrip-
tures, he became a preacher, he denied
himself, he set up careful programs lot
(Requests for this column must be signed)
An Amish I-W man requests prayers for
a spiritual awakening in the home
churches.
Pray for our missionaries in Israel, that
the Holy Spirit may use them in re-
moving the veil ol blindness ol Israel,
that some may be saved.
Bio. E. I. Weaver requests prayers for
the Church in India, that it may be
prepared lor the responsibilities fall-
ing upon it. There are, he says, three
major needs: strengthening the spirit-
ual life and faith of the Church;
strengthening the leadership of the
Church; helping the Church in all pos-
sible ways to become a more ellective
witness.
Pray for a middle-aged man who is in
trouble, but scorns the idea ol needing
to seek God.
A young minister requests prayers that
God's will may be done in the allairs
and work ot his conference.
moral advancement— but as he came near
the time ol his great conversion experi-
ence in Alders" a te-street, he knew that
he wasn'l saved. He hadn't lived a really
holy life. He was alraid to die. He wrote
ot himself as "an almost Christian."
What was wrong? Legalism. He had
been slain by the law. Then in the eve-
ning ol May 24, 1738, in the little Mora-
vian meeting in Aldersgate-street, "at
about a quarter before nine" he lei t li is
heart "strangely warmed." "I felt I did
trust in Christ, Christ alone, lor salva-
tion; and an assurance was given me,
that He had taken away my sins, even
mine, and saved me Irom the law ol sin
and death." He had come alive in
Christ Jesus.
Nor has legalism been confined to the
days of Paul and Wesley, ft is with us
)et. We should obey church regulations
that are directly Scriptural or that clear-
ly reflect Scriptural principles; we should
perform general goud works—;/// less we
are doin» these things in order lu be
saved. In that case we are legalistic. Are
you a legalist? II so, may God have
mercy on your soul and help juu to find
a Damascus Road or an Aklei'Sgate-
street.— )'ti ulh Bible Studies, June, l'J53.
It is a challenge to us to find our rec-
reation in .1 way that does not hinder us
in making a testimony for God, 01 weak-
en our convictions lor Christian serv-
ice.—Noah G. Good.
272
GOSPEL HERALD
March 23, 1954
OUR SCHOOLS
Strange Happenings in Education
By Gerald G. Studer
Some strange and significant things
are happening on the American educa-
tional scene that deserve the attention
of every thoughtful Christian citizen.
These happenings are merely additional
evidences that our nation's educational
dilemma still holds sway in the top
brackets of our national problems list.
Many think that it is a problem peculiar
to the Christian education scene, wheth-
er liberal or fundamental. But it is not
so. It is noteworthy, however, that on
this particular problem both the Liber-
als and Fundamentalists manifest equal
alarm and concern. The battle is too hot
around this problem to be able as yet to
predict what these two wings of Christen-
dom will do with one another once they
realize that they are fighting side by side
in a common cause that both believe
threatens a death-grip on our democracy
—slowly but surely.
The Christian Century, a liberal
Christian weekly news magazine, is al-
most the only Christian news magazine
that has been on its toes in reporting
consistently the happenings and devel-
opments from the grades through col-
lege. Most of us will probably be too
smug in our ignorance to be alarmed,
if indeed we believe the reports at all, to
do any serious thinking about it, not to
mention prayer and action as the Lord
leads. Satan might like to sidetrack us
off on a frustration over the Revised
Standard Version of the Bible while he
makes merry progress on a much more
subtle and effective advance.
Perhaps the strange happenings indi-
cate the acutcness of the problem. The
two men we are about to quote are mak-
ing their pronouncements and sugges-
tions, it would seem, out of desperation
amidst a lethargic Christendom. We are
being revived in so many ways but not
in tins. Time is not serving as a very
good healer of this breach, it is getting
bigger instead of smaller as time goes on.
Some problems have been known to
solve themselves by our ignoring them
but apparently not this one. Christian
people discover they are divided over
the problem when they do give it a hear-
ing and die courts of our land are contra-
dicting themselves and each other too.
We can't dec ide what is Chi istian-they
can't deiide what is constitutional,
When this wider heard Dr. Bernard hid-
ings Bell lei tine at Goshen a lew >ears
ago, it was not at all apparent that Dr.
Hell had any solution to the problem lie
so forcefully posed lor out consideration
that evening. One wondcicd whether
the intensity ol his seat i ll lor a solution
is not What prompted him to give time
for questions or comments on his mes-
sage. At any rate, he expressed doubt
that night on the possibility of parochial
or Christian patron day schools being
the answer. However, his former doubt
has since solidified into assurance that
private schools are the answer so that
his recent book Crowd Culture is a bit
disarming in its suggestion that "each
major variety of religion (including of
course Secularism and Atheism) must not
only have the right but be encouraged to
conduct its own schools and to run them
at public expense" (italics his). Many
have thought a similar suggestion ru-
mored among us a bit too radical to be
worth listening to. However, the Men-
nonite suggestion never advocated the
schools being run at public expense, nor
that each major variety of religion be
How seldom we weigh our neigh-
bor in ihe same balance with our-
selves!— Thomas a Kempis.
encouraged to conduct its own schools,
though many people, on their own initi-
ative, have carried the suggestion out to
at least the latter of these two possible
outcomes. Whether it is conceivable for
our nation to surrender the educational
responsibility entirely back again to
where it has always belonged or not is
a matter for specufation but that public
education without sectarianism has got-
ten our nation astraddle a high fence is
all too apparent. Our problem is how to
come down on both sides. The educa-
tional responsibility has of course alwa\s
been in the hands of the church and the
home until the nation magnanimously
took it over-and, at that, with the con-
sent of both churches and parents!
Theodore Wedel, formerly a Men-
nonite, now warden of the college of
preachers at the Washington, D.C., Prot-
estant Episcopal Cathedral, has recently
stated that it may be the turn ol Roman
Catholicism to voice judgment on Prot-
estantism. He said, "As the churches of
the Reformation once spoke words of
judgment upon the great church ol
Rome, so that church may today be the
servant of God in voicing judgment
upon us. . . . Catholic America is still
found at church on Sunday morning. . . .
Catholic America still bcliei'cs in Chris-
tian education. Protestant America, so
it seems, has abandoned her schools. . . ."
(italics mine).
Whether or not we believe Dr. Hell's
radical suggestion to be a desirable solu-
tion, it is a matter of fact that this very
thing is happening in some places with-
out the recommended encouragement
Three of the live public schools in Lake
Linden, Mich., are reported by the Chris-
tian Century to have been recently de-
clared sectarian and thus ineligible to Smithville, Ohio.
receive state aid estimated at $54,000 a
year. The decision was made by Lee M.
Thurston, state superintendent of public
instruction, on the ground that the Con-
stitution prohibits use of public funds
for sectarian schools. Dr. Thurston
found that students in the three schools
of the upper peninsula community were
all Catholic, that religion had been
taught during school hours, that nuns
were hired as teachers, that free days
coincided with Roman Catholic holy
davs, that library books espoused the
Catholic faith and the schools displayed
church symbols or pictures. Lake Lin-
den's officials said the system grew out of
the depression and expressed dismay that
"what has been right through the years
is now suddenly wrong." Perhaps what
State Superintendent Lee M. Thurston
found and prohibited at Lake Linden
could be matched, in a modified way, in
some predominantly Mennonite com-
munities with Mennonite teachers and
superintendents. We may not have Men-
nonite library books, or dismiss school
on Mennonite holy days, but all of us
have heard the need for Christian Men-
nonite day schools dismissed with "But
our school is practically Mennonite any-
way," and that on public funds.
The very interesting thing is that im-
mediately following the report of Lake
Linden schools is another report on the
Detroit public schools in which Arthur
Dondineau, superintendent, in a mes-
sage to all teachers, recently called tor
a "recognition of "the source of our
strength and the author of our faith."
"Here in Detroit," he said, "the great
majority of our teachers are associated
with some church and are genuinely
imbued with the basic values of reli-
gion." Dr. Dondineau, a devout Con-
gregational layman, concluded his mes-
sage by assuring the teachers: "You can-
not but help "to mold young people
through precept and example with a
similar faith in the fatherhood of God
and the brotherhood of man." Appar-
ently it is a matter of library books and
holy days as to whether a public school
is sectarian or is so weakly Protestant as
to merit only the encouragement of the
superintendent. It would sound almost 1
as though the Protestants are not mak-
ing their schools sufficiently religious to
place them under the Constitutional ban
regarding eligibility lor public funds and
that this is worthy of praise. Even though
we have no sympathy with the Catholics,
it hardU seems lair for the educational
directors in the same state to treat vari-
ous of their public schools so arbitrarily.
Furthermore, we do not believe nor have
we faith in the fatherhood of God and
the brotherhood of man outside of "in
Christ." do we? You noticed, of course. I
that Dr. Dondineau said nothing at all,
about Christianity, only religion.
Let's stop passing the buck or ignor-l
bog the problem or complacently accept-l
ing the status QUO, and give this matter|
some constructive thought and action. |
March 23, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
CHURCH HISTORY
Organization of the
Goshen College Mennonite
Church
By John Umble
One of the drawbacks incidental to
moving the Elkhart Institute to Goshen,
Indiana, was that there was no Men-
nonite church near the location of the
College. The nearest Mennonite or Am-
ish Mennonite meetinghouse was Clin-
ton Frame, six miles east of Goshen, and
in those horse and buggy days six miles
was an impossible distance for a student
body to attend church services.
In the early days at Elkhart many of
the faculty members and students of
the Institute who were members of the
church constituency were members of
Amish Mennonite congregations. Since
no Amish Mennonite church was located
in Elkhart, instructors and students were
expected to transfer their membership to
the Mennonite congregation on Prairie
Street. When the school moved to Go-
shen, a new problem arose. There was
neither a Mennonite nor an Amish Men-
nonite congregation in Goshen. The col-
lege had more friends among the Amish
Mennonites of Illinois, Ohio, Indiana
than among the Mennonites. Should the
new congregation be Mennonite or Am-
ish Mennonite or a union of both? If
the latter, who should have bishop over-
sight of the congregation? That these
questions received serious consideration
is an indication of the stubborn persist-
ence of the division that had separated
Amish and Mennonites in 1693.
Before the College buildings were
ready to accommodate church services,
the congregation met in the Christian
Church on South Main Street for preach-
ing services and young people's meetings.
Since the Christian Church pastorate was
vacant the two congregations met to-
gether with }. S. Hartzler in charge of
the preaching sen ices. After a time the
College group met in the dining hall of
"East Hall," now North Hall, for Sunday
school and church services. Since there
was neither a Mennonite nor an Amish
Mennonite congregation in Goshen, both
groups met to petition Amish bishops
and the Mennonite Conference of Michi-
gan and Indiana to organize a congrega-
tion for them. At the same time they
decided that it would be neither a Men-
nonite nor an Amish Mennonite congre-
gation; it was to be both. When converts
were to be baptized it was to be left
optional with them whether they were
baptized by a Mennonite or an Amish
Mennonite bishop. When a minister was
to be ordained, if the lot fell on an Am-
ish Mennonite brother, he was to be an
Amish Mennonite preacher. Likewise, if
the lot fell on a Mennonite, he was to be
a Mennonite preacher. Mennonite and
Amish Mennonite bishops were to serve
alternately at communion services but
whichever officiated, all members were
to take part in communion.
The Indiana - Michigan Mennonite
Conference in 1903 authorized the or-
ganization of a Mennonite congregation
at Goshen. The organization was effect-
ed on Sunday evening, November 8, by
Bishop Jacob P. Miller, then the only
Mennonite bishop in Indiana and Michi-
gan. J. S. Hartzler was placed in charge
of the congregation. Originally a mem-
ber of the Maple Grove Amish Mennon-
ite congregation at Topeka, he had been
obliged to unite with the Mennonite con-
gregation at Elkhart when he moved to
that city to take up his duties at the In-
stitute and thereafter was considered a
Mennonite.
Every man should have a fair-
sized cemetery in which to bury
the faults of his friends. — Henry
Ward Beecher.
In reporting this organization the
Goshen College Record states: "All stu-
dents of Goshen College who are mem-
bers of the Mennonite or Amish Men-
nonite Church are requested to bring
their church letters when coming to at-
tend school. Those who prefer to hand
their letters to the Amish Mennonite
Church will be accommodated. Mem-
bers of other denominations will be re-
ferred to the pastors of their respective
churches in the city of Goshen and
should also bring their letters. It is the
belief of the authorities of Goshen Col-
lege that all students who are Christians
should have a church home, and that
faithful attendance at divine worship is
a powerful influence for good in build-
ing strong Christian character." Presi-
dent Byers always insisted that students
should unite with some local congrega-
tion to avoid becoming "church tramps,"
visiting from place to place without
actual membership responsibilities.
A few weeks after Jacob P. Miller had
organized a Mennonite congregation at
the College, one of the members wrote
to ah Amish Mennonite bishop in Ohio,
"Our consolidated church is partly a
failure. ... I think the main obstacle
in the way was the mustaches. . . . The
Amish had a meeting to decide not to
organize at present. . . . Some people
have an idea that bro. (sic) Miller ac-
cepted some advice from Elkhart before
he came here but whether he did or not
273
the condition isn't perfectly satisfactory
especially on the Amish side."
The next autumn another church or-
ganization was effected. On October 26,
1904, David Burkholder, a newly or-
dained Mennonite bishop of Nappanee,
and Bishop Daniel J. Johns, of the Clin-
ton Frame Amish' Mennonite Church
east of Goshen, met with the Mennonite
and Amish Mennonite members at the
College. The group voted in favor of a
union organization. J. S. Hartzler was
to be the Merrnonite minister and I. W.
Royer the Amish Mennonite minister.
Each was to have equal rights. J. S.
Hartzler had attended the fall commun-
ion services at the Parker Street Men-
nonite Church near Bristol and I. W.
Royer at the Clinton Frame Amish Men-
nonite Church east of Goshen.
On Sunday, November 6, the first com-
munion service was held at the College
in charge of the two bishops who organ-
ized the congregation. At the same time
the voice of the congregation was re-
quested to set apart two students, Lydia
Schertz and Anna Stalter, for mission
work in India. The congregation unani-
mously voted that they be sent to the
foreign field.
During the winter Bible term in Jan.
and Feb. 1904, S. G. Shetler conducted a
series of meetings at the College during
which fifteen people confessed Christ.
On the last Sunday of February David
Burkholder of Nappanee held baptismal
services. Only five were baptized at the
College; more were to be baptized later
in a stream. Some desired to be baptized
by an Amish bishop. Accordingly Bishop
Daniel Johns baptized them on Saturday,
April 30, 1904. These conditions wit-
ness to the presistence of the traditional
cleavage between Mennonites and Amish
Mennonites— a cleavage that the educa-
tional leaders of the church as well as
church leaders like J. S. Coffman and
M. S. Steiner did much to overcome.
The College congregation remained a
union organization until the merger of
the Mennonite and Amish Mennonite
conferences in Indiana and Michigan. At
first the congregation was under the dual
pastorate of J. S. Hartzler and I. W. Roy-
er, the former as a Mennonite and the
latter as an Amish Mennonite. After
the merger of the two conferences in
1916, D. J. Johns and David Burkholder
were su cceeded by Bishop D. D. Miller,
of the Forks Amish Mennonite congre-
gation. D. D. Miller, the first moderator
of the merged conferences, was bishop
of the College congregation until he was
succeeded in 1913 by Sanford C. Yoder,
president of the College and former
bishop of the East Union Amish Men-
nonite congregation near Kalona, Iowa.
-Mennonite Historical Bulletin.
The called-out ones that are heavenly
minded cannot conform to the ways of
the worldly-minded.
-Frank and Harry Wenger,
271
GOSPEL HERALD
March 23, 1954
FAMILY CIRCLE
God Answers Prayer
I know not by what methods rare,
But this I know: Cod answers prayer.
I know not when He sends the word
That tells us fervent prayer is heard.
I know it comelh soon or late;
Therefore, lue need to pray and wait.
I know not if the blessing sought
Will come in just the guise I thought.
I leave my prayers with Him alone,
Whose will is wiser than my own.
—Selected by Beula Bumstead.
Keeping the Family Altar Alight
By Phoebe Zimmerman
The family altar is one of the oldest
and best institutions in the world and
blessed is that family where such is estab-
lished. It makes the Lord a welcome
guest and a member of the family.
The Lord said of Abraham, "For I
know him, that he will command his
children and his household alter him,
and they shall keep the way of the Lord,
to do justice and judgment; that the
Lord may bring upon Abraham that
which he hath spoken of him" (Gen.
18:1'.)). God's blessing rested upon Abra-
ham and his posterity because he was
faithful in the training ol those who
were ol his household. What a paradise
this world would be il what was said of
Abraham and the home he had estab-
lished could be said of every Christian
lather and home!
Nearly '150 years later the Lord speaks
to Israel. "And these words which I
command thee this day, shall be in thine
heart: and thou sbalt teach them dili-
gently unto thy children, and shalt talk
ol them when thou sitiest in thine house,
and when thotl walkest by the way, and
when tllOU iicst clown, and when thou
risest up" (Deut, G:f>, 7). This Scripture
shows plainly that God commands that
children be given Scriptural instruction.
Every Christian parent should say
with [oshua, "As for me and my house,
we will serve the lord."
Parents are responsible to God for the
moral and religious training of children.
To lathers especially the command is
given to bring up children in the nur-
ture and admonition ol the Lord, It is
said, "To bring them up in the nurture
and admonition of (he Lord is to bring
them up as Christ Himsell would."
Everything we wish nur children to be
in time and eternity should be taught
and instilled into their minds and hearts
while thev ate still members of the fam-
ily circle in the home.
Someone has said, and rightly so, "The
Christian home is a most fruitful place
to prepare young people for the trials
and duties of life, which ends when
death bids them come to the eternal
home above." To think of the eternal
home gives a touch of sacredness to the
home and makes us wish for the con-
tinual presence of Christ in earthly
homes. Is there a better way to have the
presence of Christ in our home than to
keep the family altar alight?
A real Christian home is an earthly
Eden in which all the beauties of the
Christian religion are fostered, enjoyed,
and perpetuated by those who live in
the home and strive to make that home
a divine institution. Certainly in a Chris-
tian home we can expect to find family
worship. Daily family devotions, where
prayer is offered and Scripture read and
taught in a way that the children can
Temptations from without have
no power unless there be a cor-
responding desire within.
understand its truths, are an essential
means for getting them interested and
leading them to accept its teachings and
claim its life-giving promises.
One could not describe in detail the
nature ol family worship for all families.
Families differ and so does worship. No
ironclad rules should be laid down as to
how family worship must be conducted.
Hut it must be a real worship from the
heart and not merely a form of worship.
Family worship should be brief, or at
least not too lengthy, if there are small
children. It should be varied to keep it
interesting. It should be regular and
held when the entire family can meet
together, Reading the Word, prayer,
and singing are the three chief elements
ol the service. The method of reading
the Word could be varied; most children
enjo\ reading and to let them read and
take part in the worship would create
in them a greater interest and make
Lhem reel they have a part in family
worship. Also children should be asked
;it times to offer short audible prayers.
Once in a while assign a verse or Scrip-
ture to be read or memorized; sometimes
thev in. iv enjoy selecting their own verse
or verses as they wish; or have someone
selecl 1 song in advance. Children espe-
cially will look forward with eagerness
to die next family worship hour.
Quoting from Geo. R. Brunk, "There
are unusual opportunities in family wor-
ship for the children to take part. No-
where else will they feel as free to quote
a verse, sing a song, read from the Bible.
and pray aloud in the presence of others.
It is important that children learn these
experiences early. Worship in the home
prepares for public worship in the
church."
If we want this teaching of God's
Word to be effective in the life of our
children, we must show our regard for
God's Word by our own loyalty and
devotion to Christ. Ask a blessing on
our food at mealtime; have family wor-
ship, mentioning the family's need and
the particular need of each child. The
experience of having their names men-
tioned, or their particular need, may
mean much to safeguard them in the
hour of temptation.
In homes where the Bible is read daily
in the presence of children and its les-
sons simply and prayerfully explained
and taught, the effect for good cannot be
comprehended; it will unconsciously
make a lasting impression upon the
mind and heart of the child, causing him
to have a much greater reverence for
God and His Word. The family altar
is the place to teach children this rever-
ence.
As parents we should have a desire to
make our homes Bible-centered, and to
do so is to use the Bible as our guide.
A Bible-centered home cannot be estab-
lished without God. It is said, "To be
without God in the home is like being
in a tempest-tossed ship without com-
pass or rudder." We need God to guide
and direct in our everyday life lest we
be tossed about by Satan and in the end
be lost. Someone has said, "The family
altar is as much needed in the home as
a light on a dark night." Just as an elec-
tric lamp needs power to give light, we
need the power of the Holy Spirit in our
family worship to keep it alight. We
need the power of the Holy Spirit to
understand and discern the Word, to
convey it to others, and to children also.
Never is the home more sacred to us
than when we leave its parental roof.
There are few words as touching to the
heart as the word "home." "A Christian
home! What a power it is to the child
when he is far away in the cold, tempt-
ing world and voices of sin are filling his
ears, and his feet stand on slippery
places."
It may cost something to be faithful
and regular in keeping the family altar
alight, but most things that are worth
while require effort and persistence. The
blessings in fellowship and worship will
far outweigh the value of time and en-
ergy extended in continuing worship in
the family circle. It is a bulwark against
Satan and his works. It will help to mold
the characters of our children for real
usefulness in this world and perfect hap-
piness in the world to come.
Does it pay to keep the family altar
alight? Some mav think not in dollars
and cents: but it will certainly pav great
dividends in the spiritual welfare of our
children, and. yes. in our own. The fam-
ily altar is a connecting link between our
(Continued on page 283)
March 23, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
275
TO BE NEAR TO GOD
Thursday, April 1
8:14; Gal. 5:18— Led by the Spirit
leadeth me!" Words cannot express
THEME: THE LIFE ABUNDANT
Sunday, March 28
Read Isa. 42:18-24 — Self-complacency a Hindrance
There is a life of righteousness, peace, and
joy in the Holy Spirit that God has provided
for all His children, but so few know this
blessed life by experience. Satisfied with be-
ing converted, many relax into a state of self-
satisfaction. But the heart that is full of self-
sufficiency cannot be filled with God's bless-
ing. "Who is blind as he that is perfect?"
"I have need of nothing." "I have been con-
verted. I am active in the Lord's service. The
Lord has blessed me."
God blessed Israel in the wilderness too.
He fed them daily with manna. He guided
them with the pillar of cloud and of fire. His
presence was with them, but they had not
entered into Canaan's rest.
To be honest with ourselves would make
self-conceit and self-complacency impossible.
Let us not stop short of God's best. Only
the poor in spirit enter Canaan's abundance.
"When the poor and needy seek water, and
there is none, and their tongue faileth for
thirst, I the Lord will hear them, I the God
of Israel will not forsake them" (Isa. 41:17).
Monday, March 29
Read Heb. 3:7-12— Unbelief a Hindrance
Perhaps we do not wholly trust God and
enter into the life abundant because of an
evil heart that cannot believe God. We may
be unconscious that it is unbelief, but our
hearts are filled with fears so that we will
not trust God. We fear what God might ask
us to be or do; we fear what men will say if
we wholly follow God; we fear that others
will not understand.
But God requires faith of those who would
come to Him. "He that cometh to God
must believe that he is, and that he is a re-
warder of them that diligently seek him."
We are commanded to "have faith in God."
We dare not excuse unbelief as weakness.
Unbelief is sin. Let us confess and be cleansed
in Calvary's healing fountain. God is well
able to bring His people into His promised
rest. Our part is to believe Him.
Tuesday, March 30
Read Rom. 6:1-14 — How to Enter In
Knowing the great deliverance that was
effected for us on the cross by our identifica-
tion with Christ, we accept it by faith and
yield ourselves wholly to God to be, to do,
or to suffer just what He pleases. It is possi-
ble to consecrate our lives to God for service,
and yet fail to yield to Him our wills, and the
heart with its love and affections. But we can
never know the overflowing life until we
utterly yield to Him.
Our wills are the very citadel of the self-
life. Self will not easily abdicate. If in our
hearts we do find an unwillingness to yield,
we can tell the Lord we are not willing but
we choose His will. The moment we put
our wills on God's side, God works in us
and gives us the desire and the power to do
His will. The Holy Spirit makes real to us
our identification with Christ. "I am His
and He is mine," becomes a bright and
blessed reality.
Wednesday, March 31
Read Ezek. 36:25-36— Life Made New
The wonderful grace of Jesus reaches our
deepest need. We cannot please God in the
flesh and we need not. God makes us new in
Christ Jesus. We cannot cleanse ourselves,
but as we own our uncleanness of flesh and
spirit, God sprinkles the blood and we are
cleansed.
The yielded will and the heart set to whol-
ly please Him gives God liberty to search us
out by the white light of His Spirit. As
never before we see the exceeding sinfulness
of sin, of our pride, of covetousness, of the
independent spirit that seeks to please self
and walk independently of Him. It is then
that Calvary becomes exceedingly precious.
Instead of a stony heart God gives us a heart
that is broken, pliable, easily guided. The
Holy Spirit assumes entire control and gives
us the desire and the power to obey God. It
is no longer I but Christ.
Read Rom.
"He .
the blessedness of being led by the Spirit of
God. Hearts that have ceased from self-will
can be led by God's Spirit as surely as Isarel
was guided through the wilderness by the
pillar of cloud and of fire. It is wonderful
how in the smallest perplexities God will
make plain His will. As we trust and obey,
He leads on.
Sometimes He will lead us over rough
places, up steep hills, through difficult paths,
but He is with us saying unto us, "Fear thou
not, I am with thee." "I the Lord thy God
will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee,
Fear not; I will help thee" ( Isa. 4:13). When
our days are dark with clouds it is a mistake
to think that God does not love us or has
forgotten to be gracious. "The clouds are
the dust of his feet" (Nahum 1:3). He is
very near, ready to prove the sufficiency of
His grace and the all-satisfying comfort of
His presence.
Friday, April 2
Read Isa. 9:6, 7— Yet More and More
A complete surrender of ourselves to God
marks the beginning of Christ's glorious
reign. The Spirit will take up His holy work
of conforming us to the image of God's dear
Son. He will touch areas in our lives that
need changing. Not one of our personal
habits will escape His touch, if it does not al-
together bring glory to God. He will speak
to us about the use of our leisure time, our
food, our stewardship, our service — nothing
(Continued on page 283)
Jesus' Intercessory Prayer
Sunday School Lesson for April 4
(John 17)
Now that "the hour is come," Jesus closes
this most blessed meeting with prayer. As
His talk with the disciples has not been about
the great suffering ahead of Him, so His
prayer is not for Himself but for these men
to whom He has manifested God's name
and who believed on Him. Surely He per-
mitted them to hear this sacred outpouring
of the desires of His heart. Especially does
the prayer reveal to us Jesus' relation to the
Father. The Son of God communes with
God ere He goes forth alone to die for man.
Read the first part of the prayer (vv. 1-8)
to see the close relation of the Father and
the Son. They have one purpose. All the
Son did on earth was for the Father. He
was about His Father's business. These men
which believed on Him belonged to the Fa-
ther. They knew that God sent Him.
And then Jesus began His high-priestly
work of intercession, first for His disciples
(vv. 9-19), and for us (vv. 20-23). This is a
part of the great revelation. He is our ad-
vocate with the Father.
Observe what generous estimate Jesus gave
of these imperfect disciples. How this must
have strengthened them that they should be
in the center of H.i? heart and be such a con-
cern of the Son's and the Father's! Why did
Jesus address the Father as Holy Father?
Let the pupils find the great burden of Jesus'
prayer. Note carefully the relation of the
being kept and the words Jesus had given
them of God. What was Jesus requesting
when He asked that they be sanctified? "The
name of the Lord is a strong tower: the right-
eous runneth into it, and is safe" (Prov.
18:10).
What was the great intercession for us?
(He also includes His disciples in this part
of the prayer.) Christian believers are not
of the world, but they are a part of Jesus and
the Father, one with them and with each
other. What a privileged and honorable
status! Maclaren says, "The measure of our
discord with the world is the measure of our
accord with our Saviour."
As Jesus is about to return to His former
glory with the Father, He asks that His be-
lievers may, too, come to behold Him in this
glory.
How revealing, how encouraging, how
moving this very unselfish intercessory prayer.
— Aha Mae Erb.
Lesson based on "International Sunday School Les-
sons: the Internatioml Bible Lessons for Christian
Teaching," copyriqhied 1951 by the Division of Chris-
tian Edjcatlon National Council of the Churchei ol
Christ in the U.S.A.
276
GOSPEL H ERALD
March 23, 19 54
FIELD NOTES
Items to appear In this column for any Issue of the
following Tuesday must reach Scottdale by Wednes-
day morning.
The General Council of Mennonite Youth
Fellowship held its spring meeting on the
Goshen College Campus, Goshen, Ind.,
March 12, 13.
Bro. Ray Kauffman, Sweet Home, Oreg.,
secretary of Fellowship in the general MYF,
spoke to the MYF at Benton, Ind., on
March 11.
Bro. Ralph Stahly, pastor of the Locust
Grove Mennonite Church, Elkhart, Ind., and
president of the Indiana-Michigan Mission
Board, was ordained to the office of bishop
on Sunday afternoon, March 7. Bro. Paul
Mininger had charge of the service and Bro.
J. C. Wenger preached the sermon. Other
bishops who assisted at the service included
the brethren D. A. Yoder, Homer North, and
S, J. Hostetler.
Bro. J. C. Wenger, Goshen, Ind., held a
meeting at Kendallville, Ind., the week end
of March 7.
The Rockway Mennonite School Chorus
gave a program of Easter music at Alma,
Ont., on March 14. Open house was held at
Rockway on the evening of March 9. The
newly decorated interior was the gift of sev-
eral Mennonite businessmen.
Speakers in World Day of Prayer services
at Souderton, Pa., on March 6 were Ruth
Lcdcrach, Mrs. Noah Mack, and Mrs. George
Miller.
Table of Contents
265 — Christians Wash One Another's Feet
Communion That Is Real (Poem)
266 — Our Readers Say
While He Endures (Poem)
267 — The Elizabothtown Mooting
Concerning Renewals
268 — The Revelation ol Jesus Christ
Traveling Biblo School
It Happenod
269 — Elisha's Fountain in Jericho
270— "The Hall ol My Goods"
271— A Prayer for This Week
What Is Legalism?
Prayer Reguests
272 — Strange Happenings in Education
273 — Organization of the Goshen College Mennonite
Church
274 — God Answors Prayor (Poem)
Keeping the Family Altar Alight
275— To Be Near to God
Sunday School Lesson for April 4
276— Field Notes
Calendar
277— Mission News
Your Treasurer Reports
278 Our Witness in Belgium
279- Learning Hebrew
News from the Argentine Chaco
2B0 -An Argentine Trophy of God's Grace
The Mennonite Hour
281 Mennonltes Sorvlng in Japan Meet In Osaka
Reloaslng God's Power in the City
282 — MRSC Wookly Notes
MCC Woekly Notes
Women's Activities
283 — From Our Churches
Expressions of Appreciation
285— Births
Anniversaries
Marriages
Obituaries
286 The Book Shelf
Items and Comments
288— Your Publishing House
Bro. Milo Kauffman, Hesston, Kans., gave
two talks on Christian Stewardship at Hutch-
inson, Kans., on March 7.
Correction.— Bro. Urie Bender, Baden,
Ont., will conduct evangelistic meetings at
the Thomas Church, Hollsopple, Pa., April
22 to May 2, instead of the First Mennonite
Church at Johnstown, Pa., as announced in
the March 9 issue.
The Woodridge Church, Washington,
D.C., enjoyed a record attendance of 105 at
a recent Christian Life Conference with Bro.
Myron Augsburger, Harrisonburg, Va., as
guest speaker.
The Stahl congregation, near Johnstown,
Pa., conducted a community canvass in the
interests of Sunday-school attendance on Sun-
day afternoon, March 14.
The Line Lexington congregation, in the
Franconia Conference, enjoyed a Youth meet-
ing on Saturday evening, March 20, at which
time Bro. J. C. Clemens, octogenarian minis-
ter, of Lansdale, Pa., spoke on the subject,
"Youth Looks Both Ways," and the Vesper
Voice Chorus, Atglen, Pa., sang.
Bro. J. L. Stauffer, Harrisonburg, Va., was
guest speaker at a Bible Conference at the
Crown Hill Church, Rittman, Ohio, March
13, 14.
Bro. Abner G. Stoltzfus, Atglen, Pa., spent
about two weeks in North Carolina and Flori-
da recently in the interests of the Lord's work.
Bro. Merle Eshleman, M.D., missionary to
Tanganyika, is scheduled to be on the faculty
of Eastern Mennonite School half time as
college physician, during the 1954-55 school
year. The other half of his time is to be de-
voted to private practice.
Bro. Paul Hummel and family. Berlin,
Ohio, left on March 11 for a two-week visit
to Puerto Rico, where four members o! e
Berlin congregation are engaged in I-W
service.
Bro. David Hostetler, Dalton, Ohio, as-
sociate pastor of the Pleasant View congrega-
tion, North Lawrence, Ohio, has been re-
leased from his home church in order to
serve as manager of Laurelville Mennonite
Camp, near Mt. Pleasant, Pa., this coming
summer. He spent a few days at Scottdale
last week in the interests of this work.
The Frazer, Pa.. Summer Bible School for
19S? was very intercstinglv described in the
YCC of March 7. Bro. Yake, the editor,
states that he was responsible for the title,
"I low to Do It," and that Rro. Harry G.
Rrackbill had modestly sent in the article
without a title and that no one should judge
Rro. Rrackbill as boasting about his work.
To the Lord be the glorv and to the readers
the inspiration for greater service in this
field.
Bro. I. Mark Ross, I [esSton, K.uis.. is serv
ing with local brethren on the staff of a
three-week Bible school at the Cassclman
Church, Grantsville. Md. On the evening of
March 14 he preached to a large crowd at
the Re.u hv Amish Church near Salisbury, Pa.
Three young folks confessed Christ in the
regular services at the Pennsylvania Church,
Hesston, Kans.. on March 7. Included in the
recent improvements in the building is a
permanent loud-speaking system.
In the article on the life of Bro. S. E.
Allgyer. published in the Gospel Herald re-
cently, it was mistakenly stated that he made
a trip to the Mexican border in 1930. The
correct date is 1920.
A Bible Conference was held at the Mar-
tinsburg, Pa., Church all day Sunday, March
21, with Bro. C. Nevin Miller. Harrisonburg,
Va., as guest speaker.
Bro. B. Charles Hostetter and the Men-
nonite Hour quartet gave a program at the
Allensville, Pa., Church on Saturday eve-
ning, March 13. Bro. Hostetter also served
as guest speaker at the annual Ministerial
meeting of the Southwestern Pennsylvania
Conference at Blough Church, Hollsopple.
Pa., March 19, 20. He also filled appoint-
ments over the week end of March 21 at
Johnstown, East Scottdale. Masontown. and
Springs.
The regional Sunday School Workshop
held at Morton, 111., recently was considered
a real success and was attended far above
the expectation of many people. In the Field
Notes of March 9 Herald it was erroneously
stated that the meeting was at Peoria; also
Richard Yordy served on the staff instead of
Gerald Studer.
Bro. C. F. Derstine should be addressed
in care of Abram Kaufman, Plain City, Ohio,
during revival meetings at the Sharon
Church, April 6-13.
(Continued on page 284)
Calendar
City Mission Workers' Round Table, Detroit Mennon-
ite Church, March 24-26.
Annual Meeting Illinois Mission Board, Pleasant Hill.
East Peoria. 111.. Aoril 22, 23.
Annuel meeting Ohio Mennonite Mission Board. West
Clinton Mennonite Church, near Archbold. Ohio.
April 23-25.
Semiannual meeting. Commission for Christian Edu-
cation. St. Jacobs, Ont., April 30, May 1.
Conference on Christian Community Relations. E.M.C..
Harrisonburg, Va., May 6-8.
Home Sunday, May 9.
North Central Mennonite Conference and associated
meetings, June 7-11 at Lake Reqion Church.
Detroit Lakes, Minn.
Annual meeting Mennonite Board of Missions and
Charities, Western Mennonite School, Salem.
Oreg.. June 18-20.
1954 Schedule for Laurelville: Writers' Conference.
June 26 to July 2; Family Week, July 3-9; Boys'
Camp (ages 9-13), Julv 10-16; Girls' Camp (ages
913). July 17-23; Junior Hiah (ages 13-15). July
24-30; Junior High (ages 13-15), Julv 31 to Aug. 6;
Young People's Institute, Aug. 7-13; MYF Work-
shop and Annual Meeting, Aug. 14-20; Music
Week. Aug. 21-27; Missioncry Bible Conference.
Aug. 28 to Sept. 2.
Peace Sunday, luly 4, 1954.
Annual Ohio MYF convention. Ohio Mennonite Camp
Ground. Kidron. Ohio. July 30 to August 1.
Annual Meeting Southwestern Pa. Conference. Mar
tinsburg. Pa., Aug. 1-4.
Annual meeting Iowa-Nebraska Conference. West
Union. Pamell. Iowa, Aua. 10-13.
Annual meeting South Central Conference, Assembly
ol God campground, near Eldon. Mo., August
17 20.
Annual Meeting Illinois Conference. East Bend.
Fisher. III.. Aug. 24-26.
Fall Meeting, Commission lor Christian Education.
Laurelville Mennonite Camp. Laurelville. Pa..
Sept. 27. 28.
Study Conference of Child Evangelism. Laurelville
Mennonite Camp. Sept. 29. 30.
Fall Meeting. General Councii of Mennonite General
Conference. Laurelville Mennonite Camp. Oct.
1. 3.
Annual Meeting of the Mennonite Board of Education.
Kalona-Wellman. Iowa area; Oct. 14-16. 1954.
March 23, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
277
Go, Preach
MISSIONS
Give, Pray
The General Board Headquarters ior Missions. Relief, and Service: 1711 Prairie Street. Elkhart. Indiana. Telephone. Elkhart 2-2786.
Mission News
John Edgar was born recently in Buenos
Aires, Argentina, to Bro. and Sister John Lit-
willer, missionaries to the Argentine Chaco.
This is their second son.
At the March 9 bimonthly meeting of the
Eastern Mission Board, Sister Alta Weaver,
R.N., R. 3, Ephrata, Pa., was appointed for
a five-year term of service in Tanganyika.
She will probably leave for the field some-
time in August.
More than 70 young people registered in
the Argentine Young People's Retreat in
Trenque Lauquen, Feb. 24 to March 5. These
were days full of classes, sermons, and Chris-
tian fellowship. Bro. Lawrence Brunk was
director and Bro. Nelson Litwiller gave the
evening messages.
Bro. Sherman Maust, bishop of the Men-
nonite Church at Upland, Calif., is giving
Bro. and Sister Stanley Weaver, Black Moun-
tain Mission, Chin Lee, Ariz., some assistance
in starting their mission work among the
Navaho Indians.
Bro. B. Charles Hostetter, Mennonite Hour
pastor, will give a missionary message at the
Paradise Mennonite Church, Pa., on Sunday
evening, March 28.
The new home for the aged in Philadel-
phia operated by the Eastern Mission Board
has been named "The Bethany Mennonite
Home."
Bro. Simeon Hurst, missionary on furlough
from Tanganyika, will conduct special serv-
ices at the Wanner Mennonite Church, Hes-
peler, Ont., April 11-14.
The JEMA (Mennonite Evangelical Young
People of Argentina) was organized during
the recent Young People's Retreat. Raul
Garcia of Pehuajo was elected president. This
organization was established to co-ordinate
and help the local youth groups somewhat
as MYF does in the United States and
Canada.
At the March 9 meeting of the Eastern
Mission Board, the board approved the rec-
ommendation that the second mission station
in Italian Somaliland be located at Mahaddei
Uen. A teacher evangelist couple and a
nurse for this field were also authorized.
The Mennonite Hour chorus, sextet, and
quartet, along with the pastor, Bro. B. Charles
Hostetter, will be filling the following ap-
pointments in Pennsylvania over the first
week end in April: 7:30 p.m., Saturday,
April 3 — Presbyterian Church, Frazer (two
miles west of Paoli on U.S. 30) at the East
Chester County Youth for Christ; 2:30 p.m.,
Sunday, April 4 — Souderton High School,
Souderton; 7:30 p.m., April 4— Maple Grove
Mennonite Church, Atglen, Pa.
Bro. Arnold J. Dietzel, missionary on fur-
lough from India, served as missionary day
speaker at the Clinton Brick Church, Goshen,
Ind., on March 21.
Bro. Roger Smith, a member of the Good-
will Rescue Mission, London, Ont., is doing
deputation work in the interests of the mis-
sion, giving his testimony and showing slides
on "Christ at Work on Skid Row."
Bro. John Litwiller, missionary to the Ar-
gentine Chaco, is holding evangelistic meet-
ings in several of the Central Argentine
churches during the summer months. The
recent meetings in Pehuajo met with con-
siderable success. Services were held in a
tent in a new section of town. Many new
contacts were made. Of these, 19 attended
services in the church building the follow-
ing Sunday. Pray for these that they may
continue their search for the Truth.
The following members of the Executive
Committee of the Eastern Mission Board
were re-elected during the Annual Meeting,
March 10, 11, at Elizabethtown, Pa.: Henry
F. Garber, President; H. Raymond Charles,
Vice-President; Orie O. Miller, Secretary;
Ira J. Buckwalter, Treasurer; Martin R.
Hershey, Fifth Member.
Besides the regular 20 services conducted
at the Goodwill Rescue Mission, London,
Ont., the workers hold a Sunday school at
10:30 a.m. and a Gospel service at 7:30 p.m.
every Sunday at the Forest City Mennonite
Mission, 368 King St., London. A Bible
Club has been started for the children, and a
Bible study class is held each Thursday eve-
ning at 7:30 for young Christians.
Bro. Sonu Ram was ordained deacon at
Rajnandgaon, M.P., India, on Sunday, Feb.
28, by the brethren J. D. Graber and Edwin I.
Weaver. Rajnandgaon is an industrial city
west of Durg to which a number of our Men-
no. i families have gone to find work. The
Mennonite Church in India authorized the
establishing of a congregation there last year.
A request has come from India that Dr.
and Mrs. John Grasse, formerly of Blooming
Glen, Pa., volunteers for medical mission
work in India, should leave for India by the
first of September.
Bro. J. D. Graber, Elkhart, Ind., is sched-
uled to report on his world tour of Mennonite
Missions to the College Mennonite Church,
Goshen, Ind., on Sunday evening, March 28,
and to the Prairie St. Mennonite Church,
Wednesday evening, March 31. Bro. and
Sister Graber will also be speaking to the
Women's Missionary Society of the College
Mennonite Church, Goshen, Ind., on
March 29.
Young people from both the West Liberty
and Archbold, Ohio, communities met with
the young people of the Lima, Ohio, mission
on Tuesday evening, March 2, for an evening
of fellowship.
Correction on postage rates to foreign coun-
tries: first class postage rates to all foreign
countries except Canada and Mexico are now
8^ for the first ounce and 4^ for each addi-
tional ounce. The rate to Canada and Mexi-
Your Treasurer Reports
Recent developments in mission activity
under the Board have included sponsoring of
radio evangelism. As has been announced
previously, the Mennonite Crusaders, Inc.,
which sponsors the Mennonite Hour broad-
cast, became an official part of the Mennon-
ite Board of Missions and Charities program
and now broadcasts in the interest of the
total church. This program has as its major
objective the sending out of the Gospel mes-
sage to those who are lost.
Recent developments in the area of radio
evangelism are bringing into the total mis-
sion effort of the church the radio broadcast
of Bro. Lester Hershey. Bro. Hershey's radio
program is a broadcast in the Spanish lan-
guage and has been carried on for quite some
time in the interest of spreading the Gospel
in Puerto Rico and other Spanish countries
within reach of the broadcast as it has been
sponsored. Under the Radio Evangelism
Committee a special subcommittee has been
organized to give further direction to the
extension of Bro. Hershey's Spanish broad-
cast. There is some need to extend this broad-
cast to stations within our own country
where there are large concentrations of
Spanish-speaking people. We sincerely be-
lieve that this program will offer additional
worth-while facilities to our Spanish Gospel
work.
To meet this growing need a special Radio
Evangelism Fund has been established. In
the case of Bro. Hershey's broadcasts, there
is very little received from the listening audi-
ence to cover the cost of carrying on the
broadcasts. Therefore, we will need to look
to our mission funds for the sponsoring of
this program. We believe that there are
many who will want to encourage this work
so that the Gospel in Spanish can be broad-
cast in needy areas. Contributions for this
purpose can be labeled for the Radio Evan-
gelism Fund or may be specified specifically
for the Spanish broadcast of Bro. Hershey.
Since there are no designated funds on hand
for this purpose we would like to encourage
contributions for this program so that it
might be carried on as a means of extending
the Gospel work among Spanish people.
H. Ernest Bennett. Treasurer
Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities
Elkhart. Indiana.
co is the same as for the United States and
its possessions: 3^ per ounce or fraction
thereof.
Bro. A. J. Metzler, Scottdale, Pa., will con-
duct Easter Services at the Detroit Mennonite
Church, Mich., April 15-18.
(Continued on page 284)
278 GOSPEL HERALD
Bro. and Sister Jules Lambotte outside the evangelistic center in Brussels.
Our Witness in Belgium
By David Shank
It was just about a year ago that we saw
the real beginnings of a Mennonite congrega-
tion in Belgium. And in this past year we
have grown together, struggled . together,
prayed together, worked together, and
studied together, until today we all feel that
we are becoming, in the hands of the Lord,
an evangelistic team that He wishes to use
and will use. For it is just that — an evangel-
istic team — that the Lord seeks to create
from every congregation of believers.
We have read with a great deal of interest
and thanksgiving of the activity of the Spirit
of the Lord in various areas of the states, the
awakening and renewing of individuals and
congregations, of meetings among our own
people of five to ten thousand people, gather-
ed together to listen to the Word. And then
we read of some larger revival meetings of
twenty-five and forty thousand people. All
this is much beyond our own experience.
1 low we would like to see 40,000 people in
this country gathered around the living Word
of Clod, listening to the message of free grace,
of repentance, of evangelical obedience! We
pray for revival, but we are waiting for the
I^ord to send the shower, while we continue
to work faithfully for that day.
In the meanwhile, wc are just a handful
in our part of the city of Brussels — a real
living congregation of six people. Where
we arc it is upon us that the responsibility
falls for the souls of some twenty-five to
forty thousand people. Who arc the six?
It was January 4, that Bro. and Sister
Jules I.ainbotle, Junior, were received as
members of the local congregation. Bro. Lam-
botte had been converted some years ago,
Irom a Catholic background, through the
MISSIONS SECTION
preaching of the Belgian Gospel Mission,
and had carried on evangelistic activity
among youth and in a Flemish Reformed
Mission in the city, for about ten years. Dur-
ing this time he developed more and more
along certain lines and finally felt that he
was no longer at home in his work. Be-
cause of our witness against war, against
worldliness, and the modern plagues of smok-
ing and drinking, our concern for Biblical dis-
cipline, he asked to join our congregation
and work with us. Sister Lambotte had
come from a Lutheran congregation in east-
ern France, and had been converted during
a preaching mission in the Mennonite chapel
at Montbcliard in France. It is upon the
shoulders of Bro. and Sister Lambotte that
has fallen much of the initiative and work
in the development of our evangelistic pro-
gram at the Foyer Fraternal. It was at the
official opening of this center in March of
1953 that Bro. Lambotte was consecrated
as an evangelist and minister of the Word.
Just two weeks later, two more brethren
were received by baptism. Louis Arens had
been a volunteer soldier during the war, and
had to enter the priesthood of the Catholic
Church. At a certain moment he bad hoped
to enter one of the many Catholic orders,
when he was disturbed by the reading of
the Bible. He continued to read, and con-
tinued to grow. He accepted the grace of
Christ and became I new creation in Christ.
During a period of five or six years he con-
tinued to grow, never associating himself
with a congregation, because he had not had
a definite conviction as to where he should
join. For over a year we had known each
other and he had felt more and more at home
in his understanding of the Scriptures.
What a joy to receive him into our congrcga-
gation, a living witness for Jesus Christ!
March 2), 1954
Bro. Louis works at the large national air-
port and if you should ever arrive in Brussels
by plane, chances are that Louis would be
one of those who would receive you there.
His work offers many opportunities for the
witness of a consistent life, ready to give a
reason for the hope that he has.
Our other brother, Andre, who was bap-
tized the same day as Louis, has suffered for
Christ in his family, and we would ask you
to pray for him. He is the youngest of a
large family of children. All Catholic fami-
lies, and especially wealthy, aristocratic fami-
lies, desire that one of their children should
consecrate himself to the work of the Roman
Catholic Church. Since none of his brothers
or sisters had remained in a monastery or
convent, the family looked to Andre to rep-
resent them, and he himself had looked for-
ward to such a consecration. But the Lord
had other plans for him. Through the
evangelistic colportage of Bro. Lambotte,
Andre began to read and study the Bible. At
the Catholic College he attended he was
told to accept simply the authority of the
church on difficult questions. One night
while reading his Bible underneath the bed
covers with the help of a flashlight (for such
things are not done openly) Andre accepted
the grace of Christ as the only answer to his
sin and need.
Then it was that the struggle began. At
home, at college, among his friends, everyone
began to notice his heretical ideas which cost
him eventually his college diploma because
"we can't graduate anyone with ideas like
that." What a reproach upon the family!
And later, when he made known his con-
victions concerning military service, the fami-
ly dismissed the maid and loaded all the
housework on Andre. Sent by his parents to
a Jesuit monastery to be converted, he left
through a window during the night and re-
turned to the city. Called up for military ex-
amination and induction last December he
stated his desire to do constructive civilian
service but was inducted (someone else
signed the law in his place) to be called
up later on this year. Next month he will
be 21 and on his own. What shall he do with
his family? He would like to thoroughly
prepare himself to serve the Lord, but with
a possible prison term ahead of him yet this
year, he is preparing himself now to be able
to study during this time. His path of obedi-
ence is narrow and his witness is not easy.
Prav for him.
The other two members of the congrega-
tion? They're simply us. In addition to
overseeing in a general way the children's
homework, we try to take an active part
in the work of this small congregation.
It was last March after Bro. Lambotte had
returned from the European Mennonite Bible
School in Basel that we began our public
ministry with a series of meetings preached
bv two French Mennonite brethren, Pierre
Widmer and Joseph Muller. We had a good
turnout for these meetings with a definite
response from a number of people in the
neighborhood. And since then we have car-
ried on a program of information, instruction,
spiritual nurture, and continuing evangelistic
preaching.
March 2), 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
279
In addition then to our congregation there
s a total of about 100 people who are reach-
id through our meetings in a more or less
egular manner, even though 30 or 40 people
s the limit of the attendance at any one of
»ur regular meetings.
A former concert soprano, discouraged
ilmost to the point of suicide after the death
>f her father, has found the Lord, particular-
y through the singing of psalms and Gospel
lymns. She is one of the regulars to be
round at our four weekly services. Her voice
how fills the chapel singing "Let all which
seeks to exalt itself be humbled within me,
and if necessary let my heart be pierced with
jThy sword. To die is to be reborn and
five forever. Oh, break me completely at
|Thy feet forever."
i A former symphonic French horn player,
bttracted by the ministry of Bro. Joseph
TMuller, has continued to attend meetings
Hespite his intellectual doubts. When in-
jured and partially paralyzed in an accident
he also was tempted to take his life but was
prevented by the "restraining hand of the
Lord through the prayer of the church." The
tnany visits and the attention given him
by his Christian friends made him feel sur-
rounded by a more than human spirit of love.
He wrote to a Mennonite brother: "Dear
Brother, even though I am not yet converted,
I feel that I must call you brother." His
j-egular attendance and openness to the Word
knakes us pray confidently for his conversion
land deliverance from sin.
A hard-working mother who thought at
first that she was coming to a Catholic circle
Continues to follow the message with more
than a passing interest — the Spirit is also at
work.
The wife of a former member of the French
(Legion tells how she placed an invitation
•before her husband's eyes, not daring to sug-
jgest herself that they attended meetings.
[Although neither have made a public con-
cession, both acknowledge the changes
•wrought in their lives since they have heard
the Gospel. We pray that the Lord may
bring to perfection the work that He has be-
gun in their hearts.
Four times a week we preach the Word,
explain the Scriptures, answer questions, and
preach the Word some more. Wednesday
night there are public lectures to explain the
various aspects of Chrisran life and doctrine
and practice. Friday night is kept for Bible
study and prayer; Sunday morning is wor-
ship service, and Sunday evening is evan-
gelistic preaching.
Distribution of literature (we have edited
a number of tracts), personal visitation, calls
by interested persons — all these activities fill
. out the time, and all contribute to the build-
\ ing up of the church of Christ here in the
east part of Brussels. Bro. and Sister Lam-
. botte give a part of their time to work among
, the youth in an evangelical youth center
which Bro. Lambotte was responsible for
creating. A later article will describe this
work and activity.
During the sixteenth century, we are
told, there was an important Anabaptist-
Mennonite congregation in the city of Brus-
sels. At the end of that century persecution
had almost completely liquidated that wit-
ness. Today at the middle of the twentieth
century, although elements of that witness
could be found here and there in various
mission groups, we feel that the establish-
ment of a small but solid young Mennonite
community here is a necessary witness to the
power and will of God for His church in
Belgium.
Brussels, Belgium.
Learning Hebrew
By Roy Kreider
The grandfather's clock in our living room
strikes eight a.m. It is time to don hat and
coat and begin the fifteen-minute walk to
Hebrew School. We leave our home, situated
in the upper end of the valley called Baca
in Modern Jerusalem, pass through the gate,
down the narrow streets lined by stone houses,
across the playgrounds, to the stone building
by the open field. On the second floor a
boarding classmate waves from his window
and calls, "Shalom, Haver" (Peace, Friend!).
"Good morning," we answer, "and how is
your Peace?"
Entering the language school we walk
down the hallway, passing classmates con-
versing together. As we pass, we exchange
the greeting of "Peace!" Opening the door of
Class Aleph we again are greeting by a chorus
of "Peace, Good Morning." Though the
twenty-seven classmates represent eleven
foreign countries, you will observe that con-
versation is all in Hebrew. In fact "it is for-
bidden to speak anything but Hebrew on
the school grounds." "He who will not
venture to speak in Hebrew will never learn
Hebrew." A Hebrew proverb says, "A timid
soul never learns."
The bell rings. It is eighty-thirty, and the
classroom becomes quiet as the teacher enters.
Conversat:'on begins immediately in rapid
Hebrew. Taking the morning newspaper,
the teacher writes the headlines on the black-
board, explains these in simpler Hebrew
words, and gradually these new words find
their way into our vocabulary. Each day she
irtroduces a new family of words — terms used
when mailing a letter in the post office, or
when purchasing vegetables in the market,
or applying to rent an apartment. Two
classmates are then chosen to carry on a
conversation, the one posing as clerk, the
other customer. Exercises in reading, writing,
spelling, grammar, and abundant repetition
take up the four hours of the morning.
The Hebrew student becomes increasingly
conscious that he is peering into a new color-
ful world, perhaps an art gallery which pic-
tures the channel of thought. Scenes come
to life in a word. It is no marvel that
Jehovah choce this language as the screen
upon which He portrayed Himself to men.
Strangely fascinating are the onomatopoetic
expressions which result from objects being
named for the sounds they produce. The
name for bottle is "bokboke," named for the
gurgling sound of water being poured out
of a bottle. The teakettle is "kumkum"
which means "get up! get up!" It is named
this because of the action of steam under the
lid causing it to rise. However, it is quite
confusing to remember that "me" is "Who"
"who" is "He," "he" is "She" and "dog" is
a "Fish."
During the two brief intermissions between
classes the classmates assemble in informal
fellowship, and in times such as this conversa-
tion has frequently turned toward spiritual
things. As their stories and confidential chats
unravel in details of bitter experiences of war
in Europe, I have sought the words of the
Spirit that here in this lower end of the Val-
ley of Baca their parched souls may thirst
for the refreshment of the Living Water.
Leaving the language school at noon, we
walk toward home observing that the lan-
guage of the children, of the shopkeepers,
of vendors hawking their products, of the
businessmen, and of the passers-by on the
street is the language of the Bible. Hebrew
has been declared the national language for
the state, and is being revived and taught
with intense fervor as a living language.
As the state ages, the ability to converse in the
language of the Jews will become more im-
perative. The present generation, home from
exile, speaks several languages, but the young-
er children know only Hebrew. In his section
on the promise of redemption, Zephaniah
underscores a unique prophecy: "Yea, at
that time I will change the speech of the
peoples to a pure speech, that all of them
may call on the name of the Lord and serve
him with one accord." (Zeph. 3:9).
We recall the example of our Lord who
adopted the common language of the coun-
try that He might be understood by the
common people, and make His word intel-
ligible to His hearers. Like our Master we,
too, long to bring the Light of the Gospel
in the language they understand. It is for
this goal that we labor with the language.
Grant to us, Lord, "the tongue of him
who is taught that we might know how to
give a word unto him that is weary."
Jerusalem, Israel.
News from the Argentine Chaco
By Albert Buckwalter
Once again we are back home in the Chaco
after a short vacation trip to the mountains
of the province of Jujuy. The rest was good
for us, but the abrupt change back to bugs
and heat is quite severe. All of our children
have prickly heat already, and Lois and I
have touches of it.
It was a joyous experience to return to the
fellowship of our Indian friends. There is
no Protestant work in the mountains where
we went, though a Baptist friend of ours,
who is now on furlough in the States, is
thinking of coming to the very town where
we stayed. It is a very needy region — a
decadent form of Catholicism being the mode
of worship. During our visit in that region
we witnessed many religious processions in
which a baby doll represented Baby Jesus,
and little girls danced back and forth hand
MISSIONS SECTION
280
GOSPEL HERALD
March 23, 1954
in hand to give Him adoration. All this was
accompanied by flutes, drums, firecrackers,
and big bombs. Pray for the missionaries
who will be going there.
I would like for you to know that we are
attempting a different approach in League
17. For so many years the mission has been
struggling with an unconverted chief who
makes himself in charge of the church life
that we have finally decided that it shall be
thus no more. I am now beginning to hold
meetings in another part of the same reserva-
tion in a place where we won't be molested
by the chief. At this moment it is impossible
It would be a mistake, if not an inexcusable
error, to visit the missionaries at Pehuajo,
Argentina, and fail to call on Dona Clara.
She is at home in a little one-roomed dwel-
ling just a few steps from the missionaries
kitchen door. We have a half hour to spare
before they call us to the tasty meal being
prepared in the Brunk kitchen; so we'll slip
out the door and find Dona Clara. You will
not find her room untidy, whether you call
morning, noon, or night. From the neatly
laced, embroidered pillowcases on her bed,
to the white crocheted doily on the little
stand, to the carefully arranged pictures and
cards on the what-not shelf — all show that
Dona Clara loves cleanliness of person and
possession as well as cleanliness of soul.
Dona Clara is happy to see you, so glad
that you've remembered to share a few mo-
ments with her. At sight of you she waves
and a joyful smile comes quickly to her
wrinkled face. "Pase, pase" (Pass, pass), she
invites, "and sit with me a while."
"How have you been, Dona Clara?" we
ask as we accept her kind invitation.
"I've been well, well. Thanks be to God,
thanks be to Cod," she repeats. "I'm so con-
tent that I can still get around. I help Mrs.
Brunk dry the dishes or peel potatoes once
in a while, get my own meals, care for my
plants, and feed the few chickens I have. And
thanks to my Lord, I can still see to read my
Bible. The first book I learned to read was
the Bible. With a little help from friends
and with practice I was able to read it. God
knew that I wanted to know about His
Word, and He is so good to have helped me
so that I can read it for myself."
She reaches for the well-worn book. "Look
here," she says as she finds the little pam-
phlet, "Daily Bible Readings for the Year
1953." "I have crossed out in this pamphlet
the portions I have already read. Sec, I'm
up to dale with my daily readings." She
doesn't have to tell us how much she loves
Cod's Word. Her fervor in talking about
it speaks for itself, and even her handling of
the Book is tender as she places it again care-
fully on the little stand beside her bed.
"I low wonderful) Dona Clara, that you
have Jesus as your friend and companion !
MISSIONS SECTION
to say what the outcome will be, but we are
confident that the Lord will be able to bless
this move for the strengthening of the breth-
ren in that area. Is not the church to be
composed of those who are saved? Are we
not to separate ourselves from workers of
iniquity? Pray for us that we might have
the love of Jesus for the lost Indians.
Recently I have started weekly Bible studies
with our lay workers in all three of our
churches. Pray that the Lord may use these
classes to strengthen our spiritual life, and
to make us all more Christlike.
Saenz Pena, Chaco, Argentina.
How did you learn to know Him?" we ask
expectantly.
Dona Clara Ocampo taking mate in front of
(he door to her neat little room. Pehoajo,
Argentina.
"Thanks to God" (with the customary ex-
clamation she begins), "Senor Litwiller visit-
ed us years ago with the Bible coach when we
lived far out in the country on our little
ranch. My husband was living then (she
raises her hand toward the large framed pic-
ture of him on the wall) and Senor Litwiller
sold us a Bible, the first one we had ever seen.
We didn't understand all, but the dear Lord
showed us many things. The pastors visited
us sometimes, and we would come to the
services in our cart whenever we could.
When my husband died, the missionaries
gave me a home here, and all who have lived
here have been so good to me. Miss Good,
too, how she would sacrifice to look after me
when I was sick, and was like a daughter to
me! God took our own daughter when she
was eighteen (and she motions toward her
daughter's portrait) but I can praise Hi
because He has been so faithful to me."
"Well, Dona Clara, dinner is probably <
ready by now. We are happy to see you so
well and enjoying yourself in the Lord. Your
plants look healthy too," we remark, as we
glance at the rows of potted plants outside
her door. We know well that the usual pro-
cedure includes an appreciative word about
her hobby. Now we listen a few moments
more as she explains about this one and that
one.
"May God bless you, and come back as
soon as you can," are her parting words.
There are others like Dona Clara in Argen-
tina, and in many parts of the world who,
instead of facing the setting sun with bitter-
ness and a spirit of despair, find joy and hope
daily in following the Lord because of these
who have answered the "uttermost parts"
call of the great commission.
And you who should give that others
might go, are you falling short of your duty
and privilege? Psalm 24 tells us that he that
hath clean hands shall ascend into the hill of
the Lord, shall stand in His holy place, and
shall receive blessings from the Lord. Let
us take a look at our hands, and by God's
help determine if they are clean or if they
are unholy because they are holding back
that which is by no right ours to use, but
God's.
Goshen, Ind.
Voluntary Service Secretary Joins Staff
Letha Miller of North Liberty. Ind., joined
The Mennonite Hour office staff on a volun-
tary service basis for a period of one year.
Before coming here Letha was working as a
secretary at South Bend, Ind. We appreciate
very much the contribution she is making in
The Mennonite Hour offices.
From Box 22
In the month of February (mail month)
we received correspondence from a total of
40 states and five Canadian provinces. In
some instances, however, the broadcast mere-
ly covers one small area of the state. The
total number of letters received in February
w as 1,0^6 and the total number of cards 185.
We are thankful for growing interest in the
broadcast as is witnessed by the mail re-
sponse. Here are a few of the responses:
A Mennonite Minister in Vermont writes:
". . . This is rather late for letter month, but
I received a boost just a few minutes ago as
I was leaving the post office. A lanky, un-
shaven man with a pipe in his mouth (typi-
cal woodchoppcr) walked up to me, ad-
dressed me by name and said. 'That preachin'
and church music on Mennonite Hour helps
me. I listen to it when I kin.' He also in-
vited me to visit his home which is about ten
to twelve miles away."
An Argentine Trophy of God's Grace
By Alyce Sieber
arch 2), 1954
From a Michigan listener: "... I enjoy
our program very much. I personally haven t
•ver attended a Mennonite service, but 1
have heard very good reports of the Mennon-
te people. I would appreciate some of your
iterature and a little history of the move-
nent from the beginning. . . ."
Secretaries in one of the four Mennnm e H ur
offices. Left to R'ght: Lois Burkholder, Sarah
Stahl. Mildred Graybill. Janet Showalter Not
Ion picture: Letha Miller, who recently joined
secretarial staff.
From a doctor in Boston, Mass.: "Ore
Sunday night accidentally I turned the dial
to your program and it was good— I have en-
joyed your presentation of God's Word. It
is not alone spiritually helpful to one's soul,
but it is educational and informative. May
God give you continually the strength, cour-
age, faith, and wisdom to continue this great
work, man's noblest."
GOSPEL HERALD
Two Brethren in Christ missionaries, Pete
and Mary Willms, are working at Hagi,
which is near the tip of Honshu, the largest
island of Japan. Another Brethren in Christ
couple, Samuel and Grace Wolgemuth, di-
rect Youth - for Christ activities in Japan.
The General Conference mission field is on
Kyushu, the southernmost island of Japan.
The 16 General Conference missionaries in-
clude Paul W. and Laverne Boschman, Anne
Dyck Fred and Viola Ediger, Leonore
Friesen, Martha Giesbrecht, Esther Patkau
Bernard and Rubie Thiessen, Verney and
Belva Unruh, Peter and Lois Voran, and Wil-
liam C. and Matilda K. Voth.
The Mennonite Board of Missions and
Charities, Elkhart, Ind., carries on mission ac-
tivities on Hokkaido, the northernmost
island Their 16 missionaries include Ruth
Bean, Carl and Esther Beck, Eugene and
Louella Blosser, Ralph and Genevieve Buck-
waiter, Mary Ann Hostetler, Lee H. and
Adella Kanagy, Don and Dorothy McCam-
mon, Don D. and Barbara K. Reber, and
Ruth and Rhoda Ressler.
281
Missions Editorial
Mennonites Serving in Japan
Meet at Osaka
A meeting of Mennonite and Brethren in
Christ missionaries and relief workers xn
Japan was held in Osaka January 4 and 15 at
the invitation of Mennonite Central Com-
mittee workers. A total of 43 adults and 19
children attended. The conference consisted
of worship, fellowship, and reports from the
various groups on the origin, nature, and
scope of their activities in Japan. Included
in the discussions of their activities were
those on the peace witness and plans for
future conferences of this group.
The guest speaker was J. D. Graber, sec-
retary of the Mennonite Board of Missions
and Charities, Elkhart, Ind., who was visit-
ing Japan at the time on the first part of his
administrative visit to Elkhart Board mis-
sions in Japan, India, France, Belgium, and
England. In the introduction to his address
on "The Foreign Missionary in Today s
World," he recalled an earlier meeting of
eight Mennonite missionaries and relief work-
ers in Japan at Christmas time, 1949.
According to a report by Norman Wingert,
Japan MCC director, there are 54 Mennonite
missionaries, relief, and educational workers
in Japan. They represent the following
groups of interests: Brethren in Christ, Gen-
eral Conference Mennonite, Mennonite, Men-
nonite Brethren, Mennonite Central Commit-
tee, Youth for Christ, and International Chris-
tian University.
Mennonite gathering at Osaka. Japan.
The Mennonite Brethren have mission ac-
tivities at Ishibashi and Osaka, which are
about a third of the way up from the tip of
Honshu. The 12 Mennonite Brethren mis-
sionaries include David and Mary Balzer,
Jonathan and Alice Bartel, Harry and Mil-
dred Friesen, Rubina Gunther, Sam and
Renetta Krause, Roland and Anna Wiens,
and Ruth Wiens.
Three workers operate MCC services in
Osaka: Norman and Eunice Wingert and
Alice Fast.
Other Mennonites in Japan include Carl
and Evelyn Kreider and Charles Burkhart,
who are associated with International Chris-
tian University in Tokyo. Bro. Kreider is
dean and Bro. Burkhart is a music instructor.
MCC Information Service, Akron, Pa.
A Christian is . . .
A mind through which Christ thinks,
A heart through which Christ loves,
A voice through which Christ speaks,
A hand through which Christ helps.
—Canton Church Bulletin.
Releasing God's Power in the City
Two events this week emphasize our city
mission witness: the annual City Mission
Workers' Round Table in Detroit and the
twentieth anniversary of the founding of the
Mexican Mennonite Mission in Chicago.
The Detroit meeting will deal with the
problems of industrialization and race as they
affect city mission work. Both of these ques-
tions have wide implications as far as carry-
ing on a city mission program is concerned.
The unionization of labor raises for the
Bible-believing Christian the problem of be-
ing unequally yoked with unbelievers and
the use of non-Christian methods to gain
concessions from employers. The race ques-
tion poses the problems of segregation as
practiced in our country and the Christian's
attitude toward it.
Although the economic and social problems
of our day must be reckoned with by the city
mission worker, the more basic problem for
him is the salvation of lost souls and the nur-
ture of believers. Given redeemed men and
women, economic and social problems can
be examined from a different point of view.
The elements of the power and love of God
working through His redeemed followers
have been added.
Jesus promised His followers tribulation in
this world because the world hates Him and
the truth He represents. Peter reminds Chris-
tians that suffering and persecution are their
lot. The true Christian doesn't fear suffering
or persecution because he has the promise of
power, of answers to prayer, and of constant
fellowship with his Lord. He doesn't avoid
problems because they are hard. God, the
Holy Spirit, will help him solve them. The
true Christian will love men of all races and
consider them equal with himself, not only in
the family of God but in his social relations in
the church, in the community, and in the
nation.
Therefore, our city workers are first of all
concerned with developing strong Christians
who can stand on their own feet in industry,
business, and race relations. These believers
are in the world, but not of the world. They
are the salt of the earth and the light of the
world.
After twenty years of witnessing to Span-
ish-speaking Americans, the Mexican Men-
nonite Church membership numbers approxi-
mately fifty persons with a Sunday-school at-
tendance of about twice that number, accord-
ing to 1953 statistics. These results are typical
of many of our mission efforts and under-
score the nature of our problem.
We have the mission machinery and many
consecrated workers, but somehow we have
not yet released the power of God which will
build strong city churches.— L. C. Hartzler.
282
Relief and Service News
MRSC Weekly Notes
Personnel
From March 12-16 Dorsa Mishler, Person-
nel Director, is visiting and counseling with
the Voluntary Service units at the Kiowa
County Memorial Hospital, Greensburg,
Kans., and Mcnnonite Hospital, La Junta,
Colo.
Personnel needs are becoming more and
more pressing. The releases of several I-W
men in Voluntary Service have been granted,
leaving vacancies in important service respon-
sibilities.
More releases for I-W men are imminent.
This will call for more volunteers. Have you
thought that the Lord might want you in
VS? Young people, older folks, men and
women, yours is the next move!
There are openings in VS for persons with
special skills and training. There is also an
important place for those with average talents
to fill responsibilities which are of great value
to the church.
Those who are interested in this type of
Christian service should direct questions or
requests for application blanks to D. J. Mish-
ler, Office for Relief and Service, 1711 Prairie
St., Elkhart, Ind.
Financial
MRSC is completing the fiscal year with a
drop in the reserve funds due to increased
expenditures for the expanding Voluntary
Service and I-VV programs. The budget
which was approved for the next six month
period from April through September calls
for expenditures somewhat higher.
The fact that contributions from the church
have generally been higher this past year is
much appreciated, and continued interest and
support will be needed to administer this
growing area of the church's program. It
will be necessary to increase our giving to
carry out adequately the growing demands of
Voluntary and I-W services.
I-W Services
Lloyd Troyer, Middlcbury, Ind., has been
elected new leader of the I-W unit at Kala-
mazoo, Mich.
The first pastoral letter for I-W men, The
Lantern, will have been released by the third
week of March.
The Lantern is edited by Bro. Robert Kel-
ler, Peace Problems Committee Pastoral Serv-
ices Coordinator, who is attached to the
MRSC office in Elkhart, Ind.
This pastoral letter will be mailed bi-
weekly on alternate weeks to the I-W Mirror
to all men in MRSC units and to all other
Mcnnonite men in I-W service.
A monthly supplement will cover MRSC
administrative I-W services information, ed-
ucational, recreational, and other activity
planning and suggestions and will be sent
to MRSC" units.
MISSIONS SECTION
GOSPEL HERALD
The Lantern will be sent to all pastors of
Mennonite congregations in the United
States. Other ordained brethren and parents
or friends of I-W men who are interested in
receiving this pastoral letter may write to
Mennonite I-W Services, 1711 Prairie St.,
Elkhart, Ind., enclosing $2.00 to cover costs
of production and mailing for one year.
Kansas City Quartet Schedule
A quartet of young men from the Kansas
City, Mo., Service Unit are making a depu-
tation tour to Ontario and return beginning
on March 27. The first part of their schedule
follows:
March 27, Indianapolis, Ind.; March 28,
morning, North Goshen Church, Goshen,
Ind.; evening, Prairie St. Church, Elkhart,
Ind.; March 29, Plymouth, Mich., I-W Cen-
ter; March 30, Pigeon, Mich.; March 31, De-
troit, Mich.; April 1, Detroit, Mich.; and
April 2, Markham, Ont., Canada.
Released March 12, 1954
Office for Relief and Service
Elkhart, Indiana
MCC Weekly Notes
No CO Legislative Changes Anticipated
Selective Service director Maj. Gen. Lewis
B. Hershey in an interview March 4 indicated
he did not anticipate any legislative changes
during the coming year which would affect
the position of the conscientious objector.
Meeting with members of the consultative
council of the National Service Board of Re-
ligious Objectors in Washington, D.C., he
said he foresees no particular reason for any
legislative changes. He felt the current civil-
ian work program for conscientious objectors
is operating "fairly well."
The consultative council also heard re-
ports on the continued work of the National
Service Board in its representation of the
position of the conscientious objector before
the government. Elmer Neufeld, the board's
associate secretary, formerly of Inman, Kans.,
reported on a number of prosecutions of con-
scientious objectors (including Mennonites)
unable to secure such recognition.
The day's meeting included a discussion
of the experiences of persons in military serv-
ice who come to conscientious objector con-
victions alter entering the service and the
difficulties they have in seeking release.
Four More PAX Men to Germany
Four more PAX men arc on the Atlantic en
route to Germany where they will join other
I-W men in the construction of houses for
Mcnnonite refugees. These men arc Richard
A. Classen, Beatrice, Nebr.; Wayne A. Lapp,
Columbia Falls, Mont.; Ernest D. StetTen,
Apple Creek, Ohio; and Joseph B. Yoder,
Belleville, Pa. They will be assigned to the
construction projects in Backnang, Fnken-
btch, or Wcdcl. They sailed from Philadel-
phia, March 16.
Two PAX men— Roger Hochstetlcr, Ka-
lona, Iowa, and Willard Rush, I.anghorne.
Pa., — returned from Europe during the past
month, having completed their two years of
alternative service.
March 2}, 1954
Address Correction
Charles Wengcr, Manas Kuhns, and Free-
man Wingard are serving their sentence for
refusing induction into the armed forces after
being denied I-O classifications in the U.S.
Reformatory at Chillicothe, Ohio, instead of
Springfield, Mo., as reported in the Feb. 23
Gospel Herald.
Released March 12, 1954
MCC Information Service
Akron, Pa.
Women's Activities
Sister Dorothy Swartzentrubcr, relief work-
er in Germany, writes in the Church and
Mission News that the refugee situation in
Frankfurt Main continues to be serious with
more than 20,000 coming out of the Russian
Zone per month. The city which provides
a home for the 85,000 refugees has to share
with the people who are still walking around
trying to find work, has to sympathize with
those who are ill and with those whose pen-
sions don't reach, with those who have lost
initiative, with the thousands still living in
bunkers and in refugee camps.
Sister Swartzentruber says further that
during the past summer they did some mate-
rial aid work in these camps where the con-
ditions are deplorable.
If any have wondered whether relief is
still necessary, the above information will cer-
tainly convince them that it is most urgent,
remembering also that Frankfurt Main is
only one of the many towns in Europe which
daily faces the refugee situation.
» • •
Your contributions for Nursing Education
brought our total up to $2,577.27, which
means that we have to raise $1,100 before
April if we are going to meet our pledge this
year. Let us pray about this matter and fol-
low God's leading in this phase of our Chris-
tian witness.
• • •
Now is the time to renew your subscrip-
tions to the Missionary Sewing Circle Month-
ly. Why not include the names of some dear
shut-in sisters this time whom you know
would be happy to receive our Monthly?
Send your renewals to WMSCO, Scottdale,
Pa.
Newton or North Newton
Mrs. Selma Linscheid, supervisor of the
North Newton, Kans., relief clothing center,
calls attention to the importance of using the
following addresses correctly:
1. MCC Relief Clothing Center
North Newton. Kans.
(Selma Linscheid in charge)
2. MCC Regional Office
213 North Pine St.
Newton, Kans.
(Elma Esau in charge)
3. Prairie View Hospital
Box 78
Newton, Kans.
(Myron Ebersole in charge)
Mrs. Linscheid explains that if the clothing
boxes arc sent to Newton, Kans., instead of
to North Newton, it causes confusion, extra
March 2), 1954
Handling, delay, and extra transportation
Costs.
Possibly not everyone knows that North
Newton is a separate town from Newton,
(having its own post office. The clothing cen-
er in North Newton is near the post office,
ust around the corner. Just recently Mrs.
.inscheid had to pay $2.45 postage due on
.iree packages of ordinary size which had
>een sent to Newton, Kans., first.
May we help our North Newton clothing
mpervisor, as well as other workers by using
,:orrect addresses. Thank you.— Mrs. C. L.
Shank.
From Our Churches
GOSPEL HERALD
McALISTERVILLE. PENNSYLVANIA
(Lauver's Congregation)
Dear Herald Headers :
He who said. "And I, if I be lifted up from
the earth, will draw all men unto me (John
V>-3->) still continues to draw, but we are
! made" keenly conscious of what frail -'lifters up
■ we find ourselves to be. .
• From April 19 to 29. 1953, we enjoyed a
(season of heart searching and spiritual refresh-
•iug from the Lord by His servant, David Ihom-
'as The results made us search our hearts
i deeply, nnd ask, Have I truly magnified the
' Lord* We praise the Lord for what He has
• done, and ask His mercy, purging, and cleansing
• where by sinful inconsistency we have hindered
I HThT summer Bible school which was held
June 1-12 brought the teachers into contact
I with children of various backgrounds. We re-
call with pleasure the teachings and mstruc-
1 tious we received as we sat in Bible schools in
former years at Lauver's. .
Among the visiting ministers during the year
! were Clyde Shenk, Luke Horst, William Lauver,
i Ephraim Nafziger, and James Bucher.
We praise the Lord for His goodness in giy-
, ing us faithful leaders, conscientious workers m
i the Sunday school and young peoples work
! from among the laity, permitting the work to
. go forward here at Lauver's. Will you pray
that we may be more mindful of the spiritual
needs of our own hearts and the soul welfare
of others, being ever faithful and watching
when our Lord doth come?
Noah L. Zimmerman.
PUEBLO, COLORADO
(City Park Mennonite Church)
Dear Readers of the Gospel Herald :
Our new church building is progressing nicely.
The foundation blocks are laid and we will be
ready for the subfloor soon if weather permits.
We have dismantled the old structure to use
some of the material in the new building. Until
the new building is completed, we are holding
services in the City Park Pavilion. Our average
attendance has been about 75.
We greatly appreciate the help our I-W unit
is giving, both in helping with the building
program and in the work of the church.
We thank the many who have sent in con-
tributions for the building; and to those who
still would like to help, we will greatly appre-
ciate your gifts for the Lord's work in Pueblo.
If you have a burden on your heart to help
this small congregation, send your contributions
either to our pastor, Marcus Bishop, 409 Mor-
rison Ave., Pueblo, Colo., or to Titus E. Miller,
Treas., 808 W. Ninth St.. Pueblo, Colo.
We had many visitors the past summer, and
invite you to stop with us when you are on
your vacation this coming summer. Come to see
the wonderful sights of Colorado and to visit
the new Rocky Mountain Camp near Divide,
^°We are very thankful for what the Lord has
done for us. and we ask an interest in your
prayers for the work here. Titus E. Miller.
REINHOLDS. PENNSYLVANIA
(Gehman Mennonite Congregation)
Dear Readers of the Gospel Herald :
We rejoice in the manifestation of God s
working among us. Bro. Lloy Kniss had charge
of our communion service in the fall. In JJe-
cember, 1953, Bro. Luke L. Horst. Fairview
Street Mission, Reading, Pa., conducted a week
of revival services. The Word was preached in
such a manner that all who came were bene-
fited. A number accepted the Lord. On Jan.
31. 1951, fourteen young people were baptized
and received into the church by Bro. J. J^aul
Graybill. Bro. Luke brought the message.
O11 March 7, Bro. Paul Horst. Jiiscauaba,
Mich., preached for us. Paul and Luke were
reared in our community, and so we were
especially happy to have theni with us, and we
pray that God s blessing may be upon them in
their service for Hiin in their appointed places.
On Feb. 28. Bro. Homer Bomberger brought
a message on the qualifications of a bishop.
Votes were taken and on March 4, Bro. Howard
Z Good was ordained by lot at Bowmansville
to serve in the Bowmausville-Reading area as
an assistant to Bro. Graybill.
May we heed Heb. 13 :17, "Obey them that
have the rule over you, and submit yourselves:
for they watch for your souls, as they that
must give account, that they may do it with
joy, and not with grief : for that is unprofitable
for you." Anna G. Weber.
YODER. KANSAS
(Yoder Congregation)
Greetings in Jesus' name to all Herald
Readers :
Bro. Max Yoder and family, from Parnell,
Iowa, were visiting in our community and he
preached for us on Sunday morning, and also
took charge of our midweek meeting in one ot
our lessons in "Separated unto God, by John
O Wenger. At times we vary our program by
having liible questions and answers. Tuis helps
us to increase our Bible knowledge.
Our bishop, Hairy Dieuer, is preaching a
series of messages on Sunday evenings using the
subject, "lu the Shadow of the Cross, tor the
Easter season. _ , • ,
On Feb. 10 Bro. and Sister Jake Yoder were
married 50 years. We were happy to be in
their home on Feb. 14 when tuey had open
house. There were over 2U0 guests to wish
them God s blessing.
The brethren Abe Yoder and Edward and
Jacob Kauffman were at Gulp, Ark., to help dig
the foundation for a brooder house. 140 x 30
feet. The Mennonite Board of Missions and
Charities is planning this work.
At the Hutchinson Mission Bro. Milo Kautt-
man preached on "Christian Stewardship on
March 3. ,, „Q
At our last sewing circle meeting there were
nineteen members present. We made comfort-
ers, quilted, and made garments. Our fellowship
means much to us, and we are happy to be able
to work with our hands to help those in need.
Mary Headings.
283
the Father's will. The same anointing of
joy can be ours.
— Lenora M. Wenger.
FAMILY CIRCLE (Continued)
earthly and heavenly home. Are we con-
cerned for the spiritual welfare of our
children? Let us put forth every effort
to keep the family altar alight. Lift up
your children to the throne of grace.
God and God alone is able to safeguard
them through time and eternity.
Will our children have sacred mem-
ories of home and the family altar in
years to come which will help to influ-
ence them to walk in the light of God's
Word and guide them heavenward?
Milford, Nebr.
TO BE NEAR TO GOD (Continued)
will escape. And He will bring us again and
again to the point if there is any deflection
of obedience on our part. With every new
stronghold taken by Jesus and brought under
His control, there is an increase of His peace.
The deep peace of Jesus ! Make further con-
quest of our hearts, dear Lord, and reign
there supremely.
Saturday, April 3
Read Matt. 10:32-39— Disciploshlp Is Costly
Jesus was misunderstood, opposed, and per-
secuted. The servant is not above his Lord.
If we wholly follow Jesus, we will have a
price to pay. Discipleship is costly. Those
who hated Jesus most were the Jewish reli-
gionists. The keenest opposition to true dis-
cipleship today sometimes springs from
within the church and from within one's cir-
cle of friends. Therein lies the disciples'
cross. To embrace the cross in its entirety
is to know the joy of the Lord. Jesus was
anointed with the oil of gladness above His
fellows, because His only delight was to do
EXPRESSIONS OF APPRECIATION
We are happy to hear that our daughter,
Grace, is slowly recovering from her serious auto
accident and we want to thank our many friends
for their prayers and letters. May God have
the glory for His goodness in granting her re-
covery.— J. B. Martin, Jerusalem, Israel.
* * *
I wish to express my sincere thanks to all
who so kindly remembered me with prayers,
gifts, cards, fruit, flowers, and visits during my
illness. May God reward each of you is my
prayer. — Mrs. Daniel M. Fox, New Holland, Pa.
* * *
We wish to express our sincere appreciation
to our friends, relatives, and neighbors for the
prayers offered in our behalf, and the words,
cards, letters, and deeds of kindness and sym-
pathy given to us during the recent death of
our father, Joseph M. Sensenig. May the Lord
abundantly reward each one for your kindness
and concern. — The daughters.
* * *
Just a note of thanks to all who have remem-
bered us with their interest, prayers, gifts, and
help since our loss by fire. More and more have
we learned to appreciate Phil. 4 :19. Thank you
each one for your kindness.
The children are all well and excited over the
new house that is being built. Words cannot
express our feelings as gifts have come in, also
help in building. The Lord has greatly blessed
with nice weather and may He bless each one
of you in His own way. So many of you are
strangers but you are all invited to the hills of
Southern Ohio, in Jackson County, to visit us
and the Paul Stoltzfus family and learn more
about our work in this needy community. — Mr.
and Mrs. Roy Allen Stutzman and children,
Wellston, Ohio.
* * »
We wish to express our sincere gratitude to
our many friends in Maryland, Pennsylvania,
and Iowa who sent us such a wonderful supply
of canned goods in the past couple months.
Because of the extremely dry weather we have
been unable to do any canning the last two
years.
We also want to thank our many friends for
their kindness to us while I was in the hospital
in Harrisonburg, Va. The many cards, flowers,
gifts, visits, and prayers have speeded my re-
covery, I am sure. God will bless each one of
you, for we have asked Him to. Would you
continue to pray that we might use our strength
to serve Him who has done so much for us?
— Clarence and Ida Horst, Mountain Home,
Ark.
* * *
Our hearts have been touched by the tokens
of love with which you have remembered us
through your prayers, messages of sympathy,
cards, visits, and help during the recent illness
and death of our dear companion and father.
We are confident that God will bless all of you.
— Mrs. Abruin G. Horst and family, Hagers-
town. Md.
* » *
I wish to thank all friends and relatives for
cards, flowers, gifts, prayers, and visits during
my fifty-one days in the hospital and since I am
at home. May God bless every one. — Mrs. Dan-
iel Horst, Chambersburg, Pa.
284
GOSPEL HERALD
March 23, ip$j
MISSION NEWS (Continued)
The annual commencement for the Dham-
tari Christian Academy was held on March 1.
Bro. J. D. Graber gave the commencement
address. A special conference of the Men-
nonite Church in India was held on March 3.
Bro. Graber preached the conference sermon.
Representatives of the Iowa-Nebraska Dis-
trict Mission Board will meet with the mem-
bers of the Iowa City Mennonite Church,
Iowa City, Iowa, on March 30 to discuss the
proposition of the Iowa City Church becom-
ing an independent congregation.
Bro. H. James Martin, missionary under
appointment to Uruguay, will keep the fol-
lowing appointments on the northern penin-
sula of Michigan during the next two weeks:
March 23, Brimley; March 24, Rexton; March
25, Naubinway; March 26, Gulliver; March
27, Seney; March 28, morning, Germfask;
evening, Curtis; and March 29, Grand
Marais. Bro. Martin spoke at the following
churches in Michigan recently: March 14,
Herrick and Midland; March 17, Twining;
March 18, Fairview; March 19, Brethren;
and March 21, Petoskey.
Bro. Luke Birky, La Plata, Puerto Rico,
will be speaking regarding the Puerto Rico
hospital to the following churches during the
last of March: March 24, East Union, Kalona,
Iowa; March 25, Iowa City, Iowa; March 28,
morning, Peoria, 111.; evening, Metamora, 111.;
March 30, Roanoke, 111., He spoke at the
Sugar Creek Church, Wayland, Iowa, on
March 17; at Wellman, Iowa, on March 19;
at West Union, Parnell, Iowa, on March 21,
morning; and at Lower Deer Creek, Kalona,
Iowa, on March 21, evening.
A mission conference was held at the Mid-
dlebury Mennonite Church, Ind., March 19-
21. Bro. T. K. Hershey, former missionary
to Argentina, and Bro. Arnold J. Dietzel,
missionary on furlough from India, served
on the Friday and Saturday program. Gladys
Mumaw, Dorsa Mishler, and H. Ernest Ben-
nett from the Mission Board headquarters at
Elkhart appeared on the program on Sunday,
March 21. Bro. J. S. Neuhouser, Ft. Wayne,
Ind., preached the missionary sermon on Sun-
day morning and brought the concluding
message in the evening. Bro. Glen Yodcr,
treasurer of the Indiana-Michigan Mission
Board, spoke Sunday afternoon on "Mission
Opportunities in Our District."
Bro. and Sister Wilbur Hosteller, on fur
lough from the India Mission, spent Sunday,
March 21, at Canton, Ohio. The Canton
Sunday school has been supporting them for
several years.
FIELD NOTES (Continued)
Bio. Paul LantZ and t.imily, loimerly ol
Biglerville, Fa., have recently located at
Winesburg, Ohio, where Bro. Lantz has ac-
cepted a call to the pastorate of the Long
enecker Church.
Ordination. Bro. Herman Ropp was or-
dained to the ministry by lot for the West
Union congregation, Parnell, Iowa, in an im-
pressive service March 14. Bro. J. Y. Swartz-
endruber was in charge, with the brethren
Simon Gingerich, D. J. Fisher, and Vernon
Gerig assisting. Bro. Ropp is a member of
the faculty of the Iowa Mennonite School.
May the Lord bless him in his new labors.
The suit brought against the Mennonite
Publishing House by one of the characters
referred to in a booklet published in 1952 is
before the federal court in Pittsburgh. A de-
cision may be reached by summer or fall, but
if the case goes before a jury, as requested, it
may not be settled before 1955. The prayers
of the brotherhood are requested to the end
that the testimony of the House may be con-
sistent %vith our beliefs and that good may
result.
Bro. John Ray Miller was ordained to the
office of deacon to serve the Plato congrega-
tion, Plato, Ind. Brethren Oscar Hostetler
and Ivan Miller were in charge of the service.
Baptismal services were held March 7 at
the Hi-way Chapel, East Greenville, Ohio.
Bro. Don Augsburger brought the message,
Bro. Rudy Stauffer, assisted by Bro. Marion
Berg, had charge of the baptismal service in
which 34 persons were baptized; sixteen
were received by letter. Approximately 234
people attended the service. The Lord has
greatly blessed this work. Remember it in
prayer.
TIFC, San Jose, Costa Rica, is the latest
station to be added to the Calvary Hour
broadcasts. Time, Wednesday evening, 10:30
to 11:00 EST. Short wave frequency, 9.645
mc. This station has had mail responses
from 26 states and many foreign countries in
all five continents. It is a missionary project
for which prayer is requested for the needed
finances.
Bro. Paul Neuenschwander, Kidron, Ohio,
of the Christian Laymen's Tent Evangelism,
recently visited places in Ontario, New York,
Pennsylvania, and Maryland, where Ham-
mer evangelistic campaigns were held last
summer. He is also visiting Belleville, Pa.,
Goshen, Ind., and Kalona, Iowa, making
plans for meetings to be held this summer.
Coals of Fire, by Elizabeth Hershberger
Bauman, is now available. It contains seven-
teen stories vividlv illustrating the meaning
of practical nonrcsistance. Illustrations are
by Allan Eitzen. You may order copies at
$1.95 each from the Mennonite Publishing
I louse, Scottdalc, Pa.
Bro. Myron Augsburger, Harrisonburg,
Va., has been engaged by the Christian Lay-
men's Tent Evangelism to serve as their
evangelist in 1955. Bro. Howard Hammer
will continue during this summer.
The new church building at Springs. Pa.,
is now being plastered. Before the year's end
it should be ready for use. Much donated
labor and material is making possible an ex-
cellent building at a moderate cost.
Announcement is repeated that the history
of the Berca congregation. Birch Tree. Mo.,
recently written and published, may be ob-
tained for 75 cents from the author, Mary I.
Dctwiler, c o Daniel Kaullman, Hcsston,
kans. Sister Detvvilcr is in voluntary service
at the Prairie View Hospital at present.
Eastern Mennonite College has only limit-
ed lodging facilities for home-coming guests,
April 9, 10. Anyone desiring reservations
should write to M. B. Wyse, E.M.C., Har-
risonburg, Va., and give names of persons
who will attend and accommodations need-
ed; also state the particular night for which
lodging is desired.
Announcements
Communion services at the Zion Church,
Beckersville, Pa., April 18, when T. K. Her-
shey and Jesse Yoder, bishop and pastor, will
be present.
Week-end Conference at Maple Grove.
New Wilmington, Pa., April 11, with Bro.
and Sister Paul Erb speaking on the home.
Passion Week evangelistic services at Wor-
cester, Pa., April 11-18, instead of March as
previously reported in error. B. Charles Hos-
tetter in charge.
Pre-Easter services at Sunnyside Church.
Conneaut Lake, Pa., April 14-16. with Bro.
Aaron Mast, Belleville. Pa., in charge.
John R. Mumaw, Harrisonburg, Va.. at
Maple Grove Church, Atglen, Pa.. Saturday
evening, March 27, and Sunday evening,
March 28; Sunday morning at Wesley Chap-
el, Newark, Del.
Evangelism Conference at Meckville. Pa..
Mennonite Church, April 3, 4, with Andrew
Hartzler. Newport News, Va., speaker.
Fiftieth anniversary service of Bro. I. W.
Rover's ordination at Orrville, Ohio. Church,
March 28.
Josef Herschkowitz, Harrisonburg, Va., at
Sandy Hill, Philipsville, Pa.. April 4.
The Ohio Mennonite Mission Board will
hold its annual meeting April 23-25, at the
West Clinton Church, near Archbold, Ohio.
Visiting Speakers
March 7. John Friesen, India missionary,
at Protection, Kans. E. B. Frey, Archbold,
Ohio, at Bayshore, Sarasota. Fla.
March 14. Harry Brackbill, Frazer. Pa.,
at Warwick River, Denbigh, Va.. concerning
the work of the Gideons. Bro. and Sister
T. K. Hershey at Holdeman Church, Wa-
karusa, Ind., speaking on South America
mission work. John E. Lapp, Lansdale. Pa.,
at Lakeview, Wolford, N. Dak., morning;
Minot. N. Dak., evening. Harry Y. Shetler.
Davidsville, Pa., at Steelton, Pa. Paul Erb,
Scottdale, Pa., and E. C. Bender, Martins-
burg. Pa., at Springs. Pa. LeRoy Kennel,
Roanoke, 111., at Prairie Street Church. Elk-
hart, Ind.
March 21. Frederick Erb, Detroit. Mich..
at South Union, West Liberty, Ohio.
Evangelistic Meetings
Paul Iandis, Crockett, Ky.. at Pleasant
Crovc Church. Salix, Pa.. March 30 to April
11. Stanley Shenk, West Liberty. Ohio, at
Calvary Church. Los Angeles, Calif., March
14 21. Jess KaurTman. Colorado Springs,
Colo., at Creensburg, Kans., March 17-28.
Paul Angstadt, Reading, Pa., at East Chest-
nut Street Church. Lancaster, Pa.. April 4-14.
Nelson KautTman. Hannibal, Mo., at East
Goshen, Ind.. May 2-9. Milton Brackbill,
Paoli, Pa., at Mountvillc, Pa., beginning
March 15.
March 2j, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
285
BIRTHS
"Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord" (Ps. 127:3a).
Read This. Please
There has been some confusion in sending
birth announcements to the Gospel Herald due,
perhaps, to the misunderstanding of whose re-
sponsibility it is to send them in. Sometimes we
receive two notices of the same birth, one from
the church correspondent or other interested
person, and another from the parents. Some-
times we get none until the child is several
months old with the explanation that the par-
ents thought the pastor would send it in. Some-
times we get the information from the church
correspondent, or from someone who does not
sign any name, but the full information is not
given. So thinking the parents have asked this
person to send in the information, the an-
nouncement is sent to the printers. While it is
in the hands of the printers, another announce-
ment comes from the parents with fuller de-
tails but it is too late to change the first an-
nouncement and then the parents are disap-
pointed not to see all the information that they
had sent. . . ,
To be of most value to you and your friends,
the announcement should be sent in by the par-
ents soon after the arrival of the child, perhaps
just before the mother leaves the hospital.
This would bring the news to your friends while
it is still news. And don't forget to give full
information— fathers name, mothers maiden
name, address, date of birth, name of child,
number of children in family, and if it is the
first son or daughter, or the fourth. This makes
it more interesting to the friends who have lost
track of vou through the years.
And please, write distinctly. Many names are
different, or may be spelled either with an o
or an "a." and in handwriting it is often dim-
cult to distinguish between letters. If the name
is different or unusual, and not familiar to the
secretary, she may not write the name correctly.
So please, make your letters very distinct so
that your name and your child's name will be
entered correctly. Printing the names might
help to make the letters more distinct.
But be sure to send in the announcements.
This column is watched by your friends!
Beiler. Elam B. and Elizabeth (Mast), Gor-
donville. Pa., fifth child, Marcia Jane, Feb. 27,
1954
Cozzutto, Giampaolo and Velma (Schlabach),
Cathlamet. Wash., third daughter, Paula Ruth,
Dec. G. 1953. „,
Eby, Melvin L. and Doris (Stoll). Tony,
Wis., third child. Orville Wayne, Feb. 5. 1954.
Edgin. Ralph E. and Elda (Edgin). Leach-
ville. Ark., first child, a son, Ralph Brent, Jan.
20 1954
Fath. Mr. and Mrs. Albert. Dalton. Ohio,
second child, Steven Lee, March 8. 1954.
Forry. David C. and Frances (Rohrer), Han-
over. Pa., first child, Carolyn Luann, Feb. 23,
1954
Grosh, Harvey and Sylvia (Ernst). York, Pa-
second child, James Douglas, Nov. 14, 1953.
Grove. Merlin R. and Dorothy (Bechtel).
Markham, Ont., second child, first daughter,
Pauline Marie, Dec. 30. 1953.
Hershberger, Kenneth and Virginia (Fisher),
Kalona, Iowa, third child, first daughter, Bar-
bara JoAnn. Feb. 1. 1954.
Hertzler. Charles W. and Rhoda (Benner).
Bergton, Va., fifth child, Susie Jane, Jan. 27.
1954.
Hochstetler, Harold and Lydia (Hershberger).
Namna. Idaho, fourth child, Douglas Dean, Feb.
11. 1954.
Hochstetler. Milan M. and Martha (Kramer).
Fentress. Va.. second child, first son, Vernon
En-one, Oet. 28. 1953.
Hoover. Isaac B. and Katie (Martin). Bare-
villp. Pa., sixth child, third daughter, Arlene.
Feb. 21. 1954.
Hnnsberger, Enos B. and Sara (Detwiler),
Enrlington. Pa., third child, a son, Feb. 10. 1954.
KaufTman. Ammon and Sarah (Smoker),
Parkeshnrg, Pa., soventh child, sixth son, Steven
Glen. Feb. 24. 1954.
KaufTman. Isaac and Verna L. (Neff). Colum-
bia, Pa., third child, second daughter, Judith
Ann. Feb. 22 1954.
Klassen. Walter and Dorothy (Litwiller),
Delavan, 111., second son, Steven Joe. Jan. 17.
1954.
Martin. Allen E. and Esther Louise (Ober-
holzer), Hagerstown, Md., first child, Lorame
Eva. Jan. 27, 1954. v m
Martin, Roy D. and Ruth (Toder), Waynes-
boro, Va., second son, Eric Daniel, Feb. 26,
Miller, Ephraim and Edna (King). Harrison-
burg Va., sixth child, second son, Donald Abra-
ham. Feb. 28. 1954.
Miller, Mr. and Mrs. Keith R., Corpus Chnsti,
Texas, second child. Linda Louise, Feb. 28,
Miller, Paul L. and Nina (Brenneman), Well-
man, Iowa, second daughter, Donna Lou, Feb.
20. 1954.
Petersheiim. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph, first child,
Joan Elaine, Dec. 1. 1953.
Sell. Harlon W. and Catherine (Shipe), Lay-
tonsville, Md,. first son, Donald Ray, March 5,
Stoltzfus, Mr. and Mrs. Rov Y., Dou<rlassville,
Pa., a son. Howard Louis, Feb. 12. 1954.
Ulrich, Kenneth and Ruby (Roeb), Eureka,
111 . second son. Keith Eugene. Feb. 8. 1954.
Weaver. William M. and Viola (Martin),
Reading, Pa., second child, Aldine Mae, Jan. 31,
1954.
Wenger, Norman and Marion (Reesor). Wak-
arusa, Ind., first child. Phyllis Ann. Oct. 7, 19o3.
Witmer, Isaiah and Beulah (Wenger), Go-
shen, Ind., a daughter, Ruby Jane, Nov. 17,
1953.
ANNIVERSARIES
Hartzler. Simon C. and Magdalene Hartzler
passed the fiftieth anniversary of their marriage
on Dec. 9. 1953. Thev were united at the home
of Mrs. Hartzler by Bro. Jonas Lou cits. They
are the parents of four sons and two daughters,
who with their companions are all living and
in the same Mennonite group as the parents.
There are 35 living grandchildren and two in
the heavenly home. There was no celebration
this year, as they were in Florida for the winter
and the family in the north : also because of
the illness of Bro. Hartzler. They wish to ac-
knowledge the mercy and grace of their heavenly
Father, who has been their help through the
years.
MARRIAGES
May the blessings of God be upon the homes
established by the marriages here listed. A year's
subscription to the GOSPEL HERALD Is given to those
whose address is supplied by the officiating minister.
Alderfer — Kulp. — Darwin M. Alderfer, Tel-
ford, Pa., of the Salford congregation, and Eva
Lorraine Kulp, Silverdale, Pa., of the Souder-
ton congregation, by Russell B. Musselman at
his home, March G. 1954.
Byler — Yoder. — David A. Byler and Sadie
Yoder, by E. B. Peachey at the Locust Grove
Church. Belleville. Pa., Nov. 17, 1953.
Litwiller — KaufTman. — Glenn E. Litwiller,
Hopedale, 111., and Dorthea Knnffman. Phoenix,
Ariz., bv Melvin L. Ruth nt Sunnyslone Men-
nonite Church. Phoenix, Ariz.. Feb. 20, 1954.
Miller — Hauder. — Ralph E. Miller, Zion con-
gregation, Pryor. Okla., and Shirley Mae Hau-
der, Chanpell, Nebr., congregation, by John Roth
at Julesbur?. Colo., Dec. 27. 1953.
Petre — Witmer. — Nelson H. Petre. Reiff con-
gregation, Washington Co., Md., and Miriam L.
Witmer, Strasbnrg congregation, Franklin Co.,
Pa bv Amos E. Martin at the home of the
bride. March G, 1954.
Strife — Hege. — Nelson L. Strite, Miller con-
gregation, Leitersburg, Md.. and Doris L. Hege,
Reiff congregation, Hagerstown, Md., bv Moses
K Horst at the home of the bride, March 6,
1954. , _
Witman — Steider. — Robert L. Witman and
Verdella I. Steider. both of the Sunnyside con-
gregation, Conneaut Lnk°. Pa., by Daniel Johns
at the church. Dec. 11. 1953.
Yoder — Peachev. — Glenn Allen Yoder and
Anna Margaret Peachey by E. B. Peachey at
Locust Grove Church, Belleville. Pa., Dec. 28,
1953.
OBITUARIES
May the sustaining grace and comfort of our Lord
bless these who are bereaved.
Diller, Benjamin, son of the late John and
Susannah (Reesor) Diller, was born Aug. 7,
1864 ; died Feb. 2, 1954 ; aged 89 y. 5 m. 2G d.
He is survived by his wife, 2 sons and one
daughter (Joseph, Winnipeg, Man. ; Levi and
Ada, at home), and 6 brothers and sisters (Bar-
bara— Mrs. D. S. Weaver, Goshen, Ind. ; Esther
— Mrs. Abram Rittenhouse, Markham, Ont.;
Francis — Mrs. Jacob Grove, Stouffville, Ont. ;
Anna — Mrs. Wm. Smith, Kansas City, Kans. ;
Thomas, Stouffville, Ont.; and Jacob, Hesston,
Kans.). In December. 1889, he was united in
marriage to Anna Burkholder, who passed away
in October, 1903. In December, 1905, he was
married to Fanny Smith. He was a member of
the Mennonite Church since 1903. Funeral
services were held at Reesor's Mennonite
Church, Markham, Ont., Feb. 5, with Cecil
Reesor, Abraham Smith, and Fred Nishswander
in charge. Interment was made in the adjoin-
ing cemetery.
Eash, Jonathan T., son of Tobias and Anna
(Eash) Eash, was born in Lagrange Co., Ind.,
Aug. 16, 187S; died at his home in Johnstown,
Pa., March 2, 1954; aged 75 y. G m. 1G d. He
is survived by his widow (the former Annie
Swank Kaufman), a daughter-in-law (Margaret
Petterson Eash), a granddaughter (Doris —
Mrs. S. Dean Llovd. Johnstown, Pa.). 3 broth-
ers (A. T.. Alto, Mich.; E. T., Hopedale, 111.;
and W. T.. Flanagan. 111.), a sister (Mrs. Anna
Blough, Johnstown, Pa.), and the following step-
children (Millard L. Spory, Boswell, Pa.; Es-
ther Spory — wife of Paul R. Wingnrd, and
Harlev Kaufman, both of Hollsopple. Pa. ; Liz-
zie Kaufman — Mrs. Paul Kniss, Johnstown,
Pa.; and Henry and Paul Kaufman, both of
Orrville, Ohio). He was preceded in doath by
his first wife (Mary Yoder), who died Feb. 22,
1941; his second wife (Katie E. Croyle Spory),
who died Nov. 15. 1945; an infant daughter,
and a stepdaughter. He was a member of the
Mennonite Church for many years. Funeral
services were conducted March 6 at the Kauf-
man Church, in charge of Harry Y. SlWler and
Irvin M. Holsopple, with burial in the Kaufman
Cemetery.
Harnish. John H.. son of David F. and Mar-
tha (Huber) Harnish, was born in East Hemp-
field Twp.. Pa., Aug. 11, 1879; passed away
Feb. 21. 1954, at his home in Manor Twp., Lan-
caster, Pa. ; aged 74 y. G m. 10 d. He was a
member of the Habecker Mennonite Church for
40 years. On Jan. 1. 1908, he was married to
M. Martha Mvlin. who survives. Also surviving
are 3 children (J. Mylin, Willow Street, Pa.;
Evelyn Mae, Phoenix, Ariz. ; and Ethel W. —
Mrs. Harry T. Herr, New Danville, Pa.), 6
grandchildren, and one brother (Daniel H.,
Lititz. Pa.). Funeral services were held at the
Habecker Mennonite Church in charge of Lan-
dis Myers. Benj. Miller, and Christian B.
Charles. Burial was made in the Rohrerstown
Mennonite Cemetery.
Kauffiman, Amos L.. son of the late John B.
and Knthrvn (Zook) Knnffman, was born Feb.
12. 1876; died Jan. 29, 1954. in the Osteopathic
Hospital after a lengthy illness; aged 77 y.
11 m. 17 d. On Oet. 4, 1905, he was united in
marriage to Ella Hartzler. who passed away
Jan. 24. 1916. To this union were born 2 sons
and 3 daughters. The daughters preceded him
in death. In 1921. he was married to Ada
Statiffer. who survives. Also surviving are 3
sons (D. Ivan, Lancaster, Pa.; John. Tulsa,
Okla.; and Paul. Sheridan, Pa.), 12 grand-
children. 3 great-grandchildren, and 2 sisters
(Mrs. Fannv E. Yoder and Mrs. Mary Hostet-
ler, both of Belleville. Pa.). Two brothers and
one sister preceded him in death. Funeral serv-
ices were held Feb. 1, at East Chestnut Street
Mennonite Church, of which he was a member,
in charge of Jacob Brnbaker and Stoner Krady.
Burial was made in the East Petersburg Men-
nonite Cemetery.
Lichti. Nicholas S., oldest son of the late
Christian and Nancy (Schlegel) Lichti, was
born at St. Agatha, Ontario. Jan. 29 .1871;
parsed away at the Geneva Hospital. Geneva,
Nebr., March 2. 1954; need 83 v. 1 m. 1 d.
At the age of six he moved with his parents to
Wayland. Iowa. Later they moved to Thurman,
Colo , and in 1907 to Shickley. Nebr.. in which
community he lived until his death. He accept-
ed Christ as his personal Saviour and united
286
with the Mennonite Church, remaining faithful
until the end. On March 13. 1004, he was unit-
ed in marriage to Lena Rediger. This union
was bleseed with 2 sons and C daughters. His
companion, one daughter, 4 sisters, and 2
brothers preceded him in death. He suffered a
light stroke five years ago, leaving him with a
throat affliction and a serious heart condition.
He attended church faithfully as long as health
permitted. He became ill on Sunday and wan
taken to the hospital on Monday morning.
Tuesday morning the Lord called him home.
He leaves to mourn his departure 2 sons (Alym
and Nick, both of Shickley). 5 daughters (Llva
—Mrs Elmer Birky, and Nancy— Mrs. Elmer
Nickel, of Shickley; Sylvia— Mrs. Harry Ken-
nel, Geneva, Nebr. : Lilly— Mrs. Richard Farns-
worth, Lincoln, Nebr.; and Barbara, at home).
15 grandchildren, one brother (Dan, Bruning.
Nebr.), 2 sisters (Mrs. Anna Kauffman, Way-
land Iowa, and Mrs. Lena Sehlegel, of Shick-
ley), and a host of other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were held at the Salem Men-
nonite Church, near Shickley, Nebr in charge
of P R Kennel, assisted by Fred Reeb and
L. O. Sehlegel, with burial in the church ceme-
tery.
Mishler, Catherine, daughter of Stephen J.
and Luev (Miller) Yoder, was born near Ka-
lona. Iowa, Feb. 3, 18S0; died at her home m
Johnson Co., Iowa, Feb. 25, 1954; aged 74 y.
22 d On Jan. 28, 1909, she was united in
marriage to Mose Mishler. To this union o
children were born: 2 sons (Jacob, at home,
and Robert. Keota, Iowa) and 3 daughters
(Sylvia— Mrs. Leo Yoder, of Kalona ; Mary-
Mrs Earnest Swartzendruber, Wellman, Iowa:
«nd Ida— Mrs. George Keim, Bay Port Mich.).
Besides her husband and 5 children, she leaves
to mourn her death 1G grandchildren, one sister
and 2 brothers (Mrs. Ben J. Miller, William,
and John, all of Kalona), and a large number
of other relatives and friends. She was pre-
ceded in death by her parents and 2 sisters
(Mrs Jeff Gingerich and Mrs. Jonas Y. Yoder).
At the age of 15 she accepted Christ, united
with the Mennonite Church, and was a faithful
member of the East Union congregation at the
lime of her death. On Oct. 22. 1953, she suf-
fered a heart attack and was taken to the
Mercy Hospital in Iowa City. She was brought
back to her home on Nov. C, and was again
able to attend church services the Sunday be-
fore her death. On Thursday evening she com-
plained „f difficulty in breathing and a few
hours later peacefully passed to her reward.
Funeral services were held from the East Union
Church on Sunday afternoon, conducted by
D J Fisher. Albert S. Miller, and A. Lloyd
Swartzendruber, with burial in the East Union
Cemetery.
Moyer, Geidon S.. son of the late Aaron and
Catherine Moyer. was born in Whiteside Co..
Ill April 3. 1808: passed away Dec. 29. 10r>.?:
aged 85 y. 8 m. 20 d. He was united in mar-
riage to "Clara Heckler. To this union were
born ,8 sons and 4 daughters. Two sons and _
daughters preceded him in death. He was a
Faithful member of the Mennonite Church, Deep
Run Pa. Surviving are 8 children (Byron, ol
Goopenburg; Stanley and Winfield, of Silver-
• • Dwight. of Dublin: Mrs. Samuel Miller.
Of Hilltown; Mrs. Fred Baumaster. oi Nesham-
in- - Geidon Jr.. at home: and Amnion, m Hay
cock) 35 grandchildren. 7 great-grandchildren.
2 half sisters and half brothers. Funeral serv-
ices were held Jan. 1 at the Deep Run Men-
nonite Church in charge of Wilson Overboil.
Abrain Yothers. and Rrwin Nace. Burial was
made in the adjoining cemetery.
Snyder, Maria, daughter <>f the late Peter
and Magdalene (Martin) Sherk. was horn in
Bridgeport Ont., June 10, 1881; passed away
suddenly of a heart attack Feb. 17. 1951: aged
7° y O'm 7 d. On June 1. 100 1, she was mar
ried 1" Addison D. Snyder of Bloomingdnle.
Cut Thev shared the joys and sorrows of life
together for nearly 50 years. She was baptized
on Jan. 1. 1900. and was n faithful member of
Hie church. She leaves to mourn her departure
her husband, one son (John W. S.. and his wife.
Lena), 1 grandchildren (James, Kathleen
Stuart, and Bren.la). one brother (Noah). 2
sisters (Lvdla Mrs. Addison S. Snvder. and
Barbnrn Mrs. Pen Drudge), all of Bridgeport \
one half sisler iSelina — Mrs. Walter Shunt/.
,,r \Tew Hamburg)! one •tepbrothwr (Norman
W Krempien, of Waterloo), one stepsister
(Mary— Mrs. Wnlter Snider, of Bridgeport L
and a host of other relatives and friends. Two
brothers ami 5 sisters preceded her. Funeral
services were held Feb. 20. at Snyder's Church
by the pastor. John W. Snyder, assisted by
Benj. Shantz. Burial wns made In the adjoining
cemetery.
GOSPEL HERALD
Verschoor, George E., was born in Holland
but came to Canada an a young man and pio-
neered in the Peace River Country near Blue-
sky, Alta. Some of his grandchildren are faith-
ful attendants at the Bluesky mission. Before
he passed away, Bro. Paul Burkholder was re-
quested to have charge of the funeral services.
He passed away Feb. 2, 1954. at the age of 65.
leaving 3 sons and one daughter (Reinus, Pe-
ter. John, and Mrs. L. Kinisky), and 17 grand-
children. Bro. Burkholder was unable to serve
at the funeral, as he was in Edmonton for
surgery himself at the time. Bro. Linford D.
Hackman, who was in Bluesky that day. had
charge of the services in the St. Paul's Anglican
Church in Wbitelaw. Alta.
Witmer. .Maria Elizabeth, daughter of the
late Christian and Maria (Burkholder) Kuhns.
was born March 13. 1893: died at the Cham-
bersburg Hospital. Chambersburg. Pa.. Feb. 17.
1954: aged 60 y. 11 m. 4 d. She was a member
of the Rowe Mennonite Church near Shippens-
burg, Pa., for many years. On Dec. 11, 1912.
she was united in marriage to Aaron A. Wit-
mer, who survives. Also surviving are 2 daugh-
ters (Mary, at home, and Elsie — Mrs. Clavton
Ritter, Bridgewater, Va.). 4 sons (Irvin. Ship-
pensburg, Pa.; Norman, Sheldon, Wis.; Arthur.
Orrstown. Pa.: and Raymond, Hagerstown,
Md.), 19 grandchildren, and many other rela-
tives and friends. Funeral services were held
at the Rowe Mennonite Church. Feb. 19. with
Harvey Shank and Amos Martin in charge.
Burial was made in the Rowe Cemetery.
Yoder. Christian Elmer, son of Noah and
Terace Yoder. was born in Howard Co., Ind..
Mav 10. 1882; passed away at his home in Fair-
view, Mich.. Feb. 25. 1954: aged 71 y. 9 m.
15 d. He was converted as a young man and
united with the Mennonite Church in Indiana.
He came to Michigan in June. 1901. an'l became
one of the charter members of the Fairview
Mennonite Church. He was united in marriage
to Edith Mav Rogers on Dec. 26. 1903. Th°v
ohserved their fiftieth anniversary on Dec. 20.
1953. To this union were born 8 children. 4
sons and 4 daughters. The youngest son pre-
ceded him in death. He leaves to remember
him his companion. 7 children (Ralph. Clifford,
and Mrs. Eioise Yoder. all of Fairview: Lo's
Perry. Merrill. Mich.: Ruth and Clara Brich-
meier. N»w Lothron. Mich. : and Lloyd. Owosso.
Mich.). 21 nrandehildren. 4 brothers nnd 3 sis-
tors (Tra. Lora. John. Mrs. Lilly Miller, and
Mrs. N»ttie Esch. all of Fairview. Mich. : Jess,
rimnnell. Nebr.; and Mrs. Artie Bonrrager.
White Cloud Mich.^ and a host_ of other rela-
tives and friends. Funeral services w^ro b»M
at the Fairviow Men"onir<» Church. Feb. 2<v
conducted by Harvey Handrich and .Toe Ather-
ton. with burial in the Fairview Cemetery.
THE BOOK SHELF
BooVs r«vipw»>(t In t>m*p columns mcrv v« ordprori
'mm trr» Monnonlte Publlshtno Hons*. S'-o'Malp Pi
Simple Studies for Family Devotions, by
Keith L. Brooks; Van Kampen: Revised.
10S}; 231 pp.; $2.50.
Tf you are puzzled as to how to make fam-
ily devotions more meaningful to the smaller
children in vour family, then here is a book
that should be of considerable help. This
hook was born out of such a need in the life
of the author. Tn the preface he states that
although he had been teaching theology in
college all his life, he found himself at a loss
as to how to make the familv devotional pe-
riod meaningful to his small daughter. To
meet this need, he began to write out short,
simple comments on various Scripture pas-
sages, on a level with his child's understand-
ing. Some friends who saw these simple les
sons urged him to have them published to
help meet a similar need in other families.
The book was first published in l°-44, and as
a result of the continued demand, this revised
edition was published in 1951,
March 23, 1954
There are 154 short lessons covering the
four Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles.
In plan, the book is rather a combination of
a story of the Bible and commentary. It is
strongly Biblical throughout. Whereas most
writers tend to lean heavily upon the use of
stories in teaching children, there are surpris-
ingly few in this work, outside of the Bible
accounts themselves. Each lesson begins with
the designated Scripture in the King James
Version. In order to make the passage more
meaningful to children, the author has sim-
plified some of the words, which translation
he has enclosed in brackets. Following the
Scripture is a brief explanation and commen-
tary with a practical application.
Brooks is a fundamentalist in theology and
conservative in his presentation. However,
he is slightly Calvinistic in several places, is
a little weak in the nonresistant implications
in Matt. 5:43-48, and fails to bring out the
ordinance of feet washing in John 13. The
well-informed parent should be able to sup-
plement the needed teachings at such places.
The book is well printed, and the binding
is excellent. A textual index at the close adds
much to the value of the work. — Earl R.
Delp.
ITEMS and COMMENTS
After three years in makeshift buildings
on a hillside in Pusan, Ewha University, first
college for women in Korea, is now back on
its original campus in Seoul, only to find
windows broken, walls riddled by shots, and
all the equipment gone. Buildings have been
sufficiently repaired to make them suitable
for classes. The college has an enrollment
of 2,000 women.— D. Carl Yoder.
• • •
The Pocket Testament League has dis-
tributed over one and one-half million Gos-
pels of John in Korea in recent years. The
little orange Gospels are bringing cheer and
comfort to thousands upon thousands of
heart-hungry people who lost everything in
the war. They are also being used in Korea's
schools where textbooks had been destroyed.
Ten cents is the approximate cost of printing
and distributing one of these Korean Gos-
pels of John.
• • •
The East German Communist Govern-
ment has permitted the Evangelical Church
in Germany to resume full operation of its
railroad mission stations in the Soviet zone
of Berlin. The church maintains missions in
all larger rail depots in Germany, at which
it provides material and spiritual aid for
travelers, according to the Christian News-
ctte. These activities, however, were virtual-
ly halted last summer during the antichurch
campaign.
• • •
Since the end of World War II seventy con-
scientious objectors have appeared before
France's military tribunals and have been
punished. At present 48 are in prison.
French law gives no other status than that
March 23, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
287
of deserters to CO's, and the National As-
sembly has recently refused once more an
amnesty for any of these objectors. All have
declared religious grounds for their stand.
Most of them are Jehovah's Witnesses, and
at least one is a Catholic, and two or three
are Protestants.
# # *
In France there is one bar for every seven-
ty inhabitants, in Sweden one for every two
thousand, and in Norway one for every three
thousand.
# # #
War and the Gospel, a solid volume by
Jean Lasserre, of France, has just been pub-
jlished. The author, pastor of a proletarian
lldistrict in a mining town, has summoned
Igreat learning and broad experience of life
,to demonstrate that the Christian churches
are called by God and by humanity to break
completely with the war machine. Such a
massive argument from Christian pacifism
has never before appeared in French, and has,
moreover, no exact parallel in the English
or German.— (WP)
# * *
A French Dominican, in a new booklet en-
titled, "The Race Question in Modern
Thought," links race prejudice in origin and
development with colonial imperialism. He
says, "Any form of racism — even in modi-
ified guise — attacks the very heart of Chris-
tianity, which is love."
The fate of France's worker priests, who
by taking full-time jobs in factories have
been endeavoring to bring religion to the
French masses, has been settled by an edict
of the French hierarchy which limits their
temporal activities and emphasizes their
priesdy status. It forbids priests to hold full-
time jobs, although it does permit them to
perform a few hours of manual labor each
day. "The church," said the directive, "wishes
above all to safeguard the real mission of
priests," which gives a pretty good notion of
what the Catholic Church thinks the mission
of priests is.
• • •
The 1953 Japan Christian Yearbook re-
ports that the Catholic Church has 170,785
communicants in that country and Protes-
tants of all varieties have 234,286. The sec-
tion of this volume describing the economic
conditions in Japan was written by Carl
Kreider, on leave of absence from Goshen
College to serve as Dean of the college at
Japan International Christian University. He
describes the economic problems as center-
ing in "acute population pressure."
when they recently denied allegations of per-
secution, and said that non-Catholic foreign-
ers were guaranteed complete security when
their missions were carried out in churches
"designated for that purpose." This obvious-
ly forbids missionary work in the ordinary
sense of that term.
# # *
The Salvation Army operates 19,491 social
institutions, day schools, Red Shield clubs
and hostels, and religious centers in 85 coun-
tries and colonies, according to the organiza-
tion's 1954 International Yearbook. During
the year that ended December 31, 1952, Sal-
vation Army shelters around the globe served
over 13 million meals and provided almost
9,000 lodgings while 750,000 patients were
cared for in 100 hospitals, clinics, and dis-
The Colombian Interior Ministry has for-
bidden non-Catholics in that country to pros-
elytize or propagandize outside their places
of worship. Protestant missionaries are spe-
cifically barred from any public missionary
or education work, except for children of non-
Catholic foreigners. The Ministry's ruling
was contained in a circular letter sent to pro-
vincial governors and other authorities. The
Ministry said the brief circular constituted
the government's "final instructions" on the
subject of non-Catholic religious activity.
This explains what the government meant
pensaries. Full-time Salvation Army officers
numbering 26,000 preached the Gospel and
conducted work in 81 languages during 1952.
Their ranks were supplemented by almost
20,000 lay employees.
* # #
The cost of fueling, servicing, and keeping
one bomber in the air for four hours ($6,500)
would give a boy or girl a 4-year college ed-
ucation.— Between the Lines.
# * #
Dr. Cornelius P. Rhoads, research director
of the Memorial Center for Cancer and Al-
lied Diseases in New York, says that "the
underlying medical question is settled" — that
cigarette smoking is a grave factor in types of
(Continued on next page)
Christian
Living
the new magazine
for home and
community
now begins a heart-warming story of a
Mennonite refugee family:
BUT NOT FORSAKEN
BY HELEN GOOD BRENNEMAN
Terror, uncertainty, and the deep heartache of refugee life have been
gathered into this true-to-life, book-length story. You will not want to
miss a single chapter. But Not Forsaken begins with the April issue of
CHRISTIAN LIVING.
CHRISTIAN LIVING comes to you each month packed full of stimulating
ideas, inspirational thoughts, and worth-while activities. This family magazine
brings you articles, stories, devotional aids, and monthly feature columns to
meet the many interests and needs of a growing Christian family in any com-
munity. You will want to read every issue from cover to cover. Subscribe today.
CHRISTIAN LIVING
Circulation Department-H
Mennonite Publishing House
Scottdale, Pennsylvania
Please begin my subscription to CHRISTIAN LIVING with the
April, 1954, issue.
□ 1 year - $3.00
□ 3 years- $8.00
□ 5 years - $12.50
Name — — —
Address - —
□ Check
□ Money Order
288
GOSPEL HERALD
March 2), 1954
YOUR PUBLISHING HOUSE By A. J .Metzler, Publishing Agent
3. Finance
Our new accounting machine
The world-wide distribution, including the creation and
production of much of approximately 14,000,000 pieces of
Christian literature and related items annually, requires the
use of $1,346,090. The following is the approximate distribu-
tion of these assets: real estate, $446,828; inventories, $515,293;
machinery and equipment, $155,772; accounts receivable,
$86,528; cash, $84,274; contract receivable, $36,684; Mennon-
ite Encyclopedia and other, $20,711. This means that an
investment of nearly $10,000 is required for each worker and
that a little more than $1 capital is need for each dollar sales.
$1,003,238 of this amount belongs to the Board and House,
being largely the accumulation of earnings during the House's
46 years of service. Additional capital of $342,852 is made up
as follows: loans, $122,804; annuities and life subscriptions,
$78,920; accounts payable, $43,798; prepaid subscriptions,
$82,332; retirement and trust fund, $14,998.
The volume of sales was $1,173,172 or just $61,446 above
1952. The gain of $29,901 is $11,651 less than shown in 1952
and $54,110 less than shown in 1951. The average yearly
gain for the 10 years, 1943 to 1952, was just under $48,000.
This with an average invested capital of $880,000 meant an
approximate 5)2 per cent return. This represents a fair return
and provides sufficient additional funds for normal expansion.
On this basis our present volume of business should provide
approximately $70,000 annually. However, in addition, we
have gone to the Church for contributions for special projects
such as the foreign literature program or major building
projects.
We had never carried our prepaid subscriptions as ■
liability. These, amounting to $82,331.94, have now been set
up as such. This mainly accounts for the net worth being re-
duced by $33,688.86.
Cash annuities offer a splendid means of supporting the
Gospel literature ministry. They not only provide funds for
the expanding program, but the interest paid affords an assured
income to the investor for his lifetime. Such investments are
greatly appreciated as an aid in further liquidating the re-
maining debt on the new annex.
$ 1,300,000
1 , 200,000
1,100.000
1,000,000
900,000
800,000
700,000
600,000
500,000
400, 000
300,000
200,000
100,000
as
sets
/
-4
/
/
^"
A
*- ne
t wc
rth
4
lia
sili
t ies
1
/
A—
—r
j
«
1944 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53
lung cancer. But according to Between the
Lines, no tobacco concern has responded to
the proposal by four eminent surgeons that
the tobacco companies finance further re-
search on this problem. The tobacco com-
panies want to conduct their own research so
that they can control the results.
• • •
An archaeological exhibition from the Ho-
ly Land broke all attendance records at the
Smithsonian Institution in Washington.
More than 30,000 people saw the two -week
exhibit sponsored by the American Fund lor
Israel institutions, which featured ancient
Bible manuscripts. This considerably exceed-
ed the best previous record for a scientific
display at the museum. The exhibit will
tour several major cities.
• • •
Construction of Formosa's first Christian
university has been started by western mis-
sionaries and native Protestant church lead-
ers. Tunghai University is being backed by
the United Board for Christian Colleges in
China and the Presbyterian Church in For-
mosa. The university is expected to open in
September with about 200 first-year students.
Eventually, if the backers can raise enough
money, Tunghai will have a student body of
700.
• • •
Out of every 100 employees of the Federal
Government, exclusive of Congress and the
Courts, 52 work for the military, 20 are in
the Post Office, and 7 in the Veterans' Ad-
ministration. This leaves less than 21 per
cent for all other government activities. Thus
U.S. participation in the arms race, the cold
war, and the cost of past wars, entails the
employment of 59 men as over against 3 en-
gaged in health, welfare, housing, labor and
the TVA combined, or 3 each engaged in
agriculture, and 2 each involved in services
to commerce and industry. — Between the
Lines.
• • •
Southern Baptist giving to all causes in
1953 increased 12.4 per cent over 1952. Per
capita contributions jumped from 32.48 in
1952 to 35.36 last year. Of the total giving,
$6.14 per capita went to missions. The annual
report of the denomination shows that it is
gaining most of its new strength in cities
rather than in rural areas.
X3 IT £L Of-VDIHO
"JAV N/VYTQCOM U9t
NllN3>!cJVM V %
AUVNIW3S IVOHBio 31IN0NM3W
GOSPEL
In the defence and confirmation of the gospel" "How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace'
—TUESDAY, MARCH 30, 1954 number 13
VOLUME XLVII ■
God Is a Spirit
By Barbara F. Coffman
It happened in the primary depart-
ment at Sunday school one Sunday morn-
ing.
"Do you know, children," teacher was
saying, "God is right here with us in our
class? He hears our prayers and our
songs and even sees everything that we
do."
"You mean He's right here in this
room?" asked Ronnie, a bright little five-
year-old. And then looking carefully
around the cloakroom where the primar-
ies met, he added, "But I don't see His
hat."
"Oh, no, Ronnie. God doesn't need
a hat. He is different from men. We
can't see Him but He's here just the
same. And He can be here and at Kitch-
ner and down in Pennsylvania or over in
India or Africa all at the same time. You
see, God is a Spirit."
"Oh!" said Ronnie, nodding sagely
while his big, brown eyes sparkled with
interest.
Of course he understood. And with a
simple childish faith he accepted the fact.
A spirit realm is not difficult for a child's
mind to grasp. Nor is it difficult for
those simple, uneducated people living
close to nature whom we so glibly classify
as heathen. Constantly surrounded by
mysteries they cannot understand, spirits
to them are very real. It is only because
the One Great Spirit has not yet been
revealed to them that they remain in
the heathen class. It is the educated
mind, trained to reason in terms of the
purely physical, that has difficulty with
the concept of the spirit.
Yes, Ronnie, God is a Spirit. How do
we know? We have His word for it. He
gave it to us in inspired writing. And
more than that, He sent His own Son
from the spirit realm to tell us about that
realm and about His Father, the Great
Being who created the world and con-
trols the universe. He sent Him for an-
other purpose as well— to tell us and
show us that He loves us and that He is
our Father. He loves to have us call Him
Father.
You are older now, Ronnie. Your
ideas about God and the spirit world
have changed, for there came a time
when you discarded myths and fairy
tales and then began to wonder about
God. But a change came into your life,
the great miracle of the new birth, when
you accepted God's Son as your Saviour.
And now, as one of God's children, with
the Holy Spirit to enlighten your mind,
you accept these facts with a new faith.
To understand the things of the Spirit
requires a spiritual mind. To the natur-
al mind, Paul said, these things are fool-
ish. Men can't understand. But to us
who have experienced the change ot
heart and mind, comes a deep under-
standing of what Christ meant when He
said, "God is a Spirit: and they that
worship him must worship him in spirit
and in truth."
This great Spirit is a personal Spirit,
a Spirit that is essentially good, essential-
ly holy, and a Spirit that loves. Of course,
He has all power, else how could He
have created the world and the sun,
moon, and stars? Or how could He have
made man? How could He control the
universe? Some folks, those folks who do
not understand, claim that God is simply
a force, or a spirit of power. But power,
you know, must be centered in some-
thing. And that Something, so God has
revealed to us, is in His own Person.
Yes, God is a person, a Being. And we
can be glad that this Being is of a spirit-
ual nature, for otherwise we could have
no fellowship with Him.
You have heard people say that it
would be much easier to believe in God
if we could see Him, if He lived among
us as a human being. Why does He not
show Himself? they say. Why does He
not set up His throne as King of the
world? Suppose He did this. Suppose
He set up His throne in Jerusalem or
somewhere in America. How many peo-
ple could see Him? How often could we
speak to Him? How long would it take
before we could reach Him with a re-
quest? Or suppose He traveled from one
country to another, He could only be
at one place at a time, you know, and
it would be quite impossible for every-
one to see Him.
But as a Spirit, He is everywhere. "Do
not I fill heaven and earth?" That is a
message He gave to Jeremiah the proph-
et, and how comforting it is! He is close
to me at all times, and at the same time
He is with you. Yes, and He is with the
greatest and the lowliest of earth, with
the believer and unbeliever, the wor-
shiper and the scoffer, the saint and sin-
ner. All men are constantly in His pres-
ence, even though their eyes are blinded
and they cannot see Him.
Paul said, "In him we live and move
and have our being." That is a tremen-
dous statement. It means that we are
literally surrounded by God and that we
receive our life and energy from Him.
At the same time we are also told that He
is in us. What closer fellowship could
we have? Much closer than any human
relationship, however dear. And because
of His goodness and great love for us,
He is far more concerned about us, per-
sonally, than our dearest friend.
Yes, Ronnie, God is right here beside
us. You have only to whisper, or even to
think, and He hears.
Even though God is a Spirit, we think
of Him as having a form. And we also
think of this form as being similar to
man, for He said, "Let us make man in
our image, after our likeness." The Bi-
ble also speaks of the eyes of God, of His
face, back, heart, mouth, voice, hand,
and foot. Of course, no one has seen
God; so we won't know much about His
appearance until we see Him in all His
glory after we too have entered that
spirit world.
There is another reason why we are
thankful that God is not in human form.
Not being in the flesh He is not subject
to the weaknesses of the human flesh.
God Gives Us a Bit of Heaven
By Mary Alice H olden
God gives us a bit of heaven—
The pearly gleam of a shell,
The gold in the gates of twilight,
The jewels of night's starry spell;
The fellowship He has given
With others who love the Lord,
The care of the heavenly Father,
The grace of the incarnated Word;
The peace of the Dove that descending
Abides in our hearts by His grace;
The power and the blessing and glory
To work for the Lord in our place.
God gives us a bit of heaven,
Its peace and its heavenly fire,
To show us that heaven will answer
The whole of our hearts' desire.
Cimarron, Kans.
290
GOSPEL HERALD
March 30, 1954
Nor is He subject to the laws of the flesh
or nature which He Himself made. To
us that means that God never grows
weary. He never needs to take time off
to rest or recuperate from an illness, and
He will never die. He calls Himself the
Alpha and Omega, meaning that for
Him there was no beginning. He always
has existed and His existence will be
eternal, never coming to an end. He
very aptly stated, "I am that I am."
With His eyes which are so vastly su-
perior to human eyes in that they are
unhampered by laws of vision, He can
see throughout the courts of heaven as
well as observe the action of every being
in all parts of the earth. With His hand,
in which there is all power, He can reach
down to help needy souls in Europe,
Asia, Africa, or America, simultaneously.
His feet tread the paths of earth as well
as the vast spaces of the universe, and
His great heart is lull ol pity for the
sufferings of mankind as He watches the
futile, clumsy attempt to right his own
wrongs in spite of divine aid which is so
close at hand. But someday He will re-
veal His presence. Someday He will
again send His Son back to the earth to
rule in righteousness. And then will His
voice be heard heralding the event
throughout the world.
There is another reason, Ronnie, why
I am glad that my God is a Spirit God,
and His kingdom a spiritual kingdom.
This is a personal reason. Because He
is King over a spirit realm and I am one
of His subjects, it follows that I, too, am
a spirit being. For the present, of course,
my spirit is clothed with flesh and sub-
ject to the laws of the flesh. But He
made me a being capable of fellowship
with Him, and this fellowship is purely
a fellowship of the Spirit. The day will
come when my spirit will be freed from
the hampering restrictions of the flesh.
It will be a wonderful day when heaven
is opened to me and I can enter that glo-
rious realm of the Spirit and behold my
Maker face to face as He has promised.
But by faith I can even now enter that
realm and have fellowship with the Fa-
ther and the Son, having a foretaste of
that glorious life that is to come. Faith
is a marvelous gill given to us by God to
use while we are still in these bodies of
ours. It is a gilt of believing, believing
in the things which we cannot see with
our natural eyes, but which are, never-
theless, just as real as those things which
we can see.
Through the guidance ol the Spirit
within me, more and more ol the things
pertaining to the realm ol the Spirit are
levelled to 111c as I stmlv (.oil's W'oul.
And daily my spirit can soar into the
realm of the infinite, and in faith I can
meet my God as I enter His holy Pres-
ence in prayer. He who is Spirit has said
unto me— and unto you, "Walk in the
Spirit."
Vineland, Ont.
Killing Time
By Jonas Christner
Did you ever hear anyone talk about
killing time? I have. It always did haunt
me when people barter away this price-
less commodity. It is a most precious
and sacred gilt we have from our Lord-
time. How do we spend it?
Minutes and hours are our currency
to trade off for our own selfish fritterings
or to wisely invest in bringing joy, lite,
and the light of the Christian way to
others. Wiih this precious substance we
are either building our future tor a glo-
rious eternity with our Creator or we
are wasting it to our own destruction
and misery. This will not only affect us
but it will affect the throng with whom
we come in contact every day.
Time is not our own, in the sense of
being a possession, but it is our atmos-
phere, like the air surrounding us. All
other raw materials put into our hands
from which to fashion an existence must
be used in time.
Do we have a time-consciousness so
that we daily try to budget our twenty-
lour hours? Do too many trivial things
claim our mind and attention? Are we
spendthrifts on inconsequentials in
thought life, reading, or doing? Have
we learned the art ot saving this posses-
sion which is loaned to us? Are we
banking it so that it will bring us the
fullest enjoyment, not only here but in
eternity? The great souls of ages past
were spacious, unhurried saints. Having
chosen pearls of great price they exclud-
ed the less importants. They wisely
banked and used their allotted time.
Because of this we today have a wonder-
ful heritage. We are enjoying the fruits
of their labor.
If we are the children of God, we must
walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as
wise. We must look around and take
advantage of the best opportunities now.
for they will never pass our way again.
We would redeem our allotted time be-
cause ol the evil which is so prevalent.
We would want to buy up and make the
most of our time so that Cod's kingdom
on earth will remain in those who follow
after us. We should count this as a
sac ted pr iv ilege. We would be anxious
Our Readers Say-
... A brief note on the value of your paper
and its publicity. A Mennonite bishop saw the
schedule, urged his daughter to attend at Palo
Alto. Calif. She did. The Lord blessed her.
A father from Michigan urged his son to at-
tend the Christian Businessmen's dinner in San
Francisco. He did and was greatly refreshed.
Another from Indiana saw the schedule, urged
his son and daughter to attend. They will now
stay in the fellowship of the church.
A brother urged a friend to attend; he
traveled 75 miles and was spiritually refreshed.
These are but a few of many that could be
given. The space is valuable, but the results
have eternal moment. — C. F. Derstine, Kitch-
ener, Ont.
* * *
... I suggest that the column "Our Readers
Say — " be discontinued. I conclude that such a
column requires the editor to print everything
that writers want to say, in order that he be free
from the guilt of preferring one before another,
and partiality. The column gives occasion for
expression, open to all, and too often there
appear to be evidences of unwise debates and
backbiting. "These things ought not so to be."
Let's have a better column. — F. F. Bontrager,
Clare, Mich.
TThe editor uses his best judgment as to what
should and should not appear in this column.J
to place the gift of time in God's bank,
for there it will yield big dividends and
draw large interest rates for us and the
generations who follow. Only when we
learn to wisely buy and use God's gift of
time to us— only in that sense will we
become wise and understand what die
will of the Lord is. Eph. 5:15-17.
Let us wisely invest and reinvest this
currency of time where it will bring the
most and best benefits to others as well
as ourselves. We are aware of the vast-
ness of time, but in the light of eternity
it is hardly noticeable. It is only a speck,
but it is what we do with it that counts.
The centuries have passed. The pano-
rama of the ages is now history. Here
we stand in the latter part of die twen-
tieth century. We are history in the
making. The formation of diat history
will affect lives which are yet unborn, if
the Lord tarries. We are a mere flash on
the sea of eternity, yet the Scripture re-
minds us that God hath set eternity in
their (our) hearts. Do we live as it we
are linked with die great eternal pur-:
pose of God? If we do, time isn't to bei
"killed." It is to be invested wisely and1
used with a meaningful purpose to en-j
rich the lives of others as well as out
own. "Then shall the earth yield herl
increase; and God, even our own Godj
shall bless us" (Ps. 67:6).
Fort Wayne, lad.
GOSPEL HERALD
ItTAULIlHID 10oa AS SUCCESSOR TO GOSPEL WITNESS IISOSI AND HERALD OP TRUTH (1864)
PAUL ERB. EDITOR JOHN L. HORST. MILLARD C. L1ND. CONSULTING EDITORS LEVI C. HARTZLER. MISSIONS EDITOR
THI OOIPIL HERALD IS A RELIalous WEEKLY rulLIINID IN THI IHTIMITI OP TMI MENNONITE CHURCH BY THI MKNNONITK PUBLICATION BOARD. SCOT T DALE. PA.
ENTERED AS SECOND CLASS MATTER IN ISOS AT THE POST OPPICE AT BCOTTO ALE . PA., UNDER AOT OP MARCH 1, I ST* SUBSCRIPTION PRICE SS.OO PER YEAR, THREE YEARS
IN ADVANCE. SS.OO, PIVE YEARS IN ADVANCE. (11. SO SAMPLE COPIES SENT PRE E ON REQUEST SEND ALL MATERIAL POR PUBLICATION TO OOIPIL HERALD, SCOTTOALE, PA.
March 30, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
291
EDITORIAL
Political Neutrality
Many people we know belong perma-
nently to one political party. Perhaps
they inherited their preference, or came
to it because of the social or economic
jclass to which they belonged. Sometimes
ht is based on historic factors long since
{meaningless. They are Republicans just
(because they are; they are Democrats
•because their family always has been
Democratic.
All of us, unless we are those unfortu-
nate few without a country, hold citizen-
ship in some nation. We are happy to
jhold, or to have a right to, a passport.
tWe have some degree of patriotism
jwhich makes us glad to be loyal to our
igovernment. We incline to feel that our
country is better than others, and, in
•case of difference or dispute that our
cause is right.
I We need to remind ourselves how
iutterly neutral our Lord Jesus was on
jpolitical matters. He belonged to the
subject Jewish race, and lived under the
iRoman government without rights of
'citizenship. There was plenty of politi-
cal protest in His day, and there were
;many abuses against which He might
have been an agitator. But His methods
|of teaching and working were nonpoliti-
Ical. He had more to say against the
•spiritual coldness of His own people
than against the Roman tyranny. He
announced a kingdom that cut across all
racial and national lines. He proclaimed
'spiritual realities which are universal,
and truth which judges wrong wherever
it occurs. The Son of Man was political-
ly neutral because He had a spiritual
calling and dynamic which kept Him
above all partisanship. The one who
:|came to redeem all men could not hold
a brief for any one class, party, or nation.
The early church likewise, because it
was Christian, did not descend to mere
political loyalties and activities. The
apostles and their followers were pro-
claiming the eternal kingdom of God;
they had no time for lesser spheres and
interests. The social and economic mat-
ters they discussed derived from the
divine will, not from political prejudice
or expediency.
Through the centuries the church de-
parted far from this pattern. The state
and the church actually became identi-
fied, and they remain so in many coun-
tries, so that prime ministers appoint
bishops, and legislative bodies pro-
nounce on Christian doctrine. The
church is often thought of as belonging
to some race or class. It is considered
anti-labor, or anti-colored, or anti-social.
People in eastern countries think of the
church as Western, as the white man's
church. In its attitude to social change
the church is often thought to be for the
status quo, for "conservative" as opposed
to "liberal" ideas.
It is most unfortunate that these things
are nearly enough true that multitudes
believe them. The work of the church is
greatly hindered throughout the world
by its identification with anything less
than the true Gospel of Christ. We have
come to the place where we cannot de-
fend the church as such, for its teachings
and practices are so often contrary to
the Gospel of salvation and love. The
Gospel sits in judgment on the modern
church, and again and again condemns
it for its failure to live and teach accord-
ing to the pattern set by Christ and the
apostles. Christians in our dechristian-
ized society are often influenced more by
society than they are by the Gospel.
True Christians today who live by
their religion rather than by their cul-
ture often refrain from any participation
in politics. They feel that a Christian
position would be compromised, no mat-
ter what party they support or what
candidate they vote for. They themselves
do not want to hold office or engage in
political lobbying because that would be
a diversion from the main Christian busi-
ness of working for spiritual renewal.
Some would even go so far as to lose all
interest in current affairs. Though one
need not, we think should not, go that
far, there is much to be said for complete
political abstention.
If the Christian does participate in
political action at all, he must do it on
high principle. He must stand for right
and truth on the basis of Biblical princi-
ples, and not on traditional party lines.
It is sickening to see legislators who
should be statesmen voting, not on the
merits of issues, but with party elections
in view. It is disturbing to hear that
Mennonites are predominantly Republi-
cans. It would be just as disturbing to
hear that they are chiefly Democrats. If
they vote at all, or express political opin-
ions at all, they should be governed by
Christian truth, and not by party policies
and traditions. Any voting Christian will
have to be an independent, giving his
support to the just cause and the Chris-
tian attitude.
True Christians have a love which
leaps over all boundary lines. They can-
not favor their own economic and social
class as against others. They cannot par-
ticipate in nor condone any kind of dis-
crimination, whether it be racial, social,
or national. Their sympathy and under-
standing is broad enough to include all
men.
True Christians are opposed to com-
munism, not because it is promoted by
Russia, nor because it is a military threat,
nor because it might upset our comfort-
able economic order. They oppose it be-
cause it rejects God and Christ and the
Bible. They see that a godless western
democracy is headed for the same de-
struction and judgment that communism
is, and refuse to be swallowed up by
either. They see that those Christian
people who get all lathered up in a fight
against communism are being diverted
from the true Christian enterprise of pre-
senting the Gospel to men.
Many Christians in speaking of the
future judgments of God upon wicked
nations find it hard to stay neutral. The
Antichrist is Italian or German or Rus-
sian, never American or British. At
Armageddon their own country will be
on the side of God against His enemies.
Just now they are saying it is commu-
nism, not an equally selfish capitalism,
which will call down the wrath of God
upon it.
Even with the small readership of the
Gospel Herald, this editorial will prob-
ably be read by citizens of the United
States, Canada, Argentina, Holland, Ger-
many, Switzerland, France, Jordan, and
India, among others. We are trying to
think how it will sound to all of those.
Can we rise above our little provincial-
isms of thought and action into the free
atmosphere of the true church of God,
keeping free from the cramped ideas and
less-than-Christian loyalties which keep
us from the universal fellowship of the
redeemed, sanctified children of God?
Even here on earth we can, by God's
grace, get a vision which puts political
and social partisanship far below us.— E.
292
GOSPEL HERALD
March 30, 1954
The Revelation of Jesus Christ
By J. L. Stauffer
}o. The Seventh Vial. Rev. i6:ij-2i
The seventh vial is poured out in the
air. There is a great voice that comes out
of the temple in heaven saying: "It is
done." Under the seventh trumpet we
were told that the "Mystery of God is
finished." It would appear that these
statements are related. Whatever the
significance of these statements may be,
it is evident that we are nearing the close
of the age and unusual events are taking
place.
The same phenomena as recorded un-
der the seventh seal and the seventh
trumpet are repeated, but they are in-
tensified. The earthquake is sufficient to
cause the cities of the nations to fall.
May this be the earthquake that is pre-
dicted in Zech. 14:4, 5?
The further description suggests an
upheaval of the earth and a change
among the islands. It is God's wrath
upon a wicked generation and He has
predicted that the earth shall "reel to
and fro as a drunken man" (Isa. 24:20).
Mystery Babylon comes into remem-
brance before God. The fall of Babylon
was announced in 14:8, but the full de-
scription will be found in the paren-
thesis following this portion.
A Message from John to Us
By Orrie D. Yoder
He came unto his own.— John 1:11.
As my Father hath sent me, even so
send I you.— John 20:21.
Perhaps no writer of our Bible speaks
so intimately and so tenderly of divine
mercy and love to our needy human
hearts as does the writer of the Gospel
of John. If Jesus Christ spake "as never
man spake," so perhaps the message of
him who lay on the "bosom" of the Son
of God, as of no other writer of Scrip
ture, conveys to us the vital and intimate
love of God to lost mankind.
Inasmuch as our Sunday-school les-
sons lor a lew months have been taken
from the Gospel of John, may we with
humble and open minds let the Holy
Spirit manifest to us and through us to
others some new manifestations of this
"everlasting love" (Jer. 31:8), both ;is to
its power, purpose, and extent.
It is well to note that John's compos-
ite picture of Christ, 1 1 is incarnation and
glory, embraces his Gospel story, his
epistles, and the Revelation. As all ol
these were written late in his life, and
a few decades after Christ's life on earth,
his Gospel story is a retrospective pic
ture of Jesus Christ coming into the
world "unto his own," the Jews. As
Christ came to "his own," so John wrote
to "his own." Even alter the Jews as a
nation had rejected Christ, John writes
to Jews, and to others, in behalf of any,
or all, who would receive Him.
Well can we afford in this day of ra-
cial discrimination and of growing anti-
Semitism to ask ourselves how often we
have embraced and made our own the
precious truths of John's Gospel, but
have ungratefully and absolutely failed
to recognize any debt or obligation to
this "chosen race" through whom it
came, of whom this great writer was a
faithful member. This unique portrait
of divine love was given to us by "a de-
spised Jew," and yet we can hardly love
the Jew today.
How is it, dear reader, that the God
whom we profess to serve gave to us His
Son incarnate in Jewish flesh, and that
the Holy Spirit chose the heart of a
pious Jew to write this marvelous story
of divine love to us, and to all the world,
yet we today neglect to see, or despise to
give, God's everlasting love to the mil-
lions of Jewish souls around us, and in
the world today? If Love divine gave
God's Son, first to "his own," do we, as
we profess, really know such love if we
have not an earnest desire to show this
great love to needy Israel today?
If the setting of the Gospel of John is
that of "the land" of the "chosen peo-
ple," and if the truth given to us in it is
clothed in Jewish figures and doctrines
so precious and so illuminating, how
dare we shun the great debt we owe to
Israel today? If Christ our Lord was a
Jew who could come to no other place,
or people, not even to Rome, or to the
Romans, though they ruled the world in
that day, but to "his own," can we ask
God to bless our lesson studies in John,
if we will not today "pray for the peace
of Jerusalem" and her needy people (Ps.
122:6), and if we today are not willing
to be sent, as was Christ, to "his own,"
whether they live around us, or as they
are being gathered home out of Gentile
lands, deeply hungering for new Gospel
light and truth?
John's Gospel depicts Jesus Christ
coming chiefly to three groups of peo-
ple: "the Jews," "the multitudes," ami
"his disciples." Only a few Gentile
threads are woven into the picture, oth-
erwise all these are Jews. How dare
we Gentiles today revel in such rich
"Jewish" blessings from God, claim them
;is our own, seek to dispense them to
other Gentiles, but seriously fail to seek
with all our heart to give them to the
"chosen people" of whom came our
Christ, and through whom they have
been so graciouslv given to us!
Jesus said. "It is more blessed to give
than to receive." But why do we try to
make ourselves believe it is more blessed
to receive than to give?
The early church glorified God that
He "also to the Gentiles granted repent-
ance" (Acts 11:18V But seemingly today
we have changed the Scripture, and glory
that Gcxl gives repentance unto the Gen-
tiles instead of the Jews.
Picture again Christ coming to "his
It Happened —
TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO
(From Gospel Herald, March 21, 1929)
Bro. D. W. Maust, deacon of the con-
gregation at Springs, Pa., answered the
roll call of the eternal world on March
14.
[Parnell, Iowa] We have had two
months of solid winter and good sleigh-
ins, but there are a few evidences of
spring.
(From Gospel Herald, March 28, 1929)
Sisters Selena Gamber and Vera Hall-
man arrived at New York from South
America, on March 17. They are on
their first furlough.
Broken Bow, Nebr., is the place where
a new settlement of Mennonites has
been found during the past few years.
It is situated about eighty miles north-
west of Wood River.
own" (chapters 1—12) and His marvel-
ous love to those who "received him
not." But to "as many as received him,"
Jew, and also Gentile, from then until
now, He bequeathed the divine rights of
His infinite love! John 1:12. To His
disciples He drew very near. To the re-
jecting Jews, Jesus warned of the com-
ing deceiver. 5:43; Dan. 8. As to the
future of these indestructible but then
Christ-rejecting people, John gives to
us in his Revelation our present duty of
Jewish evangelization (Rev. 3:7-9) and
the great plan of God for "his own" peo-
ple when He will again turn to them in
the coming days.
Jesus came from the Father in love to
"his own." He has said, "As my Father
hath sent me, even so send I you"
(20:21). Just as Jesus came to Jerusalem.
Judea, and Samaria, so we are to go to-
day (Acts 1:7) and on into all the world.
"And lo. I am with you alway." May we
not merely consent to such a plan, but
may we be sharers with our Christ as He
in love came to "his own," and for all the
world.
Del Paso Heights. Calif.
Final Standard
Mother was trying to get eight-year-old
Mary to learn her Sundav-school lesson.
At length she took her Bible from the
bureau and said, "Come, Mary, I will
help you learn your lesson, and then you
may go back to vour play."
"All right. Mother, but let us study it
out of Grandfather's Bible. It is much
more interesting than yours."
"Oh, no, Mary! They are exactly
alike."
"Well. I think Grandfather's must be
more interesting than yours; he reads it
so much more."— Selected.
March 30, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
293
The Unveiled G
By John
// Cor.
But we all, with open face beholding
as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are
changed into the same image from glory
to glory, even as by the Spirit of the
Lord.-II Cor. 3:18.
I. Introductory
Moses had a wonderful experience
with God when he received the tables of
the law. The first tables were "the work
of God, and the writing was the writing
of God, graven upon the tables" (Ex.
32:16). When Moses broke these tables
in his hot anger at the sight of the people
worshiping the golden calf which Aaron
had made for them while Moses was on
the mount, God directed Moses to make
two more tables like unto the first. On
these two new tables God again wrote
the words of the law as they were on the
first. Ex. 34:1. God had spoken to Moses
and had assured him of His willingness
to accept the people again after their
great sin and make them His people.
Ex. 33:1-17. There was a glory that be-
came manifest after Moses had talked
with God for forty days and forty nights.
As he carried the tables of stone upon
which God had written, he did not know
that he had a shining face. Ex. 34:29.
Because of the people's fear, Moses put a
veil upon his face till he had finished
speaking to them. But when he went
into the tabernacle to speak before the
Lord, he took the veil off till he came out
again. Then he put the veil on again.
In our text (II Cor. 3:18) the Apostle
Paul is revealing to the Corinthians that
there is a greater glory in the present
Christian era than was found in the time
of Moses. II Cor. 3:7-11. That glory
required a veil because they were not
permitted to see "the end," when the cov-
enant with Israel would pass away to give
place to the glorious time when the Holy
Spirit would minister to those who be-
lieve, and have God's law written upon
the hearts instead of simply on stones.
II Cor. 3:3.
God's law on tables, of stone and writ-
ten on parchments with ink was called
a "ministration of death" (3:7), because
it could only reveal what God required,
and how far short man was of fulfilling
God's will. It could only bring condem-
nation to fallen humanity, without giv-
ing him the power to deliver himself
from guilt and its penalties. It was the
ministration of death. Cf. Rom. 7:9-24
with II Cor. 3:6, 7. But if we read, care-
fully, the Old Testament in the light of
our present ministration of the Spirit,
the veil of darkness will be taken away.
//. The Greater Glory (II Cor. 3:2, 8, 16)
When the Spirit of God, through the
Word of God, brings about the miracle
of the divine nature imparted to the
lory of the Lord
R. Shank
y. 1-4:18
human heart (cf. Heb. 8:10; 10:16; II
Pet. 1:3, 4), then there is an illumination
which reveals the things of God to us as
cannot be revealed while without this
experience. The Israelites, who refused
Christ, had a veil upon their hearts when
they read the Old Testament. But when
they turned to the Lord, the veil was
taken away. "Now we have received,
not the spirit of the world, but the spirit
which is of God; that we might know
the things that are freely given to us of
God. Which things also we speak, not
in the words which man's wisdom teach-
eth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth;
comparing spiritual things with spirit-
ual" (I Cor. 2:12, 13). Turning to the
imagery of our text we can realize the
blessed vision that we receive of the face
of the Lord Jesus: "But we all, with open
We are all conscious of faults and
failings in ourselves; and yei we
expect the other fellow to be
perfect.
face [unveiled face] beholding as in a
glass the glory of the Lord, are changed
into the same image from glory to glory,
even as by the Spirit of the Lord." Hu-
man imaginations by the artists have
sought to make pictures of Jesus. They
may be able, through some conceptions
of His character, to make a shadow that
expresses some features of Him. But we
have a glass, or mirror, in the work oi
the Spirit through His Word in our
hearts, that reveals the true glory that
no human hand has ever been able to
picture. And that imagery is the mira-
cle of God, which comes alone from the
shining face of Jesus (by the Spirit),
clearing the vision of hearts that are
opened. "For God, who commanded the
light to shine out of darkness, hath
shined in our hearts, to give the light of
the knowledge of the glory of God in
the face of Jesus Christ" (II Cor. 4:6).
Just as the image of the sun shines in the
mirror, so the image of Jesus reflects the
light of His glorious character in our
hearts.
The Apostle Paul must have seen it
in the countenance and the calm behav-
ior of Stephen when the Sanhedrin had
arrested him and demanded an answer
to the accusations which false witnesses
had spoken against him. "And all that
sat in the council, looking stedfastly on
him, saw his face as it had been the face
of an angel" (Acts 6:15). These men
veiled their hearts when they rejected
the message which Stephen brought to a
climax in the words: "Ye stiffnecked and
uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do
always resist the Holy Ghost: as your
fathers did, so do ye" (Acts 7:51). It is
"the light of the . . . glory of God in the
face of Jesus Christ" that shines in God's
children and to whom He says, "Ye are
the light of the world" (Matt. 5:14-16).
John knew this truth when he wrote, "If
we say that we have fellowship with him,
and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not
the truth: but if we walk in the light, as
he is in the light, we have fellowship one
with another, and the blood of Jesus
Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin"
(I John 1:6, 7).
The glory of the light of Jesus' face
increases in those who keep their hearts
"open." They are "changed into the
same image from glory to glory, even as
by the Spirit of the Lord" (II Cor. 3:18).
John also revealed the same truth of
the increasing view, when he said, "Be-
loved, now are we the sons of God, and
it doth not yet appear what we shall be:
but we know that, when he shall appear,
we shall be like him; for we shall see
him as he is" (I John 3:2). Daniel re-
vealed the glory of the perfect end of
God's wise ones when he said, "And they
that be wise shall shine as the brightness
of the firmament; and they that turn
many to righteousness as the stars for
ever and ever" (Dan. 12:3). John also
sensed that glory when the Spirit gave
him to write, "And they shall see his
face; and his name shall be in their fore-
heads" (Rev. 22:4).
III. Getting the True Vision of
Jesus' Glory
We need to take the veil off so that the
full light of the glory of the Lord may
shine into our hearts. The veil of a hard-
ened heart will obscure the vision of
Jesus. "But if our gospel be hid, it is
hid to them that are lost: in whom the
god of this world hath blinded the minds
of them which believe not, lest the light
of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is
the image of God, should shine unto
them" (II Cor. 4:3, 4). It had been hid-
den from Saul of Tarsus. But when he
was fallen down before the great light of
the presence of Jesus from heaven, he
was ready to renounce "the hidden
things of dishonesty, not walking in
craftiness, nor handling the word of God
deceitfully; but by manifestation of the
truth commending ourselves to every
man's conscience in the sight of God"
(II Cor. 4:2). The veil of prejudiced
thinking must be surrendered before the
manifestation of truth. Resistance of the
truth, made plain by words illuminated
by the Spirit, is sure to bring a darkened
understanding. Thus a veil is placed
upon the heart. "Because they received
not the love of the truth, that they might
be saved. And for this cause God shall
send them strong delusion, that they
should believe a lie: that they all might
be damned who believed not the truth,
but had pleasure in unrighteousness"
(II Thess. 2:10b-12). "For this people's
heart is waxed gross, and their ears are
294
GOSPEL HERALD
March 30, 1954
dull of hearing, and their eyes have they
closed; lest at any time they should see
with their eyes, and hear with their ears,
and should understand with their heart,
and should be converted, and I should
heal them" (Matt. 13:15). The Lord is
ready to reveal Himself to the heart that
is responsive to the truth-" with open
face [heart] beholding" -honestly receiv-
ing; honestly repenting of our past sin
and dishonesty; honestly willing to obey
all the light that is revealed! "Let us
draw near with a true heart in full as-
surance of faith, having our hearts
sprinkled from an evil conscience, and
our bodies washed with pure water"
(Heb. 10:22). "If any man will do his
will, he shall know of the doctrine,
whether it be of God, or whether I speak
of myself" (John 7:17). "How can ye
believe, which receive honour one of an-
other, and seek not the honour that com-
eth from God only" (John 5:44)?
Our vision of Jesus is not a vision with
our natural eye. "Eye hath not seen,
nor ear heard, neither hath entered into
the heart of man, the things which God
hath prepared for them that love him.
But God hath revealed them unto us by
his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all
things, yea, the deep things of God" (I
Cor°2:9, 10). "While we look not at the
things which are seen, but at the things
which are not seen: for the things which
are seen are temporal; but the things
which are not seen are eternal" (II Cor.
4:18). We have inner eyes that illumi-
nate the heart and open to us things to
see that belong to the eternal world. It
is with these inner eyes of the inner man
that we see the glory that is in the face of
our blessed Lord by which we are "trans-
formed into the same image from glory
to glory." As the heavenly light shines
into our hearts, it is our privilege to re-
ceive it with a willing heart and allow its
rays of spiritual light to reveal the Son
of God in us and to fit us to grow in His
likeness and to show the glory of that
light in the midst of a crooked and per-
verse nation, till we have run our course
and are prepared to enjoy the greater
glory of the heavenly state.
There's a beautiful, beautiful land,
Tis the home of the blest;
Where with Jesus, a glorified band,
They forever shall rest.
In that land is the city of light,
Bright and fair we are told:
All its mansions are dazzling and white,
And its streets are of gold.
There's no need of the sun in that land,
For the Lamb is its light ;
And He sits at His Father's right hand,
Crowned with glory and might.
Oh, how glorious and sweet it must be,
In that peaci Eul abode ;
Where from sm and from misery free,
We shall dwell with our God.
— H. 13. Brcnneman.
Versailles, Mo.
Our task is not to condemn darkness,
but uphold light.— Andrew Shelly.
The Other Side of the Cheap
Dollar
By Milo Kauffman
How often we hear complaints about
the cheap dollar! The dollar just doesn't
go very iar any more. It won't do much
tor us. But did we ever try to look at it
from the dollar's side? Could the dollar
speak, it might weil say, "People won't
do much tor me any more. 1 ime was
when a man would gladly work a full
day for me. Now many would remain
idle rather than work an hour for me.
Many will work only twenty or thirty
minutes in exchange for me. A quarter
century ago a farmer would give twenty-
five pounds of pork on the hoof for me,
but now will hardly give four pounds.
He would then give tour busnels of
wheat, but now he will give scarcely a
halt bushel. If people would only do
more for me, I could do more tor them."
Yes, it is true that a dollar won't do
much tor us, because we won't do much
for the dollar. Not until we are willing
to do more for the dollar will the dollar
do more for us. Isn't that true of many
other things in life? We complain about
not receiving enough, but how much are
we giving? With wiiat measure we mete
it is measured to us again. It we give, it
will be given us. Some feel the church
isn't doing enough lor them, but what
are they doing tor the church? If we did
more for the church, it could in turn do
more tor us. Or, we may feel that the
ministers are not doing enough tor us,
but what are we doing lor them? They
would be able to do more tor us if we
would do more for them.
How God would like to do more for
us, if we would but do more tor Him!
He says, "If my people, which are called
by my name, shall humble themselves,
and pray, and seek my tace, and turn
from their wicked ways; then will I hear
from heaven, and will forgive their sin,
and will heal their land'' (II Chron.
7:14). If God's people would do more
for Him, He could do more for them.
"Bring ye all the tithes into the store-
house, mat there may be meat in mine
house, and prove me now herewith, saith
the Lord 01 hosts, if I will not open the
windows of heaven, and pour you out a
blessing, that there shall not be room
enough to receive it." Certainly, God is
waiting to do more for us, it we will but
do more for Him.
Jesus look upon Himself the form ol
a servant. He did more lor the Father
and lor mankind than anyone else ever
did. " Wherefore God also hath highly
exalted him, and given him a name
which is above every name." The Father
never could have done so much for the
Son had not the Son done so much for
the Father and lor mankind.
Man is so stupidl He brags at having
received ten dollars' worth tor only eight
dollars. He thinks it is smart to drive a
sharp bargain. He wants ten dollars for
eight dollar's worth of work. Can we not
see that in doing this we are making a
deficit? The books just can't balance
that way. We are making it impossible
for society to do for us what it would
like to do.
An Academy President once said, "If
you will watch carefully in life, you will
see that those who want six dollars for
five dollars of work will never get ahead,
but those who are willing to do six dol-
lars of work for five dollars will always
advance." Yes, we limit the services that
society can do for us by doing so little
for society.
What can be done for us in the great
day of reckoning will depend on what
we have done for Christ and for others.
To those on the right hand the Judge
will say, "Come, ye blessed of the Father,
inherit the kingdom prepared for you."
The Judge is able to do great things for
them, because they did so much for
Christ, as they did it to others. But those
who did nothing for others can have
nothing done for them.
Hesston, Kans.
The Benediction
By Kenneth J. Weaver
"We will now call on Bro. Miller to
pronounce the benediction," said our
pastor as we finished the final song which
lollowed the morning message. As Bro.
Miller arose, the congregation did like-
wise. Some began to gather their be-
longings and prepare to leave the service
and otners were putting away their song-
books while Bro. Miller was repeating
the oft-heard phrases. To some it meant
that at this point the service was formal-
ly closed, while to others it was a pro-
nouncement of blessing. Far too raanv
of them were using the time to prepare
to leave or think about what they would
do alter the "Amen" was pronounced.
Often we have been guilty of criticiz-
ing the "popular" churches for having
fallen into the rut of formality with little
meaning to their worship services. One
must wonder as he sits in one of their
services. As a part of their worship they
with their pastor repeat a prayer each
Sunday morning confessing their sins
and asking God for forgiveness. We
know that many who participate know
nothing or very little ot the meaning of
sin and live lives full of selfish pride.
I say that we often criticize them for
having lost the meaning of that which
did and still could hold the basic truths
of Christianity. However, as Christ has
told us, before we judge we should first
be certain we do not have a "beam" in
our own eyes.
What does the benediction mean to
you? Why is it in our services? Where
does it originate? Let us look at the
answers to these questions and see the
true meaning so that we may be able to
participate in this part of the worship of
our services.
March 30, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
295
A Prayer for This Week
O Prince of Peace, today may the
borders of Thy kingdom be extended by
the Mennonite Church. Make small wars
cease within her membership. Where
there is rivalry, disrespect, and unlove,
do Thou cleanse and forgive.
Today do Thou prosper the activities
of the Executive Committee of General
Conference, the relief and charitable
agencies, the home and foreign mission
program, the Jewish work, the evangel-
istic work, the publishing interests of
the church. Be with those who instruct
youth in the homes, Sunday schools,
and church schools.
For the aged and ill who labor valiant-
ly in their prayer closets, for those who
witness consistently as good Christian
neighbors, for those who function long
and late on sundry committees, for
those who sew, for those who spend
years in tedious study and research, for
those who give altruistically— bless and
enrich Thy kingdom through them.
Grant, dear Lord, that among all of
these there may grow a deep pervading
love and an appreciation for each other's
contribution to Thy total program.
Teach us co-operation and helpfulness.
Banish competition. Make us realize
that the individual cause we champion
is ever of minor significance compared
with love and unity and peace within
the brotherhood— else how shall men
know that we are Thy disciples? In
Christ's name. Amen.
—Martha B. Nafziger.
The meaning that is commonly at-
tached to the benediction is that of a
pronouncement of blessing. Therefore
that final prayer is a word of blessing.
The most common form of blessing that
we know is the invoking of divine favor
upon a person or an undertaking. The
minister then is calling on God to place
something special— something divine in
our lives.
In surveying the benedictions that are
used in our services, which are taken
from the Word of God, we find many
fall right in line with the idea of bless-
ing in our lives. We find them in the
closing words of many of the New Tes-
tament books. While the majority of the
Epistles of Paul are closed with a prayer
that "the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ
be with you," there are some which have
longer forms, which are the ones used
today in public worship.
Basically benedictions are made up of
the same type of material. In the first
part note is made of God, Christ, or the
Holy Spirit or of all three, as in II Cor.
13:14. Then a characteristic or attribute
of God is often given or one of His great
works toward men— especially redeemed
men. Paul in II Thess. 3:16 speaks of
the "Lord of peace" while the writer of
Hebrews speaks of the "God of peace"
and then adds that He brought us from
the dead, also of "Jesus, that great shep-
herd of the sheep" (Heb. 13:20). Peter,
in closing his first epistle, refers to the
"God of all grace," mentioning also the
fact of redemption. I Pet. 5:10, 11. It
can easily be seen then that in each pro-
nouncement it is made clear to whom
the plea is addressed and the credentials
are also given. It is the God of love and
grace and He who has redeemed us from
sin that is being implored. This alone
should give us confidence in life.
Then in each benediction, special di-
vine favors are requested on our behalf.
The most common request is that grace
be given to us from God. Paul, in the
Corinthian letter, requests also God's
Day of Small Things
By Helen Baker Adams
A feather from a redbird's wing,
His sudden carol, made me start !
Then morning laughter lilted by
To lighten my unwilling heart.
My violet has a first pink bud ;
The postman rang the bell.
God filled today with little things
And made my faith get well!
Wapella, 111.
love, and in Thessalonians he asks for
divine peace for the Christian reader.
The writer of Hebrews pleads with God
that he "make us perfect in every good
work ... to do his will" and also that
we may do what is pleasing in Christ's
sight. In simple words, it is asking God
to give us strength to live the victorious
Christian life while in this world.
Peter's request is one that can best be
directed to those who are suffering for
Christ. His prayer is that God may
through our suffering make us "perfect
. . . stablish, strengthen, and settle" us.
What more could we ask that God do
for us than to help us on through life?
Therefore as our pastor "pronounces
the benediction" he may be pleading to
our loving God and Saviour to bless and
strengthen our weaknesses that we may
attain perfection in Him. Should we not
therefore be aware of what is being
prayed at that time and not become in-
terested in other things about us? One
must doubt whether God will answer
the pastor's prayer in the life of the one
who does not listen to the prayer being
offered.
However, upon further investigation,
we find another meaning for the verb
"to bless." It can also mean "to praise"
and as we look at the most commonly
used benediction in our services, we see
it is purely praise to God. Jude 24, 25.
Prayer Requests —
(Requests for this column must be signed)
Pray for a middle-aged man who is in
trouble, but scorns the idea of needing
to seek God.
A young minister requests prayers that
God's will may be done in the affairs
and work of his conference.
Pray that Christ may have His way in
the lives of several families in Luxem-
bourg who seem to be open to the
truth.
Pray for the testimony of the Mennonite
Hour, which has one million listen-
ers a week.
Pray for Andre, our young brother in
Belgium, who faces a possible prison
sentence for refusal of military service.
Pray for one who feels that the cost of
yielding to God in the giving up of the
lodge is too great.
Jude, in closing his writing, exhorts the
saints to contend for the faith and con-
cludes with a great note of praise to God.
He also sets forth the great work that
God is doing for the saints now. "Now
unto him that is able to keep you from
falling, and to present you taultless" is
a truth that should thrill the Christian
each time he thinks of it. It is for this
promise that we can earnestly praise
God, as well as for "the only wise God
our Saviour." Jude closes by giving to
this great God of ours all "glory and
majesty, dominion and power." In sing-
ing our praise to God, Jude is submit-
ting himself and his life to the lordship
of Christ.
As our pastor "pronounces the bene-
diction" from Jude, he is leading us in
giving forth a final word of praise to
God before the worship service is ended.
However, it is not praise from our indi-
vidual hearts unless we within ourselves
are praying the same words and adding
our own "Amen" to that of the pastor.
When we fully realize the meaning and
place of the benediction in our services,
we will be more reverent and actually
put ourselves into prayer as divine bless-
ing is being invoked upon us or a final
word of praise is being uttered.
Charlottesville, Va.
There is something disarming— wheth-
er in a family quarrel or in an interna-
tional situation— resulting from a will-
ingness to explore the other person's
point of view.— Charles Sawyer.
296
GOSPEL HERALD
March 30, 1954
OUR SCHOOLS
MENNONITE HOSPITAL AND
SCHOOL OF NURSING NEWS
Arlene Sitler, who served as field repre-
sentative and business manager for the La
Junta Mennonite School of Nursing from
April, 1951, to September, 1952, stopped in
La Junta on January 24 en route to a new as-
signment in Korea.
A student nurse quartet composed of Ada
Webb, Doneta Yoder, Mary Ellen Swartzen-
druber, and Lois Yoder, accompanied by
Edna Amstutz, director of education, repre-
sented the school of nursing at the final serv-
ices for Nora Mae Miller at Protection, Kan-
sas, January 30.
The bimonthy hospital-school meeting was
held in the social room of Miller Hall on
Friday evening, January 29, at 7:30. Clarence
Ebersole, Superintendent of Mail at the La
Junta Post Office, spoke briefly on postal
regulations. The remainder of the program
consisted of varied numbers of instrumental
and vocal music.
Edna Amstutz, director of education, Flo-
rence Grieser, medical clinical supervisor,
and Zelma Brunk, surgical instructor, attend-
ed a meeting of schools affiliating with Uni-
versity of Colorado for psychiatric nursing.
The meeting was held at Colorado State
Hospital, Pueblo, Colorado, February 3.
Maude Swartzendruber, a member of the
Colorado State Board of Nurse Examiners,
assisted in the survey of Children's Hospital
School of Nursing in Denver on February 18
and 19.
Edna Amstutz, director of education, at-
tended a subcommittee meeting of the TAC
in Denver on March 8. The purpose of the
meeting was to plan for public health educa-
tion in the basic nursing curriculum.
Dr. Richard Westcrman, M.D., resident
doctor, gave an illustrated lecture on medical
practice in Panama at the February Nursing
Staff Meeting.
On Friday evening, February 5, the local
Mennonite Nurses' Association met in the
lounge at Miller Hall. Students and hospital
personnel were invited to the meeting. Ap-
proximately 40 attended. The evening was
spent in sewing for the clinic in Formosa.
Following the business meeting refreshments
were served by the hostesses. A total of 50
pounds of hospital linens and nurses' uni-
forms was sent to MCC as a result of this
effort. Fifty dollars remain in the treasury to
be spent for surgical needs of that hospital.
District 18 of the Colorado State Nurses'
Association held its regular meeting at Miller
Hall on February 8. Dr. B. B. Blotz of
Rocky Ford spoke on his observation in Euro-
pean hospitals during his recent trip abroad.
On February 19 the junior class with their
sponsor, Emma Hess, motored to Ft. Lyon,
where they toured the Veterans' Hospital.
This event serves as an introduction to their
psychiatric affiliation which begins on March
22 for five members of the class. In the eve-
ning Edna Amstutz entertained the group
to a delicious lunch in the social room of
Miller Hall.
Special chapel services were held on Friday
morning, February 26, in the chapel hall for
the junior students before they separate for
their affiliation services.
Erlene Roth, Harrisonville, Missouri; Es-
ther Hartzler, LaTour, Missouri; Mary Alice
Shaum, Quenemo, Kansas; and Marilyn
Good, Armington, Illinois, spent several
weeks vacation at their homes before going
on affiliation on March 21.
One half of the junior class will begin their
affiliation on March 22. Phyllis Egli, Martha
King, Joan Shetder, Una Marie Hershberger,
and Mary Alice Shaum will affiliate in pedi-
atrics at Denver General Hospital. Ada
Webb, Lola King, Marilyn Good, Erlene
Roth, and Esther Hartzler will affiliate in
psychiatry at the Colorado State Hospital in
Pueblo.
The Nurses' Chorus, under the direction
of Paul Yoder, has given the following pro-
grams: February 28, Denver in the morning
and Pueblo in the evening; March 7, Colo-
rado Springs in the morning and Limon in
the evening; March 14, Ft. Lyon at 2:00 in
the afternoon and La Junta Mennonite
Church in the evening.
The following seniors will return to La
Junta on March 20, having completed their
affiliation services in pediatrics at Denver
General Hospital and psychiatry at Colorado
State Hospital in Pueblo: Norma Jean Weldy,
Jeanette Kennel, Lydia Schlabach, Pearl
Good, and Joanne Keller. This date also
marks the completion of the basic course for
all members of the class except two who have
lost some time. These 12 nurses will go on
the general staff payroll of the Mennonite
Hospital on March 22.
Ruth Cornelsen, German exchange student
who has served as a nurse aide in the Men-
nonite Hospital for the last six months, has
transferred to Marion, South Dakota, where
she is employed in the Tieszen Home for the
Aged.
A course in ward management will be
given to the 1954 graduating class the last
week in March.
The School of Nursing will be surveyed by
the Colorado State Board of Nurse Examin-
ers on April 6 and 7.
Mr. and Mrs. Luke Birky (Verna Conrad,
class of '46), missionaries on furlough from
Puerto Rico, spent the week end of February
14 in La Junta. On Sunday evening Brother
Birky gave an illustrated lecture at the La
Junta Mennonite Church concerning the
medical program in Puerto Rico. Brother
and Sister Birky conducted the chapel services
at the Mennonite Hospital on February 15.
— Marie Kaufman.
Let the cross sever from our lives all that
separates us from God.
EASTERN MENNONITE COLLEGE
NOTES
Voluntary Service Week
The week of March 1-5 was designated
Voluntary Sen-ice Week, at which time rep-
resentatives from Lancaster Conference, the
Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities,
and the Mennonite Central Committee were
on the campus to present opportunities in
Voluntary Service. The program consisted
of chapel talks, prayer circle messages, and
personal interviews with interested students.
Chorus Tours
Two singing groups will be on tour during
the Easter season. The Touring Chorus,
composed of eighteen ladies and eleven men,
under the direction of J. Mark Stauffer, is
scheduled for a tour through Pennsylvania,
Ohio, and Michigan. The Men's Chorus of
twenty-four members under the direction of
Earl M. Maust will render programs in Penn-
sylvania. Ontario. New York, and the Dis-
trict of Columbia. The complete itineraries
follow:
The Touring Chorus
Apr. 15 — Masontown, Pa.
16 — Maple Grove, Hartville, Ohio
17 — Plain View, Aurora, Ohio
p.m. 18 — Bethel, Wadsworth, Ohio
eve. 18 — Crown Hill. Rittman, Ohio
19— Bethel, Ashley, Mich.
20— Midland, Mich.
21 — Fairvievv, Mich.
22 — Pigeon River, Pigeon, Mich.
23— Pike, Elida, Ohio
24— United Bethel, Plain City, Ohio
p.m. 25 — Sonnenberg, Apple Creek, Ohio
eve. 25 — Wooster, Ohio
The Men's Chorus
Apr. 15 — Maple Grove, Belleville, Pa.
16 — Moyer, Vineland, Ont.
17 — Cressman, Breslau, Ont.
p.m. 18 — St. Jacobs, Ont.
eve. 18 — Kitchener, Ont.
19 — East Zorra, Tavistock, Ont.
20— Millbank, Ont.
21 — Steinman, Baden, Ont.
22 — Wideman, Markham, Ont.
23 — Clarence Center, N.Y.
24 — Conestoga, Morgantown, Pa.
a.m. 25 — Salem, Shelly, Pa.
p.m. 25 — Plain, Lansdale, Pa.
eve. 25 — Souderton, Pa.
30 — Messiah College. Grantham, Pa.
May 1 — McCaskey High School, Lancaster,
Pa.
a.m. 2 — Bethel, Mummasburg, Pa.
eve, 2 — Woodridge, Washington, D.C.
— Lester C. Shank.
The blossom cannot tell what becomes of
its odor, and no man can tell what becomes
of his influence and example that roll away
from him and go beyond his ken in their
perilous mission. — Beecher.
March 30, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
297
TEACHING THE WORD
What the Superintendent Expects
of the Teacher
The person who is chosen to supervise
the church school certainly carries a
great responsibility. Upon him rests the
job of planning with his teaching staff
how to best utilize the few minutes to
teach God's precious Word. In view of
this fact the Sunday-school superintend-
ent has a right to expect certain things
from his teachers.
The teacher when he is elected should
accept his position as a call from his
class and preferably from God. Only
then will he realize the vital importance
of his position. The Lord has promised
great blessings for those who are willing
to serve in building His kingdom. True
joy of service comes to a Christian as he
yields himself for service.
The teacher should be prepared.
"Study to shew thyself approved unto
God, a workman that needeth not to be
ashamed, rightly dividing the word of
truth" (II Tim. 2:15). We need to spend
much time in prayer and study of God's
Word in order to teach it to others. The
teacher of the adult department should
be able to bring forth the deeper truths
of God's Word that are not detected by
merely reading the lesson once. The
junior teacher needs to plan and study
how to convey God's Word to the child
so that he can understand.
The teacher should be an example.
This could include a number of things.
Our daily walk often speaks louder than
the things we say when we stand before
a class. Punctuality is a very good way to
set an example for your class. The teach-
er who is ready to begin his class as soon
as the pupils have entered the room, will
create the feeling among them that they
need to be there on time if they want to
get all of the lesson. Attendance, on the
part of the teacher, is very important.
If you were working for an employer and
you would miss a day without a valid
excuse, you would possibly find yourself
without a job. As a teacher you are
working for the Lord, and if you miss
a Sunday, the efficiency of the Sunday-
school system is lowered; the Lord cer-
tainly cannot be pleased with such a
servant. Only as the teacher's record,
so can we expect the roll of the pupil to
be.
The teacher needs to follow through.
It is one thing to discuss the lesson with
the class on Sunday morning and go
about our own work the rest of the
week. It is quite another thing to study
each individual member of the class and
know his needs. It may be that we need
to make some contacts during the week
and spend time in prayer. Intercessory
prayer has accomplished great things in
the building of a Sunday school.
Finally, I expect the teacher to spare
no efforts in planning for the betterment
of his class. The Lord has promised
to reward him who is faithful in his
service.— E. T. Klassen, in The Christian
Witness.
Illinois Sunday School Workshop
a Success
BY J. }. HOSTETLF.R
During the winter the pastors and
superintendents of five mission churches
and one old, established Mennonite
church met and planned a regional
Sunday-school workshop. None deemed
it wise to operate such a venture alone,
but co-operatively it was thought pos-
sible. These leaders formed a commit-
tee to plan a program, engage work-
shop leaders, and carry through the work-
shop.
The personnel of the workshop con-
sisted of three editors and writers from
the Mennonite Publishing House, Paul
M. Lederach, Elizabeth Showalter, and
Alta Mae Erb; two instructors in the
educational field from Goshen College,
Mary Royer and Roy Umble; and two
local pastors, Richard Yordy, Freeport,
and }. J. Hostetler, Peoria.
The workshop was held in the large
building of the Morton congregation,
March 5-7. Three workshop sessions were
held, one on Friday evening one on Sat-
urday afternoon, and a final one Satur-
day evening. Inspirational messages were
given by the leaders prior to each work-
shop session and on Sunday in the after-
noon and evening sessions.
The attendance was beyond expecta-
tion. Workers from the sponsoring
schools, neighboring congregations, and
other denominations were in regular
attendance. Many mission teachers were
privileged to obtain inspiration and help.
Everyone seemed to express appreciation
for this worth-while meeting. Expres-
sions heard were: "The time is too
short." "It's better than conference."
"We should have this often, or every
year." "I learned so much."
The sponsoring churches were: Mor-
ton, Kenneth Good, pastor; Pleasant
Hill, Roy Bucher, pastor; Peoria, ). }.
Hostetler, pastor; Dillion, John V. Troy-
er, pastor; Highway Village, Robert
Harnish, pastor; and Midway, Howard
Wittrig, Sunday-school superintendent.
All of these except Morton are missions
which are developing into organized
churches.
Groups in other communities should
plan similar workshops. If the group
is small, workshops can be promoted with
only a few leaders. Sometimes leaders
can be secured for shorter meetings in
connection with their other travel plans.
Communities or groups of churches in-
terested in a Sunday-school workshop
may secure additional information by
contacting the Christian Education De-
partment at the Mennonite Publishing
House or the Secretary of Sunday Schools,
J. J. Hostetler, 1101 Ann St., Peoria, Il-
linois.
"Ye Must Be"
BY J. D. BURKHOLDER
"Ye must be born again," said Jesus.
Yes, Adam died the day he ate the for-
bidden fruit, though his body lived over
nine hundred years. His spirit was
Adam, not his physical body. "The day
thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely
die," said God. That day it was that
Adam's righteous, holy, God-given spirit
died, with his love for fellowship with
his Creator: therefore he tried to hide
himself from God. Spiritually his sin
had separated him from God, which
means he was spiritually dead. In this
condition he was eternally lost, which
Jesus knew so well, and told Nicodemus
he must have a new birth to enter the
kingdom of God.
Though a good, moral, religious, zeal-
ous man, he was outside of the kingdom
of heaven. His high position as a reli-
gious leader could not save him; his
spirit needed a Spirit birth from heaven,
to make it alive, which meant a new
birth. How could Nicodemus get it?
How can anyone get another spirit birth?
Every person desiring to enter the
kingdom of God must humbly get down
off the high perch of self-righteousness
and good works, repent of and confess
his sins, and trust Jesus Christ for salva-
tion. There is a must be in this new
birth— a putting off of the old man and
putting on the new man.
When we come to Jesus empty hand-
ed, just as we are, then will the wonder-
ful Word of God apply, "As many as
received him [Jesus], to them gave he
power to become the sons of God," which
means to be born again, "not of . . . the
will of man, but of God" (John 1:12, 13).
Two men were bathing in the ocean
and were swept by an undercurrent into
deep water. They could not save them-
selves. When a lifeguard swam to them,
they caught hold of him. "Let go and
quit your struggling," said the man.
When they did so, their lives were saved.
To all who are sin-burdened and help-
less, Jesus says, "Come unto me . . . and
ye shall find rest unto your souls" (Matt.
11:28, 29).
Weyers Cave, Va.
298
GOSPEL HERALD
March 30, 7954
FAMILY CIRCLE
A Kind Word
By Bertha L. King
A kind word fitly spoken,
Is warming as the sun
That coaxes out the green things
Of springtime, one by one.
A kind word fitly spoken,
Is like refreshing rain
That causes drooping flowers
To lift their heads again.
It coaxes out a warm smile
Where worried lines had been;
And lifts the burdened spirit
To let courage enter in.
West Liberty, Ohio.
Something to Think About
By Menno J. Ebersol
A well-respected contemporary author
recently said that most of us seldom
think. I'm not sure that his observation
is altogether correct, but, in our ma-
chine age with all the automatic controls
and thermostats, we certainly don't need
to depend upon our memories and men-
tal capacities as we once did. We need
not worry any more that the food will
burn if we forget the oven, and the
furnace won't get too hot or the house
too chilly if we doze while reading the
evening paper. And in many homes
the radios blast such a barrage of sundry
types of music (?), serials, and high-
pressure advertising at us that we
couldn't think if we tried. It seems that
our average brain is either in low or
completely out of gear. How often we
catch ourselves saying, "Now why did
I do that? If I had just stopped to think
—"I An authority on juvenile delinquen-
cy observed that young folks seem unable
to discern or comprehend. They seem
to be incapable or irresponsible when
they are confronted with a situation
which requires a choice. (That docs for
older folks too, I venture.) Without an)
apparent concern of right or wrong, 01
any consideration Of ('Herts or results,
they plunge headlong into acts and at-
titudes which bring so many into lei
rible conflicts in society, and in main
instant es, into the dutches ol law en-
forcement agencies
Don't we have- time to think any
more, or do we just seiile down in 0U1
easy chairs and let someone else do our
thinking for us? It's so easy to follow
the crowd. It seems that so main ol us
have a sort of modem philosophy,
"Evcrybcxly else is doing it. wliy can't I?"
Of course, we all know that the- multipli-
city of a sin doesn't make it right. But
isn't it true that so often we condone a
thing when it becomes commonplace?
Many of you can recall when we were
very much concerned about radios,
jewelry, hairdo, sleeveless dresses, and
the latest styles from clothes to cars.
A casual glance at church or at home
will convince anyone that we are a
long way from the "plain and simple"
way which used to be considered a
foundation stone of our Mennonite
background. Something to think about?
You say the world has turned a cor-
ner since then. Granted— turned a tre-
mendous corner. And few of us would
want to go back to the horse and buggy
days. Far behind us are the little red
schoolhouse, the walking plow, and the
Model T Ford. Gone too are the apple
"schnitzens" and spelling bees and home-
baked bread. Most of us just fold our
arms in the luxury of our modern homes
and don't want to be bothered with anv-
thing. Many a self-confident driver
ignored "backseat" advice only to sud-
denly find himself "turned around" and
hopelessly lost. Maybe we had better
pull over to the side of the road and
check with the road map. Where are
we and are we heading in the right
direction? The farther off the course
we get, the more embarrassing it is and
the more backtracking we have to do.
Having taught school nearlv a third of
a century, I have traveled the road
from the one-room school to the modern
consolidated school and, frankly, I'm a
bit puzzled as to where we are. Sure we
are turning out better secretaries and
technicians and basketball players, but
I'm not too sure that our graduates stand
out head and shoulders over the old-
timers in the 3 R's (and the 4th R—
religion). I'm not too sure that most of
our young folk are certain of their road,
but in the heavy traffic of modern living
are going full speed ahead anyway. Are
we sure the world is getting better?
True, we are living better, but are we
better off? In spite of tremendous prog-
ress in every field of sc ience, we find our-
selves facing tragic instability in our
social, economic, and political orders, as
well as international chaos. Win are
nu n s hearts failing for fear? win does
our human race face a \et\ real threat
of mass destruction?
There was a time when officers con-
cerned themselves almost exclusively
with hardened criminals. Now they tell
us that one out of every three in our jails
is under twenty one veais of age, and a
large per cent of the rest are in their
twenties. Fift\ ve.us ago it was almost
Unheaid Ol thai a teen .1 ;ei was arrested
foi .1 majoi violation ol the law. Author-
ities are lamenting the fact that juvenile
delinquency is getting out of hand. Not
only are young people becoming very
adept in the arts of burglary, auto theft,
and extortion, but, often at an early
age thev are deep in the vices of liquor,
tobacco, dope, and immorality. And
what's worse, so often when they are
apprehended, they are hard and bitter
with an "O.K. I did it. So what!"
attitude.
What is the cause of these perplexing
problems-juvenile delinquency, vice, di-
vorce, etc., that are causing thinking peo-
ple so much concern? I am aware that
there are many reasons why it is so easy
to drift into wrong avenues nowadays,
viz., greater density of population, ques-
tionable programs on radio and TV
(which is very close to bringing the
theater into the home), extracurricular
activities in school, war-inspired "play"
things for children, "comic" books, etc.
Under these conditions the carnal nature
can find many ways to manifest itself.
But I believe that the greatest single
factor is the breaking down of our family
life. It has been well said that the family
that prays (and sings and plays) together,
stays together. What can we expect when
our families are seldom together any-
more? Maybe daddy, or big brother, or
(God forbid) mother leaves for work in
a factors or store before the children
are all up in the morning. Then the
school children are rushed to the bus
with hardly time to grab a bite. Perhaps
they come home for lunch at different
hours or not at all. In the evening,
even if thev all happen to be around
the same table, usually there are several
"doings" going on for which one or more
must rush awav from the table "or I'll be
late." Time was when, if big brother had
a special reason, he would rather timid-
ly ask father for the family car, and, if
he got it, he was careful to be home
at the designated time. But now. what
with two or three cars in the family, one
goes one way, another a different direc-
tion, with a "So long, I'll be seein' ya,"
as dad and mom finish the chores. (I
know this is the extreme, but in many
homes it isn't too far off.) Of course
you can't blame the children in a home
where the parents gad around night
after nis>ht till all hours. There never
was a babv-sitter who could take the
place of a good mother! And God pity
the children whose father is seldom
there to take his rightful place as the
head of the home.
One thing more-they tell us that
it's becoming more difficult to find good,
dependable employees. Somehow we
have lost the thrill of something well
done, the pride of accomplishment, the
sense of doing a thing because it needs
to be done, and to the best of out-
ability. Whv do so manv of our children
get out of doing the dishes or similar
assigned chores by being permitted to
listen to a favorite radio program or
just trifling around until mother finally
(Continued on pa<je 308)
March 30, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
299
TO BE NEAR TO GOD
WALKING WITH JESUS
Sunday, April 4
Read I John 1:5-9 — In the Light
God is light. Sin is darkness. Any form
of sin we allow in our lives will mar our fel-
lowship with Jesus. Our consciousness of
Him will be lest. The moment we become
aware of impatience, resentment, unlove, un-
submissiveness, self-pity, whatever it may be,
we must name it as sin to God. As we con-
fess, the blood cleanses. Again we can walk
in blessed oneness and communion with Je-
sus. Bringing our need to Jesus at once will
result in less and less sinful reactions.
Open fellowship with one another deepens
the bond of Christian love and allows for a
fresh, real, spontaneous overflow of the Spirit.
Our carnal nature wants to make others be-
lieve we are better than we are. We excuse
the sharp word by claiming weariness; im-
patience is explained as nerves. To honestly
confess our faults one to another as God
commanded makes us more conscious of sin
and more alert to reckon the self-life dead.
Monday, April 5
Head Psalm 123:1. 2— In the Common Task
Jesus is precious in the intimacy of His
daily fellowship with us. We need never be
separated from Him for a moment. In all the
little details of our lives He will enter if we
will allow Him. "It is not in man to direct
his steps." But God has made full provision
in Jesus. "He is made unto us wisdom."
Yet many times are we not wise in our
own conceits? We read the Word in the
morning and pray. Then leave our bedroom
and Jesus and go our own way, to do our
planning, our thinking, our work without
consulting Jesus about anything. Should we
run into trouble we will turn to Him. We
ask His blessing on our plans. There is a
more blessed way. "As the eyes of servants
look unto the hand of their masters ... so our
eyes wait upon the Lord our God." We can
fellowship with Him in the common task.
Tuesday, April 6
Read John 8:31-36 — In Freedom of Spirit
Jesus came to set us free, gloriously free
from all that binds our spirits. We need not
have sin because Jesus came to deliver us
"out of the hand of our enemies [that we]
might serve him without fear, in holiness and
righteousness ... all the days of our life."
Worry, unlove, untruth, exaggeration, the
half-truth, a spirit of indifference, doubts, de-
pression, discouragement, the complaining
spirit, drawing back from doing God's will
— all go when Jesus reigns supreme in our
hearts.
Fear is not of God. As we learn the truth
about Jesus He banishes the fear of failure,
fear of the future, fear of present danger.
There is no frustration, no uncertainty; there
are no blue days. Instead He gives us love,
power, and a sound mind. Why hesitate to
yield all to Jesus when we can know such
freedom?
Wednesday, April 7
Read Psalm 119:113; II Cor. 10:5— In Thought
There is no area of our being more diffi-
cult to control than our thoughts. James tells
us the tongue is an unruly member which
no man can tame. How much more so our
thoughts? But we are commanded to bring
every thought into captivity unto the obedi-
ence of Christ. God does not mock us by
commanding the impossible.
We must cast down all imaginings or rea-
sonings. "To have every thought pleasing to
God is impossible," the natural man reasons.
But God has said. We must refuse reasonings.
With our whole being subjected to Christ
we can look to Him in faith to do that which
is impossible for us to do. As we trust, He
works. He will give us thoughts that are
true, honest, just, lovely, pure, and of good
report.
Thursday, April 8
Read Heb. 4:1-11; Isa. 11:10 — In Rest of Spirit
God has a rest for His people here and
now, the rest of faith. Many people are con-
tent to know Jesus only as Saviour in His
work of atonement and pardon. They know
nothing of deliverance from besetting sins.
Without yielding all to God they have tried
to be victorious but failed. With a self-com-
Sunday School Lesson for April 11
(John 18, 19)
Read together in class "For Me" (No. 540,
Church Hymnal).
Now is Christ "lifted up." See Him anew
with your pupils. He will attract all of you
to Himself.
We come now to the climax of Christ's
life, the cause for which He had come into
the world. This is the glorification He had
prayed for. Also we come to the climax of
the hostility. The final struggle of light and
darkness is on.
See Jesus go forth to die. See how pur-
posely and willingly He went. He went forth
(verses 4-8) to the band of hostile men who
came to the garden to take Him. See His
interest in the disciples, His own. Verse 8.
He knew what "should come upon him,"
yet He would use no force as Peter thought
to do. He voluntarily laid down His life
when His hour had come.
What a travesty that the Son of God from
heaven, the King of heaven and earth, should
be tried by an ecclesiastical court and also
by a civil court! Each trial involved three
placency born of defeat they settle down to a
life of want and murmurings, of fears and
unbelief. But God calls to a life of entire
surrender to Him. To rest with the thought
of being converted is dangerous.
God offers a life of sufficiency and rest to
all who will press on by faith. Entire sur-
render of the will to Him will bring perfect
rest. "And his rest shall be glorious."
Friday, April 9
Read Phil. 4:4; Psalm 34:1-10 — In Rejoicing
Earth-bound souls know little of rejoicing.
But those who are truly the Lord's can re-
joice always. Our rejoicing is not in circum-
stances, or things, or pleasures, but in the
Lord. And He ever abides.
The writer to the Hebrews enjoins us to
offer the sacrifice of praise to God continual-
ly— even when we do not feel like it. He is
the secret of continual praise. Praise springs
from meditations on Him. "I will bless the
Lord at all times: his praise shall continually
be in my mouth." . .
Saturday, April 10
Read Phil. 4:6; I Tim. 2:1— In Prayer
Can you think of a sweeter experience than
to fellowship with Jesus in prayer? "In
every thing by prayer." We are not limited to
a certain time, position, or place. In the daily
round He is near to hear the faintest cry, the
uplifting of the heart, the motions of faith.
Prayer lifts the spirit up to God as we work
or only "stand and wait." They that wait
upon the Lord in prayer continually renew
their strength — physical and spiritual.
Jesus is an intercessor. So ought we to be.
By intercession God is glorified, others are
benefited, and our own souls blessed. Let
us pray! — Lenora M. Wenger.
hearings. The false charges were blasphemy
and treason. The whole was a farce. The
good (?) men of the accusation would not
enter the judgment hall lest they defile (?)
themselves and be unable to eat the Passover.
Here were righteousness and self-righteous-
ness in contrast. See how Jesus behaved in
those trials.
Then was the King of the Jews lifted up.
At His own very hour He yielded Himself
and died for us sinners. Amidst sinners He
died and for them. How precious for both
Him and the sinner by His side that His
great sacrifice could so soon bring a son to
glory! See how He thought of others while
on the cross. See the believers and sinners
about Him. John, the author of our lesson,
went with Jesus to the door of death.
Although we may not understand what
suffering our Saviour endured when God for-
sook Him, yet we do so appreciate that He
loved us enough to pay the great price. For
us He died. The unspeakable gift is ours to
receive. What a cry of victory when He said,
"It is finished"! Surely then He was re-
(Continued on page 308)
Betrayal and Crucifixion
300
GOSPEL HERALD
March 30, 1954
FIELD NOTES
Items to appear in this column for any issue of the
following Tuesday must reach Scottdale by Wednes-
day morning.
A Christian Life Conference was held at
the Spring Mount, Pa., Church March 27,
28, with Brethren Norman Bechtel, Spring
City, Pa., and Harold H. Layman, Elkton.
Va., as speakers.
The Mennonite Revival Singers, a mixed
octet from the Maple Grove C.A.M. congre-
gation, Hartville, Ohio, gave a program for
the Sycamore Grove congregation, Garden
City, Mo., on the evening of March 13. They
have been giving similar services at various
places while on tour through western states.
Bro. and Sister Wilbur Hostetler from the
India Mission field, were with the Kidron,
Ohio, congregation March 28 for Missionary
Day services.
March 28 marked the beginning of a series
of four Sunday evening evangelistic services
at the Congregational Mennonite Church,
Marietta, Pa., with Bro. A. J. Metzler as the
speaker for that evening.
Eight young people were received into
church fellowship by water baptism at the
Elizabethtown, Pa., Church on Saturday af-
ternoon, March 20.
Bro. Paul Miller, Goshen, Ind., was the
guest speaker at a Victorious Life Confer-
ence held at the church at Blooming Glen,
Pa., March 27, 28.
A dedication service was held at the Penn-
sylvania Church, near Hesston, Kans., Sun-
Table of Contents
289 — God Is a Spirit
God Gives Us a Bit of Heaven (Poem)
290— Killing Time
Our Readers Say
291— Political Neutrality
292 — The Revelation of Jesus Christ
A Message from John to Us
It Happened
293 — The Unveiled Glory of the Lord
294 — The Other Sido of the Cheap Dollar
The Benediction
295— A Prayer for This Week
Prayer Requests
Day of Small Thlnqs (Poem)
296 — Eastern Mennonite College
Monnonite Hospital and School of Nursinq
297 — Illinois Sunday School Workshop a Success
What the Superintendent Expects of the Teachers
298— A Kind Word (Poom)
Somethlnq to Think About
299— To Be Near to God
Sunday School Lesson for April II
300 -Field Notes
Calendar
301— Mission News
Your Treasurer Reports
302— Exaltlnq Christ Throuqh VS
303— Christ for You
The Monnonite Hour
304 — India Nursing School Graduation
Twnnty five European Trainees Meet lor Con
ference
305 — Notos from Hannibal
Praying Men Into the Kingdom
30G MPSC Weekly Notes
MCC Weekly Notes
307— Women's Activities
From Our Churches
309— Births
Marriages
Anniversaries
Obituaries
310 — Items and Comments
312 — Your Publishing House
day afternoon, March 21, to rededicate their
building because of extensive remodeling.
The Chappell, Nebr., congregation enjoyed
a stirring revival under the blessing of the
Lord and the preaching of the Word by Bro.
Paul M. Landis, Crockett, Ky. Many in the
congregation are rejoicing in the experience
of deliverance from the power of sin and the
flesh in their lives. Pray for those who made
new commitments to the Lord.
Change of Address. — Bro. }. S. Roth, Day-
ton, Oreg., to R. 3, Box 274 A, McMinnville,
Oreg.
At a missionary conference held at the
Casselman Church, near Grantsville, Md„
March 21, the speakers were Brethren I. Mark
Ross, Hesston, Kans., and I. K. Metzler and
Walter Otto of the home district.
Bro. Paul Mininger, Goshen, Ind., spoke
at the worship services at MCC headquarters
at Akron, Pa., on March 15.
The prayer request published in our col-
umns for the young man who was thinking
of army service has been answered in his de-
cision to take up I-W service.
Bro. H. James Martin, under appointment
as missionary to Uruguay, worshiped at the
Cady Mission, near Midland, Mich., and with
the Midland congregation, on Sunday morn-
ing and evening respectively, on March 14.
On Monday evening he showed pictures of
Costa Rica, where they took language study.
A Bible conference was held at the Pigeon,
Mich., Church over the week end of March
14, with Bro. Jesse Short, Archbold, Ohio, as
speaker.
Bro. and Sister Leonard Haarer, Waterloo,
Ont., have been appointed to serve in a mis-
sion outpost in Hamilton, Ont., which is
sponsored by the St. Jacobs congregation. The
appointment was made at a congregational
meeting Tuesday evening, March 16.
Baptismal services were held at the
Howard-Miami Church, near Kokomo, Ind..
March 21, when seven applicants were re-
ceived into church membership.
Bro. Irvin Nussbaum was ordained to the
ministry to serve as pastor of the recently or-
ganized congregation at Walker, Mo., on
Sunday forenoon, March 21. Bishops Harry
Dicner and Joe G. Hartzlcr were in charge.
Communion services were held in the after
noon.
A Bible conference was held at the First
Mennonite Church, Denver. Colo., March
1S-19, with Bro. Jacob J. Toews, pastor of the
Notice to All Subscribers
A new service Is being started whereby all GOS
PEL HERALD subscribers will receive a renewal no-
tice one month before the expiration of their paper.
This new service will give our subscribers the oppor-
tunity of keeping their subscriptions paid In advance
and thus avoid being billed lor past due charges.
We feel that all of our subscribers will appreciate
this now plan since It will place the renewal of the
GOSPEL HERALD on the same renewal basts as all
of the other magatines Ihey receive In their homes.
Subscribers are urqed to send In their subscriptions
promptly upon receiving the renewal notice, so that
we can give them uninterrupted subscription service.
Subscription Department.
Mennonite Brethren Church, Buhler, Kans.,
as the speaker. He gave a series of lectures
on "Christ in the Tabernacle."
The Bible Book Center, South Bend, Ind.,
was the scene of a workshop during the week
of March 23. The Herald SBS materials were
introduced on March 23 by the following
people: Lois Yake, Mary Royer, and Ethel
Metzler. These materials were also presented
at a workshop at the Moody Bookstore, Chi-
cago, 111., on March 4, with Edgar and Ethel
Metzler introducing the Mennonite materials.
Representatives from the Publishing House
attending the City Mission Workers' Round
Table at Detroit, Mich., March 24-26, were
Paul Erb, Ralph Hernley. Daniel Hertzler,
and Millard Lind.
Correction: The dates for the evangelistic
meetings for Cold Springs Mennonite
Church, Mancelona, Mich., have been
changed to April 19-26, with Wm. Miller,
North Liberty, Ind., in charge.
Bro. D. A. Yoder, Elkhart, Ind., conducted
baptismal services at Ft. Wayne, Ind., on the
morning of March 21; in the evening he gave
a missionary message at the Yellow Creek
Church, near Goshen, Ind.
Announcements
Communion dates announced by Aaron
Mast, Belleville, Pa., for the following church-
es: April 18, morning, Pinto; evening, Johns-
town; May 9, Belleville; May 16, Cumber-
land.
(Continued on page 308)
Calendar
Annual Meeting Illinois Mission Board, Pleasant HHL
East Peoria, 111., April 22, 23.
Annual meeting Ohio Mennonite Mission Board, West
Clinton Mennonite Church, near Archbold, Ohio,
April 23-25.
Semiannual meeting. Commission for Christian Edu-
cation, St. Jacobs. Ont.. April 30, May 1.
Conference on Christian Community Relations, E.M.C..
Harrisonburg. Va., May 6-8.
Home Sunday. May 9.
Ohio Mennonite and Eastern A.M. Joint Conference.
Walnut Creek Church in Holmes Co., Ohio, May
25-27, 1954.
Indiana-Michigan annual meetings at Howard-Miami
Church, Kokomo, Ind. Mission Board, June 1;
Conference June 2, 3.
North Central Mennonite Conference and associated
meetings. June 7-11 at Lake Region Church.
Detroit Lakes. Minn.
Annual meeting Mennonite BoaTd of Missions and
Charities. Western Mennonite School, Salem.
Oreg., June 17-20.
1954 Schedule for Laurelville: Writers' Conference.
June 26 to July 2; Family Week. July 3-9; Boys'
Camp (ages 9-13). July 10-16: Girls' Camp (ages
9 13). July 17-23: Junior High (ages 13-15). July
24 30; Junior High (ages 13-15). July 31 to Aug. 6;
Young People's Institute, Aug. 7-13: MYF Work-
shop and Annual Meeting. Aug. 14-20; Church
Music Conference. Aug. 21-27: Missionary Bible
Conference. Aug. 28 to Sept. 2.
Peace Sunday, luly 4, 1954.
Annual Ohio MYF convention. Ohio Mennonite Camp
Ground. Kidron. Ohio. July 30 to August 1.
Annual Meetinq Southwestern Pa. Conference, Mar-
tinsburg. Pa.. Aug. 1-4.
Annual meeting Iowa-Nebraska Conference. West
Union. Parnell. Iowa. Aug. 10-13.
Annual meeting South Central Conference, Assembly
of God campground, near Eldon. Mo.. August
17 20.
Annual Meeting Illinois Conference. East Bend.
Fisher. 111.. Aug. 24-26.
Fall Meeting. Commission for Christian Education.
Laurelville Mennonite Camp. Laurelville. Pa..
Sept. 27. 28.
Study Conference of Child Evangelism, Laurelville
Mennonite Camp. Sept. 29. 30.
Fall Meeting. Genera] Council of Mennonite General
Conference. Laurelville Mennonite Camp. Oct.
1. 1.
Annual Meeting ol the Mennonite Board of Education.
Kalona-Wellman. Iowa area; Oct. 14-16, 1954.
March _jo, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
301
Go, Preach • ^ I S S I O N S # °ive Pray
The General Bocrrd Headquarters for Mission!, Relief, and Service: 1711 Prairie Street. Elkhart, Indiana. Telephone, Elkhart 2-2786.
Mission News
Our missionaries in Belgium are planning
special services at the Foyer Fraternel in
Brussels for the week end before Easter and
a special boys' camp for the week end after
Easter. Bro. J. D. Graber spoke at the Foyer
Fraternel on March 17 on the subject "The
Actual Situation in Korea."
At the Feb. 18 and 19 meeting of the Amer-
ican Mennonite Association held at Dondi,
M.P., India, the following persons were elect-
ed officers and members of the Executive
Committee: Paul Conrad, President; Jacob
Flisher, Secretary-Treasurer; Elizabeth Erb,
Marie Moyer, Edwin I. Weaver. The As-
sociation is composed of the missionaries in
M.P., India.
Sister Betty Gruber, a Navaho Christian
who was recently baptized at the Sunnyslope
Mennonite Church, Phoenix, Ariz., has joined
Bro. and Sister Stanley Weaver at Black
Mountain Mission, Chinle, Ariz., as a full-
time worker.
Bro. William Lauver, Davenport, Iowa,
former missionary to Argentina, served as
Missionary Day speaker at the Iowa City,
Iowa, Mennonite Church on March 21.
Pray for Bro. and Sister Don Reber, Tokyo,
Japan, as they finish language school and
move to Hokkaido this summer, begin build-
ing their home, and adjust to the new living
conditions. The Holy Spirit seems to be di-
recting them to Hombetsu northeast of
Obihiro in the Tokachi area.
A deputation team from the Mennonite
Home Mission, Chicago, 111., gave programs
at the Flanagan, Roanoke, and Hopedale, 111.,
Mennonite churches on Sunday, March 21.
Bro. John H. Mosemann, Goshen, Ind.,
President of the General Mission Board, gave
the Missionary Day sermon at the Olive Men-
nonite Church, Elkhart, Ind., on March 21.
Bro. J. D. Graber, General Mission Board
secretary, arrived in New York from England
on Monday morning, March 22, and arrived
back in Elkhart the next evening from his
round-the-world tour of General Board Mis-
sions. He left Elkhart on Dec. 2, 1953.
The Illinois District Mission Board will
meet in annual session at the Pleasant Hill
Mennonite Church, East Peoria, 111., April
22, 23.
The annual meeting of the Illinois District
Women's Missionary Sewing Circle Organi-
zation will be held at Sterling, 111., on April
24. Visiting speakers include Mrs. J. D. Gra-
ber, Elkhart, Ind.; Mrs. Floyd Sieber, mis-
sionary on furlough from Argentina; and
Mrs. Virgil Brenneman, Iowa City, Iowa.
The Executive Committee of the General
Mission Board will meet at the Elkhart head-
quarters on April 19. On the following day
the Spanish Broadcast Committee, a subcom-
mittee of the Radio Evangelism Committee
will also meet at the Elkhart headquarters.
Bro. Luke Birky, La Plata, Puerto Rico,
will speak on the medical program in Puerto
Rico at the Waldo Mennonite Church, Flana-
gan, 111., on March 31 and the Morton, 111.,
Mennonite Church on April 1. Bro. Birky
spoke at a Vesper Service at the Pleasant Hill
Mennonite Church East Peoria, 111., on Sun-
day afternoon, March 28.
The Kansas City Voluntary Service quartet
will complete its two-week deputation tour to
Ontario and return with the following ap-
pointments: April 4, morning, Elmira, Ont.;
April 4, evening, Vineland, Ont.; April 5,
Clarence Center, N.Y.; April 6, Kaufman
Church, Hollsopple, Pa.; April 7, Scottdale,
Pa.; April 8, Kidron, Ohio; and April 9, Flan-
agan, 111. Correction: The quartet will be in
Detroit on March 31 and in Stryker, April 1,
instead of the dates quoted in the March 23
issue.
Bro. H. James Martin, missionary under
appointment to Uruguay, will be keeping the
following appointments in Michigan during
this week; March 31, Brutus; April 1, White
Cloud; April 3, Vestaburg; April 4, morning,
Ashley; April 4, evening, Pinckney.
Bro. Lester Hershey, missionary on fur-
lough from Puerto Rico, will be speaking in
the following Ohio churches over the coming
week end: Hartville, April 3; Crown Hill,
April 4, morning; Martins, Orrville, April 4,
evening.
Friends from Upland, Calif., assisted the
Stanley Weavers at Black Mountain Mission,
Chinle, Ariz., with the construction of their
new buildings during the second week in
March. The group included Bro. and Sister
John Hershberger and the brethren Sherman
Maust and Walter Kurtz. Earlier the breth-
ren Joe Yoder and Cletus Poper from Al-
buquerque, N. Mex., assisted with the pour-
ing of cement for the foundations and floors.
The following staff personnel needs in the
General Board program provide opportuni-
ties for service: nurses or practical nurses for
the Eureka, 111., Home for the Aged and
Froh Bros. Homestead, Sturgis, Mich.; a sec-
retary for W. J. Dye at the Mennonite Hos-
pital and Sanitarium, La Junta, Colo.; a re-
ceptionist and a secretary at the General
Board headquarters at Elkhart. Interested
persons should write to D. J. Mishler, Men-
nonite Board of Missions and Charities, 1711
Prairie St., Elkhart, Ind.
A Gospel team composed of former work-
ers at Mennonite Youth Village, White
Pigeon, Mich., will give a program at the
Forks Mennonite Church, Middlebury, Ind.,
on Sunday evening, April 4.
The Prairie St. Mennonite Church, Elk-
hart, Ind., postponed its Missionary Day to
March 28 so that Bro. J. D. Graber could
bring the missionary sermon.
Sister Eunice Miller and son Gregory ar-
rived in New York from Argentina on
Your Treasurer Reports
We wish to thank the Editor of the Gos-
pel Herald, Brother Paul Erb, for his recent
suggestion regarding contributions for the
mission program. We are sure that this sug-
gestion represents a deep interest on the part
of everyone that the mission program go for-
ward. The response already received to this
suggestion has been very good and when we
have a complete report on this suggestion we
will give detailed figures in this column.
We would like to encourage everyone send-
ing in contributions to advise us clearly
whether or not they would like to have a re-
ceipt for their contribution. Brother Erb's
suggestion of not writing receipts does help a
great deal in handling contributions, but the
Treasurer's Office will be very happy to send
a voucher to anyone who would like to have
one. In case anyone who sent a contribution
did not indicate that he wished to have a
voucher and would like to have one, he
should write to the Mission Board office im-
mediately and we will send a receipt.
This suggestion has come at a very ap-
propriate time. This past week Brother Gra-
ber returned to Elkhart from his administra-
tive trip to Japan and India. En route he has
also contacted other mission areas. Now that
he has returned we will need to study care-
fully the suggestions for continuing the mis-
sion program as well as its expansion. The
contributions being received will help to
guide the Executive Committee in bringing
further recommendations to the Annual Meet-
ing of the Mission Board regarding the ex-
tent of our mission work in the years ahead.
We wish to sincerely thank everyone who
has responded to Brother Erb's suggestion
and we trust the Lord will richly bless all of
these contributions to His glory.
H. Ernest Bennett, Treasurer
Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities
Elkhart, Indiana.
Thursday, March 25, if previous plans car-
ried.
Bro. and Sister Arnold Dietzel, on fur-
lough from the India Mission, were the Mis-
sionary Day speakers at the Clinton Brick
Church, near Goshen, Ind., on March 21,
both morning and evening.
Bro. John Gingrich's correct address is
2888 Bahia Vista, Sarasota, Fla. It was in-
correctly given in the issue of March 16.
The soul of a man. Described as soiled by
sin. Good for the kingdom of God and eter-
nal life. Reward to the finder is joy in the
Lord.
302
GOSPEL HERALD
March 30, 1954
The front of General Hospital. Kansas City, Mo. At present there are about ten different
church groups employed here in either voluntary' service or earning service.
Exalting Christ Through VS
By Ida R. Showalter
The quality of morcy Is not strained.
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven upon the
place beneath.
It is twice blessed.
It blesses him that qives and him that takes.
These words are inscribed above the front
entrance of General Hospital, and it is
through this entrance that 85 young people
have gone in the past seven years to receive
that blessing of losing themselves in the giv-
ing of love, and finding for themselves a
new life in Christ.
General I lospital is a city hospital in Kan-
sas City, Mo. It consists of 550 beds, and in-
stead of being divided into private, semi-
private, and four-bed rooms as most hospitals
are, it consists of large wards holding from
25 to 37 depending upon the nature of the
disease, and the wards are identified accord-
ingly, as Men's Heart, Women's Surgical, etc.
There are about 17 of these wards, and it is
here that the Voluntary Service unit mem-
bers find many opportunities for service.
It makes one grateful again for his Chris-
tian heritage as daily he sees wrecked lives,
lives that have been wasted serving the forces
of evil, that know not the Saviour of the
world and His power over those very sins.
To serve these people we truly need the love
of God in our hearts and need to be in con-
stant fellowship with the Father. It is as we
deal with those who are from broken homes,
drunkards, police holds, suicide attempts that
we feel unworthy of the great gifts that have
The building recently purchaser] across the
street frcm the present heme will accommodate
24 members. It will also serve as recreation
center for I-\V men working in the city.
Every evening after supper we get together for
family worship. Here we are lifted above the
routine of the day as we worship together.
This period of worship is one of the high lights
of the day and has helped in bringing a strong
group unity.
been ours and feel more desperately the need
for wisdom from above. On the other hand,
it gives us a thrill as we meet those who are
living lives of victory over sin and are wit-
nessing for Christ even on their sickbeds.
Mr. and Mrs. IC 1 111:1 n S'ltf/viiaii Bit "Mom and
family. AbOTC they ate editing the unit paper
which is published Quarterly,
MISSIONS SECTION
'op" to our large
V. \\ s 111 (ienertl
The VS nuartet tliuK main opportunities for service both in Kmsas
< it> mid in surrounding slates \ tuouool, t„ur thr-ugh Indiana.
Olii.>. pari ol Ontarl . r*en \ rh, aael r> 1 \ Ivania is being planned
fur the irat of April. This trip is being made fur the promotion of
roJuatan lervke. The members are John Hershberger. Hesston,
Kans.; K man S'ut/man i:H hart. Intl.; Maro Myers, New Paris,
Ind.; and Key Nussbaum. D.ilton, Ohio.
March 30, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
303
On Feb. 23 John and Verlene Kreider. Hesston.
Kans., were installed as superintendent and
matron at the Gospel Center. Abive they are
greeted by one of our faithful attendants.
Just eight hours of our day are spent at
the hospital and we still have time left to
serve in other ways. Among these other ways
of service are teaching Sunday school at the
Mennonite Gospel Center, club work for the
boys and girls, singing at the TB hospital and
Hazelwood Resthome, visitation work for the
Gospel Center, and serving on programs for
churches near by.
At present there are eighteen young folks
living at the Service Unit home at 2515
Holmes Avenue. This is an eight-room
house, plus attic, and we have felt the need
for larger quarters to accommodate the large
group of young people who have chosen Kan-
sas City as their place of service for a year.
In February of this year MRSC purchased a
large building across the street from the pres-
ent home to remodel for our growing family.
The upstairs will house ten or more girls and
the basement is being remodeled to take care
of the same number of fellows. On the first
floor is a living room that is large enough to
accommodate group meetings for the unit as
well as the large group of I-W fellows work-
ing here in the city in different hospitals.
At this time there is a great need for girls
to replace the ones who will be leaving with-
in the next few months. If there are any
who are interested in giving a year of service
in this type of work, they will find that the
dividends far exceed the sacrifice. Informa-
tion can be received from MRSC, Elkhart,
Ind.
There has been a growing conviction that
work should be started among the boys and
girls of this community. A shop is being
added in the new unit home for the boys and
room will be provided for handcrafts and
sewing for the girls.
Every evening our group gathers for fami-
ly worship. It is here that we share experi-
ences, bring our prayer requests for those
whom we witnessed to during the day, dis-
cuss activities for the group, and together
pray for ourselves and each other.
Pray for our unit here in Kansas City. As
we move into larger living quarters, pray that
we will not lose our vision of service and of
self-denial in having better facilities, but that
we will dedicate ourselves anew to the many
service opportunities open to us here in this
city.
Kansas City, Mo.
Christ for You
By Merritt Robinson
"For the Son of man is come to seek and
save that which was lost" (Luke 19:10).
Greetings from New York City through
our precious Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
We are writing for the cause of Christ. This
verse just quoted means a lot to us as work-
ers here in the city. For the only One who
can save mankind from the pit of hell is the
Son of God. The following verse presents a
picture which we behold here in the city.
"Behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes,
and look on the fields; for they are white al-
ready to harvest" (John 4:35).
Many people here in the city have no
knowledge of the Word or of Jesus. Some
who have are led astray from the pure truths.
Our purpose is to give the whole truth and
nothing but the truth. One way we plan to
do that is by conducting a tent campaign in
Manhattan next summer, some place near
our Harlem work where we can reach both
colored and white people. The Christ for
You campaign is sponsored by the St. Ann's
Avenue Mennonite Church. The workers
from all the New York Mennonite churches
will be working together for the cause of
Christ.
Much work is connected with the plan-
ning of the campaign here in the city, for
which we need prayer support. The Mission
Board is lending us a tent which will seat
approximately 500 to 600 people. We plan
to do a large amount of advertising in sub-
ways, stores, and with postal size hand cards.
Other expenses will be the rent for the
ground, blueprints, and other legal work.
Bro. Merritt Robinson is general manager
and treasurer of the campaign. Bro. B. Har-
old Thomas is the evangelist. We are pre-
senting this to you as a faith project, praying
that God will supply our needs. We ask
prayer support in behalf of the work in gen-
eral and for Bro. Thomas in particular, that
God will give him the messages that he
should speak during the two or three weeks
of meetings. We are also presenting to you
the need of financial support to carry on this
project in the city. Those who t^ould like to
help in the work by gifts and offerings may
send their gifts to Merritt Robinson, 612 St.
Ann's Ave., Bronx 55, New York City, or to
Ira Buckwalter, Treasurer, Eastern Mennon-
ite Board of Missions and Charities, Inter-
course, Pa.
Pray for us as workers, as we go forth in
the power and boldness of the Spirit to pre-
sent Christ to the field which is white and
ready to harvest. May God bless you who
will pledge your prayers and financial sup-
port toward this work.
"And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as
to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that
of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the
inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ"
(Col. 3:23, 24), ' Bronx, New York.
tf^|r Mennonite
LXJ Hour
Slanderer Needs our Prayers
From Boston a man recently writes, "Why
do you berate the Devil so mercilessly? For
isn't Satan God's helper — his right-hand man
in fact? For Satan keeps Hell fire burning
at the proper pitch and gleefully and effi-
ciently takes care of all the 'sinners' your
sadistic God consigns to him — seeing that
they are toasted just enough to keep them
from dying and remaining in that glorified
state for eternity. Whatever would God do
without the Devil? . . ."
The above is given to show how distorted
men's thinking can become apart from God's
revelation. It is evident that the writer listens
to the messages given on the broadcast. He
already has written two letters indicating his
disagreements. Pray with us that the Holy
Spirit might drive deeply a convicting sword
into his troubled soul. "This kind goeth not
out but by prayer and fasting" (Matt. 17:21).
Jewess Is Getting Glimpse of Messiah
A few days ago we received a special de-
livery letter from the daughter of a Jewish
Rabbi indicating her interest in The Men-
nonite Hour program. Even though she says,
"I don't see it," let us not fail to pray that the
scales might fall from her eyes that she might
"see" the Messiah. "Faith cometh by hear-
ing . . ."
Mennonite Hour Schedule Cards Available
The Mennonite Hour staff is endeavoring
to produce a program which will draw men
to Christ. However, they need your help to
invite people to tune in to the program. For
this reason attractive two-color schedule cards
have been produced which are available to
you without cost. Our first order of 25,000
was soon exhausted. A second order of
35,000 is presently being sent out to those
requesting these cards.
The staff appreciates the interest and en-
thusiasm shown in the distribution of these
cards. Giving out these cards is an excellent
form of missionary work which can be done
at the shop, on the bus, in your business
place, in your correspondence. Keep a few
in your pocket at all times, and you will be
surprised how many opportunities you will
have to hand one out at that unexpected
moment.
When you write to us for these cards, be
sure to tell us the number you want and the
station which is best heard in your commu-
nity (we will then send you the card de-
signed especially for your area). For your
free cards write: The Mennonite Hour, Box
22, Harrisonburg, Va.
MISSIONS SECTION
304
GOSPEL HERALD
March 30, 1954
None Bharat, Christian Hospital. Dbamtari, MP.. India, examines ■ si<k child. TIM Oral
graduation exercises of the nursing school added four more graduate nurses to the hospital start.
India Nursing School Graduation
By Lena Graber
The first graduation from the Dhamtari
Christian Hospital Nursing School is now
over. Florence Nafziger and I were quite
excited when February 12 dawned, but then,
so was everyone else. The program was held
on Dr. Conrad's lawn, the veranda being
used as a stage or platform. It was very
effective between the two arches. All the
benches from the chapel, from the hospital,
and a lot of our chairs were out. Every
space was Idled and some of the patients who
came had 10 sit on the grass, which was not
100 bad.
At 4:?0 the procession started from our
house. Hro. J. D. Graber and Dr. Conrad
led, with Florence and me next. After us
came the lour graduates and then all the
other students according to classes. At the
end were the other graduate nurses, Blanche
Sell, Miss Newton, Miss Bharat, Mr. Dan,
and Mr. Sagun, plus Anna l.ois Rohrcr, Eliza
beth Erb, and Elizabeth Penner, also in
uniform, and the doctors La] and Martin.
We sang a bhajan (Indian hymn) as we
marched.
The giaduatcs looked so nice in their white
saris, long-sleeved blouses, ami white caps
with a black ribbon. They bail white sandals
and socks on, too. Etch wore a tiny corsage
of pink oleander and maiden hair (cm. It
was a joy to sec them so well poised. The
graduates sang a bhajan based on "Take Mv
Life and Let It Be," anil our chorus did real
MISSIONS SECTION
Dr. Verghese, Dr. Lysander, and the Groffs.
Bro. Graber personally brought congratula-
tions from the Mission Board. It made quite
an impression on everyone to think that so
many people all around the world were re-
membering us here on this day. I think that
to sum up my own feelings it was like this:
now I can go home on furlough. If I do
not get back, there are four nurses in my
place for India.
Dhamtari. M.P., India.
well, too. Everyone listened with rapt at-
tention as Bro. J. D. Graber gave the gradua-
tion address. Even the children were quiet.
Alter the speech I presented the class to Dr.
Conrad for the granting of diplomas. He
spoke a little, referring to the Bible passage
that says sometimes one person sows seed and
another reaps the harvest. He said he was
like that -reaping the harvest that another
bad planted- and he read what Dr. Yoder
had written from America for the occasion.
The graduates said the Florence Nightin-
gale Pledge in Hindi and then Bro. Edwin
Weaver gave the prayer of consecration and
benediction. Then we all congratulated the
graduates. We stall members also got con-
gratulations for our hard work in training
these girls.
After everyone had left, the graduates
and their immediate families, plus our doc
tors, came to our house for a little refresh
ment. The third year students served. There
were about forty of us in all and we had a
nice time together for about an hour. We
gave the girls their gifts then. Florence had
brought towel sets from the States for them
and Blanche had made lovely table covers.
Dr. and Mrs. Conrad gave them each a 2cc
syringe and needles. I gave them each the
Florence Nightingale Pledge written in
Hindi and framed. Thcv were so pleased
with ibeir gilts and it was nice that their par
cuts could be here to share in it with them.
Just before Blanche's speech Florence read
the telegrams we had received. We got one
from La Junta, from Goshen College, from
Twenty-five European Trainees
Meet for Conference
The 25 European Mennonite young people
participating in the 1953-54 Mennonite Cen-
tral Committee trainee program met for an
evaluation and inspiration conference in the
Roanoke Mennonite Church near Eureka, 111..
Fridav. Feb. 26. and Saturday, Feb. 27. The
conference came after the trainees had spent
their first six months in the United States
and enabled them to discuss their experiences
and compare American and European life.
They left for their new assignments, March 1.
The conference theme was "Building on
the Good Foundation." The speaker was
Jacob T. Friesen, pastor of the Beatrice.
N'ebr., First Mennonite Church. Bro. Friesen
was particularly able to address this group
because he spent 18 months as an MCC work-
er in Germany. Part of his activities includ-
ed working with German young people.
Trainees discussed advantages and disad-
vantages of American farming and household
methods and church life. There were talks
on farm, home, and church life in Germany.
Holland, Switzerland, and France. On Fri-
day afternoon the trainees toured the Cater-
pillar Tractor Company in Peoria. They
stayed in Mennonite homes in the Eureka
area during the conference.
The purpose of the trainee program, which
is registered under the U.S. State Depart-
ment, is to give Mennonite youths from
abroad an opportunity to observe American
occupational practices and community and
church life and promote a better understand-
ing and closer relationship between Euro-
peans and Americans.
The trainee's onc-vear period in this coun-
try is spent in two different communities so
that he gets a greater variety of experiences
in occupational and community contacts.
I rainee program costs including transporta-
tion to and from the United States, transport.!
tion to the midyear evaluation conference
and homes of new sponsors and maintenance,
arc provided by sponsors.
["he names and addresses of the trainees
and sponsors for the six-month period be-
ginning March 1: Ruth Cornelsen, Hamburg,
Ccrmam Dr. Isaac Tieszen. Home for the
\ .1. Marion, S. Dak.; Siebren de Jong.
Leeuwarden, Holland — Raymond K. Horn-
ing. Goodville, Pa.; Tine de Jong, Ureterp,
I lolland 1 Ionic for the Aged, Eureka. III.:
n.igm.i: Froese, Bremen. Germany — May-
nard ! loo\ n . New Paris, Ind.
Irene Geiser, Tavannes, Switzerland — Clar-
encc [mhofif, Roanoke, 111.; Fritz Hege, Stein-
March }o, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
305
seltz, France — Aaron S. Glick, R. 7, Lancas-
ter, Pa.; Ingeborg Hege, Eppstien, Germany
—Edmund P. Zehr, Mennonite Deaconess
Home and Hospital, Beatrice, Nebr.; Horst
Heidebrecht, Backnang, Germany — John R.
Doell, Henderson, Nebr.; Aukje Schut, Kou-
dum, Holland— Willard E. Guengerich, R. 2,
La Junta, Colo.
Guenther Krehbiel, Straubing, Germany-
Raymond A. Friesen, R. 3, Aurora, Nebr.;
Sjoerd Kupeerus, Workum, Holland — Aldine
Gingerich, Wellman, Iowa; Esther Lichti,
Neustadt, Germany — Mennonite Home for
the Aged, Frederich, Pa.; Lydia Nikitin, Bar-
singhausen, Germany — A. J. Metzler, Men-
nonite Publishing House, Scottdale, Pa.;
Erika Nussbaumer, Basel, Switzerland — Ar-
thur G. Claassen, Potwin, Kans.
Walter Nussbaumer, Heimsbrunn, France
—Rudolph P. Graber, Marion, S. Dak.; Gret-
el Ott, Karlsruhe, Germany— David Derstine,
Blooming Glen, Pa.; Corrie Keyser, Leiden,
Holland— Joseph G. Shank, Broadway, Va.;
Anneliese Suttor, Muenchen, Germany —
Mennonite Hospital and Sanitarium, La Jun-
ta, Colo.; Andries Tuininga, Voorburg, Hol-
land—W. J. Kaufman, R. 2, Moundridge,
Kans.
Leendert van Reeuwijk, Hoofddorp, Hol-
land—Emil Megert, Bessie, Okla.; Eric Ver-
julst, Hilversum, Holland— H. S. Yoder, 1564
Gasche St., Wooster, Ohio; Dirk Vrolijk,
Aalsmeer, Holland — R a y m o n d Regier,
Moundridge, Kans.; Eva Marie Wiehler, Gif-
horn, Germany — Eastern Mennonite Conva-
lescent Home, Hatfield, Pa.; Reinhard Wieh-
ler, Hamelin, Germany — Menno Eicher,
Berne, Ind.; and Jakob Zuercher, Tramelan,
Switzerland— John Vogt, Cordell, Okla.
MCC Information Service, Akron, Pa.
Notes from Hannibal
By C. Carol Kauffman
Since the day Bro. Johnnie Allison was in-
carcerated in the Jefferson City State Prison
on Nov. 29, 1951, to begin his term of life
imprisonment, we have not failed to make
the two-hundred-mile trip twice monthly to
visit him; and not only Johnnie, but the other
brethren there who have been won to Christ
by Johnnie's Sunday-school class teaching and
preaching on the yard. Usually a carload of
six go to Jefferson City; so at least that many
men can have individual visits. Occasionally
a group from the Cherry Box or the Versailles
congregation meet us at a given point.
Not all of the prisoners who accept Christ
and give evidence of sound conversion are
ready to embrace the whole of our doctrine.
Some study it diligently and admit it must
be the answer to a pure conscience and the
standard for holy living — "but — well — who
in this place and day and age could live it?"
It is indeed heart-touching to see frequently
those so eager, so seemingly genuine, being
sidetracked by other religious influences,
grow fainthearted and confused, then give up
completely because God in His Word re-
quires too much of self to be denied. Invari-
ably they stagger first at some little thing,
then gradually return to former and greater
sins. This is a challenging work, a tremen-
dous task, and we solicit your continued
prayer support. Only by your help in a sub-
stantial way have we been able to carry on.
Two other of our baptized prison brethren
are teaching Sunday-school classes. Johnnie
and his helpers distribute 100 copies of "The
Way" each month, besides many Gospel
tracts. Often on our way home we ask each
other, "Did your visit encourage your prison
brother, or did he encourage you?"
In a recent Gospel Herald there appeared
a small article entitled "A Gospel Chain Re-
action." Numbers have written in asking if
the wife of the prisoner mentioned was John-
nie Allison's. It was the wife of a fellow
prisoner with whom Johnnie and others had
been working.
During the past year we lost six members
by death. We have every reason to feel that
they were all ready to go to the place pre-
pared for the saved. A nationally known
radio minister said recently, "The great-
est work I can do is to get you ready to die.
While other radio programs are telling you
how to live better, I'm on the air to tell you
how to die better."
Another young man from the east has re-
ceived his I-W assignment for hospital work
in Hannibal. Our congregation has spon-
sored another successful clothing drive for
relief.
The monthly mothers' meetings are held
in homes except when we have an all-day
sewing in the church basement. A class in
Fundamentals of Music meets once a week.
On Jan. 12, Dr. H. Clair Amstutz gave an
illustrated lecture to the young married cou-
ples of the four churches in this district.
Janice Bender, who finished her faithful
and effective term of service here as a work-
er, has taken a job in the Kalona, Iowa, bank.
Fern Stutzman from North English, Iowa,
has come to take her place. Our other work-
ers are Ruth King and Melvin Lapp.
The "Christ for Today" radio broadcast
at 7:30 each Sunday morning brings letters
of appreciation from non-Mennonites for our
clear denouncements of sin. The Radio
Board of eight members met Feb. 20.
On Feb. 18 an all-church supper and fel-
lowship was enjoyed in the church basement.
March 2-5 a Ministers' Workshop was held
at Hannibal. Howard Charles from Goshen,
Ind., and Gerald Studer from Smithville,
Ohio, were the instructors.
A middle-aged man is being instructed for
baptism.
The Sunday morning sermons have been
occupied with a series on our seven ordi-
nances. The Palmyra congregation, inasmuch
as they are few in number, have been wor-
shiping with our congregation twice a month
for our Sunday evening services, as well as
our Thursday evening prayer meetings.
A letter just received from James Wall
says three prisoners in his Sunday-school class
confessed Christ recently.
March 30 we will have our all-day quarter-
ly Sunday-school meeting. Please put Hanni-
bal Mission on your prayer list.
Hannibal, Mo.
Missions Editorial
Praying Men into the Kingdom
"If you believe what you do, you should
pray for us every day," said an agnostic to a
young Christian trying to convince the ag-
nostic and his friend that accepting Christ
was the only way to be saved. The witness
had become discouraged at the refusal of the
others to see his point of view and reminded
them, "At the judgment day, you cannot say
that I didn't warn you."
We should never stop praying for and wit-
nessing to the lost no matter how long they
continue to resist our witness. The Scripture
does not limit the number of times we should
pray for unrepentant sinners. It assumes that
we will continue to pray for them until they
repent or until God calls us home.
We do all too little praying for the lost
around us. Our prayers are so full of our
own needs and desires that we seldom get
around to praying for others in the short
time in our daily schedule which we allot
to prayer. Men who have been effective
evangelists have prayed much for those with
whom they were dealing. Many a prayer
warrior about whom the world has never
heard has done the same. We cannot dis-
charge our intercessory prayer responsibility
by tossing out a phrase now and then in be-
half of that lost neighbor. Concern for him
should be a part of our daily prayer life until
God brings him into the kingdom.
Jesus emphasized the need for importunity
in prayer. He used the example of the father
who had retired with his children and was
then asked by his neighbor friend for bread
to feed an unexpected guest. The father gave
the bread just to be rid of the friend. Jesus
also used the example of the unbelieving
judge who avenged the widow of her adver-
sary to be rid of her. If men will respond to
asking prompted by such unworthy motives,
how much more will a God of love answer
the prayers of His children even though He
may postpone the answer many days, yea,
even years.
A prayer list provides one of the most effec-
tive methods for a planned program of in-
tercessory prayer. Such a daily reminder will
help the intercessor to concentrate his atten-
tion on certain individuals and their needs.
His prayers then become more specific and
less general. Those are the kind of prayers
God can answer.
God grant us such powerful concern for
the lost of our acquaintance that we cannot
sleep until we have daily prayed for them.
— L. C. Hartzler.
MISSIONS SECTION
306
GOSPEL HERALD
March 30,
in establishing confidence and making con-
tacts for a Gospel witness.
Recreation leaders are also needed in the
programs at La Plata, Puerto Rico, and
Mathis, Texas, where the Units are endeavor-
ing to provide worth-while recreation and
leisure-time activities for the youth and chil-
dren of these communities. These positions
would also give I-W credit.
General workers, especially girls as house-
keepers, are needed in many service and mis-
sion programs. Girls and women fill impor-
tant responsibilities in this work so necessary
to an effective mission and service program.
Anyone who would like to serve or who
feels an interest in any of these above men-
tioned opportunities should contact D. J.
Mishler, Office for Relief and Service, 1711
Prairie St., Elkhart, Ind.
I-W Services
Brethren Henry Weaver, Jr., and Robert
Keller of the MRSC office are in Virginia,
Pennsylvania, and Delaware during the lat-
ter part of March visiting I-W units and in
conferences with I-W pastoral representatives.
The first issue of The Lantern, a pastoral
letter to all Mennonite I-W men edited by
Bro. Robert Keller, was mailed the third week
of March. This letter is also mailed to all
pastors. Any pastor who does not receive his
copy should contact Mennonite I-W Services,
1711 Prairie St., Elkhart, Ind. Other ordained
men and interested persons may subscribe to
this paper by writing to the above address.
A I-W basketball tournament was held for
several of the I-W units in Ohio, Indiana,
Michigan, and Illinois March 3-13. In con-
nection with the final play-offs, a fellowship
supper was held at Goshen College with
Roman Gingerich, Goshen, Ind., and Bro.
J. Frederick Erb, Detroit, Mich., as guest
speakers.
The Kalamazoo I-W unit is studying
Youth and Nonresistance by Bro. Stanley C.
Shenk during their Tuesday evening meet-
ings.
The Ft. Wayne I-W group is finding their
weekly study of the four Gospels very inter-
esting and worth while.
The Peace Team from the Indianapolis,
Ind., I-W group presented a program at the
Leo Mennonite Church near Ft. Wayne, Ind.,
on March 21.
Released March 19, 1954
Office for Relief and Service
Elkhart, Indiana
'obstetrical nursing instructor in a provincial
public health center in Pusan. She is also re-
sponsible for the operation of this newly
opened maternal and child health clinic.
Limited obstetrical facilities result in a high
maternal and infant death rate, Miss Dyck
reported.
Another activity by MCC nurses in Korea
is to visit various baby homes. Since child
care and nursing standards are low in Korea,
our nurses hope that by frequent visits to
such homes, they can help the supervisors
realize the need for better child care. Mrs.
}. Harold Yoder of Columbiana, Ohio, re-
ported that two ladies in charge of these
homes are asking questions and showing in-
terest in learning about more complete care.
In February Mrs. Yoder and Lois Kuhns of
La Junta, Colo., the other MCC nurse in
Korea, worked with a Korean doctor and a
Korean nurse in giving the orphan boys at
the MCC Christian vocational school near
Taegu a physical check-up.
There are an abundance of nursing oppor-
tunities in Korea. MCC nurses feel, how-
ever, that to train and teach a higher standard
of nursing will in the end accomplish the
most far-reaching results. They are finding
the slow-moving Orient a frustration to their
eagerness to provide their Christian services.
Planning and arranging are matters requiring
much time in the Orient.
On Sending Money and Parcels Overseas
MCC relief workers report that some over-
seas recipients of material aid, especially
Christmas bundles, have written to North
American contributors and secured generous
amounts of money and parcels.
While these recipients are in need, there
are other refugees and war sufferers in as
great a need or greater as these who write for
additional assistance. In most cases food and
clothi ng are more urgendy needed than
money.
To provide extra and special assistance to
certain families or persons makes for inequit-
able assistance. MCC workers abroad are
seeking to distribute material aid to those in
greatest need and to distribute it as fairly and
evenly as possible.
Workers in one country have written and
suggested that gifts not be sent directly to
refugees. The most efficient way to assist the
needy overseas is through your relief organi-
zation and its workers overseas. To send in-
dividual packages to persons overseas is also
more expensive than sending relief materials
in large amounts.
Relief and Service News
MRSC Weekly Notes
Voluntary Service
There are more and better opportunities
for young people and older ones who have no
family responsibilities to hinder direct witness
activities to serve their church today than
ever before.
Everyone who can and has not served in
Voluntary Service or in direct church-related
mission or service witness will want to taste
of the blessings that such service gives, both
to those who serve and those who are served.
For those who enjoy serving the physically
ill there are opportunities at the Iowa City,
Iowa, and Kansas City, Kans., Hospital Units
to work as orderlies and nurses aides.
Several of the group of eleven VS'ers at
Iowa City enjoy working in the Hospital
School for Handicapped children helping
these boys and girls to overcome the handi-
caps which are theirs. Others of this unit
work in the University's General Hospital.
The Spirit of Christian fellowship is very
warm and this group is effectively witnessing
by helping at the Iowa City Mennonite Mis-
sion and by giving programs on VS in sur-
rounding Mennonite churches.
The unit in Kansas City all work in the
General Hospital. Their off-hours are filled
with plus witness activities such as children's
clubs, visitation, quartet work, helping many
families who need aid with small, menial
tasks, and assisting in a general way with the
witness of the Kansas City Gospel Mission.
There are opportunities tor business stu-
dents to serve in the church's program. At the
present time there are urgent opportunities
for secretarial help at the General Mission
Board Headquarters in Elkhart, Ind. Appli-
cants for these openings may serve on a regu-
lar staff basis or in Voluntary Service.
There is also an opening in the Puerto Rico
service program tor a person with bookkeep-
ing interest and skill. '1 his position could
well be titled by a young man who desires to
serve and needs to obtain 1-W credit.
Those who have had some training in
science or medicine will find many opportuni-
ties through which they can serve their
church with the talents they have been given.
A young man is needed in Puerto Rico to
work in a ray and help in pharmacy work in
the hospital. 1 his position would give I-W
credit.
The medical programs for the Mexican
migrants in Mathis, lex., and the Navaho
Indians in Crams, N. Mcx., and Phoenix,
Ariz., need nurses urgently at the present
tunc. The visiting nurse services to the Mexi-
can migrants will continue .md another is
needed to work in the new maternity home
being built to provide obstetrical care for
Mexican mothers. The service unit to the
Navaho Indiana provide! visiting nurse serv-
ices to these people. This service is important
MISSIONS SECTION
MCC Weekly Notes
Fourth MCC Nurse to Sail for Korea
Fern I Icrshbcrgcr, R.N., of Upland, Calif.,
is scheduled to sail from San Francisco March
28 or 29 for Korea where she will join the IS
MCC workers already providing relief and
rehabilitation services.
Miss I Icrshbcrgcr has previously served
under MCC in the Far Past. She spent six
years in India, the Philippines, and Formosa.
After her arrival, there will be four nurses in
the Korean MCC program.
One of these nurses, Kathcrinc Dyck of
Rosthcrn, Sask., is beginning work as an
Camp Landon Volunteers Go without Food
for a Day
To make themselves more aware of the
experience of the world's hungry. Voluntary
Service personnel at Camp Landon. Gulfport,
Miss., went without food for a day. Food that
would have been eaten that day was given to
local families without sufficient nourishment.
This experience made the campers more
appreciative of the food taken for granted in
America. They also became more sympathet-
ic with the world's hungry and realized why
persona with empty stomachs, including those
10 the Gulfport community, are inactive and
unable to improve their lot.
March 50, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
307
Here are a few reactions to this foodless
day:
"Going without food made us all feel slug-
gish, both mentally and physically. We be-
gan to realize that people who do have in-
sufficient food are not in a condition to better
their lot because of this sluggishness and
therefore it can tend to be a vicious circle."
"From my experience I began to think of
Archie in my classroom who is lethargic and
inactive and wonder if undernourishment is
his trouble."
Released March 19, 1954
MCC Information Service
Akron, Pa.
Women's Activities
Notes from Your Treasurer
We wish to thank the many sewing circles
and individuals who so faithfully support the
projects for which we as the WMSC Or-
ganization have made ourselves responsible.
We have been able to report substantial in-
creases in contributions every year, which is
an indication of healthy growth. We thank
the Lord for His leading in the work of the
WMSCO.
In the February 23 Women's Activities
column, the announcement was made of the
appointment of Sister Florence Shantz as full-
time secretary for the WMSCO. This and
other increased field work for the purpose of
unifying and encouraging the Missionary
and Sewing Circle work of every section of
the church calls for an increased outlay of
funds to meet the current operating expenses.
We have again failed to meet our obliga-
tion to the General Mission Board for our
share in the Nursing Education program.
Can we by united prayerful effort meet these
needs? We believe we can. We thank all
those who have so loyally supported these
projects, but we wish to encourage additional
and continued contributions as unto the
Lord. — Amanda Frey, Treasurer.
* # #
The good reed our Christian nurses are
sowing is bearing fruit. Bro. Cleo Mann,
pastor of the I-W center in Indianapolis, re-
ports the following experience. When ter-
minating his bread route service in prepara-
tion to take up the work in Indianapolis, he
chanced to tell one of his customers that he
was going to be doing full-time church work.
"To what church do you belong?" came
prompdy from the very interested lady.
When she heard "Mennonite," she said, "You
must come in. I have something to tell you."
"My husband was in the Elkhart Hospi-
tal," she began. "One day one of your nurses
entered his room and noticing that he was
very much discouraged, even distressed, she
took her white Testament from her pocket
and read to him and then prayed for him."
Then with a joyful look she added, "Since
then things have been different."
• * »
On Saturday, March 6, Mrs. J. D. Graber
with several other sewing circle women from
Indiana, met with the women of the I-W
Center in Indianapolis, Ind. They studied
the situation and work of the women there,
in order to gain information to send out to
others who are asking for advice and sug-
gestions for organizing a Women's Fellow-
ship.
The group of visitors was highly pleased
with the excellent work which is being done
in the Indianapolis Center. The officers of
their Christian Women's Fellowship plan
their work and programs with a dual pur-
pose: to help the women learn and produce
something for themselves while they are
contributing to the work of the unit and to
the projects of the WMSCO.
At Christmas time the Women's Christian
Fellowship of Indianapolis planned a pro-
gram for giving a Christian witness to their
community. They sang carols and gave gifts
to the old people of a near-by home for the
aged. They are now planning a similar pro-
gram for the Easter season.
Since this group of women have written
a constitution in keeping with the missionary
spirit of WMSCO, and since they have so
much helpful information, it was decided to
write up the work of this group in order to
have helpful suggestions ready for other
groups similarly situated.
* * #
Sister Gladys Widmer writes that the first
Women's Day of Prayer for the Puerto Rican
sisters was an inspiration to all who attended.
The meeting was held on February 20 at the
Betania Church. A sister who cannot read
or write experienced the pleasure of united
prayer. "Praise God that I could help in the
prayer period with a few words," she com-
mented later. Another remarked, "I should
like to stay here. It has been such a wonder-
ful experience." — Mrs. C. L. Shank.
From Our Churches
RITTMAN, OHIO
(Crown Hill Congregation)
Dear Readers of the Gospel Herald :
Greetings in Jesus' name. As time goes swift-
ly by may we find Him more dear and real so
tliat tiie beacon lights of the cnurch be not
dimmed.
Revival meetings in December with Bro. C. F.
Derstine, Kitchener, Ont., in charge were well
attended. There were nine decisions for Christ.
On Christmas morning Bro. Llmer Yoder,
from North Lawrence, Ohio, brought a message.
The watch-night service on New Year's Eve
was a full, interesting one- We had our regular
midweek Bible study and prayer service, chorus
practice, a surprise program and surprise gift
presentation when a table of groceries were
given to our pastor and his wife, Noah and
Elizabeth Hilty. Later we had congregational
singing, a period of praise and testimonies, and
a talk by Arlene Shoup, who described Christ-
mas in Puerto Rico where she had spent a num-
ber of years. D. W. Miller, Wooster, Ohio,
gave the closing talk and then we had a prayer
service when we committed ourselves anew to
our Lord and Saviour.
In January we again loaded a table with
groceries which were presented to our deacon
and his wife, Elmer and Mary Hilty. These
experiences help to draw us closer together in
the bond of brotherhood.
Bro. Abner Stoltzfus worshiped with us Jan.
30. 31, showing slides from Palestine at the
Old People's Home, speaking to the children,
and having preaching services both Sunday
morning and evening.
Bro. and Sister John Dreecher. Mt. Joy, Pa.,
now at Goshen College, worshiped with us
Feb. 21.
Our MYF enjoys witnessing in singing at the
Wayne County Home each month and distrib-
uting The Way in the city of Barberton. A
mutual interest in singing by the young people
and older folk has developed into a chorus in
charge of Bro. Chester Yoder and Sister Grace
Martin.
We extend to all a welcome to stop and wor-
ship with us at Crown Hill when possible-
Luella Shoup.
ALMA. ONTARIO
(Berea Congregation)
As we see the snow is almost all gone and the
bare earth is appearing, we think of the passage,
"While the earth remaineth, seedtime . . . shall
not cease," and we rejoice and are thankful to
Him for seasons and the blessings they bring.
Among the visits and programs from different
groups and ministers we were privileged to have
with us this fall and winter were Bro. Moses
Bowman and a quartet from Roseville on the
evening of Oct. 4 ; a group from East Z >rra on
Oct. 25; O.M.B-I. group with Lome McDowell
as speaker and girls' trio on Dec. G ; Bro. Amos
Martin. Moorefield. Ont., the morning of Dec.
13 and Horace Cressman, Breslau, Ont., in the
evening; a group from O.M.B.S. gave the Sun-
day morning program recently and the morning
message on Feb. 2i was given by Bro. Amos
Martin. We appreciate these visits and pro-
grams.
About once a month the young people here
go out to distribute tracts. May the Lord bless
this work and His Word.
Our pastor is preaching a series of sermons
on the Beatitudes-
Last fall we also organized a junior depart-
ment.
Pray for us and the work at Berea.
Elizabeth Hansen.
WAUSEON. OHIO
(West Clinton Congregation)
Dear Hekai.d Readers :
"Ulessed is eveiy one that feareth the Lord;
that waiketh in h.s ways" (Ps. J.28:l).
Oil Jan. 1U, a class of 8 boys and 19 girls
were received into cnurch fellowship by water
baptism. Our bishop, .tiro. E. B. Frey, preaciied
the sermon and uuministered the rites. In the
evening, Bro. Walter S^uekey of the Lockport
congregation. StryKer. Ohio, brought a message
to our young people.
Bro. Ira Amscuiz was here Jan. 21 in the
interest of a youth camp, located near Orrville,
Ohio.
To date, twelve young brethren of our con-
gregation are in I-W service, working and wit-
nessing in both mental and general hospitals.
Our Missions Committee has arranged for a
service to be held the first Thursday evening of
each month at the Rescue Mission on Cherry
Street in Toledo. Ohio. The purpose of this
mission is to "Rescue the perishing . . - [and]
lift up the fallen." Here any "down and outer''
is given a night's lodging and a substantial
breakfast, but is expected to attend the service
of praise, preaching, and prayer which is held
each evening. By this means many hardened
sinners have been converted and have found
their Saviour.
The service which we hold one Sunday after-
noon of each month at the County Home is also
greatly appreciated by its inmates.
The Women s Day of Prayer was held March
5, at the Central Church. It was a joint meet-
ing of the sewing circles of this community,
and was attended by a large group of women
and girls.
New officers were elected at our March sew-
ing circle meeting. The executive committee for
the adult circle is as follows : Pres., Cora Baer ;
Vice-Pres., Mrs. Mahlon Rupp ; Secy.-Treas.,
Mrs. Ernest Frey. For the junior circle : Pres.,
Lucile Richer; Vice-Pres., Mary Louise Miller;
Secy--Treas., Marlene Rufenacht.
The community is much concerned about a
sister, Mrs. Maynard Rufenacht, who remains
in serious condition in an Ann Arbor, Mich.,
hospital. She has been ill with cancer for sev-
eral mouths. She is the mother of three small
children. Many prayers have been offered in
her behalf. May the Lord's will be done.
Mrs. Fred Wyse.
The Bible was the first book ever printed
on a printing press. It has never been off the
presses of the world since.
308
GOSPEL HERALD
March 50, 1954
FAMILY CIRCLE (Continued)
does it? In fact, how many children are
responsible lor some regular daily tasks?
One good speaker I heard recently said
that every child should be required
to do some work at which he can get up
a little sweat. It is not only good lor him
physically, but psychologically, as well.
Children should be led to leel that they
can accomplish something a bit difficult
and worth while. Of course, we should
give Jack the benefit ol the proverb
about "all work and no play*"
Maybe 1 sound old-lashioned, but
(it's too late now) I can look back and
see many of my mistakes and failures.
Even when we think we are doing our
best, it is none too good, and the de\il
usually finds a loophole, and the first
thing we know we have been caught oil
guard. You young parents hold the key
to your children's tuture. It's what you
do now that determines whether you will
someday sit in an easy or "uneasy" chair.
You can "be good" to them by letting
them do as they please, or you can
make them "peculiar" by bringing them
up in the nurture and admonition ol
the Lord. There is little you can do
about it after your family is gone. They
may think you are too hard on them
now, but someday they will bless you tor
it. Most children respond to love and
kindness, but withal it takes firmness.
Most of us have good intentions, but they
will avail nothing if not put into action.
After all is said and done, there is us-
ually more said than done. Something
to think about? Or doesn't this pertain
to 1954 Mennonites?
Kokomo, Ind.
EXPRESSIONS OF APPRECIATION
We wish 10 express our sincere appreciation
for tiit- mans prayers offered ami your many
kind expressions of sympathy received during
our recent bereavement in the passing of our
dear husband and father. Bishop Henry it.
Seller!/.. The Family Members.
• • *
We wish to express our thanks and deepen)
appreciation to all our Christian friends and
neighbors who so kindly remembered us with
cards of sympathy, letters of encouragement,
and prayer* for us in the sudden passing ol
our beloved companion and loving mother and
grandmother. May the Lord give each of you
u special blessing for your kindness to us. —
Addison D. Snyder and family.
• • •
We wish to express to our many friends our
heartfcll thanks for the tokens of sympathy
tendered us during our recent bereavement in
the death of our ther and grandmother. .Mrs
Adeline ('. Stauffer. — Mr. and Mrs. .Menu,. B<
Millar and family. Millersville, Pa.
» • •
We sincerely extend our appreciation to all
who have helped Lighten the sorrow in the sud
den passing of our loving husband, father, and
son. Sent 10. Hershey, for sympathy expressed
through cards, letters, visits, and especially
prayers. We were very conscious of the great
prayer band which was reaching from ever)
direction to the throne for us. May liod bless
you all. We are assured that His holy name i-
glorified throng)) M all. — Mrs. Man ha Elerahej
and children, and father, Martin It. Hershey,
Klnaera, Pa.
Let us forget ourselves in daily kindhcart
cdness. — Gertrude Roupp.
SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON (Continued)
united with His Father and there was great
rejoicing in victory over death.
Redemptive love took Jesus to the cross.
Love took Him to the cross steadfasdy, brave-
ly, and unflinchingly. "As a sheep before
her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his
mouth." The Lamb of God which was "slain
from the foundation of the world" is now
offered as a sacrifice once for all. His blood
atoned for all men of all time.
May your pupils "behold the man" and
love Him more.
A good close might be to read again the
words of the hymn, "For Me."
— Alta Mae Erb.
Lesson based on "International Sunday School Les-
sons: the International Bible Lessons for Christian
Teaching," copyrighted 19S1 by the Division of Chris-
tian Education National Council of the Churches oi
Christ in the U.S.A.
FIELD NOTES (Continued)
Christian Stewardship lectures by Milo
KaufTman at the Waterloo and Elmira
churches, Ontario, March 29 to April 4, with
services alternating at the two congregations.
Communion dates for the bishop district
of Amos Horst and Mahlon Zimmerman dis-
trict, Lancaster Conference, as follows: March
28, Landis Valley; April 4, Lititz; April 11,
hphrata; April 18, Indiantown and Royers;
April 25, Hess and Blainsport; May 2, Ham-
rnercreek; May 9, Denver and Bernville.
"Not My Will, but Thine," will be the
topic for the Young People's Bible Meeung,
Hess Church, near Lititz, Pa., April 4, with
Walter Leatherman speaker.
Bible Instruction Meeting at Hereford
Church, Bally, Pa., April 16-18, with Elmer B.
Moyer, Souderton, Pa., and Warren S. Good,
Hphrata, Pa., as instructors.
The Jewish Evangelism meeung, usually
held each first Monday in the month at Vine
Street Church, Lancaster, Pa., will not be
held April 5 because of the annual all-day
Jewish Evangelism meeting scheduled for
April 14 at the Landisville Meetinghouse.
Passion Week services at the Riverdale
A.M. Church April 10-16, with Andrew
Farmwald, Plain City, Ohio, as evangelist.
Spring Bible Conference at Pleasant Hill,
SmithviBc, Ohio, April 11-18, Chester K.
Lehman, I larrisonburg, Va., as speaker.
Goshen College Motet Singers at Kidron,
Ohio, Church, April 16.
Passion week services at Sunnyside, Con-
ncaut Lake, Pa., April 14-18, with Aaron
Mast, Belleville, Pa., as speaker.
Bible School at (icrnitask, Mich., April 5-
15, with Harry Y. Shelter, Davidsville, Pa.,
and Joe J. Swartz, Rexton, Mich., as in-
structors.
Ira A. Amstutz, OrrvUlc, Ohio, speaker
1 01 the Men's Fellowship, Scottdale, Pa.,
April 2, evening.
Henry Weaver, Jr., Elkhart, Ind.. speaker
at Missionary Day services, at Pigeon, Mich.,
Mcnnonite Church, April 4.
Peace Conference at Crystal Springs, Kans.,
Mcnnonite Church April 12, 13, with Phil
Frey, rVrchbold, Ohio, and Justus Holsinger,
1 [esston, Kans., as speakers.
Communion dates for upper district in
Franconia Conference, Stanley Beidler, bish-
op: March 28, Swamp; April 4, Haycock;
April 11, Salem; April 18, Rocky Ridge; May
2, Steel City and Allentown; May 16, Bally
and Boyertown; May 23, Finland.
Visiting Speakers
March 14. Wilbur Yoder, Middlebury,
Ind., at First Mennonite Church, Indian-
apolis, Ind.
March 21. Silas Weldy, Wakarusa, Ind.,
at Crumstown, Ind. Paul Lantz, Winesburg,
Ohio, at Walnut Creek, Ohio. Aaron Mast,
Belleville, Pa., Central Church, Archbold,
Ohio, morning; Tedrow, Wauseon, Ohio,
evening. John L. Horst, Scottdale, Pa., Cen-
tral Church, Archbold, Ohio, evening. Merle
Bender, Hesston, Kans., at La Junta, Colo.
Charles Sheder, Schellsburg, Pa., at Johns-
town, Pa. C Nevin Miller, Harrisonburg,
Va., at Martinsburg, Pa. Ralph Malm, West
Chester, Pa., at Frazer, Pa. Melville Nafziger,
Wilmington, Del., at Zion Church, Beckers-
ville, Pa.
Bro. and Sister Wnu G. Detweiler and the
Amstutz Sisters Trio, representing The Cal-
vary Hour, will give programs at the Blough
Mennonite Church near Hollsopple, Pa.,
Saturday evening, April 3; at the Martins-
burg, Pa., Church on Sunday morning, April
4, and at the high school in Greencasde, Pa.,
on Sunday afternoon at 2:30, April 4.
Evangelistic Meetings
Andrew Farmwald, Plain City, Ohio, at
Riverdale A.M. Church, Millbank, Ont.,
April 10-16. John H. Hess, Kitchener, Ont..
at Beaverdam, Pa., April 4-9. Aaron M.
Shank, Myerstown, Pa., at Blainsport, Pa.,
April 7-18. William Jennings, Knoxville,
Tenn., at Boyertown, Pa., April 3-11. Myron
Augsburger, Harrisonburg, Va., at Walnut
Creek, Ohio, March 28 to April 4. Allen Erb,
Lebanon, Oreg., at Pordand, Oreg., begin-
ning March 21. David Thomas, Lancaster,
Pa., at Cottage City, Md., April 11-25. Har-
old Thomas, Bronx, N.Y., at Diamond Street,
Philadelphia, Pa., April 25 to May 2. Lester
Hoover, Pottsville, Pa., at Vine Street, Lan-
caster, Pa., March 24 to April 1. Richard
Kling, Atmore, Ala., at Poarch Indian Mis-
sion, Ala., March 21 to April 4. Noah Her-
shey, Parkesburg, Pa., at Laurel Street, Lan-
caster, Pa., April 28 to May 9. Jesse Short,
Archbold, Ohio, at Salem Church, near
Pioneer, Ohio, April 6-11.
Believes Messiah at Hand
C hristians everywhere will note with inter-
est the significant words of Ben-Gurion,
Israel's Prime Minister, spoken recently: "I
do not have the slightest doubt that these
days arc those of the Messiah. We cannot
hinder the regathering of our people. We
must help our sutlcring people to come to
their homeland from their dispersion. If you
want, for some better reason, to call me a
'visionairc,' then I am such. So were the
prophets. This is another 'exodus out of
Egypt." We cannot deal with this matter
merely on a business basis. Such problems
can only be faced on a basis of spiritual
vision."— Evangelical Press.
March 30, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
309
BIRTHS
"Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord" (Ps. 127:3a).
Burkhart. Eugene and Eileen (Wood). Baden,
Ont., third daughter, Valerie Elaine, Jan. 24,
1954.
Burkhart, Mahlon and Peggy (Shaw). "Water-
loo. Ont., second son, Dale Robert. Jan. 18,
1954.
Byers, Cecil and Faye (Hooley), Silverton,
Ores., second child, Gwendolyn Fae, Dec. 19,
1953.
Christophel, Reuben and Edna (Schlosser),
Lansdale. Pa., seventh child, third son. John
Clayton. March 13, 1954.
Detweiler, LeRoy and Florence (Strong),
Mechanicshnrg, Pa., a daughter, Ruth Grace,
Jan. 17. 1954.
Detweiler, Raymond and Gladys (Miller),
Lexington. Va., third child, first son, Raymond
Eugene. March 6. 1054.
Egger, Bruce and Margaret (Hauder), Den-
ver. Colo., first child, Gary Allen, Feb. 27. 1954.
Eshleman, John M. and Orpha (Martin),
Hagerstown. Md., first child, Sharon Marie,
March 10. 1954.
Gascho, Harry and Elva (Newswanger).
"Wood River. Nebr., third child, first daughter,
Mary Beth. Feb. 24, 1954.
Good. Harry and Alta (Shirk), New Holland,
Pa., seventh child, fourth eon, John Michael,
March 13. 1954.
Good. Sanford and Esther (Weaver), Bethel,
Pa., second daughter, Mary Ann.
Good. Warren and Mary (Fry), Hinkletown,
Pa., sixth daughter. Rachel Dawn, March 10,
1954.
Graybill. Elvin and Ruth (Weaver). Thomp-
sontown, Pa., first child, Anna Jean, Feb. 1,
1954.
Harnish, Robert and Ruth (Martin), East
Peoria. 111., second child. Carol Suzanne, Feb.
27. 1954.
Hauder. Lawrence and Bernice (Klopfen-
stein). Milford, Nebr., fourth child, Sue Ann,
Jan. C. 1954.
Hege, Adam and Violet (Martin), Greencastle,
Pa., first child. Mary Ellen, March 1. 1954.
Kanagy. Paul C. and Louella (Waidelich),
Bellefontaine, Ohio, third son, Kenneth Eldon,
March 5. 1954.
Riser. Oren and Thelma (Campbell). Waynes-
boro. Va., seventh child, third son, Richard
Keith. March 5. 1954.
Kratz. James and Dorothy (Sehrock), Hess-
ton, Kans., first child, Rachel Ann. March G,
1954. , „
Martin. Clinton and Esther (Davis), Stuarts
Draft, Va.. second and third sons, Dale Lynn
and Dean Ray, Feb. 25, 1954.
Martin, Melvin J. and Geneva (Kauffman),
Gap. Pa., first child, Janice Elaine, March 13,
1954.
Martin, Wayne G. and Mary (Sensenig), Nar-
von. Pa., fourth daughter, Janet Elaine, Feb.
28. 1954. „ ,
Meyers, Earl and Clara (Erb). Markstay,
Ont., second child. Stephan Ray. March 3. 1954.
Miller. Erwin L. and Dorothy (Byler). River-
side, Iowa, sixth child, third son, Nathan Den-
nis. Feb. 25, 1954.
Miller. Lynn and Mertice (Brenneman). Well-
man. Iowa, second child, first daughter, Georgia
Lou. March 1. 1954.
Martin. Reuben E. and Mary (Miller). Green-
castle. Pa., third child, second son, John David,
March 8. 1954.
Nisly. Ralph and Ruth (Wittmer). Hartville,
Oh;o. third child. Norma Jean, March 3. 1954.
Rich. Ronald L. and Elaine (Sommers),
North Newton. Kans., first child, Jonathan Jo-
seph. March 9. 1954.
Schlahach. Wiilter and Mae (Schweb"). Dire
Dawn. Ethiopia. East Africa, fourth child, third
daughter, Lois Marie. March 1, 1954.
Slabaugh. Andy and Kathryn (Landis), Hart-
ville. Ohio, third child, a son, Lon Dennis, Feb.
27. 1954. „
Snyder. Rny and Clara (Weber). Waterloo,
Ont., third daughter, Donna Marie, Feb. 17,
1954.
Thnman. Joe E. and Joan (Brenneman). We«t
L'berty, Ohio, first child. Joe Stanley, March 9,
1954.
Yoder. Robert K. and Elvira (Stoltzfns), Ka-
lona. Iowa, fourth child, third son, Herschel
Brent, March 2, 1954.
Yoder, Stanley and Anna Pauline (Weaver),
Scottdale. Pa., second son and first daughter,
Jan Steven and Virginia Ellen, March 15. 1954.
Weber. Lester and Lydia (Diener). Lynd-
hurst. Va., second child, first daughter, Bouita
Faye, Feb. 24. 1954.
Zehr. Milton and Helen (Pfeifer), Morton.
111., third child, second son, Dennis Edward,
Dec. 4, 1953.
MARRIAGES
May the blessings of God be upon the homes
established by the marriages here listed. A year's
subscription to the GOSPEL HERALD is given to those
whose address is supplied by the officiating minister.
Beam — Leid. — Daniel H. Beam, Conestoga
congregation, Morgantown, Pa., and Ruth G.
Leid. United Zion congregation, Hahnstown,
Pa., by John O- Leid at the Hahnstown Church,
March G. 1954.
Bergey — Kooker. — Ray Donald Bergey. Fran-
conia congregation. Franconia. Pa., and Pauline
H. Kooker. Rockhill congregation. Telford, Pa.,
by Arthur D. Ruth at his home, March 6, 1954.
ANNIVERSARIES
Gingrich, Marshall H- and Jessie M. (Hoyl-
man), Albany, Oreg., were married at Roseland,
Nebr., Feb. 10, 1904, and celebrated their golden
wedding anniversary Feb. 14, 1954. at the home
of their son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs.
John Brenneman, Albany. Oreg. Open house
was held from 3 :00 to 5 :30 p.m. and was at-
tended by 200 relatives and guests. Their nine
children were all present; all are living near by
except the oldest son who lives in Kansas. They
have 23 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.
OBITUARIES
May the sustaining grace and comfort of our Lord
bless these who are bereaved.
Bmbaker. Clayton S., son of Joseph and Susan
(Stauffer) Brubaker, was born March 14, 1871,
near Manheim, Pa.; passed away peacefully
March 1, 1954. at the home of his daughter, Mae
— Mrs. John K. Wolgemuth, near Mount Joy.
with whom he resided for the past 17 years;
aged 82 y. 11 m. 17 d. On Oct. 8. 1899. he was
married to Maria Whitmyer, who died Jan. 22,
1944. He leaves one daughter (Mae — Mrs. John
K. Wolgemuth), 2 sons (J. Clayton, who died
Aug. 1. 1932, and Arthur, Manheim, Pa.), 7
grandchildren. 5 great-grandchildren, and one
sister (Susie S. Brubaker, of East Petersburg).
He was ordained a deacon at Erisman's Church.
Dee. 31. 1931. Funeral services were conducted
March 4 at Erisman's Church by John Eby,
Homer Bomberger, and Henry Garber. Inter-
ment was ma'le in the adjoining cemetery.
Campbel'. Robert, son of D. R. and Pauline
Campbell, Kelton. Pa., died in Chester County
IT-spital. West Ches^r. Pa.. Nov. 22. 1953. in
his seventh year. Death came from injuries
sustained after a car struck him. He firten<'°d
Media Chapel Sunday School. Oxford. Pa. His
absence we will feel for a long time, hut God's
way are not our ways and He called him home
to Him- His parents and two small sisters
(Nancv and Mary) survive him. Funeral serv-
ices were held in Maple Grove Mennonite
Church by Leroy Umble, with burial in the
adi -inine cemetery.
Hartzler. Sarah, daughter of nenry and Eliz-
abeth (Rlosser) Stouffer. was born Feb. 24,
1809. at Columbiana. Ohio; passed away sud-
denly of coronary thrombosis at her home in
Colorado Springs. Colo.: aecd 85 y. 10 d. She
united with the Mennonite Church in 1S93 and
remained an active and faithful worker until
death. On Jan. 28, 1899, she married John
Hartzler, who preceded her in death Nov. 4,
1940. Surviving her are two stepsons (Jonas,
La Junta, Colo., and Harry, Cable, Ohio), one
stepdaughter (May LeRoy, West Liberty. Ohio),
one daughter (Ada Ringler, Colorado Springs),
one stepgrandson, one s tepgrand d a ugh ter , one
grandson, 2 sisters (Mrs. Barbara Martin,
Columbiana, Ohio, and Mrs. Anna Lipply,
North Lima. Ohio), many nieces and nephews,
and other relatives antl friends. One daughter
(Lydia), 3 brothers, and 3 sisters preceded her
in death. Services were held from the Swan
Funeral Home in Colorado Springs, March 10,
with Jess Kauffman, pastor of the Mennonite
Church in Colorado Springs, officiating. Inter-
ment was made in Evergreen Cemetery.
Miller, Andy P., was born near Burton Sta-
tion, Ohio, June 27, 1931; died March 4, 1954;
aged 22 y. 8 m. 5 d. He was married to Emma
Miller on Dec. G> 1951. To this union was born
one daughter (Ada Mae) who survives. His
father and mother preceded him in death. He
leaves 2 sisters (Katie — Mrs. Henry Schroek,
and Barbara — Mrs. Jonas N. Hersliberger, both
of Burton, Ohio), G brothers (Eli and Dan,
Huntsburg, Ohio; Urie, Mt. Gilead. Ohio; Noah,
Montville, Ohio; Christ, Middlefield. Ohio; and
Robert, I-W worker at Cleveland City Hospital),
a stepmother (Mrs. Eli Hersliberger, Sugar-
creek, Ohio), 5 stepbrothers (Raymond, Moses,
and Joni Troyer, of Sugarcreek ; John Troyer,
Jamestown, Pa. ; and Noah Troyer, I-W worker
at Cleveland City Hospital), 7 stepsisters (Mrs.
Levi Miller, Plain City. Ohio; Mrs. Owen Schla-
bach, of Sugarcreek ; Mrs. Christ Miller, Cassa-
daga, N.Y. ; Mrs. Reuben Byler, and Nettie
Troyer, both of Huntsburg, Ohio; Mrs. Milo
Mullet and Mrs. Freman Mullet, both of Meso-
potamia, Ohio), and many other relatives and
friends to mourn his sudden departure- He
united with the O.O. Amish Church in his youth
and transferred his membership to the Maple
View Conservative Church on June 22, 1952, to
which he was faithful until the Lord saw fit to
take him yonder. Services at the church were
conducted by Roman R. Miller and Noah D.
Miller. Interment was made in the near-by
cemetery.
Miller, Brenda Joy, infant daughter of Leon-
ard and Reba (Kolb) Miller, West Chester, Pa.,
was born March 3, 1954; died a few hours after
birth in the Phoenixville Hospital. Surviving,
besides her parents, are her grandparents (Mr.
and Mrs. Arthur Kolb. Spring City, Pa., and
Mr. and Mrs. Lester Miller, Westover. Md.).
Brief services were held at Nelson's Funeral
Home with Matthew Kolb in charge. Inter-
ment was made in the Vincent Mennonite Ceme-
tery.
Moyer, Emma R-, daughter of the late Fred-
erick and Lydia Smith, was born Nov. 26, 1870,
in Bucks Co., Pa.; died at the home of her
son-in-law and daughter in Souderton. Pa., Oct.
21, 1953; aged 82 y. 10 m. 25 d. Formerly of
Blooming Glen, she resided with her daughter
the last 3 years. She had been ill almost a year
but was bedfast only a few days. Her husband,
the late Abram M. Moyer, died in 1939. Besides
her daughter, she is survived by 2 sons (Arnon
S., Blooming Glen. Pa., and Harold S., Perkasie,
Pa.), 14 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchil-
dren. Two daughters also preceded her in death.
She was a faithful member of the Blooming
Glen Mennonite Church where funeral services
were held on Sunday, Oct. 25, 1953.
Stauffer, Adeline C, daughter of the late
Abram R. and Elizabeth (Charles) Burkholder,
was born March 25, 1875, in Manor Township,
Lancaster Co.. Pa.; died Feb. 20, 1954, in the
Lancaster General Hospital; aged 78 y. 10 m.
25 d. Just two days before her death she suf-
fered a cerebral hemorrhage and never regained
consciousness. She was a faithful member of
the Mennonite Church and a Sunday-school
teacher for almost 50 years. In 1S90. she grad-
uated from the Millersville State Normal School
and spent twenty years of her life teaching in
public and parochial schools. Just four years
ago she finished her last term in Z >ok's Amish
Parochial School Enst Lamppter Twp., Pa.
On June 15. 1905, she was united in marriage
to Isaiah S. Stauffer, who preceded her in death
Feb. 2K. 1938. She is survived bv an only daugh-
ter (Hazel E. — Mrs. Menno E- Miller, Millers-
ville, Pa.). 2 grandchildren, a brother (Amos C.,
Upland, Calif.), and a sister (Mrs. Emma Groff,
Willow Street. Pa.). On Fpb. 25 funeral serv-
ices were held at the Millersville Mennonite
Church with Christian K. Lehman and Ray-
mond Charles participating. Interment was
made in the adjoining cemetery.
Stuckey. Samuel, son of Peter C. and Anna
(Short) Stuckey, was born July 7. 1871. at
Strvker, Ohio; departed this life March 7, 1954;
aged 82 y. 8 m. On May 4, 1897, he was united
310
GOSPEL HERALD
March 30, 1954
in marriage with Mary Ann Frcyenbcrger. To-
gether they shared the joys nnd sorrows of life
for nearly 57 years. Into their home were born
one son and 4 (laughters. Preceding him in
death were one daughter (Rosa Irene, who died
at the age of two), 2 grandchildren. 2 great-
grandchildren. 3 sisters, and 4 brothers- His
brother (Emmanuel) preceded him only four
days. There are left to mourn his departure bis
wife, one son (Dennis, Wauseon, Ohio). 3
daughters (Minnie — Mrs. Elmer Grieser. and
Lydin — Mrs. Eldon Uupp. both of Arehbold,
Ohio; and I'hoebe — Mrs. Cletus Schrock, Wau-
seon. Ohio). 21 grandchildren, fi great-grand-
children, 4 brothers (Peter and Daniel. Stryker,
Ohio; Aaron, of Wauseon; and Elmer, of Arch-
bold). 5 sisters (Lizzie — Mrs. Wm. Nofziger.
and Sarah — Mrs. Firmer Klineer. both of Arch-
bold; Mary — Mrs. Joseph Miller, Louisville,
Ohio; Malitidn— Mrs. Daniel Short. West Unity.
Ohio; and I/eah — Mrs. Donald Stevens, of
Wauseon). and many other relatives and
friends. When a young man he accepted Christ
as his personal Saviour nnd united with the
Central Mennonite Church, where he was a
faithful member all the days of his life. For the
last year, he nnd his wife made their home with
their daughter and son-in-law, Mr. nnd Mrs.
Elmer Grieser. The dav before his death he
stood by the casket of his departed brother
(Emmanuel), little thinking that he was to fol-
low so soon. The next morning he seemed to be
even stronger than usual and enjoyed a hearty
meal at noon, but only an hour and a half later
the spirit took its flight due to coronary throm-
bosis. On March 10 services were held at the
Central Mennonite Church in charge of Henry
Wyse nnd Simon Stuckey, with burial in the
Pettisville Cemetery.
ITEMS and COMMENTS
The African Challenge, a Christian news-
paper published by the Sudan Interior Mis-
sion and recently described in our columns,
has obtained a subscription list as of Decem-
ber, 1953, of 65,000. The demand is even
greater. Production facilities in Africa have
been outgrown and steps are being taken to
have the paper processed on a photogravure
press in England, the paper being edited and
typeset in Nigeria. The photogravure process
will be completed from reproduction proofs
flown to England and the finished paper will
be delivered back to Nigeria.
The Mission intends to issue the Challenge
in all the major languages of Africa. This
magazine, they feel, is the answer to the new,
emerging Africa.
• • •
The 64 Protestant congregations which
form the United Churches of St. Petersburg,
Florida, have invited the city's 17 Negro
churches to become members. The 200 dele-
gates attending the group's quarterly confer-
ence unanimously approved the action. — D.
Carl Yodcr.
• • •
The Richmond Ministers' Association and
the Virginia Council of Churches arc asking
the General Assembly of Virginia to repeal
state laws that require racial segregation on
common carriers and at public assemblies.
— D. Carl Yodcr.
• • •
More than fifty members of the Mayflower
Congregational Church at Lansing. Michi-
gan, agreed to live for a month making "a
determined effort to live as if those things we
profess to believe were dependably true." At
the end of the month, at a testimony meeting
at the church, many told of the great peace
of mind which had come to them as they
lived what they believed. Other benefits men-
tioned were that family relationships were
vastly improved, lives were lifted to a higher
plane, and participants learned to govern
their tongues and be more tolerant of others'
viewpoint. Just why should not all of us
live what we believe; not just for a month,
but all the time?
• • •
Walter Reuther, labor leader, recently said,
"The more young people we send out with
textbooks, Bibles, slide rules, and medical
kits to combat ignorance and poverty
throughout the world, the fewer we will
have to send out with guns. Russia can meet
our material power; so the balance of power
must be in the moral and spiritual fields."
• • •
Allan Taylor, of the Congregational Chris-
tian mission, writes from South Africa that
of 5,000 hospital beds available for Africans
in the Union of South Africa, more than
2,000 are provided by the Christian missions.
A Moslem trader told a friend, "I wouldn't
listen to what you had to say about Chris-
tianity until I took my sister to the McCord
Zulu Hospital and saw how Christianity
made the doctors and nurses care for the
sick."
• • •
The House Post Office Committee in
Washington has voted to exempt religious
publications from its proposed 30 per cent
increase in second-class mail rates. Second-
class rates will go up 10 per cent a year in
1955, 1956, and 1957, if Congress approves
the bill reported out by the committee. Ex-
emption from the new increase is spelled out
in language identical to the 1951 postal rate
bill. The committee also voted to exempt re-
ligious publications from an increase in the
minimum per piece overseas mailing rate
for printed material. The committee turned
down a suggestion that instead of exempting
nonprofit publications from the second-class
rate increase, a special fifth class of postage
be set up for them.
• • •
An order requiring leaders of Protestant
denominations in Greece to submit com-
plete lists of all persons attending services in
their churches has been issued by the gov-
ernment's Ministry of Cults. The moderator
of the Greek Evangelical Church, largest
Protestant denomination in the country, im-
mediately notified the Ministry that he would
not comply with the order. His refusal, he
said, was based upon his "respect for the
Church I serve and for the constitutional
law of this country." Observers believed it
unlikely that any other Protestant leaders in
the country would comply with the order.
• • •
Recorded Sundav-school lessons on long
playing records for the use of blind children
and adults will be tried out this vear bv the
John Milton Societv. A series of records con-
taining Sunday school lessons for a thirteen-
week period will be issued each quarter dur-
ing 19S4 with 75 copies of each record in
the series made available for distribution on
request. The John Milton Societv is spon-
sored by more than 50 Protestant denomina-
tions to render Christian service to the blind
through Braille literature and other methods.
A quarterly talking book magazine, begun
two years ago, now has a circulation of 3,600
records sent free to blind readers in more
than 20 countries.
• • •
Three Spanish nuns dressed in civilian
clothes are at The Hague studying the
Dutch language, en route to Indonesia where
they plan to establish the first community of
their order outside Spain. Wearing no spe-
cial habit or veil, the nuns will work among
the people who might ordinarily, they think,
freeze up at the sight of religious garb. The
nuns are members of the Missionaries of
Christ Jesus, an order whose constitution is
modeled on that of the Jesuits.
• • •
Methodist Church officials have selected a
plot of public land at Anchorage, Alaska,
for the erection of a college. The cost for
building the college is expected to be ap-
proximately two million dollars, with about
one half of this spent for construction and
the remainder for endowment and other ex-
penses. The funds are to be raised through-
out the United States.
• • •
The American Association of Theological
Schools is sponsoring a program of one-year
fellowships to encourage college students to
consider the ministry as a career. The fel-
lowships will be given to college undergradu-
ates and recent graduates who are not yet
entirely committed to full theological prep-
aration. Some fellowships will be granted
for the 1954-55 academic year.
• • •
Protestant and Roman Catholic leaders in
Manitowoc, Wis., are backing a plan under
which homework would be eliminated on
certain nights so that pupils could attend eve-
ning religious classes at their churches. A
similar plan is said to be operating success-
fully in La Crosse, Wis. The State Depart-
ment of Public Instruction in Wisconsin has
said that pupils cannot be released for reli-
gious instruction during school hours.
• • •
Following the decision of a New Jersey
Supreme Court on December 7, which
banned distribution of the King James Ver-
sion of the New Testament to children of
the public schools by the Gideons on the
ground that the New Testament is a sec-
t.irian book, the Gideons International have
decided to appeal the case to the United
States Supreme Court. They feel that the
ruling that the Bible is a sectarian book
would be to the disadvantage of many re-
ligious organizations and they feel they want
word from the highest court of the land. On
the evening of December 27, eleven hundred
local groups of Gideons throughout the
United States had a special prayer meeting
in behalf of this important case.
• • •
The Moody Chorale, student choral group
of Moody Bible Institute, will make a five-
week tour of the British Isles this summer
under the direction of Donald Hustad. Dr.
William Culbertson, president of the In-
stitute, will be going to Great Britain at the
same time to speak at Keswick and in other
March 30, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
311
For the first time — a historical Mennonite theology!
INTRODUCTION TO THEOLOGY
By John C. Wenger
NEVER BEFORE has the Mennonite Church had a systematic statement
of theology given with its historical Anabaptist background.
In clear, understandable language John C. Wenger sets forth the doc-
trinal teachings of the Bible. He is familiar with the writings of the great
theologians of all times. He knows the writings of Mennonites and Anabap-
tists. He is also thoroughly grounded in the Bible. Such knowledge qualifies
him for dealing with this profound subject.
Following his introduction about the whole scope of theology are chap-
ters which deal with God as Creator, as Revealer, as Redeemer, as Sanctifier,
and as All in All. It is an excellent companion volume to Separated unto God
which deals with distinctive doctrine and practice.
Every Sunday-school library, every Mennonite pastor, Christian educa-
tion workers, speakers, college students, and homes interested in careful
Bible study should have this outstanding book on theology. $4.00
Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale, Pa.
conferences and churches. The students mak-
ing the trip will be paying the larger part of
their own expenses.
# » *
More than 350 persons were killed and
2,000 injured in a stampede on February 3
near Allahabad, India, at the junction of the
sacred rivers Ganges and Jumma. A few
hours on that day was one of the rare times
when the sun and the moon and the planet
Jupiter in a certain relationship make bath-
ing in the holy waters a certainty of the
emancipation of the soul, according to Hindu
belief. Four million Hindus from all over
India had come down to the plain to bathe.
As those in the background grew fearful of
missing the prescribed time, a few pressed
forward, pushing others, and soon the whole
plain was crowded with men, women, and
children wildly pressing down to the waters,
fearful that the hours of blessing would pass
before they would get to bathe. Prime Min-
ister Nehru was among those who were
present to view the tragedy. Perhaps to the
Hindus the tragedy seems less because death
on the banks of the Ganges is believed to in-
sure salvation and eternal peace.
# * »
Orlando Harms has succeeded P. H. Berg
as Executive Manager and Editor of Pub-
lications of the Mennonite Brethren Publish-
ing House at Hillsboro, Kansas.
# # #
The church in South India recently adopt-
ed the following declaration: "One of the
fundamental aims to be achieved in our
reorganization is, in the words of the CSI
Constitution, to express 'under Indian con-
ditions and forms the thought and life of
the church universal.' We, therefore, recom-
mend: (1) Greater attention to the Indiani-
zation of worship, which in many churches
is still extremely Westernized; (2) Encour-
agement of the production of high quality
Christian literature in the Indian languages;
(3) Taking care to state the Christian faith
against the background of Eastern thought;
(4) Increased efforts to bring in the educated
and higher classes. We feel that missionaries
from the older churches will always have a
place in the CSI, but their major contribu-
tion now can be in the training of local lead-
ership."
# # *
Construction by religious groups in Janu-
ary broke all records for the month, with
starts totaling 43 million dollars. This was
a gain of 23 per cent over the same month a
year ago. Building by non-public schools
was also at a record level, showing an in-
crease of 22 percent over the mark set a year
ago.
• • •
The Unitarian and Universalist churches
have recently federated several of their na-
tional departments in a move looking toward
creation of a united Liberal Church. Some
local organizations are already calling them-
selves by that name.
* * •
Oregon and Washington have been de-
scribed as "the most unchurched states in
America." The Oregon Council of Churches
was recently told that of the 1,200,000 per-
sons in Oregon old enough to belong to
churches, only 400,000 are so affiliated.
• * #
The Catholic Digest has conducted an-
other nation-wide survey on American reli-
gious attitudes and habits. The question
this time was, "Which do you think is more
important for the church, to convert people
to spiritual beliefs so that they can earn a
happy life after death, or to teach them how
to live better every day with all other peo-
ples?" The results show that 49 per cent
think the more important work of the church
is to teach people how to live better with
others. Seventeen per cent said it is more
important to teach them how to get to heav-
en. Thirty-three per cent equated the two
purposes. Of all the major churches, life
after death was stressed most by Baptists, ac-
cording to a report in the Christian Century.
# # #
The Abingdon-Cokesbury Press, publish-
ers of religious and general books, is now
being known as the Abingdon Press. This
business was established in 1789, and is the
oldest book publishing house in America.
Offices are at New York and Nashville.
* # #
John S. Bonnell, pastor of the Fifth Ave-
nue Presbyterian Church in New York, has
warned that while the Protestant tendency
to fission prevailing for the past 100 years
has now been reversed, "spiritual unity"
must come before "institutional unity."
* * #
On February 14, A.D. 270, a young Roman
priest named Valentine was executed for re-
fusing to renounce Christianity. He left be-
hind for the blind daughter of the jailer a
cheery note signed: "From your valentine."
From this has come the practice of Valentine
Day observance. Commercial production of
valentine greetings was started about 100
years ago.
• • •
Construction has begun on a new audi-
torium for Moody Bible Institute in Chicago.
The new structure, named Torrey-Gray Aud-
(Continued next page)
312
GOSPEL HERALD
T
March 30, 1954
YOUR PUBLISHING HOUSE
4. Editorial
The Editorial Division is directed by the Executive Editor
who works with the Chairmen of the three departments.
Christian Education, Book, and Periodical. The Art Depart-
ment is also in the Editorial Division. There are 13 editors
and writers in residence at Scotldale. In addition, there are
a number located elsewhere. Most of the latter have part-
time writing or art assignments.
The functions of the Christian Education Department in-
clude: receiving recommendations and counsel from the Cur-
riculum Committee, securing, instructing, and supervising writ-
ers, editing manuscripts, and the general planning and super-
vision of the preparation of all teaching materials, including
Executive Editor at Work
By A. J. Metzler, Publishing Agent
Writers' Conference
the three Sunday-school papers. This is the largest department
in the Editorial Division.
The Book Department is responsible for editing book
manuscripts and designing books. There are many details
associated with preparing a manuscript for printing. This
work has required the major time of one person and the part-
time assistance of others.
In the Periodical Department are the following publica-
tions: Gospel Herald, Christian Living, The Christian Ministry,
The Christian School, El Heraldo, The Way, Tracts, Family
Almanac, and Mennonite Yearbook. The editors of these pub-
lications make up this department and are responsible for
securing the materials and planning the publications.
The organization of the Editorial Division in charge of
an Executive Editor has greatly facilitated the administration
of this division.
itorium in honor of two of the Institute's
early leaders, will scat 22,000 people and
will be completed in December ot 1954, it
is hoped. The new building is being erected
on the basement which has been used as a
temporary auditorium tor five years.
• • •
Asbury Theological Seminary (Methodist)
at Wilmore, Kentucky, has been informed
by the Assistant Attorney General of Ken-
tucky, that it may admit Negroes to any
course ot study that is not oilered by a Negro
college in the state. The decision may have
an important influence on southern states
which have laws similar to the Kentucky
stature which lorbids unscgrcgated schools
"except in penal institutions." — Christian
Century.
• • •
Lcn Jones, editor of an Australian religious
magazine, thinks few Americans are aware
of the magnitude ot the spiritual awakening
now sweeping across the United States. Ac-
cording to Mr. Jones, signs of America's spir-
itual revival arc: (1) increased church at-
tendance, (2) more attention to mission
work, (3) a boom in church building, (4)
greater use of religious programs on radio
and television. He was also impressed with
the liberal financial contributions of the
Americans to their churches. People of his
country, he said, "believe in religion, but it
ends there."
• • •
A Swedish firm has undertaken to build
ten hospitals, fully equipped, for Saudi Ara-
bia. The first unit, now under construction,
will have 400 beds, and further projected arc
a number of quarantine stations and a large
medical laboratory.
• • •
Membership in the Methodist Church of
Great Britain increased last year by 393 to a
total of 743,983. The number of new mcm-
HDXd
bcrs was about 2S,000, but deaths and with-
drawals left the small net gain.
• • •
After four youngsters had been killed in a
recent traffic accident, according to The
Voice, the father of one of the casualties
vowed to kill the man who sold the whisky
to the youngsters. Upon seeking a bracer
from his own liquor stocks, he found a note
in his daughter's handwriting which read,
"Dad, we are taking along some of your good
liquor. I know you won't mind."
• • •
The number of taverns in the United
States exceeds the number of churches by
nearly 214,000. This makes one tavern for
every 96 families and it does not take into
account grocery stores and restaurants selling
intoxicants. — The Voice.
111 St 0SV3IH3
"JAV NftVUlOOi M9t
rang 1 a 3hmonn3w
GOSPEL HE
'In the defence and confirmation of the gospel" "How beautiful are the feet of
_ — TUESDAY, APRIL 6, 1954
D
gospel of peace'
VOLUME XLVII •
■ NUMBER 14
Heaven, the Home of the Redeemed
By Ira D. Landis
Moses, the great Lawgiver and Type,
ascended Mt. Nebo to behold two
worlds, the upper of heaven, the nether
of Palestine, and seeing both in the true
perspective, he wisely, definitely, and
permanently chose heaven, only once
fifteen hundred years later returning to
earth to speak of the glories of getting
there and the only way to heaven. Paul,
raised from earth to the third heaven
(II Cor. 12:2), . the Paradise of God
(verse 4), was so amazed, so entranced,
so captivated, he could not divulge it
for fourteen years, yet it colored all his
writings and his ministry. John, the
apostle, in tribulation (Rev. 1:9), was
given such a picture of heaven that it
has been an inspiration and drawing
power to all the faithful since. Stephen,
starting with the God of glory, ends his
testimony with the glory of God (Acts
7:2, 55), assured that, with the two
worlds in the true light, the fast flying
stones were but light affliction compared
with the glories of heaven.
Heaven (one of the three) occurs 571
times in the singular, 32 times in the
plural, and 23 times, adverbally, to 53
occurrences of "hell," that men might
long for the company of the redeemed
and know how to avoid the home of the
wicked.
Seven Knows of Heaven
1. Heaven, the bosom of Abraham,
opens to the saint at death, and hell to
the sinner at the same time. Luke 16:22,
23. It, Paul asserts, is to be absent from
the body and immediately present with
the Lord (II Cor. 5:8), which, compared
with earth, is far, far better. Phil. 1:23,
Gr. Heaven is the home of the redeemed
until Jesus comes, as hell is the abode of
the unsaved. The Lamb slain from the
foundation of the world (Rev. 13:8) act-
ually purged, by His atoning sacrifice,
the heaven for the saints ( Heb. 9:23, 24),
and when the New Jerusalem descends to
earth (Rev. 21:1) after the great Judg-
ment Day (Rev. 20:11-15), and the final
cataclysm of earth (II Pet. 3:12, 13), the
new heaven and the new earth will be
the glorified home of the completely re-
deemed. Then even hell is no more, but
a part of the lake of fire (Rev. 20:14)
forever. Then all enemies shall be under
his feet (I Cor. 15:24-26) and we shall
reign forever and ever (Rev. 22:5).
2. We know that it is a building of
God (II Cor. 5:1), an house not made
with hands, eternal in the heavens. Then
mortality will be swallowed up of life
(verse 4), when ushered into "an inher-
itance incorruptible, and undefiled, and
that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven
for you (I Pet. 1:4). Let us warm each
other's hearts with heaven, to more
cheerfully bear the cold world about us
here.
3. We know we shall be like Him (I
John 3:2), in a new order of flesh and
bones. Luke 24:39. Flesh and blood can-
not enter, neither doth corruption inher-
it incorruption. I Cor. 15:50. The body
of earth gives way to the celestial body,
the corruptible to the incorruptible, the
dishonorable to the glorious, the weak to
the powerful, the natural to the spiritual
(verses 40-45), in co-ordination with that
of the last Adam.
4. We know that the King is coming
to take account of His servants (Matt.
18:23), when He will reward every man
according to his works. Matt. 25:34, 36.
Then the righteous shall go into life eter-
nal (verse 46), and we shall be ever with
the Lord. I Thess. 4:17. Wherever Jesus
is, there will be no hell nor sin. Instead
there will be a feast, where our souls
shall be satisfied forever (Ps. 16:11; 17:
15); a Paradise, where the ethically mind-
ed shall continuously enjoy the fruit of
the Spirit in its perfection; an inherit-
ance, that will never diminish in quality
nor quantity; a temple, far excelling that
of Solomon in grandeur, gorgeously
adorned with the jewels of goodness,
mercy, and grace; a country, peopled
with only saints and angels, outside of
the throne; a city, where there will be
no hunger, thirst, weeping, and death,
where there is no night, nor arc light; a
palace for the King eternal and his sub-
jects only; a building that has "God for
its Maker, immortality for its walls, and
eternity for its day"; a sanctuary of a
thrice holy God and a blood-washed
throng of redeemed; and a kingdom that
defies description, worthy of its glories,
magnitude, and duration. I Cor. 2:9.
5. We know we shall go to be with
spirits of just men, made perfect (Heb.
12:23) in the sabbatical year of the
church of the first-born, and to our loved
ones. II Sam. 12:23; I Thess. 4:13, 14.
We shall then know as we are known.
I Cor. 13:12. We shall then obtain all
the crowns of the saints and throw them
down at the foot of the throne (Rev. 4:
10), there to sit down with Abraham,
Isaac, and Jacob; Job, Daniel, and Isa-
iah; Hans Herr, Peter Eby, and Jacob
N. Brubacher, to speak of the highway
to glory and how they made their jour-
ney through this world, their reception
over yonder and the unspeakable glo-
ries enjoyed since. Above all, it will
mean to see Jesus on the throne (Rev.
3:21), and to get firsthand the joy un-
speakable of the cross (Heb. 12:2) and
the grand story of the exodus of the re-
deemed the whole way to heaven.
6. We know that heaven not only has
a glory that excelleth, and mansions ex-
changed for cottages and tents, but never
will we see a "no vacancy" sign, for the
city is a 1500-mile cube, extending from
Khartoum to the Sea of Azov, and from
the Mediterranean to Afghanistan, or
from Key West, Florida, to Ottawa, Can-
ada, and from New York City to Wyo-
ming, and a similar distance toward the
third heaven. If half the room were
taken for the throne room of Jehovah
and half again for the streets of gold,
there were still enough room left, far
exceeding what we here enjoy. In fact,
it has been estimated that there would be
a room sixteen feet long, seventeen feet
wide, and fifteen feet high for each per-
son, if there were 900,000,000 saints three
times a century, and the world stood for
100,000 years. "Yet there is room" will
always be true.
7. We know it is the eternal kingdom
of Jesus Christ, our Lord (II Pet. 1:11);
The Gathering Place
Life changes all our thoughts of heaven;
At first we think of streets of gold,
Of gates of pearl and dazzling light,
Of shining wings and robes of white,
And things all strange to mortal sight.
But in the afterward of years
It is a more familiar place;
A home unhurt by sighs or tears,
Where waiteth many a well-known face.
With passing months it comes more near;
It grows more real day by day;
Not strange or cold, but very dear —
The glad homeland not far away,
Where none are sick, or poor, or lone,
The place where we shall find our own.
— Robert Browning.
314
GOSPEL HERALD
April 6, 1954
the eternal Sabbath rest (Heb. 4:10; 10:
11); a perfect rest (Matt. 8:11); in a land
of perfect righteousness (II Pet. 3:13);
with a cosmopolitan, holy throng (Rev.
7:9). At death we, with Melanchthon,
will want "nothing else but heaven."
Meanwhile, our principle business here
is to get there. As the boy, Hying his kite
out of view, so we feel its pull far beyond
the visible zenith, a pull giving a joyful
Christian experience, an absence of the
fear ol death and an urgent desire not to
go empty-handed.
Seven Noes of Heaven
1. The fearful, unbelieving, abomin-
able, murderers, sorcerers, idolaters, and
all liars (Rev. 21:8) are all barred from
heaven. What an inclusive group, for-
ever banished! Here are those with no
spiritual backbone, due to the lack of the
lifeblood of a new heart. Those, regard-
less of "ism" professed, believe not in the
Christ of heaven. John 14:6. All mur-
derers, whether actual or by intent (I
John 3:15), are absent— what a large
groupl Here are whoremongers, not only
in speak-easy siestas, but those hidden to
man, sorcerers, powwowers, fortunetell-
ers, et al. Deut. 18:9-14; I Chron. 10:13,
14. Idolatry, whether in Egypt, Babylon,
or America, is essentially spiritual. The
last class of all liars may be included in
the seven prior, but, like Paul's "and
such like," this term is a blanket cover-
ing all other sins, regardless of class or
clime, whether religious or professional,
with outward show or inward hypocrisy.
Heaven's society is composed of only the
pure and the holy. Rev. 21:27.
2. Rev. 22:15 adds to the list "dogs"
and "whosoever loveth and maketh a
lie." The Jews called all the uncircum-
cised dogs (Phil. 3:2), but here dogs rep-
resent all who are uncircumcised in
heart. Rom. 2:28, 29. The last designa-
tion defines the term in the preceding
list, viz., whosoever loved in the past,
loves in the present, will love in the fu-
ture, and will for this reason make a lie
in word or deed.
3. After God gave up and gave over
the heathen Roman world (Rom. 1:24,
26, 28) to uncleanness, vile affections,
and a reprobate mind, and it came undei
the judgment of God (verse 32), there
is a list of twenty-three sins worthy of
eternal death, The additional sins in-
clude unrighteousness, fornication, wick-
edness, tovetousncss, maliciousness, full
ol envy, debate, deceit, malignity, whis-
perers, ba< k I > i t c i s. haters o! Cod, despite
ful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil
things, disobedient to parents, without
understanding) covenant breakers, im-
placable, unmerciful. What a list! How
all inclusive and enlightening, demark-
ing that considerable area of the society
of every age!
4. "But fornication, and all unclean-
ness, or covetousness, let it not be once
named among you, as becometh saints;
neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor
jesting, which are not convenient . . . .
For this ye know, that no whoremonger,
nor unclean person, nor covetous man,
who is an idolater, hath any inheritance
in the kingdom ol Christ and of God"
(Eph. 5:3-5).
A very significant addition is covetous-
ness, actual idolatry, not befitting a child
of heaven. The reprovers only (verse 11)
will have access.
5. Seventeen sins (Gal. 5:19-21) are
enumerated, which give tickets, debar-
ring their holders from heaven, and the
"such like" even many more.
6. Be not deceived, says Paul, any one
of ten sins will debar from the kingdom
of God (I Cor. 6:8, 9), some of which all
have committed, but they who would
enter heaven, have been washed, justi-
fied, and sanctified before God by Jesus
Christ and the Holy Spirit. They shall
guard the gate, giving entrance only to
those who have the password attached
unchangeably with the blood of Jesus
Christ.
7. Another list of eleven (Col. 3:5-9)
introduces all passions and filthy com-
munications. The way of holiness has
no unclean, no lion, nor ravenous beast.
Isa. 35:8-10. Heaven alone will be peo-
pled with the blood-washed, who be-
lieved and lived accordingly.
Jacob's ladder, typical of Jesus Christ,
with the angels ascending and descend-
ing, gives the Christian a foretaste of
heaven here. The breakneck stairs leads
to hell and frequently sinners admit, and
all will, that "My punishment is greater
than I can bear" (Gen. 4:13).
The Seven "No Mures" of Heaven
1. No more curse (Rev. 21:1), no more
wickedness and sin. This is entirely past
for the Christian, when he leaves this
world. The judgment is past and our last
contact will be history.
2. No more death. Verse 4. Death is
not a penalty, but a remedy; it is not the
manifestation of the displeasure of a
loving Father. The one in the first fam-
ily, whom God loved best, died Hist; he
who became a murderer, sutleied while
living. There aie cemetery chapters in
the Bible, beginning with Gen. 5 and 36
and I Chron, 10 through to Heb. 3.
Death will only be destroyed bv the gen
eral resurrection in the life of the world
(Continued on page 332)
Our Readers Say-
I want to express appreciation for the article
Xezt' Testament Discipleship, by Marcus Lind,
also tor Melvin Gingerich's recent article on
Mennonite Attitudes Toward Riches. . . .
Some time ago Titus Lehman raised the ques-
tion in the reader's column : "What is a luxury ?"
I have given this matter some thought. Is a
luxury something we can name definitely for all
people and places, or is it a variable thing ? For
instance, most of the major items I use in keep-
ing house today would have been luxuries in my
mother's day, and would still be luxuries in
many, many places of the earth. But isn't a large
bank account accumulated by persons who seem
to live very simply, also a kind of luxury? How-
do we determine the answer? How can I decide
for myself what is and what is not a luxury in
my own case ?
As for dear old Scofield, as some one called
him in a recent letter to the editor, well, if he
had not made some of the statements he made,
he might not get so much criticism. No matter
if he does glaze the matter over later, his state-
ment— "The sermon on the mount in its primary
application gives neither the privilege nor the
duty of the church. These are found in the Epis-
tles"— still stands at the end of a lengthy para-
graph. Not only Mennonites, but other voices
have arisen to dispute this statement. I quote
from the book Born Crucified by L. E. Maxwell,
pages 113, 114: "In the face of these vital prin-
ciples of the Cross, it seems rather pathetic and
painful that a leading voice in orthodoxy should
relegate the sublime Beatitudes of Jesus to the
millennial age in order to avoid that which is
so ungrateful to the fleshly self-life: 'Will not
the exalted demands of the Sermon on the
Mount be more easily obeyed when earthly con-
ditions are changed, as they will be?' Such a
question is painful, to say the least. Should the
early Christians, then, have denied the faith,
until the demand of confessing Christ before men
could 'be more easily obeyed'? Should they have
endured the lion's gory mane? Perhaps they
should have waited until the millennial age
when 'the lion shall eat straw like the ox !' The
Saviour knew that it was through these very im-
possibles which He commanded, that He would
'cross' the selfish human will, and bring the will
of God to be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Did Christ not climax that blessed list of Beati-
tudes with this very thought : 'Not every one
that saith unto me. Lord, Lord, shall enter into
the kingdom of heaven ; but he that doeth the
will of my Father which is in heaven.' "
Also, 1 was glad for a sane report on the Kin-
sey report. I read a number. — Mrs. Forrest
Class. Lancaster, Pa-.
* * »
I appreciate the Gospel Herald more as the
years go by, I read most of each issue. Three
Dt the articles that I appreciated most in the past
year are the study committee's report on the Re-
vised Standard Version, "Privileges of an Over-
seer," by Nelson KaufTman in the Dec. S issue,
and "Mennonite Attitudes Toward Riches," by
Melvin Gingerich in the Feb. 23 number. More
such articles to bolster weak places in our teach-
ing the all things would be in order. — Jerry
Gmgirick, Filer, Idaho.
GOSPEL HERALD
ESTABLISHED I BOB AS IUCCUIOR TO GOSPEL. WITNIII I (SOS) AND HERALD OF TRUTH I 18*4)
PAUL ERB. EDITOR JOHN L HOR ST. MILLARD C. LIND. CONSULTING EDITORS LEVI C HARTZLER. MISSIONS EDITOR
THE OOSPEL HERALD II A RELIOIOUS WEEKLY PUBLISH Ell IN THE INTERESTS OP THE MENNONITE CMURCN BV THE MENNONITE PUBLICATION BOARD, ECOTTDALE. PA.
ENTERED AB SECOND CUII MATTER IN IMS AT THE POST OFFICE AT SCOTTDALE. PA . UNDER ACT OP MARCH 1. 1ST* SUBSCRIPTION PRICE •> OO PER TEAR. THREE YEARS
IN ADVANCE. tS OO, PIVE YEARS IN ADVANCE. HI H. SAMPLE COPIES SENT FREE ON REQUEST BEND ALL MATERIAL FOR PUBLICATION To OOBPEL HERALD, SCOTTDALE, PA.
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
April 6, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
315
EDITORIAL
The Place of Law
"So the law has been a servant to take
us to Christ" (Gal. 3:24a, Basic Engl.).
". . . the law is of the spirit" (Rom.
7:14, Basic Engl).
These days, as we approach Passion
Week, we ponder the reasons why our
Lord had to climb the road of torture to
Golgotha. The ultimate purpose, we
know, was to accomplish our salvation.
The Gospel which He created by His
death on the cross is a Gospel of grace.
Because we cannot save ourselves, He
saves us. Because we cannot purchase
God's favor, He bestows upon us the
free gift of His forgiveness and mercy.
Because we are not good, He makes us
good. As we look at the Cross, we must
be profoundly thankful.
There is need for emphasizing sal-
vation by grace. There are people, many
of them, who try to earn salvation by
keeping the law, by doing God's will.
There are many types of merit-religion:
legalism, morality, ritualism, non-con-
formity. Certainly there are Mennonites
who need to be taught that we can't buy
salvation by keeping the ordinances and
conforming to church rules.
But there is something that lies back
of salvation by grace. In a theological
journal we read recently, "To preach a
gospel which puts the Law into disrepute
before its relevance has been personally
encountered is trivializing religion."
There is little use in preaching grace to
people who have never faced law. The
law leads us to Christ as it shows us our
sin. Our falling short of the Divine
standard shows us our need. The law is
spiritual because it is a part of the whole
process by which a human soul becomes
a participator in divine grace. Law tells
us what the divine will is; it points the
condemning finger at our failures before
that will. A conscience smitten by that
condemnation creates the sense of need
which leads to repentance and thus to
salvation.
It is obviously needless and even harm-
ful to preach the evils of legalism to one
who isn't even trying to live a good life.
A keen moral sense is never a spiritual
liability. One ought to be as good as he
can be. The very effort to be righteous
reveals to one the corruption of his heart
and his utter inability to do the will of
God. Thus that effort becomes a means
of grace, not for the accumulation of
merit, but for leading to repentance and
the sincere cry, "Lord, be merciful to
me, a sinner."
Certainly it is trivializing the Chris-
tian religion to hold lightly the holy law
of God. We do this when we make grace
an excuse for sin, when we make the
precious doctrine of faith in Christ a
flippant "only believe." No one can
truly believe in Christ who has not seen
experientially why he should do so.
Only as he is led by a true vision of
divine holiness and by a corresponding
vision of his own moral bankruptcy is it
possible for one to really believe in
Christ.
In this day of crumbling standards
and easy morality there is great need to
preach the demands of God, that men
may be brought trembling before the
Cross. We need to preach also the loving
grace which offers salvation to every sin-
ner. But the second means nothing with-
out the first. Jesus came to save sinners,
and only by the law do we realize that
we are sinners. The law is God's servant
to lead us to Christ.— E.
The Safety of Group
Counsel
Solomon is generally recognized as the
wisest of men. In answer to his prayer
the Lord gave him "a wise and under-
standing heart," such as no one has had
before or after him. I Kings 3:12. But
great and wise as Solomon was, he recog-
nized that he needed the help and coun-
sel of others, and so he surrounded him-
self with a large staff of princes and offic-
ers. Without this he never could have
successfully ruled his great and prosper-
ous kingdom.
Solomon in his Proverbs had much to
say about the value of taking counsel.
One of his most quoted sayings is,
"Where no counsel is, the people fall:
but in the multitude of counsellors there
is safety" (Prov. 11:14). The Bible
abounds in references to the value of
taking the counsel of good men and the
folly of walking in the counsel of the
ungodly. The grim irony in the case of
Solomon is that in later life he yielded
to the influence of his heathen wives and
forsook his own counsels of wisdom.
The men in the early church also saw
the value of taking counsel in meeting
the problems of their day. When the
question concerning on what terms Gen-
tiles should be admitted to the church
threatened their unity and peace, they
called a general council of the church
at Jerusalem to consider the matter.
After thorough discussion and mature
deliberation they reached a common
mind as to what "seemed good to the
Holy Ghost" and the assembled breth-
ren.
Today we have the same need of tak-
ing counsel and finding group sentiment
and developing a corporate conscience.
That is the reason for taking the counsel
of the church, for committee and board
meetings, and for conferences.
In the matter of taking group counsel
we can take a number of attitudes. One
is to say we will go our own way, no
matter what others think, or say, or do.
We have no use for committees, or
boards, or conferences. Our district and
general meetings hold no interest for us
and we take no pains to attend them or
to profit from their deliberations. We
speak derisively of church organizations
in general. This attitude may apply
both to individuals and congregations.
They want to go it alone and consider
any conference actions as legalistic. Un-
der the mask of a sanctified selfishness
they feel that the Holy Ghost can speak
through them better than through a
corporate body. Sooner or later such
people usually find themselves under
serious disadvantages and undergoing
unsatisfactory experiences.
Others abide by group counsel only
under pressure and with considerable re-
sentment, repressed or otherwise. These
too find life unhappy and unsatisfactory.
The third attitude is to happily accept
group decisions, even if they are not in
complete accord with our individual
opinions. A well-known church leader
was asked by his son if the recently elect-
ed Sunday-school superintendent was
his choice. The father replied that the
superintendent and all the officers were
his men. He went on to explain that
he had not voted for all who were elect-
ed, but that once the group had spoken
he considered them all his choice.
316
GOSPEL HERALD
April 6, 1954
Such attitudes do not call for the ab-
ject surrender of our own ideas, but
they do recognize the principle that is
supported by both common sense and
Scripture that there is strength and safety
in group thinking, in co-operative ac-
tion, and in adequate organization. The
person who cannot work with a group
mars his own happiness and his useful-
ness. The person who recognizes that he
is a laborer together with his brethren
and with God is the happy and useful
person whose work will abide. "For we
are labourers together with God" (I Cor.
3:9).-H.
The Revelation of Jesus Christ
By J. L. Staufff.r
(Fifth Parenthesis or Inset Between the
Seventh Seal and Personal Advent of
Christ)
St. Description of Mystery Babylon and
the Interpretation. Rev. 17.
In this chapter we have a description
of Mystery Babylon and the interpreta-
tion of a number of prophetic symbols.
One of the vial angels invites John
to "Come hither," so that he might be
shown the judgment of the great harlot
that sitteth upon many waters. The
kings of the earth have committed forni-
cation with her and the inhabitants of
the earth have been intoxicated by her.
Here we have highly symbolic language
that baflles the ignorant and the learned
alike. We must have divine assistance
to understand the meaning of what is
given in verses 1-6, without which it
would be impossible.
John goes on to describe what he was
shown by the angel. He sees a woman
seated on a scarlet-colored beast. She
is arrayed in purple and scarlet and deck-
ed with gold and pearls and having a
golden cup full of abominations and
nithincss. She is called "Mystery Baby-
lon, the mother of harlots and abomina-
tions of the earth." She is drunken with
the blood of saints and martyrs. |<'hn
wonders with great admiration at what
he sees. The angel proposes to inter-
pret what is said about the woman, about
the beast that carries her, and the seven
heads and ten horns. This is what we
want .iiul must nave ii we are to under-
stand, being a parenthesis, it reaches
back and gives enlightenment regaul
in- tin- beast that is (ust mentioned iii
chapter 1 1 .
The Interpretation
The woman is a mystery, hence inter-
pretation is needed, she is the great citj
that inles over the nations ol the earth;
Verse 18.
The beast was. is not. ami shall ascend
out of the bottomless pit. Verse 8; cf.
ch. 13.
The seven heads are seven mountains
upon which the woman (the city) sitteth.
Verse 9.
The seven heads also have a second
meaning and represent seven kings. Five
have already fallen, one is, and the
other is not yet come. The one to come
is the eighth and is of the seventh. He
is evidently the end-time actor or beast
out of the sea. Rev. 13.
The ten horns are ten kings operating
under the end-time beast and in con-
federation with him. These ten kings
meet their doom by making war in co-
operation with the beast, against the
Lamb, which is certain evidence that
they have not yet come on the scene.
At least they are not now recognizable.
Before they meet the Lamb in mortal
combat, they serve the purpose of God
in destroying Mystery Babylon because
of her bondage and control over the
kings of the earth.
We do not know that Mystery Baby-
lon of Revelation is now existent, but
it appears that the religious material that
characterizes this religious system and
city is already here.
Older commentators of Reformation
times used to identify the city of Rome
as Mystery Babylon, because it is situated
on seven mountains or hills. It is still a
mighty religious system that seeks to con-
trol nations and succeeds in a remark-
able way. Today we know of nothing
that comes nearer to the description of
Mystery Babylon than the church of
Rome with headquarters in the city of
Rome. The writer is inclined to believe
that Mystery Babylon will include ele-
ments of apostate Protestantism and
largely retain the present characteristics
of Roman Catholicism. The idea of a
superchurch and its lobby to influence
legislation all fit into the pattern of the
ultimate revelation of Mystery Babvlon.
We also know that different nations have
had official representatives at the Vatican
in the past, including our own nation.
There is pressure for the re-appointment
of such an ambassador at this time and it
remains to be seen what will develop
from the pressures. May the saints of
God be alert today to the subtle in-
fluence of Mystery Babylon. The church
of Rome can also be identified as the
church that has shed much blood of
martyrs and saints of God and is still
at it.
Mennonite Church Statistics for
1953
By Ei 1 rosi D. /00k
Editor Mennonite Yearbook
The 1951 Mennonite Yearbook again
will show a growth in practically ever)
area of the Mennonite Church's activity
and organization. Let us take a look at
some ol the figures lot t he church and
some of the organizations. As soon as
you receive the new issue of the Year-
book you will want to look further into
the various activities of the church.
It Happened —
SEVENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO
(From the Herald of Truth, April, 18-9)
Bishop ordained. On the 26th o£
January 1879, Elias Weaver, of Waterloo
County, Ontario, was chosen to the office
of bishop, to fill the vacancy occasioned
by the deaths of bishops Joseph Hagy
and Henry Schantz.
Bro. Ephraim N. Xissley, of East
Donegal township, Lancaster Co., Pa.,
was chosen and ordained to the ministry
in the Mennonite Church, at Graybill's
Meetinghouse, on the sixth of February.
Feb. 25th, in the Swiss Mennonite con-
gregation, in Allen Co., Ohio, of old age.
Christian Bucher, at the very great
age of 100 years, 7 months, and 22 days
.... He was born in Switzerland.
The total membership this year is
listed as 73,118, an increase of 1,579 over
last vear. The increase of the previous
vear was 2,002.
The total membership in the United
States is 62,837; last year the total was
61,811, an increase this year of 1.026.
The membership in Canada is 6,838; last
year the total was 6,493; an increase this
year of 345. In the Mennonite Church
the total number of members in Penn-
sylvania has now reached 25.794.
The total gain in the membership of
the Mennonite Church before losses were
deducted was 4,222. In other words, it
required 17.3 persons to win one soul for
Christ in 1953. A small minority of the
conferences were unable to report their
gains; however, the percentage would
not likely be greatly affected.
The total number of Mennonites of all
bodies in the United States is given as
155,146; in Canada. 17.532; or a total for
United Suites ami Canada of 202.678.
In the March 11. 1954, issue of the
Mennonite Weekly Review, Benj. Ewert.
Mennonite statistician, gives the total
Mennonites in Canada as 125.938. He
states that this figure indicates "'individ-
ual persons, including baptized church
members and nonmembers." This
method of counting accounts partly for
the high total in comparison with the
Mennonite Yearbook total of baptized
members. The 1954 Mennonite Year-
booh total is likeh too low. and points
the need to further steps toward ac-
curacy.
The 1954 Mennonite Yearbook gives
is .1 world total for all Mennonite bodies
274,497. Not included in this total are
several thousand mission converts of all
Mennonite bodies. The world total
would pei haps approximate 300.000. al-
though there are no available figures to
substantiate this estimate.
(Continued on page 320)
April 6, 1954
COSPEL HERALD
317
Still Hours by the "Field of Blood"
Fifteen Minutes in Bible Lands
By Anis Charles Haddad
It must have been sorrowful for the
Master as He sat with the "Twelve"
to eat the Passover, and sadder still to
think that, though for the hour so closely
gathered round Him, they would soon be
scattered every man to his own and would
leave Him alone. But He had the com-
fort of knowing that "eleven" were true
at heart and that after all wanderings
and falls they would come back again.
Therefore, with the eye of divine com-
passion He would look beyond the tem-
porary desertion and find satisfaction in
their fidelity that would triumph in the
end over the weakness of the flesh. But
there was one of them, for whom His
heart was failing Him, in whose future
He could see no gleam of light. All the
guiding and counsel with which he had
been favored in common with the rest
had been lost on him. There is now only
one opportunity left. It is the last night.
The last word must now be spoken. How
tenderly and thoughtfully the difficult
duty is done. "As they did eat, he said,
Verily I say unto you, that one of you
shall betray me." Imagine in what tones
these words were spoken; what love and
sorrow must have thrilled in them.
The kind attention evidently was to
reach the heart of the one without at-
tracting the attention of the rest. For
there must have been a studied avoid-
ance of any look or gesture that would
have marked the traitor. This is mani-
fest from the way in which the sad an-
nouncement is received. It comes, in
fact, to all "eleven" as a summons to
great searchings of heart, a fitting prep-
aration for the new and sacred service
to which they are soon to be invited.
Truly there could have been no better
sign than the passing from lip to lip,
from heart to heart of the anxious ques-
tion, "Lord, is it I?"
There was one who did not take up
the question. But the others were all so
occupied with self-scrutiny that no one
seems to have observed his silence, and
Jesus forbears to call attention to it. He
will give him another opportunity to
confess and repent, for so we understand
the pathetic words which followed, "He
that dippeth his hand with me in the
dish, the same shall betray me." This
was no mere outward sign for the pur-
pose of denoting the traitor. How could
the heart even of Judas resist so tender a
statement?
We shall understand the situation bet-
ter if we suppose what is more than
probable, that he was sitting very near
to Jesus, perhaps next to Him on the
one side, as John centainly was on the
other. We cannot suppose, from what
we know of the customs of the East, that
Judas was the only one dipping with
Him in the dish, nor would be the only
one to whom "the sop" was given. But
if his position was as we supposed, there
was something in the vague words our
Saviour used, which tended to the sing-
ling of him out, and though not the only
one, he would naturally be the first to
whom the sop was given.
At last Judas speaks. But in no spirit
of repentance. He takes up the question
of the rest but not in sincerity— only
driven to it as the last refuge of hypocri-
sy. Moreover, he asks it in so low a
tone that neither it nor the answer to
it appears to have been noticed by the
general company. And that there is no
inclining of the heart to his Lord ap-
pears in the use of the formal title
"Rabbi"-"Is it I, Rabbi?" Had he re-
Lel us be of good cheer, remem-
bering that the misfortunes hard-
est to bear are those which never
come. — Lowell.
pented even at this late hour, had he
thrown himself, humble and contrite, at
the Saviour's feet, with the heartbroken
confession, "Lord, it is I," it would not
yet have been too late! He who never
turned a penitent away would have re-
ceived even Judas back again and for-
given all his sin. But his conscience is
seared as with a hot iron, his heart is
hard as the neither millstone, and ac-
cordingly without a word of confession,
actually taking "the sop," without a sign
even of shame, he gave himself up finally
to the spirit of evil, and went immediate-
ly out "and it was night." There remains
now around the Master none but true
disciples.
We are not told what passed in Judas'
mind before his deed of treachery was
done. But we know independently of
this part of his history what was the weak
point in his character. Covetousness was
his besetting sin. His heart was swayed
by the love of money. We cannot doubt
but that the prospect of making a gain by
betraying his Master was a very alluring
one. How delightful it would be to have
so much money, as he might surely reck-
on upon, in his possession! How many
things it would put within his reach,
which he had long wished for! Or what
a pleasant addition it would make to the
store already laid by as a provision
against a future day of want! These
thoughts, or such as these, in all prob-
ability were often recurring to his mind.
The oftener they recurred, the stronger
grew the force of temptation, till at
length Satan had nothing left to do but
to take him, as it were, by the hand and
lead him to the factors, the chief priests.
Then the bargain is struck; his gracious
and loving Master is bought and sold
and his own soul withal.
And now the hour agreed upon for his
treachery is come. Does no misgiving
cross his mind? Does not his heart fail
him? Do not his knees tremble? Does
not his foot falter as he leads the way in
silence to the place where he expects
to find the Master? Likely enough they
do. But the compact which he has made
is, as it were, another cord drawn around
him. He has now pledged himself to the
chief priests. He has passed his word.
It is too late to go back. He must finish
what he has begun. Every step brings
him nearer to the spot. He reaches it.
The fatal kiss is given and Satan claims
him as his own. All that remains is to
hold him fast.
# # *
It may have been at a meeting of the
Sanhedrin that Judas, in an agony of
unavailing remorse, returned with the
money of his hateful bargain. He saw
his Master led away bound "as a lamb
to the slaughter." It is quite possible,
indeed, that Judas was too good a Jew
to have been willing to sell his Master
to Pilate directly. But now he sees that
is just what he has done. Now that he
sees Jesus, whom by long acquaintance
he knows to be without spot or stain,
bound as a common criminal and led
away to execution, his act appears in a
new and awful light, he is smitten with
a measureless fear, and can no longer
bear to think of what he has done. Not
love, but fear; not godly sorrow, but very
human terror, is what moves him now.
Therefore it is not to Jesus that he flees
—had he even now gone up to Him, and
fallen at His feet, and confessed his sin,
he would have been forgiven— but it is
to his accomplices in crinVe. Fain would
he undo what he has done; but it is im-
possible. What he can do, however, he
will.
We have the chief priests standing face
to face with a guilty and conscience-
stricken man, their own creature and
tool in the commission of the greatest
crime that ever was, or ever could be,
done upon the earth which God created.
He brings them back the price of blood,
the contemptible slave's ransom for
which he had been contented to betray
the Son of Man with a kiss! He brings
it back as a blood-stained and defiling
posssession, only reminding him of a
Friend and a Master whose love he has
requited with murderous treachery. He
says to them, as he would rid himself of
the wages of iniquity by a remorseful
restitution, "I have sinned in that I
betrayed the innocent blood."
How was he received? Did he meet
with sympathy or pity at their hands?
Did they try to comfort him? Did they
acknowledge their own equal share of
guilt? No! One would have thought
that there was that in the very look
318
of that terrified man, now on his way to
suicide, which must have awakened pity.
They were more hardened in sin than
he. They had no misgivings for them-
selves, no compassion for him. To his
piteous confession they pay no heed.
"Let him settle his own accounts with
his own conscience," is their heartless
reply. He has served their purpose, and
now they have no more occasion for him,
and they care not what becomes of him.
The innocence of Jesus did not interest
them. This was Judas' business, not
theirs. Judas thus discovered that when
he sold Jesus he was not at the end of
his troubles, but only at their beginning.
They all came sweeping back upon him-
self in aggravated form, and he could
not stand up to them. Judas has betray-
ed his Lord. He has just heard Him con-
demned. At this moment he sees Him
on His way from condemnation by the
Jewish to trial by Roman authority. He
can bear it no longer. Those tedious
hours, the wearisome night process, the
evident determination of His enemies to
stop with nothing but His death. The
recollection, perhaps, of days when he
was himself His companion, the object
of His perpetual solicitude.
He is now alone. Shut up to himself.
Alone with his sin. Even the thirty
pieces of silver, which had such a friend-
ly sound as he first dropped them in his
purse, have turned against him. Now he
hates the very sight of them and must
be rid of them. Ere he rushes to the fatal
noose, he will at least fling away that
paltry gain which was the sacrament rath-
er than the reward of his guilt. He car-
ries the money to his "employers." We
have heard how they received himl He
cast the money down in an agony of dis-
tress in the temple, pressing, it would
seem from the word used, in the reckless-
ness of his desperation, into the holy
place itself, into which it was not lawful
lor him to enter. But oh, Judas! It is
one thing to get the silver out of your
hands, and quite another to get the
stain out of your soul. The only effect ol
1 1 is to make the solitude complete. He
has at last come to himself; and what
a sell it is to come tol No wonder that
he "went and hanged himself." Be-
cause no one wanted his ill-gotten mon-
ey, he threw it away; because no one de-
Jired his further company, he threw him-
Beli away. Evil, when it was done with
him, destroyed him. Thus he was p.ii<l
in lull, [or the wages ol sin is death.
While they try to siiiii the responsibili-
ty oi the i nine on the Faithless disciple,
they took the money and with a childish
Scrupulosity, Which forbids its use for
sailed pm p< >s( is, they apply it as part
purchase of a "poller's field" for a
cemetery.
linked aw. iv anion;.; the hills and
caves, among the trees and fig groves
o| silent knliou, lies the "Field ol
Blood." This field is described in Peter's
address as having been purchased by
judas himsell before his death. The bar-
gain lor it ma] have been m.ule by Judas,
GOSPEL HERALD
immediately on his receiving the money,
or even before when he had the prospect
of acquiring it, and the payment not
actually made. So the chief priests com-
pleted the purchase of a piece of ground
which served their purpose by paying
the money which Judas flung away.
It is called the Field of Blood for two
reasons: one because the money paid for
it was the price of blood— the Innocent
Blood; the other because of the deed of
self-murder committed in it. Both cir-
cumstances may have contributed, for all
Jerusalem knew that it had a double
curse of blood upon it. Believers would
say that it was the place purchased with
the Lord's blood; unbelievers that the
crime of suicide, especially reprobated by
the Jews, marked it as unholy and un-
clean, fit only to hold the carcasses of
those whom they likened the dogs.
Nothing makes the earth seem so
spacious as to have friends at a
distance: they make the latitudes
and longitudes. — Henry D. Tho-
reau.
The Field of Blood is a small plot of
ground overhung with one precipice and
looking down another into the glen be-
low, on which is a deep charnel house of
the poor and unhonored dead of Jeru-
salem. This rocky and precipitous hill-
side is pierced with tombs of various
forms and dimensions, and the remains
of a stone building arched at top and ex-
cavated within to a considerable depth
below, probably was the cemetery built
by St. Helena for the reception of the
bodies of the poor Christian strangers.
This is a melancholy spot, evident-
ly a place of sepulture. No grass grows
around, no herb or wild flowers. The
shepherd and his flocks do not wander
in it. It seems still to be regarded as
an accursed spot and its belief is aug-
mented and perpetuated by its dreary
and desolate aspect. The field is now
marked by a wall to distinguish it from
the rest of the hillsides and belongs
to the Greek Orthodox Church. The
monk in charge takes much interest in
showing the visitors the "mam and var-
ied skulls he possesses!"
I bis place consists of a group of
tombs cm in the rock and ol a deep
ditch. These were united under one roof
in order to form a great OSSUai) lor poor
pilgrims who had died in Jerusalem.
1 he dead bodies appeal to have been
admitted by apertures into the walls,
through which we might see the bot-
tom all covered with bones and skulls.
It was a greedv cave, and big enough
to devour the dead of a whole cityl
The soil ol this pl.ue was a literal
sarcophagus, or a "consumer of tlesh,"
reducing the dust to dusi in the space
of forty-eight hours! The whole region
is inexpressibly desolate, worn-out, pale.
April 6, 1954
uncanny. Alas for the guilt and bitter-
ness of heart with which Judas went
forth with a suicide determination to
this place! One's heart shudders while
contemplating the picture. Just as we
stand here, we almost fancy him dan-
gling there.
As I sit on a pleasant green mound,
it is difficult on this sunny day to realize
the tragic scenes that took place in
this peaceful valley. The Scripture nar-
rative invests this spot with a gloomy and
awful interest. So far as I can see, there
seems everything to favor the idea, the
spot fixed on is the true one. To me
it seemed every grave, every thornbush.
and every thistle was telling the story of
rejected grace.
Leaving this resting place of poverty
and of crime I wandered back among
the tombs on the sides of the mountain,
tombs ornamented with sculpture and
divided into chambers, the last abodes of
the great and rich of Jerusalem. Yet
the beggar-pilgrim rudely thrown into
the common pit in the Field of Blood
and the rich man laid by "pious hands"
in the sculptured sepulcher of his an-
cestors are alike nothing.
Old City, Jerusalem, Jordan.
Important Coming Meeting
Bv A. J. Metzler
General Conference Moderator
Of the many services of the Mennonite
General Conference, this is to mention
two. A first and primary function of
General Conference is to bring together
representatives of the church to consider
current questions which are sufficiently
common to merit the serious attention
and time of a group of the church lead-
ers. A second purpose, not so clearly
stated and maybe a little more of a by-
product, but nevertheless very necessary
and helpful, is to provide a time and
place for representative church leaders to
be together in Christian fellowship. Out
of tins acquaintanceship and fellowship
comes a better understanding of one an-
other and the task each is doing, and
a greater respect and regard for one
another and a better understanding of
our various problems.
To a certain extent the General Coun-
cil of General Conference, a group of
about thirty-two representatives from
all of our conferences at home and
abroad, and our general church boards [
and committees, serves the same two
purposes in the periods between biennial
sessions of General Conference. It ought
to make General Conference sessions
more meaningful and enable the Con-
ference to serve the church in an even
larger way. However, in the General
Council meetings, which are usually for
two days and twice a year, the smaller
Roup makes possible a closer and more
intimate fellowship and acquaintance-
ship and provides opportunities to come
April b, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
319
A Prayer for This Week
Our Father, accept from the altar of
our hearts, the worship and gratitude
that Thou alone art worthy to receive.
We confess our unworthiness of Thy
grace. Give to us that spirit that can
worship Thee acceptably. We thank
Thee for a love that has delivered us
from the power of darkness and trans-
lated us into the kingdom of Thy dear
Son. Grant that we might walk worthy
of our calling.
Prosper the preaching of Thy Word so
that it may kindle saving faith' in those
who hear. Give illumination to those
who search the Scriptures. May the fruit
of the Spirit, as it is seen in Thy children,
bring peace to troubled hearts and at-
tract men to Thee.
May Thy Spirit accompany the wit-
ness of our I-W men. May their ministry
be rendered as unto Thee. Encourage
them in moments of need. Bless those
who minister to their spiritual welfare.
Give them the heart of a shepherd. Guide
our President, that our nation may still
be an object of Thy mercy. Help us then
as Thy children to redeem the time and
be ready for every good work. In Jesus'
name, Amen.— Elmer G. Kolb.
to more vital "grips" with problems than
in the larger delegate sessions of General
Conference. The next sessions of the
General Council at Laurelville Mennon-
ite Campground, near Scottdale, Pa.,
October 1 and 2, and associated meetings,
afford a good illustration of how the
General Council can serve both these
needs of dealing with a vital current is-
sue facing the church, as well as afford-
ing a season for blessed fellowship and
acquaintance by those attending.
Partly as a matter of economy and
partly because it was felt that the work
would permit this arrangement, in 1954.
for the first time since the Council was
formed, the General Council will have
only one meeting in the calendar year.
However, in addition to two full days
of business sessions, the Council mem-
bers are being invited to attend a special
two-day conference just previous. This
special conference is to be held at the
same place, September 29, 30. It is
being called by the Commission for Chris-
tian Education to make a thorough study
of the question of child evangelism.
From preliminary studies made by the
Commission over the past several years,
it is quite clear that this is a question
of deep concern to our church leader-
ship throughout our entire brotherhood.
Further explanation of the nature and
purpose of the conference will be given
at another time. This is only to show
how the General Council, in co-opera-
tion with one of the general church
agencies, is co-operating in providing
an intensive study of a vital issue of
great significance to our church with the
hope that out of this can come help for
our entire church in seeking light on
this question.
The Commission will hold its semi-
annual session September 27, 28, the
two days previous to the two-day con-
ference on child evangelism. The plan
is that all Commission members will
then attend the child evangelism con-
ference following its sessions, and the
General Council members will come two
days earlier for this same conference. In
addition to the members of both the
Commission and the General Council
attending this conference of child evan-
gelism for the two days between the re-
spective sessions, representatives of the
Christian Education Conferences
throughout the church will also attend
the fail Commission Meeting, as they
are invited to do every two years. These
brethren will also be invited to the
child evangelism conference.
All in all, these will be six days of
intensive study and work, as well as days
of warm Christian fellowship on the
part of a group of brethren with com-
mon concerns and responsibilities.
This will mean that approximately
sixty brethren from all of our confer-
ences in the United States, Canada, and
abroad will have the rich experience of
work and fellowship for most of a week.
And these blessings will not be confined
to the time and place of the sessions,
only. It is hoped that many of these
brethren coming from the more distant
points will be available for services in
congregations in our conferences in and
surrounding Pennsylvania for the week
ends previous and following, September
26 and October 3, and in some instances
maybe even for a week or ten days of
revival meetings.
Many of our congregations and dis-
tricts have special meetings, such as Bible
conferences, missionary conferences, Sun-
day-school meetings, and the like, and
are anxious to bring to their congrega-
tions representative leaders from distant
points. Ofttimes the time, travel, and
expense incurred make this impractical,
but since many ol these brethren are
coming for these conferences the last
week of September at the Laurelville
Camp near Scottdale, it would make
available their services in a way that at
other times might not be practical. The
expenses could be shared by the con-
gregations using the brethren and the
organization calling the meeting to the
economic advantage of all, as well as the
more significant benefits of the messages
and the opportunity of becoming better
acquainted with the work of the church
throughout the brotherhood.
Bro. Paul M. Lederach, Field Secretary
for the Commission, will serve as a
clearing agent in helping to arrange
appointments to the mutual advantage
of all. This will give our brethren from
the more distant points opportunities of
Prayer Requests —
(Requests for this column must be signed)
Pray for a young brother who seems to
be slipping in his Christian life, and
for his parents, who are in worse con-
dition.
Pray for those Christians in both eastern
and western countries whose religious
liberty is restricted by law or by ad-
ministrative order.
Pray for a father who prefers self and
liquor before living for Christ.
Pray for a home that puts material things
above the spiritual.
Lift the Don Rebers to the throne of
grace as they establish the fourth Hok-
kaido center at the rural village of
Hombetsu.
Pray for one who is reported to teach
against victorious living, giving, and
prayer meetings.
A mother of three children, whose hus-
band is attracted to worldly associates,
requests prayer that she may have pa-
tience, and that his eyes may be
opened to his need for love toward his
family.
visiting congregations, conferences, and
institutions in the East.
Scottdale, Pa.
Heartbreaks and Hallelujahs
By Edna Beiler
We had been out (a friend and I) on
what is commonly called "visitation"—
said to be the most fruitful type of mis-
sion approach, but also the most ex-
hausting. For me, it had been a heart-
breaking experience. Not because any-
one we visited slammed the door in our
faces or ordered us off. Far from it. The
families we contacted were kindness it-
self.
What appalled me was the spiritual
poverty we met. Such ignorance! Such
depths of unsuspecting depravity! It
would, I felt, take weeks of patient in-
struction before the claims of Christ
could even be presented. I came back
feeling hopeless and depressed.
In this mood, I went to a little noon-
day prayer meeting held in connection
with our evangelistic meetings. Few
could be present at that hour, but the
fellowship of those few was heartening.
We usually sat in the quiet of the church
for perhaps fifteen minutes of medita
320
GOSPEL HERALD
April 6, 1954
tion before we actually began to present
our needs to God. That day we had a
guest— an entire stranger— among us.
"I saw your ad in the paper— and I felt
the need of encouragement— so I came."
His explanation sounded simple, but be-
hind it lay a long chain of events— the
kind of thing the world calls luck or
chance but which actually is perfect tim-
ing on the part of God. What was it
that prompted Bro. Paul Kurtz to run
the ad that day (when this man was in
town) rather than the day before or the
day after? How was it that this friend
had a long enough break in his journey
to join us? And how did both of these
things happen (God forgive us for that
glib phrase!) on the very day when 1
came to prayer meeting with doubt in
my heart— doubt as to the power of God
to save the ignorant?
Our guest was a living demonstration
of God's power. The little he had time
to tell us proved that. He had been a
Catholic priest — a Franciscan monk,
rather- until the testimony of the late
H. A. Ironside won him from darkness
into light. It sounds so feeble in retell-
ing, but how his words glowed, there in
the silence of the sanctuary! He told us
briefly of persecution and blessing— of
heartbreak and hallelujahs of his own.
Yet he might easily have added, with the
Apostle Paul, "None of these things
move me," because that describes his
attitude so well.
He told us about his work in northern
New Mexico among the Penitentes— that
strange mixture of ancient superstition
with a thin coating of Christian belief.
"Even if you forget to pray for me—
remember to pray for my little mission
church with its seventy members," he
said. And his face was alight with radi-
ance as if all the hard things of the past
had been sanctified into blessings.
And so they had. God sanctifies our
heartbreaks as well as our hallelujahs.
Life is a mixture of the two but His
hand checks the balance— for our good
and to His glory. In a world where so
much remains chaotic it is comforting to
be sure of that. Just as it was comforting
for me to know that His compassion ar-
ranged a hallelujah for my heartbreak
that day.
Reading, Pa.
MENNONITE CHURCH STATISTICS
(Continued)
The Sunday-school enrollment in the
United States and Canada shows a gain
of 2,710 over last year, the present total
being 93,992. The world total of Sun
daj si hool enrollment toi the Mennonite
Church is listed as 98,58-1.
The sumrao Bible school enrollment
shows a gain of 3*742 over last year, with
a present total of 77.107.
The Mennonite Hoard ol Missions and
Charities reports an increase of $93,267
in total contributions for all causes. The
total for 1953 is given as $642,938.36.
This is the highest since 1918, when the
total was $653,902.01. The highest total
of any year reported was 1946 when it
reached a record high of $914,102.55. It
should be noted that the total con-
tributions as reported by the Mennonite
Board of Missions and Charities do not
reflect the total giving of the Mennonite
Church. However, it might be assumed
that it indicates a trend in giving in the
Mennonite Church.
The few facts and figures given above
are only a small indication of all the
information one can secure from the
Mennonite Yearbook. We each need to
be thankful to God for His blessing and
guidance in our church's work. May God
receive the glory in our endeavors.
Scottdale, Pa.
Ontario Mennonite Bible Institute
Commencement
The first graduates of our Institute
launched forth from student life to the re-
alites of Christian witnessing. Our com-
mencement extended from March 23 to 26.
Bro. Peter B. Wiebe of Goshen, Ind., was the
guest speaker for the different functions.
Twenty graduates of the twelve-weeks Bi-
ble school presented their class program
Wednesday morning. The Bible Institute
also had twenty graduates. Their class pro-
gram was rendered on Thursday morning.
This is the first time our schools have ren-
dered Class Day programs. The programs
were of high quality and much appreciated
by the audience.
Thursday afternoon marked the annual
alumni program. This was followed in the
evening by the alumni luncheon and business
meeting. Two hundred guests participated
in this function. The second year students
of both schools, served as waiters and wait-
resses. The tables were beautifully decorated
and lighted with candles. Each year at the
alumni luncheon the graduates are introduced
and received into the Alumni Association.
This was the first year in the forty-seven
that our Bro. S. F. Coffman was unable to be
with us over this joyous season.
The Commencement services in the First
Mennonite Church were attended by an over-
flow audience. Beside the forty graduates to
receive diplomas there were ten students to
receive the Sunday-school certificate.
Bro. Wiebe delivered the Commencement
address using, "What Is That in Thine
1 land'" as a text.
As a token of deep appreciation for the
many years of faithful service, the faculty,
the students, and the school board presented
Bro. Burkholdcr with a purse of money.
What Will You Do?
Remember that God permits every
test to come in your life, and that He is
watching to see what you will do; glori-
fied and pleased if you triumph with all
long-suffering, gentleness, and love;
grieved and ashamed if you lose your
victor)' and give way to passion and
temptation. Your heavenly Father is us-
in« all these situations in life which come
to" you to educate you for something
higher; and the way in which you meet
them is determining your own future po-
sition in His glorious kingdom. He wanb
a race of men and women who can walk
in perfect love and triumph under all
circumstances.— Sel.
The entire spirit and teaching of
Jesus are utterly opposed to war.— An-
drew Shelly.
This gift was tendered to Bro. Burkholder
with appropriate remarks by the chairman of
the Board, Bro. Osiah Horst.
The faculty and students also presented
Sister Florence Shantz with a gift of appre-
ciation. She has been secretary of the school
for the past seven years. Her future services
will be given to the Associated Sewing Cir-
cles as Field Secretary. Her responsibility
will take her into the States and Canada.
After seven years of faithful service as prin-
cipal of Ontario Mennonite Bible School and
Institute, Bro. Oscar Burkholder has resigned.
He will continue, however, as teacher in
both schools.
Bro. Roy S. Koch succeeds to the office of
principal. He is the third principal of these
schools. He enters his office well-fitted by
experience and educational attainments. Bro.
Koch is a graduate of Goshen College Biblical
Seminary.
A high light of our school year was the Pre-
Faster Choric Recital rendered March 14 at
the Kitchener-Waterloo Collegiate Audito-
rium. Bro. M. T. Brackbill, of Harrisonburg,
\ .1., kindly gave his services for a week in
training a group of seventy students for this
rendition. Much of the content of the recital
is Bro. Brackbill's own composition and the
arrangement is entirely his. A large apprecia-
tive audience heard this fine program.
The student body has enjoyed many guest
speakers at the chapel services through the
year. Among them were Dr. J. A. Hoffman,
President of the Winona Lake School of
Theology; Harold Bauman, Orrville, Ohio;
I. I.. Stauffcr; Simeon Hurst; Mr. Adams, a
Roman Catholic ex-priest but now a preacher
of the Gospel of Christ; C. N. Hostetter,
Grantham, Pa., and Andrew Shelly, Chicago.
1 1 - u'.ii ol school has been very profitable
and enjoyable to all.
— J. F. Garber.
OUR SCHOOLS
April 6, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
321
CHURCH MUSIC
Why I Sing
By Lorie C. Gooding
Because the day is chill and dim,
Because the night is long,
God gave my heart a hope in Him,
And gave my lips a song.
Of gold and silver gave He naught,
Nor transient worldly pleasure;
But in this fragile earthen pot
He put this precious treasure,
A hope that will not fade away,
That ever grows more bright.
So I go singing all the day,
And singing through the night.
Holmesville, Ohio.
Singing Preachers
By J. Mark Stauffer
Preachers have singing voices just like
other people. The ordination vow does
not cripple a man's singing voice; it
ought to serve to strengthen it and make
a good voice, better. And if anyone
really needs a good voice, a Mennonite
preacher does.
Ideally, preachers ought to breathe
diaphragmatically, have a relaxed lower
jaw, open their mouths vertically, use
their resonating areas and produce a
clear, vital tone which emerges along the
roof of the mouth. This general system
of vocal production is vital to effective
singing as well as speaking. Preachers
ought to be able to read— I mean read
music so that they can learn new hymns
with their congregation.
Preachers, it seems, like to think of
themselves as speakers, not singers. Some
of them can be seen, at certain times
and places, silent and apparently unmov-
ed while their congregation is enjoying
a season of spiritual worship in congre-
gational singing. This is not the best
example for a minister who desires iden-
tity and influence with his members.
God bless those preachers who sing; I
hope there are more than we think.
I want my minister to be a singing
preacher— a good man that embraces
Christianity as the "singing religion."
Hear the record of the early Christian
Church by Dickinson:
The Christian felt himself the chosen ioint-
heir of a risen and ascended Lord, who by His
death and resurrection had brought life and im-
mortality to light. The devotion to a personal,
ever-living Saviour transcended and often sup-
plan'ed all other loyalty whatsoever — to country,
parents, husband, wife, or child. This religion
was, therefore, emphatically one of joy . . .
I like to see a preacher singing with
his congregation the great hymns of the
church, such as: "I'll praise my Maker
while I've breath"; "Joyful, joyful, we
adore Thee"; "There's a wideness in
God's mercy"; "Lord, Thou hast search-
ed and seen me thro'"; "Jesus, the very
thought of Thee with sweetness fills my
breast"; "How sweet the name of Jesus
sounds in a believer's ear"; "O Master,
let me walk with Thee," and "The
church's one Foundation is Jesus Christ
her Lord."
Preachers are good men; I've known
one as a father all my life. I love them
and want onlv to encourage them.
Preachers work hard and need recurrent
periods of rest and relaxation; Christ
called on His preaching disciples to ". . .
Come ye yourselves apart into a desert
place, and rest a while . . ." (Mark 6:31).
Now Laurelville Church Music Con-
ference is not what one would call a
desert place, but it is a good place to
rest a while. We cordiallv invite preach-
ers to come to this conference (August
21-27, 1954^ for a period of rest and
spiritual fellowship centered around
church music. We will appreciate their
contribution to our camp. May the Lord
bless you all.
1 Edwa'd DiHrin-on, Music in the Pi-torv of the
Wnstern Cvurch (New York: Charles Scribner's Sons,
1950). p. 37.
Harrisonburg, Va.
What's Good About Our Hymns
The good points of the Gospel chorus
are obvious— brevity, unity of thought,
and a catchy, easily learned melodv and
rhythm. But we have noticed that a
church whose musical diet consists large-
ly of chorus singin? seems to have little
taste for the great hymns. Many young
people who have grown up in our evan-
gelical churches are not even familiar
with such hvmns as "Rock of Apes" or
"When I Survey the Wondrous Cross."
Noting this, we wonder whether our
choruses are as valuable as what they
displace.
Most music directors will a?ree that we
need the traditional hvmns for meaning-
ful worship. Some, however, will insist
that we must have "happv" son°-s and
choruses of personal testimonv besides
the "staid, dienified" hvmns which are
sung with "piety and devotion."
There is, of course, a place— and an
important one— for the Gospel song,
such as those made famous by Sankev,
W. H. Doane. Fannv Cmsbv, George
Stebbins,,and others. But it is wrong to
imply that the great hymns of the church
are lacking in testimony and true Chris-
tian joy. Those who do so forget such
declarations of personal faith as "Like a
River, Glorious" and expressions of soul-
lifting ecstasy, such as "Awake, My Soul,
to Joyful Lays," and "Rejoice, Ye Pure
in Heart!"
We are sometimes tempted to think
that Christians of the twentieth century
need to distinguish more sharply be-
tween the joy of the Lord and the hap-
piness of a pleasure-seeking world. How
many times, for example, have we heard
misguided young people begin a testi-
mony with "I get a kick out of living for
Jesus." Is our familiarity with such at-
titudes the reason we are not surprised
when the same melodies, harmonies, and
rhythms used to express worldly pleasure
are used to express the joy of the Lord?
And how can we feel that a melody suit-
able for expressing the Hollywood type
of love is suitable or adequate for speak-
ing of "love divine"?
Do we really believe that music in it-
self conveys no mood— that there is noth-
ing immoral, for instance, about the
rhythm of a rumba or the melodic line
of a blues song? Does inherently sug-
gestive music sing reverently when link-
ed with sacred words? Should we assume
that the unsaved are attracted to hear
the Word of God by musical programs
which rival the local theaters in their
style, or are such programs stumbling
blocks to those who are weary of the
world's tinsel?
We are of course aware that there
are those who declare that the chorus
rather than the hvmn expresses the fer-
vor of the evangelistic service. There is
perhaps a grain of truth in this, though
we ourselves have heard but little chorus
singing in recent large-scale meetings.
Even if we grant that the tent and taber-
nacle, the city -wide campaign and
powerful evangelistic preaching are often
accompanied by somewhat lighter, more
tuneful music, when the campaign is
over, we move back to a more permanent
structure and to preaching which is ex-
pository and doctrinal, in order "to build
us up in our most holy faith." Why
should we then limit ourselves entirely to
the music of the "sawdust trail"?
By all means let us retain what is good
of choruses and Gospel songs— those that
are moral in rhythm and tune, and Bibli-
cal in text; but let us also regain our lost
heritage of hymns— particularly if we are
concerned that the songs we sing reflect
the level of our Christian living.— D. P.
H. Editorial in Moody Monthly. Copy-
righted, used by permission.
For every peck of more equitable hu-
man relations we sow, we reap bushels in
a healthier environment for our children
and plain peace of mind for ourselves.—
Dwight R. G. Palmer.
322
COSPEL HERALD
April 6, 1954
FOR OUR SHUT-INS
This I Have Learned
I have learned as the years rolled around
Leaving the past behind,
That much I have counted sorrow
But proves our God is kind;
That many a flower I longed for
Had hidden thorns of pain;
And many a rugged bypath
Led to fields of ripened grain.
The clouds but cover the sunshine —
They cannot banish the sun;
And earth shines out the brighter
When the weary rain is done.
We must stand in the deepest shadow
To see the clearest light,
And oft from wrong's own darkness
Comes the very strength of right.
The sweetest rest is at even
After a wearisome day,
When the heavy burden of labor
Has dimmed from our hearts away;
And those who never knew sorrow
Cannot know the infinite peace
That falls on the troubled spirit
When it sees, at last, release.
We must live through the dreary winter
If we would value the spring,
And the woods must be cold and silent
Before the robins sing;
The flowers lie buried in darkness
Before they can bud and bloom,
And the sweetest, warmest sunshine
Comes after the storm and gloom.
So the heart, from the hardest trial.
Gains the purest joy of all;
And from lips that have tasted sorrow
The sweetest songs will fall;
For as peace comes after suffering
And love is reward for pain.
So after earth is heaven,
And out of our loss is gain.
— Author Unknown.
Count It All Joy!
Ralph I). Hjenry
I recall just now a poem I read sonic
lime ago. Although I am unable 10 quote
it, the substance is somewhat as follows:
Some I oiks murmur il one small speck
appears on their blue sky of happiness.
Others an- thankful if but one faint
Streak of light, God's meicv, pierces the
dai kness ol their night,
Joy, as interpreted I>n the world, is
nothing more nor less than a momentary
and fragmentary i>it ol fun. it may be
compared to a ripple on the surface of
some placid pool: it is not permanent.
but of brief duration; not profound,
but definitely shallow; not very effective,
but scarcely changes the circumstances
about it. Joy, as defined by the worldly
crowd, is just a means whereby one can
forget, momentarily, the cares and aches
of a stricken conscience.
Conversely, God's people are the hap-
piest people on earth; in Him resides the
source of real joy! To be continually
happy, we must accept this exhortation
as our very own: "My brethren, count
it all joy when ye fall into divers temp-
tations." Some may ask: "Can we as
Christians really count such things as
disappointments, heartaches, apparently
unanswered prayers, thwarted ambitions,
inevitable circumstances, 'thorns in the
flesh,' infirmities, failures, as joy?" Most
certainly it can be done, provided cer-
tain conditions are met!
First, our lives must be uncondition-
ally consecrated to Him. Gcxl and His
kingdom must remain the paramount
issue in our daily lives. Every bridge
must be burned behind us and no pro-
vision be made for the return to "eating
of husks and feeding of swine."
The "what if's" must also be put upon
the altar of our consecration. To be
specific, I know that I am not called to
be a minister of the Gospel. I know I am
not called to be an evangelistic singer.
I know He has not singled me out as
a missionary to some foreign field, but
what if He should deem it necessary to
call me to one of these fields of en-
deavor or some other field now foreign
to my knowledge? What if He should
bid me lay down my pen once and for
all time in exchange for some other line
of work I would be less likely to choose?
To all these questions I must always be
ready to answer: "Thy will be done!"
Once again, to "count it all joy," I
must live a committed life. Why I do
not prosper monetarily as my neighbor,
I may not quite understand, but I com-
mit it to Him. Why I have to sweat and
toil so to do the will of Gcxl. while
some Christian friend is apparently a
"natural" in Gcxl's program. I do not
know; I commit that, too, to Him. Why
my celestial pathway ma) he strewn more
densely with thorns than the pathway
of some other, I do not know; I have
committed that to Him! Consequently
what a privilege it is that He makes it
possible for me to "count it all joy."
" \nd we know that all things work to
gcther for good to them that love God.
to them who arc the called according to
his purpose."
Furthermore, one must live a life pos-
sessed with an achieving faith; not a pas-
sue l.iith. taking things for granted, but
.1 faith that getl things started, then
lives until the- job is finished. If such be
our faith, we can "count it all joy," for
He does for us what we cannot do for
ourselves!
Again, we must maintain strict obe-
dience to the will and leadings of the
Holy Spirit. Methinks, many times our
pra\ers fall into the "Now I lay me"
category; we almost habitually ask God
to show us new light, then we fail,
through carelessness or indifference, to
recognize it as such. Walking behind
light, even for a minute, brings tenseness,
fears, insurmountable difficulties, "un-
naturalness," or superficiality in our
Christian living. Walking in the light
brings supernal joy, utmost confidence,
and victorious courage!
To "count it all joy," we must seek
to know the Master's plan for our lives.
"Study to shew thyself approved unto
God . . . ." We must not only "look for"
His will but, search, strne to learn, ear-
nestly seek it with all perseverance and
sincerity. ' How can I be of better ser\-
ice to Him?" should be the ultimate aim
of even devoted heart!
Finally, to "count it all joy," we must
lav aside all incidentals which tend to
impede our spiritual progress. To con-
tinually concentrate our minds on some
petty notion or trivial matter causes us
to lose sight of the main goal ahead.
"Let us lay aside every weight, . . . and
let us run with patience the race that is
set before us." We cannot afford to be
encumbered with a heap of unimportant
and incidental matters which sap the
juiciness and joy out of our Christian
lives.
And now, may I briefly reiterate? We
need not live in the shadows of life. God
does not intend it so. If we uncondition-
ally consecrate to Him; if we completely
commit nil to Him; if we acquire an
achieving faith; if we live in strict obedi-
ence to Him and seek to Know His will;
if we shake off the incidentals, and an-
nihilate all alibis and excuses for our
infirmities and failures, much will be
our gain!
Then clouds of darkness not only will
have a silver lining, but by His power
will vanish away I Each moment of the
da) will be refreshing and thrillin?. "Jov
unspeakable and full of glory" will bub-
ble forth, unceasingly, from the Well of
Living Water! 'Tis then we can "count
all things as joy"— yes, even the unpleas-
an tries of life!— Herald of Holiness.
Addresses cif Shut-ins
Mrs. Lillian 0. Ellsworth — b. Dec. 7. 1S<)6
II. 1. Oenosee, Pn.
• • •
Mrs. Helen M. Evans — b. April IS, 1S9S
K. B01 S8H, Hamburg Pa.
• • •
Gladys Baldwin — b. Jan. 20. 1931
Hoiks County T.P.. Sanatorium
Roadini, Ph.
• • *
Mrs. Enoch It. Prey— h. April 24, 190]
U. -», Li tits, Pa.
• • •
Helen Mist.n ic'h— h. Sept. 16, 1932
Berks Comity Sanatorium
Heading. Pa.
(Continued on page 332)
April 6, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
323
TO BE NEAR TO GOD
PASSION WEEK MEDITATIONS
Palm Sunday, April 11
Read Matt. 21:5; 11:29 — The Meek and Lowly Christ
The King of Old Testament prophecy was
unique in His kingship. Unlike kings, the
distinguishing characteristic of Jesus was His
meekness. Weakness is often mistakenly
labeled meekness. But meekness is strength
controlled and submitted to the will of God.
Jesus was perfect in meekness, for He did
always those things that pleased the Father.
Jesus invites us to learn of Him, the meek
and lowly in heart. A meek and quiet spirit
is the Christian's adornment which delights
God's heart. To be meek is to learn the sweet-
ness of doing God's will in all things even as
Jesus did. "Thy King cometh unto thee,
meek," Have we opened our hearts to Him?
Are we allowing God to conform us to the
image of His Son in meekness? To be con-
formed in meekness is to find rest for our
souls.
Monday, April 12
Read Matt. 23:37, 38; Luke 19:41, 42— The Weeping
Christ
"The only begotten Son, which is in the
bosom of the Father, he hath declared him."
"How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? how
shall I deliver thee, Israel? how shall I make
thee as Admah? how shall I set thee as
Zeboim? mine heart is turned within me,
my repentings are kindled together." God
has no pleasure in the death of the wicked.
He yearns over the lost, those who are lost
in the dead orthodoxy of church ritualism or
those lost in the world. "Other sheep I have,
which are not of this fold: them also I must
bring." Do we have the mind of Christ in
relation to the lost? Do we yearn over them
with love and tears? Do we pray without
ceasing?
Tuesday, April 13
Read John 15:5 — The Life-giving Christ
The shadow of the cross had fallen full
across the path of Jesus and His disciples.
Its somber darkness had penetrated into the
quiet upper room where Jesus had met with
His little coterie of friends. The bewildered
disciples felt its approach with sorrow of
heart. But Jesus saw beyond the shadows.
He glimpsed the glory of the cross. The cross
would effect that wondrous mystic union of
Lord and believer.
"I am the vine, ye are the branches." The
life of the vine is the life of the branch. We
are made partakers of His divine nature. We
share His life. We are one — Christ and I.
Apart from Him we can do nothing to please
God. No flesh shall glory in His presence.
Abiding in Him we bear much fruit, and to
abide is simply to yield to Jesus moment by
moment, receive His life, trust Him, obey
Him. Precious cross that binds me to the
life -giving Christ!
Wednesday, April 14
Read John 16:33 — The Consoling Christ
This world was not friendly to Jesus. If
we are true disciples of Jesus, we shall suffer
persecution. There will be tribulations. But
"in me" — "peace" — "Be of good cheer" — "I
have overcome." Jesus is our peace, our joy,
our victory. Nothing can separate us from
Him and His love. Can trouble, pain, or per-
secution? Can lack of clothes and food, dan-
ger to life and limb, the threat of force of
arms? No, in all these things we win an
overwhelming victory through Him who has
proved His love for us.
"I have become absolutely convinced that
neither death nor life, neither messenger of
heaven nor monarch of earth, neither what
happens today nor what may happen tomor-
row, neither a power from on high nor a
power from below, nor anything else in God's
whole world has any power to separate us
from the love of God in Jesus Christ our
Lord" (Rom. 8:35, 37-39, Phillips Letters to
Young Churches).
Thursday, April 15
Read Matt. 27:22; John 18:38, 39— The Kingly Christ
Have we ever stood with Pilate and an-
swered that question? What shall I do with
Jesus? We have acknowledged and accepted
Him as our Saviour. Have we crowned Jesus
King of our lives? Have we renounced every
selfish claim? "You are not the owner of
your body. You have been bought, and at
what a price! Therefore bring glory to God,
both in your body and your spirit, for they
both belong to Him."
The human heart is deceitful. You claim
you have yielded all to Christ. But in your
honest moments you must admit there are
reservations. We dare not reason or argue
with God. Crown the kingly Jesus Lord of
all.
Friday, April 16
Read John 19:17 — Christ the Victor
Jesus went forth to the cross a victor ar-
rayed with strength and majesty: the strength
of obedience to the Father's will; the majesty
of kingly purpose. "I lay down my life."
The corn of wheat was about to fall into the
ground and die that He might be the Author
of our salvation and bring many sons to glory.
For the joy that was set before Him He
endured the cross. He gave to believers the
cross, the emblem of assured victory. The
way of the cross is the way of life, but the
way of life through death. Have you walked
(Continued on page 331)
Christ the Living Lord
Sunday School Lesson for April 18
(John 20, 21)
Friday the sunset saw tragedy. What a
contrast with sunrise three days later! Christ
from the dead came forth and some of the
heavenly host announced to man, "He is
risen." Friday the enemies of Jesus seemed
to triumph. Sunday God called man to for-
get his gloom, for "He lives no more to die."
Jesus defeated death.
What difference did the resurrection make?
This lesson is the very heart of the Christian
faith. As Jesus brought life to the disciples
and changed their night to day, so He can
do for us. He lives today.
Mary Magdalene, the other women, and
the disciples were filled with uncertainty.
They had believed in Jesus. They loved Him.
They trusted Him to deliver them. How-
ever, they could not understand why He let
His enemies kill Him. When the stone rolled
away (as Jesus came forth) and the opening
permitted them to see the empty tomb, they
were greatly disturbed. John saw and be-
lieved. This empty tomb was a fact to help
their belief in Christ's resurrection.
Mary, in deep sorrow, did want to find
Christ's body. She was permitted to see a bit
of the glory surrounding the resurrection.
Angels asked concerning her sorrow, and
then Christ Himself changed that sorrow to
joy. Mary told the disciples of the great fact
that their Master lives.
"For fear of the Jews" the disciples were
assembled on Easter evening behind closed
doors. Jesus came into their midst and dis-
pelled all fear by identifying Himself. Fear
was changed to joy. Jesus re-established His
relationship with them. "As my Father . . .
so send I you." And as a guarantee that
they would be able to go, He breathed on
them and said, "Receive ye the Holy Ghost."
Later He gave them specific directions for
getting His power for service. Not only
were they glad to see Jesus alive, but to know
that His kingdom was to go on and that
they, His own, were to have a part in it.
They knew now death had no power over
Him. His enemies could not defeat His pro-
gram. Here was life.
"Peace be unto you," changed all their
troubled doubt to peace.
But Thomas, not being present, doubted
still. On the following Sunday this crushed,
despondent man was filled with a strong per-
sonal faith when he met his Lord and God,
alive from the dead. All who are troubled
doubters can be lifted to faith as they become
acquainted with a living Saviour.
— Alta Mae Erb.
Lesson based on "International Sunday School Les-
sons: the International Bible Lessons lor Christian
Teaching," copyrighted 1951 by the Division of Chris-
tian Education National Council of the Churches of
Christ in the U.S.A.
324
GOSPEL HERALD
April 6, 1954
FIELD NOTES
Items to appear In this column for any tstue oi (he
following Tuesday must reach ScottdaJe by Wednes-
day morning.
Ordination. — Bro. Rowland Shank, of the
Zion congregation near Broadway, Va., was
ordained to the ministry on Sunday after-
noon, March 28, at the call of the Mt. Her-
mon congregation, Mathias, W. Va.
Bro. Oscar Schrock was licensed and in-
stalled as minister to serve the Mahalasville,
Ind., Mission March 14, by Bishop Edd P.
Shrock. Bro. Ralph Stahly preached the ser-
mon.
At the Science Ridge congregation, Ster-
ling, 111., Bro. S. C. Yoder, Goshen, Ind., was
the guest speaker March 14, for Spring Mis-
sionary Day, Bro. Alvin Becker, Woodburn,
Ind., representing the Northern Bible Society,
spoke on the morning of March 21; and the
Messengers' Male Quartet, Flanagan, 111.,
gave a program on the evening of March 28.
The brotherhood worshiping at Miller, S.
Dak., is planning to build a church this
spring. Thus far they have been holding
their services in a Seventh-Day Adventist
church. Anyone interested in contributing to
their building fund should address Bro. Paul
J. Glanzer, St. Lawrence, S. Dak.
Hammer Tent Revival Echoes, a 6" by 9"
book of 66 pages describing the Hammer
Tent Revival of 1953, is now available. Price
50 cents, plus 10 cents for mailing costs.
Orders should be sent to Sylvester Lehman,
R. 1, Apple Creek, Ohio, treasurer of Chris-
tian Laymen's Tent Evangelism, Inc.
Table of Contents
313 — Heaven, tho Home of the Redeemed
The Gatherinq Place (Poem)
314 — Our Readers Say
315 — Iho Piace ol Law
The Safety of Croup Counsel
316 — The Hevelatlon ol Jesus Christ
It Happened
Mennonite Church Statistics lor 1953
317— Still Hours by the "Field ol Blood"
318 — Important Cominq Moetinq
319 — A Prayer lor This Week
Prayer Requests
Heartbroaks and Halleluiahs
320 — Ontario Mennonito Bible Institute Commencement
321— Why 1 Sinq (Poem)
Slnqinq Preachers
What's Good About Our Hymns
322— This I Have Learned (Poem)
Count It All Joy
Addresses of Shut-Ins
323— To Be Noar to God
Sunday School Lesson for April 18
324— Field Notes
Calendar
325— Mission News
Your Treasurer Reports
326— You Can Witness Through Hospital Services
328 — Attention Prayer Warrlorsl
God's Footprints in Bihar
329 — From Inslqht to Actions in Missions
Classes and Campflres
The Monnonlle Hour
330 MRSC Weekly Notes
MCC Weekly Notes
331— Women's Activities
From Our Churches
333— Births
Marrlaqes
Obituaries
334— The Book S^»lf
Items and Comments
336 — Your Publishing House
Bro. O. N. Johns, Louisville, Ohio, con-
ducted counsel meeting at the Cedar Grove
Church, Greencastle, Pa., on Sunday morn-
ing, April 4. In the afternoon he was at
Black Oak Bethel, in the Hancock, Md., area,
and in the evening at North Side, Hagers-
town, Md.
Christian Living, our new monthly maga-
zine, at the end of March reached a total of
13,803 subscriptions, a gain of about 1003
since its first issue in January.
Special Calvary Hour broadcasts in con-
nection with evangelistic meetings by Bro.
Wm. G. Detweiler, at the Monterey, Pa.,
Mennonite Church will be given over
WLAN (1390) Lancaster, Pa., April 11-21,
Monday through Friday, 5:00 to 5:15 p.m.,
and Sunday, 3:15 to 3:30 p.m.
Bro. Roy S. Koch, St. Jacobs, Ont., was
recently elected as the third president of
Announcements
Correspondence Courses in Bible
From Goshen College
Correspondence courses in Bible which yield the
same credit as regular residence work are being
ottered at Goshen College. These courses are avail-
able to students who desire to earn credit toward
graduation or who wish to take the work for their
personal improvement without college credit. The
following courses are now available:
Old Testament History 3 sem. hrs.
Old Testament Poetry 3 "
New Testament History 3 "
Life of Christ 3 "
Gospel of John 2
First Corinthians 2 " "
Bible Doctrine 3 "
Missions 3
Church History Survey 3 "
Mennonite History 2
The lessons are outlined lor convenience in study.
The 3-semester-hour courses are divided Into 18 les-
sons: the 2-hour courses into 12. The outlines are
based on the texts prescribed for the courses and
require carelul study and the written work should
be carefully done.
The registration fee is $10 per semester hour lor
those who desire college credit; and $5 per semester
hour when not taken for credit.
The courses are designed lor private study al-
though where there are groups who wish to study
together, classes may be formed In which each per-
son will pay the tuition fee and do all the reading
and written work prescribed for each course. No
doubt the students would derive some benefit from
qroup discussions when directed by some competent
leader. When the course is completed the questions
for the final examination will be sent to each student,
and final credit will be filed in the Office of the
Roqlstrar.
Young people whose studies are belnq Interrupted
by tho draft or by I-W and Voluntary Service ac-
tivities will find this a helpful way ol earninq credit
toward the completion of their college course. A
number of I-W men are now registered In this de-
partment and are dolnq creditable work. Others
from widely scattered parts of the country are also
taklnq courses. Many teachers In the Goshen com-
munity are enrolled In this department and are earn-
inq CTodlt toward the fulfillment of the Bible re-
quirements of the Collrqe for graduation or to ful-
f ill tho license requirements f^r teachlnq In the states
where they reside. Besides these, a qoodlv number
are taklnq the work for their own benefit with no
tbouqht of earninq credits. In this latter qroup are
Sunday-school and church workers, missionaries and
ministers.
The ororodure In registration Is as follows: Write
to S. C. YoHer. Director, for application bl-nVs and
a bulletin descrlNnq the courses. After filllnq rut
the application, enclose a che<-k or money order f~r
the amount ol the (ee and mall to the Director, who
will follow the application throuqh. Those who will
want credit will lind It necessary to have transcript
of Ihelr htqh-school reootd sent to the Registrar's
Office before the registration can be completed.
Tho College Is nnxl^ui to serve the larqest number
of people possible and welcomes correspoodenos
students Into Its larqe family of younq men and
women who ore preparing themselves for the wcrk
which life will btlnq to them.
Ontario Mennonite Bible School and Insti-
tute.
The Calvary Hour staff of Orrville, Ohio,
was with the Martinsburg, Pa., congregation
for the morning service, April 4.
A Sunday-school workshop was conducted
for the Big Valley Sunday schools April 3, 4,
at the Allensville, Pa., Church, with Bro.
and Sister Paul Erb, Scottdale, Pa., and Wal-
ter Otto, Springs, Pa., as speakers. On Sun-
day morning Sister Erb spoke to the adult
department of the Maple Grove congrega-
tion, Belleville, Pa., and Bro. Erb preached.
The Herald-Aires Male Chorus, directed
by Warren Leatherman, Akron, Pa., ren-
dered an appreciated program at the Maple
Grove Church, Belleville, Pa., on the evening
of March 28.
Ten young people were received into
church fellowship by baptism at the Calvary
Church, Los Angeles, Calif., on Sunday
morning, March 28, Bro. Sherman Maust
officiating.
A rural mission conference was held at
the East Union Church, Kalona, Iowa, March
27, 28, with Bro. S. H. Rhodes, Harrisonburg,
Va., as guest speaker.
Bro. Elam Hollinger, Hesston, Kans., gave
a talk and showed pictures on the work in
Alabama at Iowa Mennonite School on Sun-
day afternoon, March 21.
Bro. Ray Keim was ordained to the minis-
try at the East Goshen Church, Goshen, Ind.,
on the afternoon of March 28, according to
previous plans.
(Continued on page 332)
Calendar
Annual Meeting Illinois Mission Board, Pleasant HID,
East Peoria, 1)1.. April 22. 23.
Annual meeting Ohio Mennonite Mission Board, West
Clinton Mennonite Church, near Archbold, Ohio,
April 23-25.
Semiannual meeting. Commission for Christian Edu-
cation. St. Jacobs. Ont., April 30, May 1.
Conference on Christian Community Relations, E.M.C..
Harrisonburg. Va., May 6-8.
Home Sunday, May 9.
Ohio Mennonite and Eastern A.M. Joint Conference.
Walnut Creek Church in Holmes Co.. Ohio, May
25-27. 1954.
Indiana-Michigan annual meetings at Howard-Miami
Church. Kokcmo. Ind. Mission Board, June 1;
Conference June 2. 3.
North Central Mennonite Conference and associated
meetings. June 7-11 at Lake Region Church,
Detroit Lakes, Minn.
Annual meeting Mennonite Board of Missions and
Charities. Western Mennonite School, Salem,
Oreg.. June 17-20.
1954 Schedule for Laurelvllle: Writers' Conference.
June 26 to July 2; Family Week, July 3-9: Boys'
Camp (ages 9-13), July 10-16; Girls' Camp (ages
9-13), July 17 23; Junior High (ages 13-15). July
24-30; Junior High (ages 13-15). July 31 to Aug. 6;
Younq People's Institute. Auq. 7-13: MYF Work-
shop and Annual Meeting. Aug. 14-20; Church
Music Conference, Aug. 21 27; Missionary Bible
Conference. Aug. 28 to Sept. 2.
Peace Sunday Inly 4. 1954.
Annual Ohio MYF convention. Ohio Mennonite Camp
Ground. Kidron. Ohio. July 30 to Auqust 1.
Annual Meeting Southwestern Pa. Conlerence, Mar-
tinsburg. Pa.. Aug. 1-4.
Annual meeting Iowa-Nebraska Conference. West
Union. Parnell. Iowa. Auq. 10-13.
Annual meetlnq South Central Conference. Assembly
of God campground, near Eldon, Mo., August
17 20.
Annual Meetlnq Illinois Conlerence. East Bend.
Fisher. 111.. Aug. 24-26.
Fall Meeting. Commission for Christian Education.
Laurelvllle Mennonite Camp, Laurelvllle, Pa.,
Sept. 27. 28.
Study Conference of Child Evangelism Laurelvllle
Mennonite Camp. Sept ''9 30.
Fall Meeting. General Council of Mennonite Genera)
Conlerence. Laurelvllle Mennonite Camp. Oct.
1. I.
A .nual Meetlnq of the Mennonite Board of Lducatton
Kalona Wellman. Iowa area; Oct. 14-16. 19»4.
April 6, ipH
GOSPEL HERALD
325
Go, Preach • MISSIONS # Give, Pray
The General Boaid Headquarters for Mission*. Relief, and Service: 1711 Prairie Street. Elkhart. Indiana. Telephone, Elkhart 2-2786.
Mission News
Approximately seventy persons attended
the Annual City Mission Workers' Round
Table held at the Detroit, Mich., Mennonite
Church, March 24-26. The first three ses-
sions were given to a discussion of the effects
of urbanization and industrialization on the
church and the last three to a discussion of
race relations and their effect on building
churches in the city.
The attendance at the Mexican Mennonite
Church, Chicago, on Sunday morning, March
28, was 160. This included a number of visit-
ors present to help celebrate the twentieth an-
niversary of the founding of the work with
its own pastor. A special fellowship dinner
was held on Saturday evening when many
former members and workers gave words of
appreciation. Bro. Lester Hershey, former
pastor and missionary on furlough from Puer-
to Rico, served as special speaker for the an-
niversary services, Friday through Sunday.
Bro. S. H. Rhodes, Harrisonburg, Va.,
served as guest speaker at the Sixth Annual
Rural Missions Conference for Southeastern
Iowa held at the East Union Mennonite
Church, Kalona, March 27, 28. The main
purposes of the conference are to inspire more
active interest in missions on the local level
and to help the smaller mission stations to
realize that they are a part of the larger
church constituency.
Bro. and Sister John Beachy and family
arrived safely in Bombay, India, on March
24 en route back to Bihar, India, after fur-
lough.
Bro. Howard Hammer, who is attending
the Kennedy School of Missions, Hartford,
Conn., served as week-end speaker at the St.
Ann's St. Mennonite Church, Bronx, N.Y.,
April 3, 4. On Saturday evening Bro. Ham-
mer addressed a Youth Rally and on Sunday
gave messages on the home.
Bro. Paul Martin, Hawkesville, Ont., sec-
retary of the Ontario Mennonite Mission
Board, spoke at the Ninth St. Mennonite
Church, Saginaw, Mich., on Sunday morn-
ing, March 7.
Sister Lois Lauver, missionary to Puerto
Rico, returned home recently because of the
serious illness of her father, Rollin Swihart,
Howe, Ind. Bro. Swihart passed away on
Sunday afternoon, March 28. Funeral services
were held at the Brighton Chapel, Howe,
Ind., on Tuesday afternoon, March 30. May
God comfort the bereaved.
Workers at the Rainy River Mission, In-
ternational Falls, Minn., are making a survey
of the Jameson and French additions, two
suburbs of International Falls, to determine
the prospects for summer Bible school. More
than 150 homes are located there.
The annual meeting of the Ohio and East-
ern A.M. Mennonite Mission Board will be
held at the West Clinton Church, Pettisville,
Ohio, April 23-25.
Bro. and Sister Allen Ebersole, Canton,
Ohio, spoke at the Wooster, Ohio, Mennonite
Church on Sunday evening, March 28. The
Johnstown, Pa., Mennonite School Chorus
gave a program in the afternoon.
The missionaries on Hokkaido, Japan, met
for fellowship with the Lee Kanagys at Naka-
shibetsu during the middle week in March
to discuss problems related to their work.
The Don Reber family plans to locate at
Hombetsu on Hokkaido the latter part of
April. The missionaries plan another fellow-
ship meeting at Obihiro on May 3.
Bro. and Sister Stanley Weaver, Black
Mountain Mission, Chinle, Ariz., are con-
ducting released-time Bible classes in the gov-
ernment Indian school at Black Mountain.
Their Navaho helper, Betty Gruber, has re-
turned home due to homesickness. Pray for
her and for an Indian helper for the Weavers.
Bro. and Sister George Smoker, mission-
aries en route home for furlough from Tan-
ganyika, Africa, arrived in Dhamtari, India,
on March 18 to visit the missionaries in the
Central Provinces.
A Youth Rally was held at the Sundarganj
Church, M.P., India, on Saturday evening,
March 20. The young people took up an
offering for a missionary couple from South
India sent to Africa as missionaries last year.
The Missionary Day speaker at the De-
troit, Mich., Mennonite Church on March
21 was Bro. David Groh, a student at Goshen
College Biblical Seminary, Goshen, Ind., and
son of a former superintendent and matron
of the Toronto, Ont., Mennonite Mission. In
the evening, Bro. Mervin Swartzentruber,
I-W leader from Plymouth, Mich., showed
the General Board slides on mission work in
Japan at the beginning of the service.
The extension committee of the Ontario
Mennonite Bible Institute is planning to send
a team into the province of Quebec to dis-
cover opportunities for mission work there.
The executive committee of the Ontario Men-
nonite Mission Board is also interested in this
project.
Sisters Lena Graber and Goldie Hummel,
missionaries to India, will be leaving Bombay
on April 28 for a furlough. They will re-
turn to the U.S. via Europe.
Bro. Virgil Brenneman, Iowa City, Iowa,
Notice
Concerning the annual meeting of the Mennonite
Board of Missions and Charities, Western Mennonite
School, Route 1, Box 626, Salem, Oregon, June 17-20.
Any questions relative to your transportation prob-
lems will be answered by M. A. Bender, 865 Jeffer-
son, Salem, Oregon. Phone Salem 2-7646.
Any lodging inquiries should be addressed to
Harvey E. Brenneman, R. 2, Box 519, Albany, Oregon.
Your Treasurer Reports
Brother J. D. Graber on his recent trip
from India spent some time with Brother and
Sister Quintus Leatherman in London. The
program in London is developing as antici-
pated and plans have now been completed
for the purchasing of a building for the Lon-
don Mennonite Center. For some time Broth-
er Leatherman has been investigating many
possibilities for this Center and has recently
located a building which appears to be most
satisfactory and will offer a fine Center for
the work.
According to Brother Graber's report, the
building to be purchased is located on Shep-
perd's Hill and the transaction for purchasing
the building should be completed in the near
future.
We believe that the Center in London will
be a very worth-while project and we would
like to encourage contributions for this mis-
sion program. Funds are needed for purchas-
ing the Center and also for the current operat-
ing costs. Contributions for the Center should
be designated for the London Center Pur-
chase and funds for the operating costs should
be designated for the London Mission Fund.
Please send all contributions through the
District Conference treasurers.
H. Ernest Bennett, Treasurer
Mennonite Board oi Missions and Charities
Elkhart, Indiana.
served as Missionary Day speaker on March
21 at the three Mennonite churches in the
Milford, Nebr., area.
Sister Winifred Mumaw, a worker at the
Bethel Mennonite Church, Chicago, and a
group of boys and girls from Bethel gave a
program in song and testimony at the Bel-
mont Mennonite Church, Elkhart, Ind., on
Sunday morning, April 4.
Bro. H. James Martin, missionary under
appointment to Uruguay, spoke at the Bowne
Mennonite Church, Elmdale, Mich., on Fri-
day evening, April 2. Bro. and Sister Martin
plan to go to Lancaster County, Pa., about
the middle of April to assist in the work to
the Puerto Rican laborers carried on by the
Eastern Mennonite Board of Missions and
Charities. Their residence visas have not yet
come through for Uruguay.
Bro. Luke Birky, La Plata, Puerto Rico,
will speak on the medical mission program
in Puerto Rico at Fisher, 111., on April 7 and
Yellow Creek, Goshen, Ind., on April 14. He
kept the following appointments in Illinois
recently: March 31, Flanagan; April 1, Mor-
ton; April 4, morning, Dillon; April 4, eve-
ning, Hopedale.
The William Hallman family arrived safe-
ly in Buenos Aires, Argentina, after furlough
on March 27.
326
GOSPEL HERALD
April 6, 1954
Pioneers Memorial Hospital ground-breaking ceremony, Rocky Ford, Colorado, February- 8, 1953.
You Can Witness Through Hospital
Service
By W. J. Dye
THE MENNONITE HOSPITAL— ITS
SERVICE AND WITNESS
The Mennonite Hospital and Sanitarium.
La Junta, Colo., has been a mother of hospital
service and nurses' training in the Mennonite
Church. Today it is home base for many
foreign missionaries and relief workers. It
has furnished training and inspiration to
home, city, and rural mission workers. It
has challenged young people to dedicate their
talents to serve Christ in many different areas,
such as industry, doctors' offices, church
boards, schools, and hospitals.
Japan, India, Africa, Puerto Rico, Jerusa-
lem, Egypt, South America, and Formosa all
have on their staff of workers those who have
served first at the Mennonite Hospital and
Sanitarium. This challenge of preparing per-
sons called to church work continues.
The hospital has faithfully served the
church in this way since its beginning. The
program of the hospital is that of service and
witness. Service is given through the physical
facilities and trained personnel provided to
give hospital and medical care to the com-
munity.
Physical facilities of the hospital include
( 1) a general hospital of 103 beds and a 20-
bed sanitarium for tuberculosis patients with
such other buildings as a laundry, boiler
house, nurses' residence and educational unit,
and two residences for employees; (2) up-to-
date hospital and diagnostic equipment for
the care of convalescent and acutely ill pa-
tients. Fully equipped departments which
facilitate patient care include operating and
delivery rooms, office, X-ray, laboratory,
medical records, physical therapy, laundry,
dietary, housekeeping, and maintenance.
More important than physical facilities is
trained personnel. They are essential for the
proper use of the physical facilities. The pub-
lic demands of hospital services today the
best qualified and trained personnel available.
The Mennonite Hospital employs 109 per-
sons, plus 47 student nurses. These are dis-
tributed as follows: 25 aides and orderlies, 18
graduate nurses, two registered record librari-
ans, one registered physical therapist, one
registered X-ray technician and two assistants,
one registered laboratory technician and
three assistants, one executive housekeeper
and eight cleaning maids, one seamstress, one
registered dietitian, two cooks and 14 kitchen
workers, one laundry manager and eight
laundry workers, one maintenance engineer
and four maintenance helpers, one business
manager, one admission and credit manager
and assistant, one bookkeeper, three recep-
tionists, plus other part-time auxiliary work-
ers.
In addition to training and orientation it
is required that all personnel be motivated by
Christian service and interested in contribut-
ing to the care of the sick.
The medical staff of the Mennonite Hos-
pital and Sanitarium has 14 active members
and seven consultants covering the medical
specialties of pathology, radiology, tuberculo-
sis, and public health. Once each month the
staff meets for educational lectures furnished
by the University of Colorado School of
Medicine. This service is for the improve-
ment of rural general practice of medicine
in the hospital.
There are no members of the Mennonite
Church on the medical staff. Mennonite doc-
tors are urged to join the medical staff of the
Mennonite Hospital. An ear, nose, and
throat doctor is urgently needed in the com-
munity and would be able to make a large
contribution and have an active practice.
Christian witness is as much a part of the
Mcmionitc Hospital and Sanitarium, l.i Junta, Colorado.
BwiptOTC radim >in>i;t:im :it Menu nite Hospital. The hospital staff reads
to the patients after chapel service as this nurse is doing.
April 6, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
327
hospital program as any other service. The
original charter of the General Mission
Board for operating institutions caring for
the ill sets forth this objective for the pro-
gram. Through the guidance of Bro. Allen
H. Erb, the hospital has always had a strong
Christian witness program as a vital part of
the service to the sick. This approach of the
Mennonite hospital program has gained favor
with the hospital leaders within the state of
Colorado. Because of the strong Christian
motivation in caring for the ill, many recom-
mendations and invitations have been given
the General Mission Board to operate other
hospitals in Colorado and adjoining states.
The two new hospitals being built for our
operation have a chapel included within the
hospital facilities.
The Christian witness part of the hospital
program is interwoven with Christian service.
However, the planned program is for chapel
once each day before the morning shift be-
gins. The hospital conducts a regular pro-
gram of broadcasting over the amplifier sys-
tem to the patients. There is group singing
on each floor on Sunday morning and Mon-
day night. Three times each week, following
the chapel period, employees read the Scrip-
tures to the patients and have prayer with
them at their bedsides. The local pastors are
invited to visit patients who on admission
give a church preference. Those having no
church preference are assigned to Christian
workers of the hospital or to one of the local
ministers.
Once each quarter a ministers' workshop
is called by the hospital. This ministers'
workshop is to better acquaint the ministers
of the district with their responsibilities to
the patients as well as to provide lectures on
the spiritual ministry to hospital patients.
The strongest Christian witness, however,
is through nursing service. Trained Christian
nurses with Christ's compassion for the ill
are the most effective instrument for making
His love and healing power known to the
sick.
A voluntary service unit at the hospital
proves to be a source of service personnel for
the community. Since 1951 a total of 67
young people of the Mennonite Church have
served one or more years on a voluntary serv-
ice basis. They have served in the office, main-
tenance, kitchen, laundry, nursing service as
nurses' aides, orderlies, and nurses. Since the
unit was established $21,089.09 worth of free
service has been given through these young
people to the patients the hospital has served.
Many of the young people volunteering for
service for one or two years have continued
as regular employees at the hospital. Others
have entered training as nurses or technicians.
HOSPITALS— AN EXPANDING MIS-
SION FIELD OF THE MENNONITE
CHURCH
Pioneers Memorial Hospital, Rocky Ford,
Colorado
Construction of the new 25-bed hospital at
Rocky Ford, ten miles from La Junta, to be
operated in conjunction with the Mennonite
Hospital and Sanitarium at La Junta, Colo.,
is nearing completion. This hospital is sched-
uled to open for operation in June or July,
1954. The General Mission Board has ac-
cepted the responsibility of integrating the
new hospital with the Mennonite Hospital
and Sanitarium at La Junta and will operate
it under the present board of directors that
now operate the hospital at La Junta. In
order to unify the program of the two hospi-
tals, they will be operated by one administra-
tor and medical staff. Each hospital will have
its own nursing and technical staff and will
be financially independent of the other.
The Pioneers Memorial Hospital will be
fully equipped and ready to operate when
opened. Some of the latest developments in
nursing and medical equipment are being
installed in the hospital.
In keeping with the program developed at
the Mennonite Hospital in La Junta the
Pioneers Memorial Hospital at Rocky Ford
will have a chapel for employees' morning
worship service. The chapel is equipped with
amplifier system so that the worship service
can be heard in each patient's room.
To complete the organization of the Rocky
Ford hospital staff there will be needs for
five nurses, four aides, two orderlies, two
cleaning maids, one maintenance man, two
cooks, three kitchen helpers, one X-ray tech-
nician, one laboratory technician, two recep-
tionists, and one bookkeeper and medical
records librarian.
The new hospital presents a challenge to
Christian workers who wish to present their
talents and training to the Great Physician as
He works through the Pioneers Memorial
Hospital. You are urged to apply for these
openings soon. Write to W. J. Dye, Admin-
istrator, Mennonite Hospital and Sanitarium,
La Junta, Colo.
Valley View Hospital, Glenwood Springs,
Colorado
Signing of the contract, July 2, 1953, by
the General Mission Board to operate a hospi-
tal program in Glenwood Springs, Colo.,
opens another door for Christian witness
through a healing ministry. This 33-bed
hospital is now in the blueprint stage, and
construction is to be started, July 1, 1954.
Estimated time for construction is 18 months.
Although Valley View Hospital at Glen-
wood Springs will not be open until 1955,
basic planning for the program has been ini-
tiated. The local board of directors was
appointed following the last annual meeting
of the General Mission Board. The board
of directors are W. J. Dye, La Junta, chair-
man; Paul Tschetter, Denver; Ben Cutrell,
Denver; Clarence Ebersole, La Junta; Victor
Brian, Colorado Springs; and A. C. Brunk,
Colorado Springs. The medical staff has
been organized and at the first meeting of the
board of directors, November 11, 1953, they
were approved.
From the beginning the Mennonite Church
board has had an active part in outlining the
program and assisting in planning the build-
ing. Since the Mennonite Church will be
operating the program when the building is
completed, the Garfield Hospital Association
Board responsible for construction asked for
a detailed outline of the services and hospital
program. In these plans as presented by our
church board provisions for the spiritual
ministry were included along with provisions
for the physical facilities. A chapel for pa-
The physical therapist at the Mennonite Hospital is giving hydrotherapy
to a polio patient. Miller Hall, the nurses' residence and educational unit. La Junta. Colorado.
328
GOSPEL HERALD
April 6, 1954
dents' and employees' worship will be built
near the center of the hospital. The chapel
is equipped with an amplifier system for
singing and reading to patients not privileged
to attend chapel services.
As the Mennonitc Church accepts this field
of hospital service in Glenwood Springs, the
responsibility for making the Great Physi-
cian known is also accepted. Those chosen
to serve must have accepted the concept of
Christ's ministry of healing. A service of love
for the ill at Glenwood Springs will not only
demand the best nursing and medical care;
it will also demand of our church its best
Christian personnel dedicated to this new mis-
sion field.
Personnel Needs in the Colorado Hospital
Program
Hospital work is mission work. Mission
workers are needed to fill vacancies at the
Mennonite Hospital and Sanitarium. If you
are not prepared now, you are urged to begin
the training in order to be prepared to enter
new hospital programs to open soon in Colo-
rado.
Hospital work requires a dedication to
service in Christ's name and a calling to be
a witness of His love. Many persons work-
ing in the hospital require special training,
such as nurses, administrators, business man-
agers, laboratory technicians, X-ray techni-
cians, medical records librarians, physical
therapists, dietitians, laundry managers, en-
gineers. Employees such as cleaning aides,
nurse aides, orderlies, receptionists, ward
clerks, kitchen helpers, and maintenance
workers, require only the job instruction.
Lay Christian workers are urgently needed
in hospital administration. Since most of the
present hospitals under control of the Gener-
al Mission Board have less than 50 beds, the
administrator's job will also cover that of
organizing and directing the Christian wit-
ness program of the hospital.
The following personnel needs of the Men-
nonite Hospital and Sanitarium, La Junta,
Colo., arc urgent.
1. Physical therapist: This position, if not
filled by a registered therapist, could be
filled by a graduate nurse with interest in
this special field. Special instruction and
orientation could be given by the present
therapist. The continuation of this de-
partment of the hospital depends upon
the finding of a person to fill this posi-
tion.
2. Laboratory technician: To continue the
past high standard of laboratory work, it
is necessary to have a registered medical
technician. Facility and work in the past
several years require that one or two
technicians be found to replace the pres-
ent person who is working until a tech-
nician can he found for the vacancy.
3. Laundry manager: The present manager
is in voluntary service. 1 1 is replacement
must be found within a month. The
work requires an interest m working
with people and some knowledge of
chemistry or a desire to learn linens and
laundering. An apprentice training can
MISSIONS SECTION
be arranged for persons interested. The
position could be filled by a man or a
woman.
4. Bookkeeper: This work would require
a clerical person with knowledge and
some experience with bookkeeping and
office practices. The position should be
filled immediately.
In addition to the continual need for nurs-
es, there are always openings for cleaning
aides, laundry workers, kitchen helpers, aides
and orderlies. Yon can serve Christ in these
positions as you witness through hosp tal
work. Apply if you are interested in dedicat-
ing your talents to the Great Physician to be
used in the expanding church program.
Student nurses sing for patients from the chapel.
This is carried over the public-address system.
Many vacancies at the Mennonite Hospital
and Sanitarium occur when God calls quali-
fied and experienced persons to other fields
of the Mennonite Church. Many are now
serving in home and foreign mission stations,
relief work, and new hospitals and homes of
the church. The challenge of service in the
expanding mission fields has often been
stimulated by working at the Mennonite
Hospital and Sanitarium. You are needed to
take the places of those called to other fields.
Can you fill one of these urgent needs or do
you know someone you could encourage to
"come over and help us"?
La Junta, Colo.
Attention, Prayer Warriors!
By Guy M. Hostkti kr
Greetings from the Rock of Ages Rescue
Mission, Portland, Oregon. Our motto,
"Where Sinners Lose Their Sins and Find
Their Saviour," has proved true to the men
who really turn their lives over to the Lord
as an open book, and cry out to Him for
mercy and forgiveness.
When the mission first opened five years
ago, a man by the name of Frank Fox was a
steady comer for over a year. Then he moved
away to another part of this large and wicked
city, and nothing was seen of him until Feb-
ruary 20, 1954. At that time Bro. Alfred
Wimncr, who loves the Lord and comes to
the mission quite often, came in again with
Prank Fox.
Prank had never forgotten the many serv-
ices he had attended, the sincerity that he
had observed in the Christians, and the pow-
er of the Word that had been preached. He
tried to get help at other missions, but it did
not come. He was, and still is, a sick man,
and he became desperate in his soul, know-
ing he was lost. He asked Bro. Wittmer to
come with him to the Rock of Ages Rescue
Mission, where he knew he would get help.
That night Frank got saved. At 63 years
of age he, for the first time in his life, con-
fessed Christ as his precious Saviour. But I
could see that Bro. Frank was not satisfied,
and that something was bothering him. On
March 2 after services I asked him what was
wrong. He said he wanted to have a talk
with me the following day; so Bro. Wittmer
and I met with him, and what a meeting!
Praise the good Lord, He helped us all. Bro.
Frank's trouble was that he did not at all
times have real assurance of salvation. We
read the Bible to Bro. Frank, he asked many
questions, and then the three of us got down
and began to pray. Bro. Frank left the mis-
sion that afternoon with real assurance.
Bro. Frank wants the prayers of God's
children everywhere. Although he is a good
Bible reader and believes the Scriptures, he
has many temptations and wants victory at
all cost. He is putting up a real fight. Please
remember this request-
Portland, Oreg.
God's Footprints in Bihar
By Esther Vogt
We were happy to have Bro. J. D. Graber
in our midst for about six days in February.
Because he was delayed in coming we had
two days of mission meetings before he
came, and were then able to finish in one
more day with him.
The next day we all got into Bro. Allen
Shirk's carry-all and investigated the request
of the British Disciples Church to help them
financially so that they would not need to
close their Christian middle school in Dal-
tonganj. We decided to help in the budget
of the school and also rent one of their bunga-
lows. We do not at this time favor taking
over their work but feel that we can use it
as a base to begin work in the villages north
of there. Bro. Shirk had toured in this Panki
area and was favorably impressed with the
response there.
We bless God for the inspiration and help
of Bro. Graber to us. He was able to visit
each station. Here at Chandwa he had the
Sunday service. The people were able to
come in from each outstation except Maran-
gloya with one day's notice. Some walked
eight miles, some seven, and some three
miles. Women carried babies on their backs.
All were strengthened by his talk on faith.
I his month the Shirks report good interest
while touring at Obar. There is one very
faithful Christian family there besides the
evangelist's family. This mother said, "I
know the people and they do not know you.
1'hcy may be afraid if you go alone; so I
will go with you." We thank God for her
voluntary effort, especially since it required
her to leave her large family.
1 he Kmsses have been working again in
Kit 1 ■ , , , CI o
alkauya. This Oraon group had grown
April 6, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
329
cold, but now they show a new interest and
enjoy singing our songs. One of their leaders
calls himself a "brother" to one of our evan-
gelists because their forefathers came from
the same village. Oh, that he may truly be-
come a brother in the Lord!
Our women from the Chandwa area got
together at Hisri and decided that from now
on they shall meet each Thursday taking
turns at each outstation, with the home group
giving the program, and they will make
mats (used instead of benches) for each
church and also tablecloths for the church
tables.
We rejoice for the pleasant voyage God
gave to the Henry Beckers in bringing them
to us Friday evening, February 26. On Sat-
urday our Indian brothers and sisters each
brought some breads, and we had tea to-
gether to welcome the Beckers and rejoice
together in the Lord. We were sorry that
Henry had to be absent, but foreigners must
register within 24 hours after arrival; so that
meant a trip to Daltonganj for him. On
Sunday afternoon our missionaries all came
together to rejoice in a united family again
and to hear of God's workings among you
in the homeland and receive greetings from
you and accounts of your labor of love for the
work here. We are looking forward to more
blessings when the John Beachys join us the
last part of March, the Lord willing.
On March 1 Elaine and Paul Becker had
to say good-by and leave us for their school
year at Landour, Mussoorie. Henry took
them to Daltonganj and on his return brought
two trailer loads of belongings to Chandwa
from Latehar.
Chandwa, Palamau, Bihar, India.
Classes and Campfires
By Myrna Kremer
Those first two weeks of Summer Service
spent in teaching Bible school sped by so
fast that before we were aware of it the time
had come to make preparations for Bible
camp. This, as well as our Bible school,
was directed by our pastor, Bro. John D.
Zehr. We needed to use a public camp-
ground which naturally had its advantages.
The camping site was at Crystal Lake, about
fifty miles from Los Angeles. The swim-
ming, fishing, and boating facilities near by
nicely solved our recreational problems for
the afternoons. The children loved the Bible
and nature study classes. Some afternoons
there were energy-expending mountain
climbing trips, hikes, and horseback riding.
These children from the city of Los An-
geles were highly enthusiastic about "family
life" in God's great out-of-doors. It was so
different from their homes. They reluctantly
left at the end of camp to return to the bright
lights, city streets, and television.
Because of the forest fires near Los Angeles
the ranger would not permit open campfires,
but we enjoyed our campfire meetings around
our tin camping stove. The children eagerly
participated in these campfire meetings which
helped to make these sessions really inspira-
tional. Some of the older children made
decisions for Christ during these times
around the old tin camping stove. We pray
that this seed which has taken root may bear
fruit unto life eternal.
Will you also pray for these children who
were under the influence of Bible teaching
and Christian living during the summer
months? God is able to keep them in spite
of their godless environment. — Via Office for
Relief and Service, Elkhart, Ind.
Jgk The
^fwy* Mennonite
S-4-J Hour
B. Charles Hostetter at Worcester
B. Charles Hostetter will hold Passion
Week Services at the Worcester Mennonite
Church beginning Sunday, April 11, and con-
tinuing nightly at 7:30 until Sunday, April
18. Worcester Church is located in Fran-
conia Conference and is pastored by Paul
Clemens.
WLAN Listeners
The Mennonite Hour is currently being
aired over WLAN FM at 96.9 mc. The FM
release will be heard at the same time as the
AM broadcast which is 12:30-1:00 p.m. Sun-
days. This FM release is given as bonus by
the Lancaster station, which should give to
us many more listeners. Thanks to WLAN.
From Box 22
From the I-W Group at Portland, Maine:
"We are a group of eleven bo/s that are serving
our I-W term under MCC. We work in the Maine
General Hospital here in Portland. There isn't a
Mennonite church anywhere around here so we
really enjoy your program The Mennonite Hour. It
sure is good to hear the good Gospel songs that
you sing . . ."
A VS group from Florida writes:
"You can never know the thrill of joy that flooded
our hearts when we just happened to hear your
broadcast on Sunday night. We never realized the
possibility until we heard the beautiful sinqing and
the wonderful words of life. We hear your program
here in Florida, at the labor camp, over WBZ-WBZA,
Boston. We were quite shocked upon hearing the
station identified from such a distant place. The
workers in voluntary service, having been used to
Mennonite fellowship before coming here, felt a need
for spiritual fcod while serving the Lord here in the
needy field of migrant work . . ."
An antique dealer in Philadelphia writes:
"Having been born in good old Lancaster County,
Pa., near Lancaster city, and now livinq in Philadel-
phia— I turned on your good program, knowing so
many wonderful people both Mennonite and Amish.
. . . Your sermon was wonderful food for thought
and also took me back to the old camp meeting days
and horse and buggy days. I also hope to hear
your program next Sunday . . ."
A Fort Wayne minister sent this note:
". . . We heard your first program over WOWO,
Fort Wayne, Ind., and enjoyed every bit of it. It
is a wonderful Gospel program. The message is en-
lightening and stirs our hearts. We thank God for
its clarity. Then the singing is of the hiqhest type
and we get inspiration from it. Every Sunday eve-
ninq since your first WOWO broadcast we eagerly
look forward to 9:00 p.m. when The Mennonite Hour
comes on . . ."
The Hostetlers write from India:
"We heard your broadcast for the first time last
Wednesday night over Radio Ceylon. It really took
us home again to America. We appreciated the ser-
mon and singing very much. If ever a place needs
Christ, it's India. I am only sorry that the sermon
isn't in Hindi so that more people could understand
it. But most of our business men can understand
some Enqlish so we feel sure that the Spirit is able
to work among them through the Enqlish broad-
casts. Please keep up the good work."
Missions Editorial
From Insight to Action in
Missions
Raymond A. Dudley, chairman of the
Division of Foreign Missions of the NCCCA,
in his opening address to the Fourth Division
Assembly at Buck Hill Falls, Pa., Dec. 9,
1953, emphasized the need to think, act, and
pray to make our mission program effective
today. He listed the following important
insights as illustrations:
MISSIONS SECTION
1. We know that we must have a worthy
church in every land: a church that is
"related to the soil but rooted in Christ";
a church that is not merely a storehouse
but a power house; a church to nurture
those within and win those without; a
church guided by its own leadership and
sustained by its own resources.
2. We need to develop relatively new ways
of providing leadership for the Christian
movement.
Thousands of businessmen and govern-
ment servants go out from America —
why not train them and use them?
The younger churches are beginning to
send missionaries to other younger
churches — how can we promote this?
There are movements for a volunteer or
part-time ordained ministry, modeled
after Paul the tentmaker. This may be
the way out in relatively poor countries.
Spontaneous, outgoing, voluntary service
of every kind is of the essence of Chris-
tianity— how can we foster it?
3. Many believe that we should put far
more emphasis upon noninstitutional
rural service to minister to all of life.
Such service must have the Christian
Church at its heart, must use to the
maximum self-help and sacrificial serv-
ice, and it must have Christ's perspective
as to the needs of man.
4. There are 30,000 foreign students in
American colleges. How important they
are! A recent study showed that before
coming, 68 per cent were favorable to
the United States, whereas a few months
after arrival only 22 per cent were favor-
able. What they saw of Christianity in
action disappointed them. Skillful effort
in a variety of ways and on a vast scale
is needed to help these students.
5. Christians must learn to work together,
whether it be organic union, federal
union, co-operation, support of union
institutions, or support of ecumenical
agencies like the IMC and its constitu-
ent and affiliated bodies. It has been
(Continued on page 332)
330
GOSPEL HERALD
April 6, 1954
Relief and Service News
MRSC Weekly Notes
Voluntary Service
Ruby Shank, Harrisonburg, Va., began a
term as nurse aide in the Voluntary Service
Unit in Kansas City, Mo., on April 1.
On April 5, Shirley Miller, Elkhart, Ind.,
began service as housekeeper at the Mennon-
ite Service Center in Indianapolis, Ind. She
is replacing Beatrice Weber, Alma, Ont., who
has just completed a VS term there.
Mr. and Mrs Alvin Miller, Etna Green,
Ind., recently completed a term of service in
the unit at the Mennonite Hospital, La Junta,
Colo.
Service call for replacements. Perhaps the
Lord would have you serve for a year in
Voluntary Service. There are excellent op-
portunities at the present time for girls to
serve in numerous important ways.
An orientation school for those entering VS
begins at the General Mission Board Head-
quarters, Elkhart, Ind., on April 7 lasting
until April 20. So far there are nine volun-
teers for service who will make up this school.
If you feel that the Lord is calling you into
Voluntary Service, write to D. J. Mishler,
Office for Relief and Service, 1711 Prairie St.,
Elkhart, Ind., and ask about a place of service
lor you.
The group of four men from Ontario, Can-
ada, have returned home after their period
of short-term Voluntary Service in which
they helped to erect the broiler house on the
mission farm in Gulp, Ark. The house by
now is fully completed.
Plans are moving forward for the comple-
tion of three new cabins at Mennonite Youth
Village, White Pigeon, Mich., before the
camping program begins this summer. Local
volunteers will help in this expansion work.
These new additions will greatly facilitate
the service which Youth Village renders to
children and young people of city mission
areas. To carry on this program of service,
crafts, Bible, and nature instructors, a nurse
and lifeguard, laundresses, cooks, and a
maintenance man are needed to serve as the
stall and will be supplied by a summer serv-
ice unit.
If you are being called to service and are
interested in summer camp work, write to
Mark Lehman, Summer Service Director,
1711 Prairie St., Elkhart, Ind. There is a
place for you.
Station directors in city and rural missions
and child welfare work have asked for ap-
proximately 110 volunteers this summer.
Joining a summer service unit is an excellent
way to work out mcaninglully your love for
the Lord.
I-W SERVICES
The ( level. mil, Ohio, I W c horus will pre
sent .1 worship program at the Sonncnhcrg
Mennonite ( luin.li, Kulion, Ohio, on April
II.
MISSIONS SECTION
J. Clair Hollinger, Lancaster, Pa., is serving
as leader of the I-W group at the Philadelphia
State Hospital, Philadelphia, Pa. This group
gathers for weekly services at the Trevose
Heights Mennonite Church, which is near
the hospital.
At one of their recent meetings, Henry
Cinder, Manheim, Pa., showed slides about
his trip to Japan.
Bro. Richard Detweiler and a girls' quarter
from the Franconia Mennonite School par-
ticipated in a service with the I-W group at
the Norristown State Hospital, Norristown,
Pa., on March 16.
Released March 26, 1954
Office for Relief and Service
Elkhart, Indiana
MCC Weekly Notes
Pueblo, Colo., I-Ws Displaced
The 32 I-W men employed in Colorado
State Hospital, Pueblo, have been displaced
by other laborers, but have already found em-
ployment in other institutions. The reason
for the transfer of these conscientious objec-
tors is rising unemployment in Pueblo in-
dustries and the policy of Selective Service
that I-W men do not displace other laborers.
These men have found employment in To-
peka, Denver, Kansas City, Delaware, Cali-
fornia, and Wisconsin.
Mounting unemployment in recent weeks
in such industrial areas as Michigan, Chica-
go, and Colorado had caused Selective Service
to be sensitive to the use of I-W personnel in
those areas. National Selective Service head-
quarters had requested all state headquarters
to supply information on the employment
picture. It had not been expected that such
developments would affect I-W's immediate-
ly. Current unemployment may result in
more shifting of I-W's.
The Colorado State Hospital administra-
tion and staff regretted the leaving of the I-W
men. Thirty of the men were from the Men
nonite Central Committee constituency. The
men accepted their dismissals in good spirits.
Most of the men had left the hospital bv
March 27.
The first I-W men were employed in Pueb-
lo late in 1952. A number of men fellow-
shiped with the Pueblo Mennonite Church
and just at the time their services terminated
they were making significant contributions
in the construction of a new church building.
The Pueblo I-W's were under the leadership
of Milo D. Stabl, I larrisonburg, Va.
Two Workers Arrive in Asuncion, Paraguay
Mr. and Mrs. Otto Giesbrecht, Vincland,
Ont., arrived in Asuncion, Paraguay, March
27, where they will serve as houscparcnts in
the MCC center succeeding Mr. and Mrs.
Peter I pp, Whcatley, Out., who arc now
serving in the MCC} center in Montevideo.
I'ruguay.
The Asuncion center provides valuable
services to Mcnnonites in the citv and Men-
nonitcs who come from the colonics to the
city on business. Mcnnonites who come to
Asuncion for medical help, business, or visits
can make their headquarters at the center.
The houscparents counsel with the colonists
on their needs and problems. They accom-
pany them to the doctor and visit those who
must spend time in Asuncion hospitals. Men-
nonite women working in Asuncion spend
Thursday afternoon and evening in the cen-
ter. Such church activities as Sunday school,
choir practice, and Bible studies are held in
the center.
Other MCC services to Mennonites in
Paraguay include material aid, medical help,
and assistance with educational activities.
Agricultural experimental farms in Fernheim
and Yolendam are operated by MCC work-
ers. The services of six Mennonite volunteers
from the United States on loan to STICA,
governmental agricultural assistance agency,
benefit the colonists. MCC assists in arrang-
ing and setting up such assistance as road
building and money loans. The Barrio
Grande leprosy project being constructed as
a "thank you" to Paraguay for allowing Men-
nonites entrance is another MCC project.
13 Attend March VS Orientation School
The assignment of four of the 13 young
people attending the March orientation school
at MCC headquarters in Akron, Pa., to Good
Shepherd Home in Allentown, Pa., marks
the beginning of a Voluntary Service project
in that institution. These young people are
Rudiger Lichti. Tiskilwa, 111.; and Leonard
Schultz, Edgar and Gladys Stoesz, Mountain
Lake. Minn. Good Shepherd is a home for
handicapped children and young adults and
for the aged. These volunteers will care for
children and do various types of janitorial
and maintenance work.
Three volunteers — Rita Nickel, R.N., Wa-
terloo, Ont.; John Regier, Mountain Lake,
Minn.; and Helen Sawadsky, R.N., Vineland,
Ont. — are working in Kings View Homes,
MCC mental hospital near Reedley, Calif.
Lowell Schrock, Mishawaka, Ind., is one of
the two MCC truck drivers.
Marvin Hertzler, Denbigh, Va., will be
going to Paraguay where he will work with
other North American Mennonite men for
STICA — a governmental agricultural assist-
ance agency. Jane Krehbiel, Elyria, Kans., is
working in McKim Boys' Haven — a home
for delinquent boys in Baltimore, Md.
Other assignments include Paul Martin,
Rittman. Ohio, and Lucy Vance, Mouth of
of Seneca. W. Va., to Wiltwyck School for
Boys, an institution for delinquent and dis-
turbed boys near Esopus, N.Y.; and Thomas
McLean, Philadelphia. Pa., to Junior Village,
a home for unwanted and underprivileged
children in Washington, D.C. Another per-
son to enter the VS program, but who did
not attend the orientation school, is Clyde
Latulis of Lansdale, Pa., working in Junior
Village.
Included in the three-week orientation were
eight afternoons of work. In addition to
working at the MCC headquarters, the ware-
house and clothing center, the volunteers pro-
vided valuable services in three local projects.
These included building a sun porch for an
epikptic near Brumore. repair and cleaning
at a working center for blind people in Lan-
April 6, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
331
caster, and cleaning rooms in a children's
home in Neffsville.
The total number of persons in the year-
round VS program is 140. Arrangements are
now being made for the summer service
program.
Released March 26, 1954
MCC Information Service
Akron, Pa.
Women's Activities
"What should be done in the local circle
to promote interest in literature?" writes a
young circle leader. This is a good question,
for the promotion of Christian literature is
one of our goals. It is one of the chief ways
of spreading the Gospel of love.
If the people of each circle will faithfully
tell fellow members about the best things
they are reading, and if all members will
make it a point to speak to others of the
congregation who do not attend the circle
meetings, then interest will begin to grow.
It is possible that our sister's question ap-
plied only to our sewing circle literature.
This needs continued promotion also. Re-
cently I visited with a very active church
worker who has not used the Daily Prayer
Guide, though he is a member of a church
where most of the members are using it. His
reason? He was- not aware of its contents!
The family had been given another good de-
votional booklet and were using only that,
and as a result neither the parents nor their
growing family were following the medita-
tions on the Sunday-school lessons given in
the Prayer Guide, nor praying for the re-
quests listed for their denomination.
On the same day a faithful circle member
and mother came to me to give words of ap-
preciation for the Prayer Guide. Said she, "I
just want to tell you that we find all other
devotional materials inadequate for our
family use; we always come back to the
Prayer Guide."
May we at this time when the needs on
the fields are so great, and when our workers
are looking this way for our prayer support,
take new courage in promoting interest in
the Prayer Guide. The new ones will be
ready for distribution in April. Ask your Sun-
dav-school superintendent and ministers to
help promote the use of the Prayer Guide.
One of the best ways to promote interest in
the Missionary Sewing Circle Monthly is to
give out sample copies. These may be ob-
tained from the editor or from WMSCO,
Scottdale, Pa., free of charge.
# # #
The prices for our literature remain the
same, although printing prices have gone up
for both the Prayer Guide and for the Mis-
sionary Sewing Circle Monthly.
The printing of the Prayer Guide is cost-
ing us .208 per copy. This plus mailing costs
leaves a very narrow margin; in addition to
this we have a large free mailing list. Should
any local circles or districts be moved to give
us a lift on these costs, their gifts would be
very much appreciated. Send your contri-
butions to the General Treasurer, Miss Aman-
da Frey, Archbold, Ohio, through your
district treasurer.
# * *
All orders for the above literature should
be sent to WMSCO, Scottdale, Pa. Write
your checks to WMSCO. Mrs. Ben Charles,
Scottdale, Pa., is taking care of our orders.
We are grateful for her fine service. Prayer
Guides are 25^ each and the Monthly is 35^
per single subscription, and 25^ in lots of ten
or more.
# * *
"Lord, Speak to Me That I May Speak,"
is the theme chosen for the Annual Indiana-
Michigan District Women's Meeting to be
held in the Union Auditorium, Goshen Col-
lege, Goshen, Indiana. — Mrs. C. L. Shank.
From Our Churches
KITCHENER. ONTARIO
(First Mennonite Church)
Greetings to all in the name of our risen Lord
and Saviour.
The Lord has given us many blessings and
also many opportunities to serve Him. It is a
real j->y to labor with our Lord to bring souls
into the kingdom. One young Jewish girl and
one Catholic young man accepted Christ and
were received into church fellowship this winter.
Commencement services at the Ontario Men-
nonite Bible School and Institute were held
March 25. Instead of having Bible studies for
night classes as preceding winters, we had mis-
sionaries give us challenging messages. Some of
the speakers were Bro. and Sister Simeon Hurst
from Africa ; Bro. James Martin, under appoint-
ment for Uruguay, and Bro. S. E. Miller from
the Chaco.
Feb. 13-15 our annual Christian Life Confer-
ence was held. We were greatly inspired with
the messages Bro. J. L. Stauffer and Bro.
Simeon Hurst brought us.
On Feb. 7 we had a dedication service for
the new home which Bro. and Sister Ross Good-
all purchased to promote their work with the
Jewish people. The name is "Beth Salom." As
many do not like to be connected with a rescue
mission, we feel this will be a means of reach-
ing many more people who need to know our
Saviour.
Our assistant pastor, J. H. Hess, i6 our in-
structor in a Sunday-school teacher-training
course. The subject is Sunday School Organiza-
tion and Extension.
Our Passion Week services are to be con-
ducted by Bro. Hess also. These messages of the
crucifixion and the resurrection are ever new.
May we who have heard and believe be faithful
stewards of this wonderful news of salvation.
Erma M. Baer.
MANSON. IOWA
(Manson Congregation)
Christian greetings to all :
'"Let us serve the Lord with gladness." Our
congregation was spiritually refreshed by a
three-day Bible conference Dec. 27-29, with the
brethren Richard Yordy, Freeport, 111., and John
D. Zehr, Los Angeles, Calif., as guest speakers.
We continued with evangelistic meetings until
Jan. 3, with Bro. Zehr in charge. Ten young
people accepted Christ and are receiving in-
structions.
Special meetings have been held in regard to
church organization and building plans. A
larger house for worship is needed for Sunday-
school classrooms and greater auditorium ca-
pacity.
Bro. A. Lloyd Swartzendruber, Kalona, Iowa,
gave a talk here on the building projects and
Christian witness of the PAX units in Europe.
He also delivered a Gospel message.
Our church was host to the Iowa-Nebraska
District Mission B >ard Meeting on Feb. 23. 21,
and the Ministers' Conference Feb. 25, 2G. About
50 ministers and other members were prpsent.
Among the guest speakers were H. J. King,
Areola, 111., and Eli Hochstetler, Mylo, N. Dak.
A newly formed Bible class at our mission
station in Fort Dodge is taught by Sister Edna
Stoltzfus.
Nineteen members of our sewing circle and
Helping Hand Club and four sisters from the
Alphia, Minn., congregation traveled in a group
to the sewing circle district meeting at Kalona,
Iowa, on March 19.
The Goshen Motet Singers presented a musi-
cal program Sunday evening, March 21. Bro.
S. M. King gave a message.
We are looking forward to another Easter
season. May the glory of the risen Saviour fill
our hearts with divine light.
Mrs. Everett Miller.
PEORIA, ILLINOIS
(Pleasant Hill Congregation)
Dear Herald Readers :
We were privileged to have Bro. Kenneth
Good, of Morton, 111., as evangelist for our meet-
ings held March 9 to 14. The meetings were
well attended. Our pastor, Bro. Bucher, and
Bro. Good visited many homes. There were no
visible results, but we know that the church
was strengthened.
One young man accepted the Lord before the
meetings and is now under instruction. We are
praying that his wife and family may come too.
We are looking forward to having the Illinois
Mission Board Meeting here April 22, 23. Truly
we are richly blessed.
We greatly enjoyed the Sunday morning mes-
sage by Bro. Roy Umble, Goshen, Ind., on
March 7. On March 28 Bro. Luke Birky, re-
cently returned from Puerto Rico, spoke in a
vesper service here.
Preparations are being made for an Easter
chorus program by our ladies' chorus.
Pleasant Hill again was in charge of the jail
service on March 21.
Bro. Bucher was at Elgin, 111., on March 15
and 16 for I-W service. He will be giving about
two days a week to this program as field repre-
sentative in Wisconsin, Illinois, and eastern
Missouri. Amelia Conrad.
TO BE NEAR TO GOD (Continued)
the way of the cross to death? Have you
identified yourself with Him in death? If
so, we can walk in newness of life with the
victorious Christ of the cross.
Saturday, April 17
Read John 19:38-42 — The Resting Christ
Sin had done its worst. My sin and yours!
The Lord of life was dead. Near to Calvary's
hill there was a garden. There in Joseph's
new rock-hewn sepulcher loving hands laid
our Lord to rest. His body was broken and
wounded for us that all our sorrows and
wounds might be healed.
I like to think that the garden where Jesus
slept was beautiful with flowers and the mu-
sic of birds. But today there was silence.
The things that were made by Him were
hushed in the presence of Jesus asleep. Be-
cause we know the sequel of victory over
death paeans of praise break in on our sad-
dest meditations. Buried with Him in the
baptism of His death we share with Him the
resurrection life.
— Lenora M. Wenger.
Strive not to banish pain and doubt
In pleasure's noisy din;
The peace thou seekest from without
Is only found within.
— Alice and Phoebe Cary.
332
GOSPEL HERALD
April 6, 1954
HEAVEN (Continued)
to come. We are now in the land of the
dying and trust we shall live in the land
of the living.
3. No more sorrow. Verse 4. While
none are exempt here, it is a means of
weaning us from the world. We thus rec-
ognize our mortality and brevity of life,
in spite of decades, as a result. Just as
the earth is but a speck in the great uni-
verse, so our sorrows of earth shall be
in contrast with the joys of heaven. We
are going to the city of God, and whether
by land or water, affliction or health,
martyrdom or natural death, this is of
small consequence. All sorrow is past.
4. No more crying. Verse 4. Much of
humanity comes in with a cry, and goes
out with a groan or lament, and, oh, the
crying between. The child has its teeth-
ing and growing pains; the sixth year,
school adjustments; the youth chooses
and prepares for his vocation, his faith,
and his companion for life. The parents
have the problems of parenthood and
the grandparents those of the next gen-
eration, and the aches of old age. The
man is born to sorrow as the sparks fly
upward. There comes a time when cry-
ing ceases, but this is limited to the child
of God; the wicked shall weep eternally.
5. No more pain. Verse 4. The more
refined, the more susceptible to pain.
The wounded conscience, because it
might have been; the spirit due to the
betrayal of confidence— this broke the
heart of Jesus. When you have left your
first love, it still grieves Him at His
heart. The exertion to supply want, to
gratify desire, to allay pain, all cause
pain. Endure much, Christian, it will
soon be over.
6. No more curse. 22:3. All creation is
groaning, not only in hospitals, county
homes, jails, but all shall end. There will
be no more sinning against God, no more
curse for the Christian. Unlike Adam,
as servants, they shall always serve Him;
never apostatize, even a little. Here will
be the Parliament of Emperors (but not
of earth), Commonwealth of Kings (but
no Jeroboam nor Ahab, no Henry VIII
nor Louis XIV), with a robe of unspotted
honor, a scepter of eternal power, a
throne of unstained majesty, a crown,
everlastingly dazzling, before the new
heaven and the new earth.
7. No more night. 21:25; 22:5. This
will be that eternal Day with Christ, the
continuous elfervescent Light, of which
the candlestick in the Tabernacle was
but an obsolescent type. Now we live
in a world, dark with unbelief and sin,
fighting in a dense fog of darkness in
a fallen world. There idolatry is past,
intellectual and spiritual black-outs will
be banished by Jesus Christ, the Light of
an Effulgent Glory. The child asked her
mother, "Will we see in heaven?" "Yes.
darling, no night there."
That will be complete, eternal, glori-
ous victory, not only for Jesus Christ and
His plan of salvation, but for every last
son of Adam, who has joined His exodus
into the kingdom of grace, out of sell.
unto Him, into glory, where Jesus is the
King of kings; the angels guardians of
the glory world; the saints, its honorable
citizens; its walls salvation, and its gates
praise and that eternally.
Bareville, Pa.
SHUT-INS (Continued)
EXPRESSIONS OF APPRECIATION
A thank-you note to all friends and relatives
who have kindly remembered me during my ill-
netss. The prayers in my behalf, the visits which
I enjoyed, and the lovely cards I received each
played an important part, and shall long be re-
membered.— Mrs. A. D. Yoder, Wooster. Ohio.
* * *
I wish to express my sincere thanks and ap-
preciation to all who so kindly remembered
me with prayers, cards, gifts, flowers, and visits
during my illness at home and the 2G days at the
Osteopathic Hospital and since my return home.
May the Lord richly bless you all. — Mrs. Willis
L. Hershey, Kinzers, Pa.
* » *
I wish to express my sincere thanks and ap-
preciation to all who so kindly remembered
me with prayers, cards, gifts, flowers, and a
lovely scrapbook during my present illnesn. May
(Jod richly bless you all.— Mary G. Herr. Mil-
lersville. Pa.
MISSIONS EDITORIAL (Continued)
said that 40 per cent of mission work
is carried on outside of the ecumenical
movement. Apparently for the United
States 45 per cent is outside of the DFM.
We must learn to work together.
We may not be ready to accept all of
Dudley's insights per se, but certainly he
provides much food for thought. For that
reason we are sharing them with our readers.
— L. C. Hartzler.
FIELD NOTES (Continued)
The Hesston Mennonite Church, Hesston,
Kans., held open house in their new Sunday-
school wing Sunday afternoon, March 28.
This is part of a building program of the
congregation and college which also calls for
a church-chapel and additional room for the
Advanced Bible Department of the College.
The wing will accommodate the congrega-
tion's primary, junior, and intermediate Sun-
day-school classes, besides providing suitable
room for various church activities.
Word reaches us that Sister Hochstetler,
wife of Bro. Eli Hochstetler, Wolford, N.
Dak., was killed in an accident in Minnesota
on March 26. Details of the accident were not
given.
Announcements
Dedication services at the High Way Chap-
el of East Greenville, Ohio, for April 11.
Morning singing. 9:30; sermon at 10:00 by
J. L. Hostctler, Meadville, Pa., Sunday school
at 10:30. Afternoon services, 2:30: speakers,
Don Augsburger, Orrville, Ohio, and C. C.
Thomas, Haven of Rest Rescue Mission,
Akron, Ohio. Evening services, 7:30: chil-
dren's meeting, sermon by J. L. Hostctler.
Bible Conference at the North Lebanon,
Pa., Mission, Saturday evening, April 24,
and all day Sunday, April 25, with Paul
Landis, Crockett, Ky., and Walter Keener,
Hlizabethtown, Pa., as speakers.
Pre-Easter services at the Hartville, Ohio,
Church, April 14-18, with Jacob Weirich,
Belleville, Pa., as speaker.
Easter services and communion services at
the Detroit Church, April 16-18, with A. J.
Metzler, Scottdale, Pa., as guest speaker.
Illinois State Sewing Circles in their an-
nual meeting at the Science Ridge Church,
Sterling, 111., April 25.
Mennonite History Conference at Western
Mennonite School, Salem, Oreg., with Stanley
Shenk, West Liberty, Ohio, as speaker.
Ministers' Fellowship of the South Central
Conference, at the First Church, Denver,
Colo., April 7-9. Call CH-5025 for transpor-
tation from bus or rail lines. Those coming
by auto report at Ninth and Delaware, the
church address.
Annual Good Friday service at the Allen-
town, Pa., Mission, April 16. Theme, "A
Living Christ in Our Daily Life." Speaker,
Paul M. Lederach, Scottdale, Pa.
Annual meeting of the Southwestern Pa.,
District Mission Board at Otelia, Pa., Chapel,
July 9, 10.
Annual Sewing Circle Meedng of South-
western Pennsylvania District at Mattawana,
Pa., Church, Saturday, May 1.
Visiting Speakers
March 14. Ivan Magal, Richmond, Va., at
Warwick River, Denbigh, Va. Paul Peachey,
Harrisonburg, Va., at Huntingdon Ave.,
Newport News, Va.
March 21. C. Nevin Miller, Harrisonburg,
Va., at Martinsburg, Pa., C. F. Derstine,
Kitchener, Ont., at Upland, Calif. Luke
Horst, Reading, Pa., at Huntington Ave.,
Newport News, Va. Paul M. Lederach, Scott-
dale, Pa., at Tressler, Greenwood, Del.
March 28. Walter L. Keener, Jr., Mt. Joy,
Pa., at Steelton, Pa., Colored Mission. David
Steiner, North Lima, Ohio, at Maple Grove,
New Wilmington, Pa. Mervin Hostctler,
Johnstown, Pa., at Stoner Heights and Beech,
Louisville, Ohio.
Evangelistic Meetings
Sanford G. Sheder, Hollsopple, Pa., at
Masontown, Pa., May 2-9. Jantzi Revival
campaign in the Morgantown, Pa., area, be-
ginning May 2 and continuing three weeks.
Paul Landis, Crockett, Ky., at Pleasant Grove,
Salix. Pa., March 30 to April 11. Edward
Miller, Gulfport, Miss., at Cheraw, Colo.,
March 24 to April 4. Kenneth Good, Morton,
III., at Yellow Creek, Goshen, Ind., April
7-11. Milton Brackbill, Paoli, Pa., at Maple
Grove, Belleville, Pa., May 2-9. Howard
Hammer and staff at Western Mennonite
School, Salem, Oreg., May 28 to June 18.
Charles Shetler, Schellsburg, Pa., at Britton
Run, Spartansburg, Pa., April 4-15.
Due to the illness of Bro. Ray Shenk, who
was scheduled to conduct revival meetings
at the Mt. Airy, Md., Church, beginning
April 5, the brotherhood has requested the
home minister, Bro. Walter Shank, to hold
the meetings.
Revival meetings at Harrisburg, Pa., closed
Suiul.n 0 ening, March 28, with 31 confes-
sions, 29 of which were first commitments
and most of them adults and in the middle
teens. Maurice E. Lehman, Bareville, Pa.,
was the evangelist.
April 6, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
333
BIRTHS
"Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord" (Ps. 127:3a).
To all parents sending in announcements of
their first child a baby packet will be sent as a
free sift from the Commission and the Publish-
ing House. To do this, we will need your com-
plete address even though it is not published in
the Herald. So please send street number or
R.F.D.. if you wish to receive this packet.
* * *
Basinger, Lloyd A. and Wilma Jean (Kolb),
Wooster, Ohio, a son. William David. Jan. 21,
1£>Beall. Richard and Elsie (Miller). Goshen,
Ind . second child, Connie Gail, Jan. 15. 19ol.
Bechtel, C. Orville and Mary (H^rst). Pres-
ton. Ont„ a son, Dennis Ray, Oct. 20. 1053, by
adoption. . .
BentTer, Byron and Lois (Graber). Majuro,
Marshall Islands, first child, Susan Alice, March
14 1054
Beyler, Clayton and Gladys (Graber). Louis-
ville," Ky.. a daughter. Ruth Ellen, March 14.
19Boshart. Ralph and Ionabell (Headings), MU-
verton. Ont., first child, Brenda Joy, Feb. i.
19Byler, Roy and Ruby (Fisher). West Liberty.
Ohio, fourth child, second daughter. Deborah
KDa\idhizar.' Joseph S. and Kathryn (Blough),
Hollsopple, Pa., sixth child, fourth daughter,
Carolyn Norene, Feb. 2. 1954.
Gascho. Gerald and Edna (Swartzendruber).
Pigeon. Mich., third son, Arlis Lee, March 5.
[Gingrich, Herbert and Wilma (Clemmer),
Milverton. Ont.. first child, a son, Murray Thom-
as. Jan. 16, 1954. .
Gocd. Simon, Jr.. and Marjory (Yoder), Val-
paraiso. Ind.. first child, a son, Marty Ray, Feb.
Ejj 1954
" Gumlen. Donald and Elsie (Zimmerman) Go-
shen. Ind., third child, Douglas Earl. March 8.
19Harnish, Elvin T. and Martha (Newcomer!
Willow Sreet, Pa., a son. Jay Martin. March
16Hartman. Teddy and Ua (Riser). Park View.
Barrisonburg. Va., first child, Darrel Eugene,
March 13. 1954.
Heatwole, Nelson J. and Florence (Driver),
Harrisonburg, Va., second child, Kenneth Allen,
March 22. 1954. , „ , _ .
Hernley, P. Miller and Helen (Stauffer),
Elizabethtown, Pa., third child, Phyllis Ann,
March 4. 1954.
Horst, Clarence H. and Ruby A. I King),
Mohnton, Pa., second son, Charles Henry. March
10. 1954. , „ ,_ t
Hostetler. John H. and Anna Mae (Hartman),
Richmond, Va., first child, Larry Dean. March
14 1954
King. Flo vd E. and Naomi (Hartzler). Belle-
fontaine, Ohio, a daughter, Brenda Jo, Feb. 20,
1954
King. Lester G. and Margie (Burkholder),
Bedford, Ohio, first child, a daughter. Victoria
Sue, March 14. 1954.
Lehman, David G. and Doris (Liechty). In-
dianapolis, Ind., first child, Anne Elizabeth.
March 13. 1954. „
Martin, Henry S. and Barbara (Smith), Bow-
ers Pa., fourth child, second daughter, Doris
Eileen. Feb. 9. 1954.
Miller, Earl and Grace (Geng). Albany,
Oro;:., second son, Ronald Kirklen, March 11,
1954. „ . XT
Miller. LaVern and Bertha (Weaver). Nampa,
Idaho, ninth child, a son, Noel Glen. March 14.
1954
Mininger, Jonas L. and Emma (Good), Sou-
derton. Pa., fourth child, second daughter, Grace,
Feb. 23. 1954.
Nitzsche. Arthur, Jr., and Jo Ann (Clmp».
W:«ner, Xebr., first child, Jerry Lynn. March 9.
1954
ReesT. John and Elsie (Wideman). Stonff-
ville. Ont.. first child, Marlene Louise, Feb. 20.
lfl ."4
Sander, Amos H. and Mary S. (NissTey),
Mimheim, Pa., a son, Amos N.. Feb. 14. 105 1.
Sanec. Henry W. and Anna (Graybill),
Thompsontown. Pa., fifth child, fourth daughter,
Evelyn Flo. March 15. 1954.
Sehlosser, Clayton C, Jr., and Ethel (Arnold).
Telford. Pa., sixth child, fourth son, Joel. March
19, 1954.
Selzer. Elvin M. and Bertha (Sommerfeld),
Canton, Kans., second daughter, Donna Lee,
March G. 1954. ,„ , .
Slabach. Albert C. and Mary (Ziercher),
Baltic, Ohio, first child, Gloria Ann, Feb. 22,
1954. ,„ , .
Stottlemyer, Ernest and Eldora (Baker),
Smyrna, Del., first child, Elaine Ruth, Feb. 17,
195L „ ,
Swartzendruber, Elmer W. and Esther Pau-
line (Knepp). Montgomery, Ind., third child,
second daughter, Diana Kay, March 11. 1954.
Weaver. Howard and Arlene (Witmer),
Salem. Ohio, second son, James Allen, March
11. 1954.
Weaver. Leon and Lorraine (Martin). Akron.
Pa., senond child, first son, Marlin Ray, March
23. 1951.
Wenger, Walter and Shirley (Birky). Hebron,
Ind . first child. David Allen, Jan. 9. 1954.
Westover, Norman and Etta (Nofziger), Al-
bany, Oreg., eighth child, fifth son, Kenneth
Dnn'ne, Jan. 20. 1954.
Witmer, Paul M. and Mabel (Myers), Man-
heim. Pa., fifth child, Doris Elaine, March 13,
1954. 4 „
Yoder. Mose and Verba (Troyer). Haven,
Kans., fifth child. Shirley, Feb. 19, 1954.
MARRIAGES
May the blessings of God be upon the homes
established by the marriages here listed. A year's
subscription to the GOSPEL HERALD is given to those
whose address is supplied by the officiating minister.
Bender — Baum. — Eugene Bender and Bar-
bara A. Baum, Mount Joy congregation, by
H. E. Lutz at the Mount Joy, Pa., Mennonite
Church. March 21, 1054.
Ehst — Nvce. — John L. Ehst, Bally, Pa., and
Mary Z. Nvce. Souderton, Pa., by Jacob M.
Mover. March 20, 1954.
Hollinger — Esbenshade. — Clair M. Hollinger,
East Petersburg, Pa., congregation, and Erma
E. Esbenshade, Mount Joy congregation, by
H. E. Lutz at the Mount Joy, Pa., Mennonite
Church. March 4, 1954.
Martin — Metzler. — Ervin H. Martin. Groff-
dale congregation, Bareville, Pa., and Dorothy
M. Metzler, East Petersburg congregation, by
H. E. Lutz at the East Petersburg, Pa., Men-
nonite Church. March 20, 1954.
Pierce — Randier. — Sylvester B. Pierce, Jr.,
and Mary E. Randier, both of the Erb congre-
gation. Lititz. Pa., bv Homer Bomberger at the
Erb Church. March 20, 1954.
Saucier — Buchwalter. — Roy E. Sauder, Erb
congregation, Lititz, Pa., and Frances A. Buck-
waiter, East Petersburg congregation, by H. E.
Lutz at the East Petersburg, Pa., Mennonite
Church, March 11, 1954.
Weaver — Schwartz. — Joseph Weaver, Salem
congregation. Foraker, Ind., and Amanda
Schwartz. Nappanee, Ind., congregation, by
Francis E. Freed. Nov. 2fl, 1953.
Weaver — Bomberger. — Paul M. Weaver. Eris-
man congregation, Manheim, Pa., and Velma
Bomberger, Erb congregation, Lititz, Pa., by
Homer Bomberger. father of the bride, at their
home, Manheim, Pa., March 13. 1954.
Witmer — Ebersole. — Harold K. Witmer, Hess
congregation, Lititz, Pa., and Nyla G. Ebersole,
Chestnut Hill congregation. Columbia. Pa., by
H. E. Lutz at the Chestnut Hill Church, Jan. 30,
1954.
OBITUARIES
May the sustaining grace and comfort of our Lord
bless these who are bereaved.
Bncher, Mary H., wife of C. B. Bucher, en-
tered into rest at the home of her son at Man-
heim. Pa., Feb. 2, 1954, after a lingering illness,
being bedfast for 12 weeks ; aged 85 y. 2 m. 17 d.
She was a member of the Mennonite Church for
03 years. On Nov. 2S she and her husband cele-
brated their sixty-fourth wedding anniversary.
She was born in Elizabeth Township, daughter
of the late Christian and Anna (Dipple) Hart-
man. Besides her husband, she is survived by
two children (Ammon, with whom she resided,
and Lillie — wife of Henry B. Rohrer, Mount-
ville. Pa.), 7 grandchildren. 11 great-grandchil-
dren, and one sister (Catherine, of Philadel-
phia). Two daughters (Elsie and Nora) pre-
ceded her in death. Funeral services were held
Feb. 5 at Erisman's Church in charge of Mar-
tin G. Metzler, with interment in the adjoining
cemetery. . .
Conrad. Christian M., son of Christian and
Verena (Graber) Conrad, was born at Cornel,
Switzerland. March 20. 1873; passed away after
a year of illness at the home of his daughter
and son-in-law (Mr. and Mrs. R. N. Long,
Sterling, 111.) on March 0, 1954: aged 80 y. 11
m. 8 d. At the age of 13 he, with his parents
and family, migrated to America and settled in
Wayne Co.. Ohio. When he was 23 years of age
he went to Flanagan, 111., and on June 7, 1900,
was married to Kathryn Orendorff. To this
union six children were born (Ida — Mrs. R. N.
Long, Sterling, 111.; Nora, nurse at Home Hos-
pital, Sterling, 111.; Laura, serving as business
manager of the Nurmanzil Psychiatric Center,
Lucknow, India: Eunice — Mrs. O. D. Diller,
Wooster, Ohio; Reuben M.. Arlington Heisrhts,
111.; and Gladys— Mrs. Clark S. Eberle. Colum-
bus. Ohio). Surviving are his wife, the G chil-
dren, 8 grandchildren. 2 <rreat-grandchildren, one
sister (Mary— Mrs. D. W. Good, Sterling, 111.),
and 2 brothers (John D.. Sterling, 111., and
Jacob G., Venice, Calif.), Two brothers and 4
sisters preceded him in death. Since September,
1953, he and his wife made their home with their
daughter. He accepted Christ in his youth and
united with the Mennonite Church, where he
was an active worker in the Sunday-school de-
partment for many years. Funeral services were
held March 9. at Science Ridge Mennonite
Church, Sterling, 111., in charge of Robert Keller,
assisted by Paul Friesen. Burial was made in
the adjoining cemetery.
Detweiler, John B., son of Rudy and Grace
Detweiler, was born in Elkhart, Ind., Sept. 1,
1897; died in Gary, Ind., March 14, 1954; aged
50 y. G m. 13 d. He lived in the vicinity of Elk-
hart until two years ago when he moved to
Hobart, Ind., where he with his son operated a
super-market. He was married to Bessie Long,
who died in 1930. To this union were born 4
daughters and one son, all of whom survive. In
1942 he married Lillian McConnell. He is sur-
vived by his wife, the 5 children, 10 grandchil-
dren, his mother, 2 brothers, 2 sisters, and
many other friends and relatives. Funeral serv-
ices were held at the Olive Mennonite Church
in charge of D. A. Yoder, assisted by C. A.
Shank. John had in earlier years been a mem-
ber of the Olive Mennonite Church but can-
celed his membership. While at the hospital he
came back to the Lord, as reported by the hos-
pital chaplain. We rejoice in the fact of a
Saviour who hears the penitent's plea.
Hershey, Sem E., eldest son of Martin R. and
the late Sue Eby Hershey, was born near Inter-
course, Pa., Aug. 30, 1906; passed away Feb. 16,
1954; aged 47 y. 5 m. 17 d. Death came in-
stantly and was a great shock to his family and
community. He had taken his tractor to a re-
pair shop and had come about a mile on the
return trip when the appointed hour of death
came. Since there were no witnesses, we do not
know what the Lord did to bring about death.
He was found a short time later pinned be-
neath the tractor. On Nov. 6, 1929, he was mar-
ried to Martha K. Denlinger. Besides his
widow, he is survived by these children (Benja-
min, serving with PAX unit, Backnang, Ger-
many ; Leonard, Charles, Verna, Rhoda, and
Miriam, all at home), also his father and these
brothers and sisters (Elizabeth — Mrs. Daniel
Leaman, Lancaster, Pa. ; Rohrer, Lititz, Pa. ;
Evelyn — Mrs. Elmer Leaman, Parkesburg, Pa.;
Amos, Kinzers, Pa. ; John, Sanford, Gordonville,
Pa. ; Eby, Ronks, Pa. ; Emma and Miriam, In-
tercourse, Pa.). He accepted Christ early in
life He was a worker at the Meadville Mission
since its beginning in 1935 and superintendent
of the Sunday school since 1940. His death is a
loud call to the community he was serving. We
can see the kindness of our heavenly Father in
calling one we know was ready to meet Him.
Funeral services were held Feb. 19 at the Her-
shey Church conducted by Galen Hostetter and
Parke Book. Burial was made in the adjoining
cemetery.
Landis, Annie K., was born June 29, 1864;
passed away Jan. 8, 1954; aged 89 y. 6 m. 9 d.
She was united in marriage to Jonas Landis,
who preceded her in death 28 years. To this
union were born one son and 3 daughters. The
son passed awav as an infant, and 2 daughters
also preceded her in death. She is survived by
one daughter (Mrs. Albert Yoder) with whom
she had her home. One brother and 2 sisters
(John Witmer, Lizzie and Sussie Witmer), 6
334
GOSPEL HERALD
April 6, 1954
grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren also
survive. She accepted Christ as her Saviour
about G2 years ago and united with the Men-
nonite Church, and was a faithful member of
Good's congregation at her death. Funeral serv-
ices were held at Good's Church. Jan. 12. eon-
ducted by Clarence Lutz and Ira Z. Miller.
Burial was made in Good's Cemetery.
Miller, Ruth, daughter of the late Christian M.
and Amanda (Becher) Grnber, was born near
Canton, Ohio, Aug. 14, 1013, and died on the
same farm March 18, 1954 ; aged 40 y. 7 m. 4 d.
At the age of 12 she accepted Christ as her
Saviour and was received into the fellowship of
the Beech Mennonite Church where she re-
mained faithful to the end. On Mav 23. 193G,
she was united in marriage to Rny E. Miller of
the same community. To this union were born
5 children (Helen, Elnor, Roy C, Charlotte, and
Donna). For the past few months her health
was failing rapidly until she quietly passed
away. Her parents preceded her in death. She
is survived by her husband and the 5 children,
all at home, one aunt (Mrs. John K. Krabill.
Louisville, Ohio), one uncle (Amos Becher. Can-
ton, Ohio), and many other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were conducted from the C. D.
Spiker Funeral Parlors, Canton. Ohio, by O. N.
Johns and Ray Bair. Interment was made in
the Beech Church cemetery.
Ramer, Mary Edna, daughter of Mervin and
Susie S. (Martin) Rumor, was born in Elkhart
Co., Ind.. Dec. 2G, 1034; passed away at the
Baptist Hospital, Little Rock, Ark.. Feb. 18,
1954; aged 19 y. 1 m. 23 d. Death was due to a
heart ailment, from which she had suffered all
her life. God, in His wisdom, saw fit to give
her to us with a weak heart and hard of hear-
ing. She went to the Indiana State School for
the Deaf at the age of C and continued there
until she was 10. Then the family moved to
Ozone, Ark.' and she went to the Little Rock
State School for the Deaf for the last two terms.
After two days of illness she went to be with
Jesus. Mary gave her heart to Christ in July,
1051, and was baptized on May 24, 1953. Sur-
viving her are 4 grandparents (Menno and Mar-
tha Ramer; Joe E. and Mary Martin, of Waka-
rusa. Ind.), the parents, 5 hrothers (Sem. James,
Paul, John, and Stevie), 8 sisters (Eva. Pris-
eilla. Rachel. Phebe. Martha. Ruth, Joanna, and
Susie). 11 uncles, 11 aunts, and a host of other
relatives and friends. She had many pen pals
across the country and to them she constantly
witnessed, exhorting them to obedience to God's
Word.
Schweitzer. Pheobe. daughter of Dnn and
Margaret Erb. was born in Ontario. Canada.
Feb. 8, 1805; departed this life at the home of
her son (Bert) near Milford. Nehr.. March 17.
1054; aged 80 y. 1 m. 9 d. In 1881 she moved
with her family to Seward Co., Nebr., and set-
tled near Milford. In 1882 she became a mem-
ber of the East Fnirview Church and later
transferred her membership to the Milford Men-
nonite Church, where she remained a faithful
member until death. In 1884 she was united in
marriage to Jacob Schweitzer. To this union
were horn 10 children. Surviving are one daugh-
ter (Mrs. Dnn Kennel, Huron. S. Dak.). 0 sons
(Ezra, Litchfield. Nebr.; Emory, Bert. Homer,
William, all of Milford. and Dan. San Antonio,
Texas), one sister (Mrs. Lizzie Yantzi. of Mil-
ford). one brother (Joel Erl). of Milford). 28
grandchildren, 47 great-grandchildren, and many
other relatives and friends. Preceding her in
death were her husband, 3 children, 2 sisters,
and 4 brothers. Funeral services were held at the
Milford Mennonite Church, March 20. with
L. O. Schleirel in charge, assisted by W. A.
Eicher and Milton Troyer. Interment was made
in the church cemetery.
SI ill/man. Stanley Earl, infant son of Daniel
E. and Ruth Stiitzman. Swan Lake. Mont., was
born prematurely on March 1. 1054. and lived
only an hour. Graveside services were in charge
of J. G. Ilochstetler in the Fairview Cemetery
near Creston. Mont.
Wagner, Rnrharn. daughter of Henry and
Kntherine (Zi-ieet) Sander, was born March 3,
1874, near Washington, III.; passed away after
a prolonged illness on March 10, 1051. at her
home in Eureka. 111.; aged SO y. 10 d. She ac-
cepted Christ at an early age and united with
the Mennonite Church where she served the Lord
faithfully until He called her home. On Dec. 27,
1894, she was united in marriage to Christian
Wagner. To this union were horn 8 children
(Freida — Mrs. Joseph J. Wagner, Chicago; Al-
vina — Mrs. Walter Zook ! Pearl — Mrs. Forrest
Yoder; Celesta — Mrs. Lloyd Stalter. all of
Eureka: Rose — Mrs. Chris Schertz. Washing
ton. 111.; Ezra C Chcnoa. 111.: and E. Sanfonl,
San Mateo. Calif.). One son (Noah), one broth-
er, and 4 sisters preceded her in death. She was
the last remaining member of the Henry Sauder
family. A number of college students made their
home with the Wagners and to these ehe was
both a counselor and friend. During the latter
days of her illness she enjoyed hearing passages
read from her well-marked Bible by her grand-
son (Larry Stalter), who lived next door. Fu-
neral services were held at the Roanoke Men-
nonite Church, March 21. in charge of Sanford
C. Yoder. with Ezra B. Yordy assisting. Burial
was made in the church cemetery.
THE BOOK SHELF
Books reviewed In these columns may be ordered
from the Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale, Pa.
Beyond Today, by Rolf Thomasscn; Augs-
burg; 1953; 163 pp.; $2.50.
Here is a stimulating autobiography by a
Christian who has been handicapped since
birth because he is spastic without use of his
arms and legs. Despite this, the author is an
artist of note, plays the zither instrument
beautifully, using only his mouth.
The story of the author's struggle in life,
his reactions to people who look down upon
disabled, handicapped people, reveals his
thought, fears, and ambitions, trials, and tri-
umphs. The reader is presented with new
concepts in understanding spastics.
This is a pleasant and uplifting story. Al-
though the reader has sympathy for the au-
thor, and the tears may flow, he must admire
the pluck of a man who has surmounted ob-
stacles to the extent that he makes his living
by selling paintings which he does by holding
the brush in his mouth. The message is stim-
ulating and heart-searching like Karen,
which is the story of the development of a
spastic child. In this book, the story is told
by the spastic himself.
The book has sold five editions in Norway,
and has been translated into Swedish, and
now in the English language. It is certain to
sell widely. It is not a sad autobiography;
it is one of triumph! — Ford Berg.
ITEMS and COMMENTS
A former Russian paratrooper, now a min-
isterial student at Baptist Theological Semi-
nary in New Orleans, says a piece of paper
in a trash basket led to his conversion. The
leaflet contained two Scripture verses, and
had been distributed to a DP camp by Ger-
man Baptists. After finding the leaflet, the
young Russian says, he began looking for a
Bible and finally obtained one in a Baptist
church in Munich. He joined the church,
was baptized, and later preached among oth-
er displaced persons. He came to the United
States in 1951.
• • •
An appeal to Americans to do something
about United States soldiers in England so
that "the blot of unjust behavior, piled on
immorality, comes to an end" was made re-
cently by the Catholic Times in London. In a
sharp editorial the weekly newspaper com-
mented on a recent London court case in
which a British woman sought to enforce an
affiliation order against an American soldier,
the father of her child. According to the
Catholic Times, the woman's lawyer told the
court that his client's child was one of 70,000
born under similar circumstances.
• • •
Total expenditures for relief and rehabilita-
tion in Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, and Israel by
15 American voluntary agencies from Janu-
ary, 1949, to September, 1953, amounted to
nearly $80,000,000.
• • •
The only church in Gaynor, Missouri, after
being closed for twenty-five years, has been
reopened and has experienced a real revival
as a result of the Rural Bible Crusade Scrip-
ture Memory Program in the schools of that
community.
• • •
Hyman Appelman, well-known evangelist,
has been holding tremendously successful
meetings in the Latin-American cities of San
Jose, Costa Rico, and Managua, Nicaragua.
In spite of the fact that he had to speak
through an interpreter, the auditoriums in
these places were filled almost every night
and there were hundreds of conversions. Hy-
man Appelman is scheduled also for evan-
gelistic meetings at Vera Cruz and Mexico
City, Mexico, as a close for his Latin-Amer-
ican crusade.
• • *
There is still plenty of death on our high-
ways, yet it is good to know that the national
rate of 7.3 persons killed for each 100,000,000
miles traveled last year was the lowest rate
in history.
• • •
The Audio Book Company, of Los An-
geles, Calif., has recorded the complete New
Testament of the King James Version on
twenty-four ultra-long-playing records. Near-
ly two years and close to $100,000 has been
invested in this talking book project. The
volume sells for $22.95. — Signs of the Times.
• * •
During the past year our people have been
solicited by attractive folders from the Kan-
sas City office of the Christian Approach Mis-
sion. In addition to frequent warnings that
we should give to our own circles, and only
to organizations with which we are familiar,
we now give the additional information that
authentic and well-documented information
from Jordan reveals that the person distribut-
ing this material in America has no official
connection with the Christian Approach Mis-
sion in Jordan. He and his wife are not al-
lowed to enter the Holy Land and arc not
allowed to work in that land. He has never
had a blind home in Jordan. He has never
had anv leper work in Jordan. He has no
mobile clinic unit. He has no trade school
in Jordan. He has a pastor there and con-
ducts a church service, but he has no mem-
bers. He has conducted an orphanage in
Bethlehem, but there has been a great deal
of dissatisfaction and many charges of in-
efficiency and worse. He has no Jewish chil-
dren in this orphanage. We hope none of
our people will be sending support to the
Christian Approach Mission at its office in
Kansas City. Our own relief workers in Jor-
dan have forwarded this warning to us.
April 6, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
335
S. A. Witmer, president of Fort Wayne
Bible College, Fort Wayne, Ind., has designat-
ed the entire school year of 1954-55 as Jubilee
Year in honor of the institution's founding
in 1904. — Moody Monthly.
• # *
The publicity concerning the harmful ef-
fects of smoking is having some effect, ac-
cording to Time. An advertising trade maga-
zine has polled 2,200 United States advertis-
ing and marketing executives. Of almost
1,500 who smoke, 35 per cent have switched
to filter tip cigarettes, 28 per cent have cut
down on their smoking, and 23 per cent have
stopped smoking altogether.
• # •
The orthodox church in Russia has added
March 5, the anniversary of Stalin's death,
to the list of church holidays.
• * #
The National Safety Council, as a result of
the recent White House Conference on High-
way Safety, is conducting a campaign to im-
prove driver attitudes. The slogan for the
campaign is, "Courtesy Is the Code of the
Road." N. H. Dearborn, president of the
National Safety Council, said, "The person
who drives by the Golden Rule will never
have a serious accident." Safe driving is a
moral responsibility and a daily demonstra-
tion of decent and moral conduct. This re-
lates our driving to our Christianity definite-
ly. The president of the Western Pennsyl-
vania Safety Council, in announcing this
courtesy program, said, "No one likes to be
told that he is impolite. Courtesy extended
by one driver to another can spread. It can
become an epidemic, for courtesy is con-
tagious."
• * •
The U.S. Brewers Foundation recently
sent out a booklet which presses home the
alleged fact that "beer belongs in the home."
Brewers are now spending as much as $120,-
000,000 a year in advertising to increase the
sale and consumption of their product. Much
of this advertising is focused upon the Amer-
ican home, with the view to making beer
drinkers of the mothers of America and of
American youth as well. Two home maga-
zines, which have accepted beer advertise-
ments, have recently cut down their accept-
ance of such advertising. These magazines
are Woman's Home Companion and Mc-
Calls. It is good to know that 12 of the most
important magazines in the country, includ-
ing such as Ladies Home Journal, Saturday
Evening Post, and Better Homes and Gar-
dens, do not accept any alcoholic beverage
advertisements. They seem to be able to sur-
vive and prosper without the financial sup-
port of the liquor traffic.
• • *
It is unfortunate that America is further
alienating India by insisting on carrying
through a program for armed aid to Pakis-
tan. Are we driving India into the arms of
the Communists? Mr. Nehru is strongly
against Communism. In a recent campaign
he said to voters, "The whole basis of the
Communist Party is all wrong . . . their en-
tire thinking is based on something outside
India." However, in an election, Travancore-
Cochin in South India elected a socialist gov-
ernment with communist participation, the
first leftist government in India.
* * *
The latest issue of Banner of Youth, the
official organ of the Polish Youth Unions,
says, "The immediate need is to intensify our
efforts aimed at liquidating in the minds of
Polish youth all traces of religious supersti-
tions, which either have been planted there
by reactionary parents, or have been seeded
by capitalist books available from illegal
sources." One way in which the communist
youth group tries to keep young people away
from church services is to organize sports
events, excursions, and other activities on
Sundays, at which attendance is compulsory.
* * #
The Southern Railroad has ended all al-
leged discrimination against Negro travelers
in its dining cars. — Between the Lines.
* * #
Ten thousand Christians in Pakistan are
in serious economic straits. Before the parti-
tion of India most of them, who come from
backward castes, were laboring on land
owned by Hindus and Sikhs. At the time
of the partition almost all of these Hindu
and Sikh landlords left Pakistan. The land
was distributed to Moslem refugees from
India. This left the Christians without any
means of support. The government of this
Moslem land has been requested to set up a
Minorities Board with powers to investigate
and recommend measures to improve the
conditions of Christians.
» * #
The first regular United States postage
stamp to bear the motto "In God We Trust"
will be issued early in April. The eight-cent
stamp will also bear a picture of the Statue
of Liberty. It will be the first multicolored
regular stamp of a small denomination in
U.S. history. The Postmaster General says,
"The inscription 'In God We Trust' sym-
bolizes the spiritual foundation on which
our government was built and without which
no nation can prosper." Since the postage
rate for letters to foreign countries was raised
from five to eight cents last AugUst, the eight-
cent stamp will be used principally for in-
ternational mail. The new stamp meets the
request from congressmen that the United
States use a religious theme on its stamps
going behind the Iron Curtain to emphasize
the spiritual beliefs of this country in con-
trast to the atheism of communism. Previous-
ly, "In God We Trust" appeared only on a
stamp of 1927, commemorating the 150th
anniversary of Washington's winter at Valley
Forge. That stamp depicted Washington at
prayer.
* * *
The number of women ministers in various
churches was more than doubled in the dec-
ade between 1940 and 1950, reaching an all-
time high of 6,777 women, who made up 4.1
per cent of all U.S. clergy. The percentage
of women in the ministry has grown faster
than it has in other professions like law,
medicine, and academic life, according to
Information Service Weekly, bulletin of the
National Council of Churches.
(Continued on next page)
Coals of Fire
By Elizabeth Bauman
Illus. by Allan Eitzen
SEVENTEEN dramatic real-life
stories show how "Love thy
neighbour as thyself" works, even
when that neighbor is an enemy.
Stories are based on actual hap-
penings. They come from many
periods of history.
For every young person who
wonders about the way of nonre-
sistance. $1.95
Introduction
to Theology
By John C. Wenger
FOR the first timel— a systematic
statement of Mennonite the-
ology given with its historical Ana-
baptist background.
In clear, understandable lan-
guage is set forth the doctrinal
teaching of the Bible. Following
the introduction to the whole scope
of theology are chapters which
deal with God as Creator, as Re-
vealer, as Redeemer, as Sanctifier,
and as All in All. It is an excellent
companion volume to Separated
unto God which deals with dis-
tinctive doctrine and practice.
A book for every Sunday-school
library, every Mennonite pastor,
Christian education workers, speak-
ers, college students, and homes
interested in careful Bible study.
$4.00
Mennonite Publishing House
Scottdale, Pa.
336
GOSPEL HERALD
April 6, 1954
YOUR PUBLISHING HOUSE
By A. J. Metzler, Publishing Agent
5. Book Publishing
The three divisions of House operations— Publishing,
Printing, and Bookselling— are usually considered separate
business enterprises. Our publishing is in four areas: books,
periodicals, teaching materials, tracts, etc. Books will be dis-
cussed in this section and the other three areas of publishing
in the following issues. Such a variety of publications and
operations is not usually carried on by one organization ex-
cept in denominational publishing.
Books have always been a minor part of our publishing
work. This is true in terms of both dollars and volume. In
the 41 years from 1908 to 1948 we published 162 books and
booklets, or an average of about four each year. In the five
years since 1948 we have published 46, or about 9 each
year.
The following were published during 1953.
Title
Bernese Anabaptists
Church Hymnal Selections
Eastward to the Sun
Pilgrims in Paraguay
Prophecy Conf . Report
R.S.V. Evaluation Booklet
Author or Compiler No. Printed
Delbert Gratz
J. D. Brunk
S. F. Coffman
S. C. Yoder
J. Winfield Fretz
Report of Conf. held at
Elkhart, Ind., April 3-5,
1952
Lind, Lehman, Bender
1,284
2,018
Books Published in 1953
Title Author or compiler No. Printed
Songs of the Church Walter Yoder 15,000
Ten of a Kind Edna Beiler 2,522
War, Peace, and Nonresistance Guy Hershberger 1,989
We Tried to Stay Dorothy McCammon 3,342
Meditations for the New Mother Helen Good Brenneman 1,810
Assurance of Salvation J. R. Mumaw 1,855
(Revision)
In addition to the above, 16,147 copies of 10 tides were
reprinted during the year.
1,449
1,989
A very careful study is being planned in order to chart
the House's book publishing program for the years ahead.
Publishing in small quantities is quite expensive. Usually there
need to be at least four or five thousand copies of a title pub-
lished if no loss is to result. Probably less than half of our tides
2,066 reach so favored a circulation.
March shipments of the Heifer Project in-
cluded 35,000 chicks to Egypt, 50 heifers to
Germany, and bees, goats, and rabbits to
Korea. In April Brown Swiss cattle and
some hogs will be sent to Thailand.
# # *
President Rajendra Prasad of India has as-
sured Christian missionaries that they will
have full freedom to preach and to do social
work. He said that the government is de-
termined to implement fully the constitu-
tional guarantee of freedom of religion, and
he praised Christian missions for the work
they had done in many parts of the country.
"There is no objection to any Christian
preaching his religion," he said. "If objec-
tion is taken in any place, it is not to the
preaching of Christianity, but to other kinds
of activities some people might have indulged
in. There is even less objection to any kind
of social service ... but at the same time we
expect that those who come for the purpose
will confine their activities to that alone. If
this condition is observed, there can and will
be no difficulty whatsoever." The President
expressed the hope that services to the people
of India should be rendered purely out of
love for the people, but not with the motive
of conversion.
• • •
Billy Graham received an enthus:astic re-
ception in England and some 12,000 persons
jammed the Harringay Arena for the open-
ing service. Hundreds had to be turned
away from the stadium, which normally seats
11,000 people.
• • •
Because "secularism has ruled the roost too
long," Baptists in Los Angeles plan to open
five new children's day schools this year.
This will bring the total number of such
schools to 19 in that city. It is announced
that additional schools are planned for next
year. An official said, "This is a drastic,
somewhat expensive ministry, but it is ab-
solutely essential in our times."
• • •
An international Protestant radio station
will begin operating soon in Tangier, Moroc-
co, under the auspices of International Evan-
gelism, Inc. Nondenominational programs
will be broadcast in French, English, Span-
ish, Portuguese, Italian, German, and Rus-
sian. "Our aim is to reach the unbelievers,
those who are members of no church," says
the director.
• • •
An article in the March Reader's Digest
gives a number of instances in which the
Bible helped in the finding of the various re-
sources of the land of Palestine.
H0X3
• BVN ! R3S
m si 00*31 H3
'JAV NY Via 00 A'. M9fr
N 1 1 N 3 V. I V M V %
IVDi 1Z 1 C 31 1 NANNiaW
VOLUME XLVII .
GOSPEL HER
'In the defence and confirmation of the gospel" urHow beautiful are the feet of them that
.TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 1954.
of peace'
.NUMBER 15
Jesus Rose from the Dead
By Ernest W. Lehman
Ever since the angel told Peter and
the other disciple to come and see the
place where the Lord lay (Matt. 28:16),
it seems there have been people who are
very place-conscious when they think of
the resurrection.
Here in the Holy Land there is much
more stress laid on the so-called "holy
places" than we who are Christians from
the West would expect. Many of the
Christians here have churches, or altars
in a common church, near to the places
where they believe incidents in Jesus' life
occurred. Many of the people believe
that they gain merit by saying prayers in
these special places, or by kissing the
stones which mark various sacred spots.
Some ceremonies in these places during
Easter Week attract multitudes of peo-
ple, so that anyone wanting even stand-
ing room must come hours before the
jceremony begins. Some people think
they know where Calvary and the Holy
Sepulcher were located; actually no one
knows the exact spot.
We are glad that Jesus did come forth
from a definite, specific tomb, and that
the angel spoke of this certain place, and
God saw fit to record this conversation in
the Holy Scripture. But we are thankful
also that Jesus did not leave behind any
physical souvenirs: that His name was
not inscribed in any tomb; that neither
the cross, nor His clothing, nor the roll-
ing stone door to the sepulcher, nor the
Roman seal, nor any such things were
preserved as proof through the ages to
come. The fact that it did not occur to
these first-century Christians to preserve
any of these things indicates that every-
one among them accepted the resurrec-
tion as a simple, undisputed fact; and
none saw any use to preserve any proof
for some who might later doubt. Today
there are no physical proofs of the res-
urrection; but there need be none.
For we believe that the Lord rose from
the dead. We today have faith in the
authority of the Scripture that the resur-
rection did occur and that the early be-
lievers gave testimony to it. And this
faith is confirmed in our lives by the per-
sonal experience and assurance that
"Christ liveth in me."
But you may ask, What is the impres-
sion one has in being in Jerusalem on
Easter Sunday morning? Does not the
physical surrounding contribute to a
more real faith in the resurrection? Does
not the sight of an open, empty tomb (if
not the one, at least one something like
it) make the experience more real? Per-
haps for many people it does. But in
this I feel something like a person does
when looking out from a high mountain
peak or a tower. The view is much more
vast than from a lower place; yet it is still
bounded by the horizon. And up there
one feels all the more sure that from any
earthly height the bounds of the horizon
can in no wise be surpassed. Now that I
have been in Jerusalem on Easter morn-
ing I am more than ever convinced that
no kind of visual aid can fully satisfy the
intellect to take the place of simple faith
in the resurrection.
It is strange that the enemies of Jesus
remembered clearly that He said He
would rise again from the dead (Matt.
27:63), but the beloved disciples seemed
to forget completely (Luke 24:21, 22)
that Jesus foretold both His death and
rising again. They themselves said they
were "astonished" when they heard the
news that He had risen. It seems they
absorbed only in a passive way what Je-
sus had said of His death and resurrec-
tion.
If only we could comprehend the utter
grief and distress in the hearts of the dis-
ciples when their Lord lay in the tomb,
then we might understand the bewil-
dered but happy astonishment which
they must have felt on that crisp resur-
rection daybreak. Today so many people
read the Bible account of the resurrec-
tion much as they do a familiar story or
novel in which they know well the man-
ner of the ending. Somehow the resur-
rection story lacks gripping reality, it
lacks life, it no longer impresses with the
element of wonder, of "astonishment,"
of miracle in the actual rising of the
dead.
Do you really believe Jesus rose from
the dead? Can a man who is dead really
come to life again? Do you believe it
strongly enough that it is an exciting and
astonishing miracle each time you read
of the resurrection?
How have you been preparing for East-
er this year? Many people here in the
Holy Land make pilgrimages to the holy
places to perform their religious duties.
Many people in America prepare for
Easter by outfitting the family in new
clothing. Many church people have been
rehearsing Easter recitations, cantatas, or
readings. Palm leaves, candles, lilies, col-
ored eggs, all claim their share of atten-
tion. These things may not necessarily
be wrong; but they do show where our
interest and attention center. I believe
that the way in which we spend our time
and energy preparing shows quite clearly
the values which mean most to us.
The critics of Peter and John demand-
ed of them "by what name and by what
power" they were preaching and healing.
They responded boldly and clearly that
the name was Jesus Christ and the power
was resurrection power. Acts 4:10. The
power had manifested itself first in the
believers and only then did it enable the
wondrous miracles and messages which
touched the lives and bodies of others. It
was not enough for them to be associated
with the name of Jesus. These disciples
had been known to associate with Jesus
when He was with them. But it was not
this nominal connection that quickened
them to be the outspoken Peter and John
of Acts 4 and 5. Nominal Christians nev-
er have the power such as Peter and John
manifested here. They never know "what
is the exceeding greatness of his power
to us-ward who believe, according to the
working of his mighty power, which he
Easter Gifts
By Lorie C. Gooding
His friends brought gifts of death:
Clean linen cloth to make a winding sheet,
A cool, dark sepulcher to lay Him in,
And spices, sharp and sweet
His foes brought gifts of hate:
The cruel iron spikes, the heavy maul,
The leaded scourge, the mocking royal robe,
And vinegar and gall.
The earth brought gifts of grief:
Rough wooden cross, and slender hollow
reed,
The twisted thorn, the symbol of the curse,
That made His brow to bleed.
But He brought gifts of love,
And spoke compassion with His dying
breath;
Redemption and forgiveness, these He
brought,
And brought life out of death.
Holmesville, Ohio.
338
GOSPEL HERALD
April j), 1 954
wrought in Christ, when he raised him
from the dead . . ." (Eph. 1:19, 20).
I believe that the high calling of being
a disciple of the Risen Lord must be
burned into our hearts deeper and deep-
er. We must see our own dearth of pow-
er and be truly infilled with that power
which brought our Lord victorious from
the tomb.
Jericho, Jordan.
The Living Christ
By Mary Ellen Eby
Can you not see Mary Magdalene on
the first day of the week, walking slowly
and sadly toward the tomb where the
body of her beloved Lord lay? Her Lord
had been crucified by cruel soldiers just
three days ago. She could not understand
why the Lord Jesus' life had ended this
way. Every detail of His death was very
clearly outlined in her mind, although
she had been standing quite a distance
from the cross.
The self-righteous scribes and Phari-
sees had rejected Christ as Messiah.
Finally, to climax their state of unbelief
and rejection, they commanded Jesus to
be crucified. Christ had endured an un-
just trial in which Pilate from the depths
of his heart had said, "I find no fault in
him." But because Pilate feared the peo-
ple, he, too, rejected Christ and delivered
Him to be crucified.
Oh, the mockery, the agony, and the
suffering which Christ patiently and
silently endured while hanging on the
cross, bearing the weight of the whole
world's sins! The death of Christ por-
trays His humbleness and submissiveness
to the will of His Father. He gave His
life voluntarily that you and I might
have life.
But many of Christ's close friends, in-
cluding Mary Magdalene, experienced
heartache and grief. Jesus had told them,
"I will rise again the third day." But
their faith was very weak.
Mary, now arriving at the tomb, dis-
covered that the body of Christ was not
there. She wept silently. Stooping to
look into the tomb, she noticed two an-
gels who questioned her, "Woman, why
do you weep?" Then came the sad reply,
"They have taken away my Lord, and I
know not where they have laid him."
But Mary's sadness is exchanged tor glad-
ness when Jesus Himself appears before
her. After she had related the circum-
stances to Him, whom she supposed to
be the gardener, Jesus, with a tendci ex
pression in His eyes, replied in the kind-
est tones, "Mary." His voice! Mary rec-
ognized it! It was Jesus! He had risen
from the grave!
Yes, Christ has broken the bars of
death. He has defeated the evil one.
Satan, and his co-workers. He has de-
feated the powers of death which have
done their worst. Christ is victorious.
At no other time was the power of God
manifest so greatly as in the resurrection
of Christ.
Alter spending forty days with His
disciples, He ascended to heaven. Now
He is sitting at the right hand of God,
the Father, interceding for His own. Yes,
Christ is living, and the most influential
way to prove to the world that He truly
is living is by allowing Him to work
through us, His followers. The world
today will not read their Bibles, but they
certainly do observe the lives of the
Christians. May our lives bear fruit that
will reveal to others the risen Christ
dwelling in our hearts. I am reminded
of a song in which the writer says, "You
ask me how I know He lives? He lives
within my heart." Does He? Then tell
others.
If Christ had not risen from the dead,
then would all the exhortation pro-
claimed on this doctrine be in vain. If
Christ had not risen from the dead, then
would our faith be in vain. But the Bi-
ble, the inspired Word of God, gives us
enough evidence to assure us of this fact.
By faith we accepted Christ as Lord and
Master of our lives. We receive from our
living Lord forgiveness of sin, cleansing
of sin, and deliverance from sin, which
would not be true had not Christ risen
from the grave. Alexander Maclaren ex-
plains it thus: "Only when we recognize
that in His cross explained by His resur-
rection, we have redemption through His
blood, even the forgiveness of sins, and
by the communication of the risen life
from the risen Lord possess that new
nature, which sets us free from the do-
minion of our evil, is faith operative in
setting us free from our sins."
Last, we have the hope of eternal life
through our resurrected Lord. What
hopeless creatures we would be if we pos-
sessed no glorious anticipation for the
future! Paul says, "If in this life only we
have hope in Christ, we are of all men
most miserable" (I Cor. 15:19). "For .i^
in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall
all be made alive" (I Cor. 15:22).
Through the transgression of Adam, wo
were all made sinners and deserved to
die, but, praise God! He has made i
provision through Christ in which all
those who are born again and remain
faithful shall live. Because Christ has
been resurrected from the grave, even so
Our Readers Say-
I am not intimately familiar with the financial
operations of the Mennonite Board of Missions
and Charities, but it would appear that the
$22,000 total deficit in some funds was greatly
exceeded by surpluses in others, because "total
mission fund balances of the Board have de-
creased about $100,000." In other words, on
April 1, 1953, there were $100,000 on hand with
which to decrease and maybe many more. Praise
the Lord that the dollars given for His work
are being used.
Did our Lord send forth only some of the
apostles because of lack of funds? Xo, He sent
them all out with empty purses, and very little
in their suitcases. Perhaps rather than retreat,
God is challenging us to occupy still greater
fields. Perhaps He is asking us to trust Him
to "supply all your need according to his riches
in glory," even in the light of low funds. Is it
utterly preposterous to suggest that our mission-
aries may choose to carry on even if the stipulat-
ed funds were not available?
I am sending my contribution tomorrow. —
Joseph N. Burkholder, Toronto, Ont.
* * *
. . . thank you, Bro. Gerald Derstine, for your
article, "Revival in the North." Our congre-
gation is one of the number that is reaping
fruits sown at this school, through the lives of
some of our young folks. Our prayer is for
more Spirit-filled, soul-burdened teachers. —
Joseph D. Stoll, Frazee, Minn.
* * *
I appreciate this column more each week. . . .
It is encouraging to know that there are still
those who appreciate a goodly heritage, even
though with all their imperfections, our fore-
fathers preserved something for us which only
by His grace and loving obedience to His \\ ord
can be transmitted to our posterity. Let us be
faithful to God, and His Word, to Jesus Christ
and His hride, our beloved church. — Valentine
.\afsiger, Milverton, Ont.
shall we be resurrected at the Lord's re-
turn. Through the resurrection of Christ,
our soul and body have become im-
mortal. "O death, where is thy sting? O
grave, where is thy victory" (I Cor. 15:
55)? Christ, by His resurrection, has dis-
solved the stine of death. He has con-
O
quered the grave. And we may also know
victory over sin and death. "But thanks
be to God, which giveth us the victor)
through our Lord Jesus Christ."
Let us remember the vital words of
Jesus, "1 am the resurrection, and the
life: he that believeth in me, though he
were dead, yet shall he live: and whoso-
ever liveth and believeth in me shall
never die."
Ronks, Pa.
GOSPEL HERALD
ESTABLISHED 1BOO AS SUCCESSOR TO GOSPEL WITNESS lIDOSI AND HERALD Of TRUTH , 1B64>
PAUL ERB, EDITOR
TNI OOSPEL
JOHN L. HOR ST. MILLARD C. LIND, CONSULTING EDITORS LEVI C H ARTZLER. MISSIONS EDITOR
WEEKLY PUKHHID IN THE I NTKREITt Of THE HIHMONITI CHURCH SY THE MENNONITE PUBLICATION BOARD. BCOTTOALK. PA.
T THE POBT OPriCE AT BCOTTDALE. PA.. UNDER ACT OP MARCH 1. |«TS. BUBBCRIPTION PRICE: Sl.OO PER YEAR, THREE YEARS
FREE ON REOUKBT .
(- PRINTED IN U.B.A.
ENTERED A ■ SECOND CLASS MATTER IN IOOB A
HI ADVANC«, ,..0O. PIV. YEARS IN ADVANCE, BIB. BO. .AMPLE COPIES BENT PRE. ON R.OU..T BEND ALL MATERIAL POR PUBLICATION TO OO.PEL HERALD. BCOTTDALE, PA
April 13, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
339
EDITORIAL
The Night After Calvary
In spite of the bright paschal moon,
the night after Jesus died on Calvary was
the darkest this world has ever seen. The
world had seen the Sun of righteousness
arise, with healing in His wings. But now
that Sun, after a preternatural daytime
darkness, had gone down into a tomb,
leaving the world in hopeless black-
ness and despair. The powers of evil, of
course, were rejoicing in their apparent
triumph. But Mary, the mother of Jesus,
and the other women who were His fol-
lowers, were sitting in wordless sorrow.
The eleven disciples, stunned by the hap-
penings of the last twenty-four hours,
were trying to adjust their thinking to
the terrible disappointment and disillu-
sionment which had overwhelmed them.
Peter was carrying in his heart the dull
aching knowledge that the last word Je-
sus had heard from him was his cursing
denial. The broken body of Judas the
traitor lay in the suicide's grave to which
his terrible regret had taken him. The
empty cross on Golgotha stood for the
stark tragedy of broken hopes and a mis-
taken faith. The sealed tomb near by
was mute but stubborn evidence that
death after all is the unconquerable en-
emy, and that righteousness and truth
have no chance before the combination
of prejudiced malice and armed might.
No, the moonlight flooding the hills
and valleys of Judea could not lighten
the lethal blackness that enveloped man
upon his God-forsaken earth.
Knowing as we do that Easter light
was soon to pierce this darkness, it is
hard for us to realize how complete must
have been the despair of those who had
believed that Jesus was the Son of God,
and that He had come as the Promised
One to break man's bondage and bring
him eternal life.
Lest we should fall in faithless de-
spair in the face of the seeming triumphs
of evil in our time, we should consider
why those early believers were so be-
numbed by their sorrow. Was it not be-
cause they had forgotten the promise of
the resurrection? The Word of the Lord
had dropped out of their memories.
They surrendered to the night because
they did not remember the promised
morning. Accepting seeming reality in-
stead of the Plan announced by their
Lord, they were groveling in the unreal
of appearances.
This is the word which Easter speaks
to us in the disheartening situations in
which we may live. As we look back to
that Egyptian blackness which was dis-
pelled by the brilliance of the resurrec-
tion morning, we may be reminded that
our dark hours too should be considered
in the perspective of the relief which is
promised us. For the Resurrection of
Christ is the effective agent of life and
power and enlightenment to all who be-
lieve in the Risen Saviour. In Him there
is no darkness at all. He lightens every
man who opens his heart to Him. No
earthly darkness can shut out the Heav-
enly Light.— E.
"A Sound Home Base"
In his annual report to the Eastern
Mennonite Board of Missions and Chari-
ties the president, after outlining the
wide scope of its work, said that it re-
quired "a sound home base."
This expression causes us to think
back to the home base of the apostolic
church when the first missionaries were
sent out. It had to be sound in faith to
have the vision and sense the need of
sending out missionaries to people ol
distant lands whom they had never seen
or known. It had to be sound in Chris-
tian experience to engage in fasting and
prayer so that they could discover the
Lord's will and hear the Spirit's voice.
It had to be sound in consecration to be
willing to sacrifice the two who were evi-
dently their best workers at home. It had
to be sound in Christian stewardship to
provide the means to support the men
whom they sent out, for one would not
expect the Antioch Church to send out
men and not to provide such travel needs
as the time required.
The church of today needs a sound
and strong home base if it is to carry out
the Great Commission in our time and
in accord with the needs of our genera-
tion. Just as much as in apostolic days
we need a home base that is sound and
strong in faith, in vision and prayer, in
consecration and sacrifice, in Christian
stewardship.
The church needs to recognize then
that building a sound and strong home
base is as much a part of carrying out
the Great Commission as is the sending
out of missionaries. The ministers and
Sunday-school teachers in the home
churches, the parents in the home base
who bring up their children in the fear
of the Lord, the persons who exercise
themselves in the grace of Christian
stewardship are also missionaries. Yes,
we need a sound home base in order to
be a missionary church.— H.
The Revelation of Jesus Christ
By J. L. Stauffer
(Fifth Parenthesis or Inset Between the
Seventh Seal and Personal Advent of
Christ continued)
32. The Overthrow of Mystery Babylon
and Associated Events. Rexi. 18.
In verses 1-3 we have a more detailed
description of Mystery Babylon than is
found elsewhere. The corruptness of the
city is described as affecting the whole
earth. The city is said to be "the habita-
tion of devils" and of "every foul spirit
and a cage of every unclean and hateful
bird."
In verses 4, 5, the Lord's people are
asked to "come out of her" so that they
will not be partakers of her sins. God
does not destroy the righteous with the
wicked.
In verses 6-19 we have universal lam-
entation over the wicked city. "Strong
is the Lord God who judgeth her." From
17:16, 17 we learn that the destruction
comes about through human instrumen-
tality. The ten kings hate her and de-
stroy her. The destruction comes sud-
denly. Verse 8. Other kings of the earth
and merchants of the earth mourn over
the destruction of the city. Their trad-
ing center is gone. A list of twenty-eight
products are named in the trade list for
which there is now no sale. Not only the
merchants lament her destruction, but
the shipmasters and sailors are also af-
fected. The whole world system seems to
have largely centered in the commerce
of this wicked religious system with head-
quarters in this city that is now de-
stroyed.
There is another viewpoint. Heaven
and the apostles and prophets are exj
horted to rejoice. Vengeance belongs to
God, and He can use any instrumentality
He chooses in taking vengeance, except
that He does not use His children in this
age nor during the tribulation period.
On the other hand, God's children can
rejoice when God deals righteously and
justly with all forms of evil and wicked-
ness.
340
GOSPEL HERALD
April 13, 1954
A mighty angel demonstrates the com-
plete overthrow of Babylon by casting a
great stone into the sea.
The completeness of the overthrow is
shown by the fact that the voice of harp-
ers and musicians will be heard no more
in Mystery Babylon. The craftsman is
gone. There is no more grinding at the
mill; no more voices of the bridegroom
and the bride. Nothing remains but a
desolated city in which God finds the
blood of saints that have been slain upon
earth.
Just as the destruction of Jerusalem
was an accumulated vengeance upon that
generation for all the righteous blood
shed upon the earth from Abel down to
Zacharias (Matt. 23:34-36) which cul-
minated in the murder of the Messiah,
so here the blood of apostles and saints
that has been shed through the centuries
finds its culmination in the wickedness
of this wicked religious system and city.
Vengeance from God is therefore taken
upon the city through the ten kings. As
God used Nebuchadnezzar to punish
Judah, so later the kingdom of Babylon
under Belshazzar, who profaned holy
things, was overtaken and overthrown
by the Medo-Persian empire. Here God
uses the ten kings to overthrow Mystery
Babylon, and in turn they and their
armies rise against God and meet their
doom when the Son of God returns with
His heavenly army.
Some evidence is herewith submitted
to show that the woman of chapter 17 is
the same as the city of chapter 18. Some
commentators distinguish between the
system and the city, but evidence does
not sustain the distinction.
1. Mystery Babylon, the city, reigns
over the kings of the earth. 17:18.
2. The great city Babylon is named
likewise in 18:9, 10.
3. The judgment of Mystery Babylon
is mentioned in both chapters. 17:1; 18:8.
4. Gorgeous apparel is seen in both
chapters. 17:4, cf. 18:16.
5. Drunkenness is due to her influence.
17:2, cf. 18:3.
6. Kings of the earth have committed
fornication with this city. 17:2, cf. 18:3.
7. Guilt of the blood of saints is re-
ferred to in both chapters. 17:6, cf. 18:24.
8. Both burned with fire. 17:16, cf.
18:8.
9. Previous announcements refer only
to one city. 14:8, cf. 16:19.
Life's Uncrushable Flower
By Ruin Yoder
Patience is more Eragrani than the
most gorgeous or the purest while lily.
Its petals never become faded <>r with-
ered. Its fruit is constantly in season,
always sweet, and not unfit lor sale. 1 he
fruit of patience is manifested in clus-
ters of love to others.
Patience can be compared to a cactus
plant. It grows very slowly and needs
care and sunshine before a bud appears.
The bud first makes its appearance.
Then it unfolds, but oh, so slowly! At
last we behold a beautiful blossom. Just
so little by little we learn patience aiong
life's pathway. But, oh, sometimes we
are alarmed at the cost of patience. It
is as the poet said, "The bud may have
a bitter taste, but sweet will be the
flower."
Patience adds to one's personality. It
brings peace and tranquillity to many
troubled hearts. Patience leads to suc-
cess in life.
We ask the question, How is patience
obtained? Is it only for a busy mother
or an aged bedridden saint? God's
Word has much to say about this gem of
truth. But constantly day by day as we
allow the Creator to melt and mold us
we attain to life's uncrushable flower.
Gays Creek, Ky.
Water from Many Wells
By Nora Oswald
/ will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my
soul shall be joyful in my God; for he
hath clothed me with the garments of
salvation, he hath covered me with the
robe of righteousness. Isa. 61:10.
One magazine photograph which re-
mains indelibly stamped on my mind
portrayed the temper of typical society
waiting for a traffic light to change at
a busy intersection. A camera has a way
of registering the emotions of people,
and it becomes all the more interesting
when persons photographed are unaware
of a camera in action. Posed emotions
are unnatural. Facial expressions do por-
tray inner emotional feelings and that is
why I enjoy watching crowds of shoppers
go by. Joy, sorrow, anxiety, concern, un-
concern, depression, aggression, jealousy,
love, vice, and virtue are all written per-
sonalities that are worn by faces.
A color camera as well as close visual
contact adds another personality ther-
mometer. Does color, quality of mate-
rial, and style of garment reflect the
character of the wearer? I think it does,
and yet, sometimes the most demure per-
son surprises me with a flashy scan or
garment I never expected to see. Colors
have always fascinated me.
When I see a man. a woman, a gil l, or
a boy walk into church wearing a soft
BTa) 01 .1 conventional black suit. 1 BSk
myself, Is he or she portraying a quiet
and meek spirit beloie God?
Is a voung man in a trim blue suil U lie
blue? Does he belong to the royal line-
age ol Christ? Can he be counted on for
valor, loyalty, righteousness, and devo
lion in the kingdom?
Then there's the girl in a red dress 01
coai. lias the blood of [esus touched her
life and cleansed it from all iniquity?
Green means everlasting. Do persons
weai ing green have lite etei nal-
It Happened —
FIFTY YEARS AGO
(From Herald of Truth, March 31, 1904,
Steiner—Whitmer. - On March 19,
1904, at the home of the bride's parents,
near North Lima, O., by Bish. John
Burkholder, Bro. A. J. Steiner of Bluff-
ton, O., to Sister Martha Whitmer of
North Lima, O.
(From Herald of Truth, April 7, 1904)
According to latest statistics there are
today 2,400,000 Sunday-school teachers
in the world, with 25,810,000 Sunday-
school scholars who come to them for
instruction: about one half of this num-
ber are in the United States.
(From Herald of Truth, April 14. 1904)
The Spring Term of the school for-
merly known as the Elkhart Institute,
now the Goshen College, opened March
28, 1904, with an enrollment of 85 stu-
dents.
Then there are brides in white walk-
ing up the aisle. Are hearts as pure and
spotless as the gowns? Are they reflect-
ing glory of God?
When in question as to what accesso-
ries to wear, remember that a smile is al-
ways becoming.
Hesston, Kans.
God's Way Is Best
God's ways are not our ways,
For should I be my guide through life
I wouldn't in the dark, black scenes
Of sorrow roam.
I wouldn't cross the raging foam.
Of course,
I'd help the poor with gifts,
And for the missionaries pray.
And that, I think, would be enough —
If I were guide of all my way.
But now I find the Guide within
Compels a deep compassion for the lost:
A deep compassion which cannot
With gifts and prayers be satisfied.
This Guide says: "Serve whate'er the cost.'
He not only leads to fields of service
Rut gives the power to serve.
And adds His richest blessings
Such as wisdom, joy, and peace.
Praise God! His ways are not our ways.
His ways are best!
— Contributed
I believe that a Christian has to lhf
in the state as a stranger.
—Felix v an der Wissel
April 13, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
341
The Rock-Hewn Sepulcher in the Garden
Fifteen Minutes in Bible Lands
By Arris Charles Haddad
The great center of interest to the
thousands of Christian pilgrims and
tourists, who from all parts of Christen-
dom annually wend their way to Jeru-
salem, is undoubtedly the Church of the
Holy Sepulcher. But a fact which has
perplexed most people is that the tradi-
tional site of Calvary is inside the Old
City, whereas it says plainly in Heb. 13:
12 that Jesus "suffered without the gate,"
and in John 19:20 that the "place where
Jesus was crucified was nigh," therefore
obviously not inside it. The famous
hymn, "There is a green hill far away,
without a city wall," naturally cannot be
accepted as evidence, although men
quote this hymn more than they quote
the Scripture, possibly because they sang
this hymn so often in childhood. Tour-
ists come to Jerusalem looking for the
"green hill," and perhaps are disappoint-
ed to be shown the Calvary Chapel in the
Church of the Holy Sepulcher. All we
can be sure of is that the crucifixion was
in a prominent place, as in Matt. 27:55
we read that "many women stood be-
holding from afar." As Calvary was
"nigh to the city," it must have been to
its north.
That the north wall of Jerusalem in
the days of Jesus went through the mid-
dle of the present city fits in with the
facts we know. Let us go into the Cita-
del, that gray stone pile known as Da-
vid's Tower, just outside the Jaffa Gate,
and have a look at the excavations in the
center of the courtyard. We will see
there plainly enough the wall of the New
Testament days. We will notice that it
does not follow the line of the present
wall, but it turns a corner at that point,
and its wide curve points eastward to-
ward David Street. Without any doubt
it ran along the side of David Street,
which was the moat outside it, and went
straight across to the Temple Area. If we
climb upon the steep lane which is the
first on the right along David Street and
stand up there overlooking it, we will be
right on the line of the old wall. We can
see from there, too, the dome covering
the Holy Sepulcher and the dome of the
Rock where the Temple was. Calvary
was apparently a little mound on a rise
of ground just outside the wall here and
plainly visible from the Temple, where
the priests could see Jesus on the cross,
and mock Him, as we are told they did.
# * *
If the genuineness of the traditional
site of the Holy Sepulcher be given up,
where shall we locate the "Scene of the
Crucifixion"?
Step aside with me out of the glare of
the asphalt road and houses of Jeru-
salem, and together let us take refresh-
ment in a place where the general
thought of mankind might not expect to
find it, in a garden beside a rock-hewn
tomb!
# # #
A little way along the road to She-
chem, north of the Old City of Jerusalem,
there is an old tomb in a cliff-face known
as the Garden Tomb. It has a garden
laid out before it, and near by is a Mos-
lem cemetery on a hill, which is known
as the "Skull Hill." It is claimed by some
people to be the site of the Crucifixion
and Resurrection of Jesus.
It is a welcome change from the ornate
Holy Sepulcher to see this bare rocky
tomb in a carefully laid out garden with
a skull-like formation on a "green hill"
near by. It is a pleasant spot outside the
city, and it is interesting to see what a
"tomb in a garden" looked like.
The garden is a very quiet and beauti-
ful spot, and lying as it does at the foot
of a tomb-covered green hill "just outside
the walls," which at least is no less likely
to be Golgotha than its chapel-encum-
bered rival, it is a congenial spot for
quiet contemplation.
It seems a cool and lovely haven in
which to think about the events of our
Lord's last few hours. People frequent
this spot and love to meditate here, be-
cause its ancient burial place left in its
original condition helps them to realize
the scene of our Lord's burial and glori-
ous resurrection. Many sincere Protes-
tants reverence this spot as the real tomb,
and visit it, and sing hymns there at
dawn on Easter morning, a touching lit-
tle ceremony.
We entered this sacred place through
a blind alley. The warden conducts us
silently into a garden in which is sit-
uated the tomb. Back of the garden and
its tomb rises a precipitous hill, a cliff of
some fifty feet high rounded at the top
like a skull. We stroll through the
grounds, rejoicing in the well-chosen
flowers. The garden is planted in rota-
tion according to the seasons.
The evidence of the tomb seems very
convincing when one reads the Scripture
reference connected with the burial. This
tomb so strikingly meets all the condi-
tions afforded of the circumstances as to
supply every detail requisite to the the-
ory that this "may have been the Calvary
and here the garden of Joseph and the
tomb in which Christ lay."
The tomb is a chamber cut into the
solid rock about ten feet square and
seven feet high. The walls are straight
and evenly cut, and the ceiling and floors
are the same, all rock but smooth and
regular— a carefully executed work of art.
Close to the wall of rock, opposite the
entrance, there is a bed cut in the floor
about half a foot deep, sloping up the
sides and toward the end, just large
enough to receive a body. Beyond the
place where the foot would rest, there is
a slab of rock about a foot square left
standing up, as if it were a little table to
receive anything which might be placed
upon it. The bed is fenced in from the
rest of the room by a long slab of what
was once white stone, now discolored by
age and contact with the earth which had
rolled into the tomb. The tomb was
evidently that of a rich man, prepared
with all the carefulness and elegance
which such a person might choose to ex-
pend upon his last resting placel Such a
simple little rock-tomb; and yet perhaps
the most hallowed, the most wonderful
place on earth! The Garden Tomb
could fit the details of the Easter story!
# # #
"Jesus gave up the ghost." In the three
hours that followed, it was necessary that
the bodies of those left upon the cross
should be disposed of, because they were
not allowed to remain there on the Sab-
bath. Now let us observe who were the
persons engaged in the removal of the
body. It is said that "when the even was
come," there came a rich man who was
known as Joseph of Arimathaea. He was
a man of high position, as well as a rich
man. This man, before a disciple but
secretly for fear of the Jews, now assumes
courage; he boldly applies to Pilate and
demands the body for burial. Pilate,
having inquired whether He really were
dead, accedes to his request. Near the
place of crucifixion, Joseph had a burial
place; "a new tomb in which man had
never been laid." He gives up this new
tomb, takes down the body and prepares
it for honorable sepulture, as the Jews'
custom was to bury. Thus the Scripture
of Isaiah was marvelously fulfilled, "He
made his grave . . . with the rich in his
death."
Soon after, another person joins with
Joseph. It is Nicodemus. He brings
"myrrh and aloes, about a hundred
pound weight" and linen clothes. Alto-
gether everything being provided rever-
ently and full of love, these two good
men complete all that was needed to be
done. But it was in some haste, in order
to be within the three hours, that is, be-
fore sunset. It was, however, done, per-
fectly done, within the time, and then
these two good men rested from their
work, according to the commandment.
Thus was the body of Jesus laid to
rest. We sit over against the sepulcher,
there to meditate on Jesus, safely buried
in the rest of death. It was rest for all.
Rest for the Jews, for their malice was
over; rest for the good men, Joseph and
Nicodemus, for their work in the burial
was completed; rest for the women, for
they could do nothing now but sit there
quietly and watch. But above all, rest
for the Holy Jesus, after all His toil. Nev-
er was rest so won. It was rest from the
greatest work which man had ever been
permitted to accomplish, for it was the
rest after the work of atonement. That
342
GOSPEL HERALD
April i3, i954
work was accomplished when the Lord
said, "It is finished."
What a work was the bearing of the
cross, the bearing of the agony of the
cross, the endurance of the taunts and re-
vilings: the exceeding bitterness of that
cup of which He drank to the dregs and
which forced from Him the exclama-
tion, "My God, my God, why hast thou
forsaken me?"
And now there was a change indeed.
From the moment of death all was glory
and honor. A foretaste of this was given
in the exceeding reverence with which
His body was treated. Not only were
spices and precious ointments prepared
for it, but it was laid in a new tomb,
which a wealthy man had prepared for
himself.
But what an unimaginable triumph
awaited the spirit! He had promised the
dying malefactor that he should be with
Him in the unseen place. But was he
the only one who would grace His tri-
umph? No; every soul who had been
saved by His grace— all the patriarchs,
prophets, and martyrs who had by faith
seen His day— would be there. Such a
congregation as the universe had never
before seen, and will never again see till
the last day I And what proclaimed He
to them? That the warfare was accom-
plished, everlasting righteousness
brought in, death abolished, sin put
away, and the kingdom of heaven thrown
open to all believers.
# * *
The very sepulcher in which the sa-
cred body of our Lord was entombed
was in a garden. Let us consider this as
a divine allegory, as we may indeed con-
sider every fact of His most blessed life.
In this garden there is a sepulcher. In
the midst of life we are ever in death.
We are all of us as to our outward frames
mortal. At some time or other these visi-
ble forms, animated by our invisible but
undying spirits, will find a quiet resting
place in the sepulcher. There is not one
of us but can think of some who are dear
to us whose outward forms the tomb has
closed upon. For every one of us in the
garden of life there is a sepulcher.
But the sepulcher is in a garden, and
in that is our rejoicing hope. What is
the truth that ever forces itself upon our
attention every time we enter a garden?
Is it not the upspringing of new life that
is either going on or is being prepared
lor?
Today we have to contemplate the
thought of our Lord's sacred body lying
in the quiet tomb. But the springtide
Mowers may serve to remind us that the
tomb in which our Lord's body was lying
during the three solemn days was in a
garden— in a garden where llowers were
upspringing, where new life was bursl
ing forth. In that garden every bursting
bud and opening (lower and growing
plant was a type and symbol of the res-
urrection to a higher life that always
follows upon death. The theme of our
Easter meditation is this, that out ol
death life is ever springing, around ev-
ery sepulcher flowers of immortality are
ever blooming. There were Howers
brightening the earth around our Lord's
tomb. There are flowers upspringing
from the graves of our own beloved ones;
and these flowers can tell us their sweet
lessons of hope— can bid us think how
from the dying frames of our dear ones
there arose their immortal spirits which
entered upon the brighter life ot the
spiritual world, how to us death when it
comes will mean the entrance upon a
new life— upon a life which knows no
ending. May we ever be enabled to de-
rive hope from the thought that though
for each and all of us there will be a
sepulcher, yet that the sepulcher is ever
in a garden.
Old Gity, Jerusalem, Jordan.
He Lives Again
By Edna M. Mertz
He lives again! My precious Christ!
I feel Him near alway,
Though Satan and his hosts defy,
He keeps me day by day.
He lives again! My precious Christ!
From Him I'll ne'er depart,
No power on earth can e'er destroy
His peace within my heart.
Ft. Wayne, Ind.
The Death of Jesus Christ
By Stanley C. Shenk
Death for Christ was utter agony, both
in prospect and in actuality. In the Gar-
den He prayed three times in a bloody
sweat that He might be spared the or-
deal, and on the cross He uttered a cry
of indefinable anguish at being forsaken
by the Father. What was there about His
death that made it so terrible? Cruci-
fixion is a death by slow torture, it is
true, but yet other brave men have met
fates just as terrible with a smile and
never an outward cry. Was it the ele-
ment of mystery that haunts us as we
come to the last dark river? Was it tins
tration because of an incomplete task?
No, because there was no mystery to the
Eternal One, and His earthly task was
finished.
What then was there that filled His
soul with terror and caused Him to tra-
verse in agony the mortal abvss? First,
He who had been sinless, crystalline in
purity, and completely free from the
blighting effects of sin- He suddenly felt
Himself being saddled with the shame
ami guilt ol untold billions ol sins with
all the murders, blasphemies, adulteries,
and all the dark and foul deeds ot .ill
historv. He who knew no sin was made
sin for us. He who had been the blessed
ol the Father was made a curse. This
was the specter that caused Him in the
Garden to become "sore amazed and
very heavy." Then, second, His acquired
burden of sin separated Him from the
lellowship of the Father— the Father with
whom He had always had the most inti-
mate, unbroken relationship. Never was
a man so completely alone as Jesus on
the cross. Shrouded by darkness, sus-
pended between earth and heaven, de-
serted not merely by His disciples, but
abandoned by the Father Himself (who
cannot look upon sin in any form), Jesus
endured the utter loneliness of a total
spiritual vacuum. Not even prayer could
help Him then.
Yes, death was a uniquely terrible ex-
perience for the Son of God. He could
not die as a man or as a child of God,
for He was God. He was the Man-God.
and He had to blaze a spiritual trail
through the utter wilderness of sin.—
Youth Bible Studies, March. 1953.
Christ Our Sinbearer
By S. N. Leitner
In Isaiah 53 we are told how Christ
was to suffer and die and become the sin-
bearer of the world. In the New Testa-
ment we find but little space given to His
birth, important though it was. But
much is said about His death. When our
salvation is referred to it is always con-
nected with the death of Christ, or His
shed blood. So we find the eternal Son
of God became man and submitted to
death, even the death of the cross. The
cost to Jesus for our salvation was His
life.
At the beginning of Jesus' ministry we
have Him pointed out by the forerunner
John the Baptist and introduced in these
words, "Behold the Lamb of God, which
taketh away the sin of the world" (John
1:29).
In the Old Testament (Ex. 29:28-12)
we learn that the lamb was the animal
used in the daily sacrifices as an offering
for sins. Let us note also that the Old
Covenant was only temporary and could
not, though repeated day by day and
year by year, take away sins. It merely
cleansed fleshly and ceremonial defile-
ment and pointed both typically and
prophetically to the blood of Jesus Christ
as our sin-bearer, the Lamb slain from
the foundation of tire world. Christ was
offered only once as our sin-bearer. He
suffered once to bear the sins of many.
Heb. 9:28. He bore our sins in His own
body on the tree. I Pet. 2:24. He died for
us. Rom. j:8. He was made sin for us.
II Cor. 5:21. The blood of Jesus Christ
is the kej and center of God's great plan
ol redemption.
1 here is no other wax ot salvation ex-
cept or apart from the shed blood of
Christ. Without the shedding of blood
there is no remission. Heb. 9:22. There
is thcreloie absolutely nothing but the
blood ol Christ that ian take away our
sins. His precious blood was shed once
tor all, to put away sin and to cleanse
April i}, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
343
A Prayer for This Week
Our dear Father in heaven, how we
do thank Thee for eternal life and eter-
nal love I
Exercise our hearts and our whole be-
ings so that we can assimilate Thy love
to make us strong for Thee, and for
sharing it with others.
We praise Thee in this mid-spring sea-
son for showing us again Thy wonders
in the germinating seeds and the shoot-
ing blades of grass and vegetables.
Father, we claim Thy promise on the
sowing of the Seed, Thy Word. Wilt
Thou bless the sowers as they scatter the
Seed by radio, by evangelistic efforts, by
daily Christian witnessing.
Father, by Thy mighty power and
undergirded by our prayers, enable "The
Mennonite Hour" to broadcast the Seed
in many nations.
Give to Billy Graham fearlessness and
humility as he is used of Thee to reseed
England.
Open doors, we pray, to Russian-born
Ivan Magal, his brother Vasil, and Pas-
tor Grikman as they spend the summer
of 1955 in evangelism among the Slavic
peoples and as near to the iron curtain
as they dare to get. For these sowers of
the precious seed, we plead that Thou
wilt give a blessed consciousness of Thy
leading.
Make all of us also conscious of Thy
will for us, and forbid that we should
lag in our ministry of prayer for them
and their great tasks.— Mrs. Chester K.
Lehman.
and sanctify the sinner. Heb. 9:12-14.
Oh! how wonderful, the spotless Lamb
of God, without blemish, who knew no
sin, becomes sin for us!
He went all the way to the cross of
Calvary that you and I might live. "The
wages of sin is death; but the gift of God
is eternal life through Jesus Christ our
Lord." Our blessed Redeemer, the sin-
less Son of God, paid those wages for all
who accept Him through His death on
Calvary's cross. He became our substi-
tute, who love Him, obey Him, and ac-
cept His full and free salvation. He will
be the substitute to every sinner just as
soon as the sinner accepts Him, but not
before. We are made free from our sins
only by His death on Calvary, through
His shed blood. He has paid in full our
debt of sin, and now we can sing,
Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow.
Most people who accomplish God's
purpose for their lives do so while they
are living, but not so with Christ. Our
blessed Saviour fulfilled the purpose for
which He came into the world by His
death on the cross of Calvary. He was
born to die for the sins of the world.
May we now, in thought, go back to
when God's people of long ago were on
their wilderness journey and were bitten
by serpents. Their leader made a brazen
serpent, placed it on a pole, and uplifted
it before them. They were to look upon
it and be healed. "And as Moses lifted
up the serpent in the wilderness, even so
must the Son of man be lifted up-" And
we must look to the uplifted Christ on
Calvary's cross for the healing of our
sting of sin.
Our blessed Redeemer, the spotless
Lamb of God, God's beloved and only
Son, became our sin-bearer and paid our
debt of sin by His death on the cruel
cross of Calvary. As we behold Him
there on the cross, He utters those last
words, "Father, into thy hands I com-
mend my spirit," and gives up the ghost.
Then His work on earth is finished, He
has fulfilled the purpose for which He
came— to seek and to save those that were
lost. His soul was made an offering for
the sins of the world, for your sin and
mine. God forsook His Son as He tasted
death for all.
We may not know, we cannot tell
What pains He had to bear;
But we believe it was for us
He hung and suffered there.
His work on earth was finished as He
gave up the ghost. The veil of the Tem-
ple was rent in twain from the top to
the bottom by the mighty hand of God,
and the way is now open to the great
High Priest. This was the great hour for
which Christ had come into the world
to die for all, that all might live through
Him who forever lives.
Oh, the mystery of His mercy,
Unguessed depths of matchless grace!
Christ became that which He hated
While God turned away His face.
Turned away from His beloved,
Hanging there upon the tree,
Strangely changed and strangely bearing,
All the sins of you and me.
Angels dared not look upon Him,
But averted stricken eyes,
Seeing not the Lord of glory,
But a bleeding sacrifice.
Through the circling endless ages
Such a sight has never been.
He, the spotless Lamb of heaven,
Christ the Lord becoming sin.
It is with joy that we look forward to
the glad Easter day. And well we may,
but let us not forget that there would be
no glad Easter day or glorious resurrec-
tion morning were it not for the fact of
Christ's death on Calvary's cross. The
cross should be our constant reminder of
God's great love wherein He gave His
own dear Son to die.
Prayer Requests —
(Requests for this column must be signed)
Lift the Don Rebers to the throne of
grace as they establish the fourth Hok-
kaido center at the rural village of
Hombetsu.
Pray for one who is reported to teach
against victorious living, giving, and
prayer meetings.
A mother of three children, whose hus-
band is attracted to worldly associates,
requests prayer that she may have pa-
tience, and that his eyes may be
opened to his need for love toward his
family.
Pray that the young men of our church
may not become absorbed in sports,
wasting their time and alienating their
interest from the Lord and the church.
Pray for a young man and a young wom-
an, keeping company, but not belong-
ing to the same church, that the Lord
may reveal His will, and move them
to do it.
"God forbid that I should glory, save
in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by
whom the world is crucified unto me,
and I unto the world" (Gal. 6:14).
Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my Lord;
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.
See, from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down;
Did e'er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown.
Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.
Birch Tree, Mo.
May we learn more and more that we
are poor, worthless things, and that only
as we are in constant contact with Him
who is mighty shall we shine, only as we
surrender to Him shall we be used for
His glory. He came to spend and be
spent for us, and when we have surren-
dered to Him, and He gives us His Spirit
and makes us like Himself, He takes
these poor bodies of ours and makes
them temples of the Holy Ghost, and in-
struments for the doing of His will.
Then, when He brings us safe through
the resurrection gate to the everlasting
glory, what an abundant life shall be
ours!— George Savage.
344
GOSPEL HERALD
April i), 1954
OUR SCHOOLS
"Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep"
A Chapel message given at E.M.C.
By J. Mark Stauffer
Daylight had reluctantly given way to
the dark. The weary sun sank slowly be-
neath a horizon of red and gold; in its
place, a lull-laced moon Irom the east
side directed bright shahs of silver light
through the remaining leaves of autumn.
Night had come and with it the time
for little children to say their prayers.
In a modest little home hard by the
forest, an affectionate, yet tired mother
knelt with her young son by the side of
a youth bed. This was not the first time
mother and son had prayed together, but
this night, as the open window admitted
a Hood of moonlight, the small room be-
came something of a sanctuary.
This young son, kneeling beside his
mother, was a typical boy (you know
little boys are all the same when they
pray). With his lace buried in his cupped
hands and his bare feet crossed, he was
ready to begin. As he prayed, he rubbed
his face in his hands and into the cover,
swung his little body back and forth,
and rubbed his feet continuously. But
he prayed, and this is what he said:
Now I lay me down to sleep,
1 pray the Lord my soul to keep;
If I should die before 1 wake,
1 pray the Lord my soul to take,
lor Jesus' sake, Amen.
With the conclusion of his prayer
came a quick toss of his head and a
spring which landed him in the center of
his bed. Here he would sleep tonight,
yes, sleep like a baby; his boyish inno-
cence would stand by him throughout
the night and bathe his little body in
refreshing sleep.
"Now 1 lay me down to sleep." I like
this first line. It speaks of something
with which all of us are familiar. In
fact we sleep about a third of our lives.
Without going too deeply into mathe-
matics, I can calculate that I have slept
over ten years of my life. This fact con-
cedes that sleep is vital to human life
and existence; it constitutes the main
thesis of my message.
From "The Ancient Mariner" by Cole-
ridee we snatch these two familiar lines:
O sleep! it is a gentle thing,
Beloved from pole to pole!
John Oxenham has this splendid bit
of advice:
Thank God for sleep,
And, when you cannot sleep,
Still thank Him that you live
To lie awake.
In Eccl. 5:12 the preacher records:
"The sleep of a labouring man is sweet,
whether he eat little or much: but the
abundance of the rich will not suffer
him to sleep." Again the wise man Sol-
omon, in Prov. 3:24, makes a beautiful
reference to sleep as it comes to one who
is truly (godly) educated: "When thou
liest down, thou shait not be afraid: yea,
thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall
be sweet." In the next chapter, Prov.
4:16, we read a contrasting verse as it
pertains to the sleep oi the wicked: "For
they sleep not, except they have done
nuschiel; and their sieep is taken away,
unless they cause some to fall."
These last two Scriptures point up
something of the phenomenal character
of sieep; in essence, this is what they say:
a certain class of people cannot sleep
unless they have lived intelligently and
godly while another class cannot sleep
unless they have carried forward some
project of mischief or have misled an-
other.
All men must sleep, and in many cases
the nature and conduct of their sleeping
experiences serve as a running com-
mentary on the character of their daily
lives. Turn with me to a side light in
the life of an Old Testament youth,
Jacob.
A young man walked a lonesome road.
He was a self-confessed fugithe. His
flight was twofold: he willingly fled the
wrath of an elder brother; he very un-
willingly broke home ties and separated
himseit from the overindulgent love of
a Hebrew mother. "And he lighted upon
a certain place, and tarried there all
night, because the sun was set; and he
took of the stones of that place, and put
them for his pillows, and lay down in
that place to sleep" (Gen. 28:11).
I have often wondered why this lonely
boy chose stones for his pillows; of all
the hard things in nature, stones, it
seems to me, would be the hardest unless
these Near East stones have nothing in
common with Virginia limestone. Phys-
ically, this fellow was exhausted; men-
tally and spiritually, he was wide awake.
I wonder if this boy prayed. I do not
wonder if he thought of his mother, the
raging wrath of his brother, ami the
memory of his aged father, dimmed in
vision and deceived by his son.
But he went to sleep; he dreamed; he
awoke. Dawn brought a new set oi
thoughts to this fugitive. Now he was
thinking of the Lord, the ladder, the
angels, and most of all. the promise.
"And Jacob awaked out of his sleep,
and he said, Surely the Lord is in this
place; and I knew it not. And he was
afraid, and said, How dreadful is this
place! this is none other but the house
of God, and this is the gate of heaven"
(Gen. 28: 10. 17).
From Jacob we turn to a lesser known
Old Testament character, Darius, king
of the Metlcs. Daniel had accurate!)
read the handwriting on the wall; Bel-
shazzar was slain and a new heathen king
was now in power. Daniel, as chief of
the kingdom presidents, was the victim
of en\y and intrigue. Knowing full well
the king's decree, Daniel carried forward
his prayer life as before. The enemies
of Daniel report to the king, and here
my story begins: "Then the king, when
he heard these words, was sore displeased
with himself, and set his heart on Dan-
iel to deliver him: and he laboured till
the going down of the sun to deliver
him" (Dan. 6:14).
But the law of the Medes and Persians
could not be changed. Against his com-
plete will, Darius was forced to carry out
the law, and Daniel went to the lions'
den. "Then the king went to his palace,
and passed the night fasting: neither
were instruments of musick brought be-
fore him: and his sleep went from him"
(Dan. 6:18).
This incident of sleeplessness from the
life of a heathen king is cited here to
point up a principle which frequently
operates in a Christian's life. A brief
analysis of this story tells us that Darius
had gotten himself into a mess through
a lack of vigilance to the evil about him.
He became its prey and suffered appro-
priately for it.
We turn next for a glimpse into the
life of one of the Lord's preachers.
Brother Jonah. Here is a very human
man— one we should all be able to love
because he was so much like ourselves.
In response to the Lord's order: "Arise,
go to Nineveh, . . ." we read in chap-
ter one, verse three, "But Jonah rose
up to Hee unto Tarshish from the pres-
ence of the Lord . . . . " From here on,
a series of tense situations follow in rap-
id succession. He paid the fare; he went
down into the boat; the mighty tempest
came; the mariners were afraid; they
cried to their gods: they cast of their
wares into the sea to lighten the boat. In
contrast to this we read in verse five:
"But Jonah was gone down into the sides
of the ship; and he lay, and was fast
asleep." This was a poor time to be
sleeping. How startled Jonah must have
appeared when the shipmaster grabbed
him by the collar, shook him, and shout-
ed into his ear, "W hat meanest thou. O
sleeper? arise, call upon thy God, if sc
be that God will think upon us, that we
perish not" (v. 6).
Poor old Jonah, down in the bottom
of that tempest-tossed boat! I wonder il
he had prayed— prayed for Nineveh 01
for the folks back home. Maybe he just
said his prayer— the prayer the little boy
said:
Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray the Lord my soul to keep;
If I should die before I wake.
I pray the Lord my soul to take.
Look with me now into the hull of an
other ship on a stormv sea. The vesse
was being covered with the waves, ant
seasoned, veteran sailors were filled wit!
fear. In desperation, they come to theii
sleeping Master; they wake Him anc
urge, "Lord, save us: we perish" (Matt
April 13, 1954
8:25). I wish I could have seen Christ
sleeping there in the boat. He was tired
from toil; He always worked hard, long,
and faithfully. Without a doubt, His
innocent face had all the character of
love and relaxation. Here was a face
which the twentieth-century disciples of
Christ need to see. Permit me to record
at this point, a brief, personal prayer:
"Lord, in the strain and stress of our
time, grant me the ability to sleep as a
laboring man with a face full of love and
relaxation."
Go with me now as we follow a band
of twelve tired men into a beautiful
garden. One of the rarest, most sacred
scenes in history is about to transpire.
Eight men sink wearily to the soft, wood-
ed carpet beneath; the other four move
farther into the garden. The Master
consigns Peter, James, and John to a
place of rest, telling them to tarry and
watch with Him. He moves bravely into
a clearing to pray alone. But Peter,
James, and John do not watch and pray
for long; they fall asleep, not once but
twice. It would be easy to condemn these
three disciples for their lethargy and
infidelity— for sleeping when they should
have been wide awake. But who am I
to reflect so unsympathetically— I who,
at times, fall asleep when praying, even
though I share so lightly in the fatigue
and sorrow of these strong men?
Yes, Peter was a member of this fail-
ing trio in the garden, but his action
there was not his future record. In the
apostolic church, he remained a strong,
stable, spiritual leader. Note his record
in Acts 12. Herod had killed James and
it pleased the Jews. Peter was listed as
victim No. 2. We read: "Peter therefore
was kept in prison .... And when Herod
would have brought him forth, the same
night Peter was sleeping between two
soldiers, bound with two chains: and the
keeper before the door kept the prison"
(Acts 12:5, 6).
Do you understand? Peter was sleep-
ing in prison between two soldiers the
night before his planned execution. Im-
agine the fearlessness, the fortitude, the
tranquillity, and resignation which he
enjoyed. On the eve of death his body,
mind, and spirit were so committed and
quiet that he could sleep. Here was a
man who knew something of the cost
of discipleship.
From here on, let us chat together in
the spirit of a large Christian family.
Tonight, we will sleep again— that is,
unless death or a great trumpet call from
the sky changes our daily routine and
expectations. You will go to your bed
and I to mine. But before we yield to
sleep, I hope we will pause to pray.
What are you going to say when you
kneel to talk to God? I presume that
most of us have given up the little boy's
prayer, but what is taking its place? Sure-
lv vou have heard of the revision of the
child's prayer. Instead of the reference
to death in the third line, we now say:
When in the morn:ne light I wake,
Help me the path of love to take.
GOSPEL HERALD
Now, as a Christian, you must be ready
to die when you retire, but maybe it is
more needful and significant to find that
daily path of love than to pray for your
soul.
I am wholeheartedly interested in this
way of love. I want every campus walk,
every hallway, and the threshhold of
every room in the campus buildings to be
a path of love. I desire that every verbal
avenue between members of the faculty,
between students, and between faculty
and students be a waV of love. I pray
that every service, every class, every so-
cial, and every game may be hallowed by
the spirit of love.
If you and I can bring these happy
fruits of Christian love to appear on our
345
college campus, then our great God, with
His kingly Son and the indwelling Holy
Spirit, shall stand in ready, approving
testimony as to the manner in which His
children shall live on earth.
The closing lines of "Thanatopsis" by
William Cullen Bryant become my clos-
ing lines:
So live, that when thy summons comes to join
The innumerable caravan, which moves
To that mysterious realm, where each shall take
His chamber in the silent halls of death,
Thou go not, like the quarry-slave at night,
Scourged to his dungeon, but, sustained and
soothed
By an unfaltering trust, approach thy grave
Like one who wraps the drapery of his couch
About him, and lies down to pleasant dreams.
Harrisonburg, Va.
TEACHING THE WORD
Remember the First Aim
By Mrs. C. J. Hallman
Years have passed since I attended an
auction sale among the farmer folk, yet
how well do I recall the oft-repeated
phrase of the auctioneer, as holding aloft
some object, he called, "How much am I
bid for this? Start it for us, someone.
How much am I bid?"
Life is like an auction sale with the
world and Christ as opposing bidders,
each bidding according to the value
placed upon young lives. What is a boy
or a girl worth anyhow? The pen of an
unknown poet has given us this:
Nobody knows what a boy is worth,
A boy at his work or play,
A boy who whistles around the place,
Or lauglis in an artless way.
Nobody knows what a boy is worth,
And the world must wait and see;
For every man in an honored place
Is a boy that used to be.
We prefer Leist's parody on these lines:
Yes, Someone knows what a boy is
worth-
Barefoot, with sunlit hair;
Yes, Someone knows what a girl is worth,
A girl with her smiles so fair.
Yes, the Master knows, and has made
them ours,
To love, to train, and to win;
Each one is a gem for the Saviour's
crown,
A star in His diadem.
How about your Sunday school? Is it
so fully alert to the eternal value of the
boys and girls that its bids will be higher
than those of the world?
Since the Sunday school is not for the
juniors alone but for all members of the
family, a school that teaches the Word
of God becomes a strong factor in hold-
ing a home together. It is one of the
things we can do as a family. "The fam-
ily that prays together stays together," is
more than a pretty phrase.
God Loves Children
God has always loved boys and girls.
Come with me to the hills of Bethlehem
and there see a little lad making sweet
music and dreaming the "long dreams"
of boyhood— David- whose life was the
object of God's tender love. Go to Egypt
and there see the little babe in the bas-
ket-cradle, cared for by his heavenly Fa-
ther. Visit the fields of Judea and catch a
glimpse of the Master with children clus-
tered about His knees. When we work
with boys and girls we are pleasing Him
who loves them.
The Bible is full of examples of those
who heard the clear call of God while
yet young in years. If more of the chil-
dren had had the claims of Christ pressed
upon them in days just passed, perhaps
delinquency would not today be so ramp-
ant among them.
The child is the connecting link be-
tween the present and the future. All
that we wish preserved for the future
must be given to the child. The Bible
and its teachings about God must be
given to each generation. For even a
portion of the world to continue Chris-
tian, that portion must be won to Christ
every thirty years.
Lots of Activity
Today, observation convinces us that
a revival of activity is now on in the Sun-
day schools of our land. And, no longer
is the Sunday school a disorganized
movement but it is organized, and
manned by trained and skillful workers.
As a result, there is a marked increase in
Sunday-school attendance and interest.
Now, in the midst of our enthusiasm
which is resulting in increased classes
and more teachers, let us endeavor to
(Continued on page 356)
346
GOSPEL HERALD
April 13, 1954
FAMILY
Father Has Gone Home
Amid the sorrow of our hearts
Spring wells of gratitude,
For rich the blessings to us shown
And sweet the fellowship of home
And joys unnumbered have been known
Ere came the parting day.
And so we worship God above
Who doeth all things well,
And cast on Him our grief and care
And find sufficient grace to bear
Our loss, which seemed beyond compare
When God called Father home.
—Ruby Reno, Daughter of E. J. Ber-
key.
Grandfather
Cast me not off in the time of old age;
forsake me not when my strength faileth.
Now also when I am old and grayheaded,
O God, forsake me not.— Psalm 1:9, 18a.
He sat on the porch most of the day,
this grandfather I knew. Cars whizzed by
and few passed without his notice. Oc-
casionally someone waved to him and his
face lighted up with a smile as he waved
back with his cane. Much of the time he
walked without his cane, but he said he
needed its companionship for "its many
possible uses." I often saw it tapped
against the banister of the porch in tune
with his thoughts. Usually the tapping
was with a slow even motion, but there
were times when the tempo changed and
the banister received vehement whacks.
One would surmise that some very un-
pleasant experiences had come to mind.
However, those times were rare, and I
like to remember him as the pleasant old-
er grandfather who kept his interest in
the happenings around him and a kind
word for all who came near him.
This grandfather lived with his daugh-
ter, her husband, and their three sons.
It was a joy to observe the happy family
life which existed in the home and notice
that Grandfather was kept well within
the inner circle. He was a welcome part
of the group and there had developed a
fine grandfather-grandson relationship.
This was evidenced in many ways. I
want to tell you about just three of the
little incidents which happened the sum
mer I lived near this family and which
continue to remain pleasant memories.
• • #
One evening at dusk Grandfather
dropped a coin off the porch and ii
rolled down amidst the shrubbery. Tom-
my, age nine, came out on the pouch and
noticed his grandfather was hunting for
CIRCLE
something. Without a word, he ran back
into the house and brought a flashlight.
The coin was soon found. This conver-
sation followed:
Grandfather: "Did you go in and get
that flashlight just for me?"
Tommy: "Well, of course I did."
Grandfather, as he put his arms around
his grandson: "You are a good boy and I
do appreciate your thoughtfulness."
* # #
Again, Grandfather was sitting on the
porch mending the baby's high chair.
This time seven-year-old Charles was
near. Grandfather had stopped working
and was just contemplating. Charles said,
"Do you need something, Grandfather?"
"Well, I do believe I could use my small
screw driver," replied the older man.
Quickly Charles left his play and brought
the screw driver. In answer to a smile
and a thank you, Charles said, "I like to
do things for you."
* # #
Another day, Grandfather went to the
grocery and upon returning handed the
boys some bubble gum. I heard one of
them say, "Thank you for remembering
us."
* * #
Sometimes those boys fussed and
scrapped with each other, as all boys do,
but toward their grandfather there was
only kindness and expressions of love.
One thing was sure. They had learned
to have respect and consideration for old-
er people through association with their
grandfather living in the home with
them.
One could wish the same might be said
for all grandchildren who have the privi-
lege of having their grandparents' com-
panionship. To feel needed and wanted
is a natural desire but often younger peo-
ple forget to be patient and loving to-
ward those whose minds continually turn
to bygone days and times when they, too.
were in "the thick of things."
It was good for me to live near that
grandfather and see them give the atten-
tion and loving understanding which is
rightly due all good grandparents. Truh
it can be said that "a little kindness goes
a long way with older people."— Lela W.
Mills, in The American Friend.
Problems Can Be Solved
Three boys in a home are bound to
create problems. Parents made wise by
a higher Wisdom, however, can cope
with any situation. Hob. four, was timid
and easygoing; Harry, six, was aggres-
sive and quick-tempered; Elmer, eight,
slow, deliberate, thoughtful. Just like
other boys, they quarreled, Fought, pout-
ed; but the parents permitted them as
much as possible to settle their own dif-
ferences, barring anything that might be
injurious. Sufficient toys were provided
to keep all of them busy at the same
time, although with certain ones they
must take their turns. When playing
with neighbor children, they were care-
fully watched. If they stood their ground,
that was good; if they became the aggres-
sors, they were called home.
To begin early in a child's life to teach
him to be kind, courteous, but firm in
the right, means that in time the satis-
faction that comes from such living will
be a motivating power rather than fear
and selfishness. Parental example in
love, justice, patience, played an impor-
tant part in making this family whole-
some, unified, affectionate, useful.— Carl
and Clara.
Beatitudes for a Housewife
Blessed is she whose daily tasks are a
labor of love. Her willing; hand and
happy heart translate duty into privilege.
Blessed is she who opens the door to
welcome both stranger and well-beloved
friend; for gracious hospitality is a test
of brotherly love.
Blessed is she who mends stockings
and toys and broken hearts; for her
understanding is a balm to humanity.
Blessed is she whom children love; for
the love of a child is more to be valued
than a fortune or fame.
Blessed is she who sings at her work;
for music lightens the heaviest load and
brightens the dullest chore.
Blessed is she who dusts awav doubt
and fear and sweeps out the cobwebs of
confusion; for her faith will triumph
over all adversity.
Blessed is she who serves laughter and
smiles with every meal; for her buoyancy
of spirit is an aid to mental and physical
digestion.
Blessed is she who preserves the sanc-
tity of the Christian home; for here is a
sacred trust that crowns her with dignitv .
—From The Christian Evangel.
EXPRESSIONS OF APPRECIATION
We surely have appreciated our Christian
friends and relatives who have helped us with
sifts and encouraged us. Now 6ince Kenneth
has gone to be with Jesus, you have comforted
us with sympathy, cards, fl.vwers. letters, and
gifts. We are also thanking you for your
prayers. May the Lord bless you for it. — Mr.
and Mrs. Kenneth Fisher.
* * *
We wish to express our sincere thanks and
appreciation to our many friends who so kindly
remembered our mother during her illness with
prayers, cards, gifts, flowers, visits, and to
those who came and sang for her in her home.
Since Mother has passed on, we wish to thank
our many friends for the sympathy cards sent
us. May the iroori lA>rd bless you is our wish
and prayer. — Mr. Samuel Yocum and family.
• * •
I wish to exress my sincere thanks and ap-
preciation for prayers offered in my behalf, for
every expression of love and thoughtfulness to
me and the family when I was in the hospital.
Flowers, cards, plants, fruit, etc.. from individ-
uals, church, and Sunday-school classes, together
with a successful operation and wonderful care,
have all contributed to peace of heart and physi-
cal healing For all these we thank God. — Mrs.
Jacob M. Carper, Mauhcim, Pa.
April 13, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
347
TO BE NEAR TO GOD
Easter Sunday, April 18
Read Luke 24:33. 34 — The Risen Christ.
The victory day has dawned. Our Lord
lives again. Praise God! We know He is
risen again because He imparts to us His
life. In Him and by Him and with Him
we walk in newness of life. The daystar
shines in our hearts. We go forth conquering
and to conquer. We are joined to the Con-
queror as the branch to the vine. "Thanks
be to God who leads us wherever we are,
on His own triumphant way and makes our
knowledge of Him to spread throughout the
world like a lovely perfume" (II Cor. 2:14).
"Let every thing that hath breath praise the
Lord. Praise ye the Lord."
Monday, April 19
Read John 2:5 — "Whatsoever he scrith . . . do."
When God shows us anything in our lives
that is not right We dare not reason around
it, or explain it away, or vindicate ourselves.
"Leave there thy gift before the altar." True
worship ceases when we refuse to obey. Go
and do as Jesus says; then come and God
will bless you with His peace.
Obeying Jesus is the way to obtain power.
God gives the Holy Spirit of power to them
that obey Him. In I Chron. 28:8 we are
commanded to "keep and seek for all the
commandments of the Lord your God." Let
us seek earnestly to know His will that we
might do all that pleases Him.
Tuesday, April 20
Read Eph. 5:1, 2— "Walk in love."
Happiness and blessing is the natural re-
sult of obedience to any of God's command-
ments. But to walk in love is to know spe-
cial felicity because it is to experience the
truth and reality of God Himself. Love is
the essence of the Christian religion, and the
distinguishing virtue of the Christian. To
profess Christianity and be guilty of back-
biting and evil speaking is a contradiction.
Love knows no malice, thinks no evil.
Would you know the joy of the Lord?
Let the God of love reign in your hearts.
He will kill the root of bitterness and restore
order in all your being. Then will you be
able to walk in love. Every day will be a
day of peace and joy in the Lord.
Wednesday, April 21
Read Eph. 6:18 — "Praying always."
Does this seem like a difficult command-
ment? If God is not real and prayer is not
a delight, I am sure it would be irksome to
obey. The flesh would soon give up. But it
is natural for the Spirit-filled Christian to
pray. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of prayer.
Always in every season He will direct the
yielded heart to God. In every kind of prayer
the Holy Spirit will pray through the
cleansed and yielded human vessel the prayer
that will be acceptable to God. Can we ever
praise God enough for His blessed Spirit
who keeps us watchful unto prayer as we
trust Him? The strain of obedience is re-
moved. God commands and He supplies the
power to obey. Wondrous grace!
Thursday, April 22
Read Col. 4:6 — "Let your speech be alway."
Jesus attached great importance to our
words. By our words we shall be justified
and by our words we shall be condemned,
because the words reveal the heart. His
hearers marveled at the gracious words of
Jesus. Like Him our conversation should be
with grace, our very words an evidence of
the Spirit's presence in our hearts. All that
would grieve the loving Spirit of God we
refuse. Levity, evil communications, idle,
gloomy, gossipy words grieve Him. As we
abide in Jesus He will give us speech that is
serious, cheerful, kind, and discreet. Our
words will have the freshness, and wisdom,
and inspiration of the Spirit.
Friday, April 23
Read II Pet. 1:5-8— "Giving all diligence, add . . . ."
Some are content to have as little of God
as will keep their souls from everlasting
destruction. How much is missed by not
giving all diligence! God promises to be
found by them who seek Him with all their
Sunday School Lesson for April 25
(I Kings 11:1—12:24)
To get the background of the kingdom be-
gin with Genesis, pupils using their Bibles.
Genesis means what? See that the world,
sin, and the Jewish people (chapter 12) be-
gan. See Abraham (about 2000 B.C.), Isaac,
Jacob, Joseph, Israel in Egypt (about 1450
B.C.). Use map.
Exodus? Bondage, exit on way to Canaan
(Moses, laws at Sinai, tabernacle).
Leviticus? Laws. Numbers? Numbering
and more history. Deuteronomy? Giving of
law again and history; Moses' death.
Joshua? Going into Canaan and driving
out enemies.
Judges? Conquering land under judges.
Samuel? Last judge and first prophet
(about 1100 B.C.). Saul as king. David as
king.
I Kings 1 — 10? Solomon king.
I Kings 11 to end of II Chronicles is the sto-
ry of the northern and southern kingdoms
and their captivities. This quarter we have
the story of the northern kingdom, the ten
tribes.
The chief concern in Bible history is the
religious life of the people. The Hebrew
people were selected to be the medium of
God's revelation to man. Here we get
hearts. Desultory prayer and haphazard
reading of the Word result in leanness of
soul. But the heart that hungers and thirsts
after God and His righteousness shall be
filled. No price is too great to pay to know
Jesus. "Then shall we know, if we follow
on to know the Lord" (Hosea 6:3). To the
diligent soul God promises: "The Lord shall
guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul
in drought, and make fat thy bones: and
thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like
a spring of water, whose waters fail not."
Saturday, April 24
Read Heb. 12:14 — "Follow . . . holiness."
The priceless privilege of seeing God here
by faith and face to face in glory is the re-
ward of all who follow holiness. Blessed in-
deed are the ones who obey this command!
It is a life of blessedness because Jesus is
our holiness. "Of him [God] are ye in Christ
Jesus who ... is made unto us . . . sanctifi-
cation." It is simply taking the life of Jesus,
giving ourselves up to God to be conformed
to the image of Jesus. We seek to please God,
to do His will, to be in utter dependence
upon Him, even as Jesus was. Submitting
our wills to God He can mold us and make
us according to His perfect will. All the
trials, the difficulties, and the sorrows of
life will be instruments in God's hands to
make us holy as He is holy. In communion
with Him we gaze upon His glory and "are
changed into the same image from glory to
glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord." —
Lenora M. Wenger.
acquainted with God. The history is, as al-
ways, the story of men (and women).
Let a pupil (prepared) report briefly on
Solomon to date of the lesson. Then read
together 11:1-8 to see how fame and wealth
led him into tragedy and ruin. The Lord
is greatly displeased. Verses 9-13. Why?
What were the causes of the disruption?
Verses 14-25. A pupil might report on the
two leaders of revolt, Hadad and Rezon.
Why did Jeroboam rise against Solomon?
We see God ruling over this history in that
He sends the prophet, Ahijah, to direct af-
fairs. With the use of visual symbols Ahijah
imparted God's word to Jeroboam. What
opportunity did God offer him? What prom-
ise? Also see the judgment tempered with
mercy.
The principles of success set forth in this
visual aid lesson are those that operated in
taking Solomon, once a very successful man,
from the throne. They are the principles that
operate in the success of any nation and in
any individual life.
God made man after His own image. He
knew then what would make man truly
happy. These laws He tells us in His word.
Solomon had enjoyed life when he walked
in God's ways. He had a good heritage and
a genuine faith in God. But he forsook God,
his chief sin. Think together — how many of
(Continued on page 356)
The Kingdom Is Divided
348
COSPEL HERALD
April 13, 1954
FIELD
Items to appear in this column for any issue of the
following Tuesday must reach Scottdale by Wednes-
day morning.
Nine applicants were received into church
fellowship by water baptism at the Allens-
ville, Pa., Church on April 4. Bro. Walter
Otto, Springs, Pa., preached the sermon for
the occasion.
Construction will begin soon on a new
church building for the Maple Grove congre-
gation, Belleville, Pa. It will be placed beside
the present building, which has been in use
about one hundred years.
Brethren A. J. Metzler, Ralph Hernley,
Paul Shank, J. M. Buzzard, and Ellrose Zook,
of the Mennonite Publishing House staff,
visited Eastern Mennonite College, Harrison-
burg, Va., last week in the interests of our
publishing work. They showed slides on
Thursday evening, April 1, and had charge of
chapel service Friday morning, April 2.
There were also interviews and group dis-
cussions with interested students.
Bro. John Landis and family, Hesston,
Kans,. recently moved to St. Johns, Mich.,
where he is to assume the pastorate of the
Bethel Church for a year while the present
pastor, Bro. Kore Zook, is on leave of absence.
The 212th quarterly Sunday school con-
ference was held at the Pennsylvania Church,
near Hesston, Kans., Sunday evening, April
4. The theme was "Stimulating Mission In-
Table of Contents
337 — Jesus Rose from the Dead
Easter Gifts (Poem)
338 — The Living Christ
Our Readers Say
339 — The Night After Calvary
A Sound Home Base
The Revelation of Jesus Christ
340 — Life's Uncrushable Flower
Water from Many Wolls
It Happened
God's Way Is Best (Poem)
341 — The Rock-Hewn Sopulcher in the Garden
342 — He Lives Again (Poom)
The Death of Jesus Christ
Christ Our Sinbearer
343 — A Prayer for This Week
Prayer Requests
344 — "Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep"
345 — Remember the First Aim
346 — Father Has Gone Home
Grandfather
Problems Can Bo Solved
Beatitudes for a Housewife
Expressions of Approciation
347 — To Be Near to God
Sunday School Lesson for April 25
348— Field Notos
Calendar
349 — Mission News
Your Treasurer Reports
350 — Hope Rescue Mission Dedicated
News from Puerto Rico
351_Why Serve?
"S-« Woak Ynu Need a Crutch"
352 — A Grain of Wheat
353 — Characteristics of a Missionary Church
The Menn-nite Hour
354— MRSC Werkly Notes
MCC Weekly Notes
Women's Activities
355 — From Our Churchos
357 — Carriages
Anniversaries
Births
Obituaries
358 — Items and Comments
360 — Your Publishing House
NOTES
terest and Activity." Guest speaker was Bro.
John Friesen, on furlough from the India
Mission, who also preached in the morning
service.
Bro. Nelfon Kauffman, Hannibal, Mo.,
baptized three brethren in Jefferson City,
Mo., prison on Monday forenoon, April 5.
Dedicaron services were held for the new
meetinghouse of the Maysville, Ohio, C. A.
Mennonite Church on April 4. Evangelistic
meetings were held in the week preceding
and through dedication Sunday by Bro. Val-
entine Headings, Hutchinson, Kans.
A two-weeks' Bible school is being held
at Germfask, Mich., Church, April 4-16, with
sessions afternoons and evenings. Instructors
are the brethren Harry Y. Shetler, Davids-
ville, Pa., and Joe Swartz, Rexton, Mich.
The Heart to Heart Program, originating
at Denbigh, Va., has added as its eleventh
radio station, Lewistown, Pa., (WMRF, 1490
on the dial), where it may be heard each
Tuesday morning at 11:45.
A Bible instruction meeting was held at
the church at Kinzers, Pa., Saturday evening,
April 10, and all day Sunday following, with
George Miller, Honduras, C.A., and Russel
Baer, Steelton, Pa., as speakers.
Brethren Harry Diener, Hutchinson, Kans.,
and J. G. Hartzler, Windom, Kans., were
guests at the Mt. Zion Church, Versailles,
Mo., Sunday evening, March 21, when Bro.
Diener spoke on "The Shadows of the Cross."
Bro. Lester I. Culp, agriculture instructor
of Hesston College, conducted a rural life
conference at Mt. Zion Church, Versailles,
Mo., April 10, 11.
The new church building at New Found
Creek, Teges, Ky., is progressing nicely. Any-
one wishing to contribute to this cause may
send donations to Milton Headings, West
Liberty, Ohio, or to Ezra Good, Teges, Ky.
Bro. O. N. Johns, Louisville, Ohio, con-
ducted studies in the Book of Revelation,
March 21-27, at the Neffsville, Pa., Church.
The Mennonite Revival Singers, Uniontown,
Ohio, gave a message in song at the same
place on Sunday afternoon, March 28.
Bro. D. A. Yoder, Elkhart, Ind., recently
underwent surgery at South Bend, Ind. At
last reports he was convalescing satisfactorily.
Bro. Milton Hershey, minister of the
Church of the Brethren, gave a talk on his
trip to Europe with heifers for relief, on
Sunday evening, April 11, at the Manheim,
Pa., Church.
Bro. Russel Musselman and a ladies'
chorus, from Souderton, Pa., had charge of
the morning and evening services at the
Centereach Mennonite Church, Centereach,
Long Island, March 28. This work is under
the sponsorship of Franconia Conterencc.
Teachers of juniors and intermediates who
have discovered or devised good Easter pro-
gram material are invited to share this with
others. Send in cither the source of your
material or a copy of what you have arranged.
Teachers a'e asking for such material for all
special occasions. Send your contributions to
Elizabeth Showalter, Editor of Junior-Inter-
mediate Publications, Scottdale. Pa.
Bro. Clyde Fulmer, pastor of the Martins-
burg, Pa., congregation, is helping out with
the ministerial work at the Mill Run Mission,
Altoona, Pa., since the former pastor there,
Bro. Chester Kanagy, has located at Rock-
ville, near Belleville, Pa.
One of the projects at Goshen College dur-
ing this present year has been the establish-
ment and furnishing of prayer rooms in
CofTman Hall and Kulp Hall. It is felt that
these will supply a distinct need on the Col-
lege campus. At a recent service Bro. S. C.
Yoder led in a dedicatory prayer for the use
of these rooms.
Evangelistic Meetings
Frank Enck, Willow Street, Pa., at Norris
Square, Philadelphia, Pa., April 18-25. Nel-
son Kauffman, Hannibal, Mo., at East Go-
shen, Ind., May 2-9. J. J. Hosteller, Peoria,
111., at Arthur, 111., beginning April 4. Ray-
mond Kramer, Meadville, Pa., at Bethel,
Biglerv ille, Pa., April 11-18. J. C. Wenger,
Goshen, Ind., at Middlebury, Ind., April 18-
25. Martin W. Lehman, Tampa, Fla., at
Freemanville Mission, Atmore, Ala., previ-
ous to Easter, using the Easter theme. Joseph
Martin, Mt. Wolf, Pa., at the Garber Church,
Menges Mills., Pa., April 18-25.
(Continued on page 356)
Calendar
Annual meeting Illinois Mission Board. Pleasant HUl.
East Peoria. 111.. April 22. 23. . .
Annual meeting Ohio Mennonite Mission Board. West
Clinton Mennonite Church, near Archbold. Ohio.
Aoril 23-25.
Semiannual meeting. Commission for Christian Edu-
cation, St. Jacobs, Ont., April 30, May 1.
Conference on Christian Community Relations. E.M.C..
Harrisonburg, Va., May 6-8.
Home Sunday, May 9.
Ohio Mennonite and Eastern A.M. Joint Conference.
Wa'nut Creek Church in Holmes Co.. Ohio, May
25-27. 1954.
Indiana-Michigan annual meetings at Howard-Miami
Church. Kokomo. Ind. Mission Board, June 1;
Conference June 2. 3.
North Central Mennonite Conference and associated
meetings. June 7-11 at Lake Region Church.
Detroit Lakes, Minn.
Annual meeting Mennonite Board of Missions and
Charities, Western Mennonite School, Salem.
Oreg., June 17-20.
1954 Schedule for Laurelville; Writers' Conference,
June 26 to July 2; Familv Week. July 3-9; Boys'
Camp (ages 9-13), July 10-16; Girl's Camp (ages
9-13), July 17-23; Junior High (ages 13-15). July
24-30; Junior High (aaos 13-15). Julv 31 to Aua. 6:
Young People's Institute. Aug. 7-13; MYT Work-
shop and Annual meeting. Aug. 14-20; Church
Music Conference. Aug. 21-27; Missionary Bible
Conference. Aug. 28 to Sept. 2.
Peace Sunday, July 4, 1954.
Illinois Juni-r C-mp, July 12-17, and Junior Hiah
Camo, July 19-24. Camp Emmaus. Mt. Morris. 111.
Annuel Ovio *'YF convention. Ohio M«nnonite Camp
Cround, fidron, Ohio, July 30 to Auq. I.
Annual meeting Southwestern Pa. Conference. Mar-
tinshurg, Pc. Aug. 1-4.
Illinois State MYF Retreat, New Salem State Park.
August 5-8.
Annual mooting Iowa-Nevraska Conference. West
Union, Pnrnell. Iowa. Auq. 10-13.
Annual meetinq South Central Con'erence, Assembly
of God campground, near Eldon, Mo., Aug. 17-20.
Annual meeting Illinois Conference. East Bend,
Fisher, 111.. Auq. 24-26.
Fall meetina, Comm'siion for Christian Education,
Iaurel^i'le Monnonite Camp. Laurelville. Pa.,
Sept. 27, 28.
Study Conforen-o of Child Ev-ngelism. Laurelville
Venn-nite Camp, Sept. 29, 30.
Fall meeting. General Council of Mennonite General
C-nference. Laurelville Mennonite Camp. Oct.
I. 2.
Annual meeting of the Mennonite Board of Education.
Kalona-Wellman, Iowa area; Oct. 14-16, 1954.
April 13, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
349
Go, Preach • | S S I O N S * GiVC V™Y
The General Board Headquarters lor Missions, Relief, and Service: 1711 Prairie Street. Elkhart, Indiana. Telephone, Elkhart 2-2786.
Mission News
Bro. Darwin O'Connell, pastor of the
Lima, Ohio, Mennonite Church, suffered an
acute attack of appendicitis on March 28
which required immediate surgery. Although
Bro. O'Connell's condition was quite serious,
he is recovering as well as could be expected.
The annual meeting of the Indiana-Mich-
igan Women's Missionary Sewing Circle
Organization will be held at the Union Au-
ditorium, Goshen College, Goshen, Ind., on
Saturday, April 24, with Bro. J. D. Graber,
Elkhart, Ind., as special speaker.
Bro. Paul M. Miller, Goshen, Ind., chair-
man of the Urban Evangelism Committee
of the General Mission Board, will conduct
pre-Easter services at the Mennonite Home
Mission, Chicago, 111., April 14-16. An Evan-
gelism workshop conducted by the Goshen
College Biblical Seminary preceded these
services, April 9-14.
The three deputation teams from the Men-
nonite Home Mission, Chicago, 111., who
gave programs in the Hopedale, Flanagan,
and Roanoke churches in central Illinois on
Missionary Day, March 21, reported back to
their home congregation at a vesper service
on Sunday afternoon, April 4.
Bro. Jonathan Yoder, missionary on fur-
lough from India, will speak to the Howard-
Miami congregation, Amboy, Ind., on Sun-
day morning, April 11. Bro. Yoder spoke at
the Tedrow Mennonite Church, Wauseon,
Ohio, on Sunday morning, March 28; at the
Central Mennonite Church, Archbold, Ohio,
in the evening of the same day; and at the
Clinton Frame Mennonite Church, Goshen,
Ind., on Sunday evening, April 4.
A Gospel Team from Hesston College,
Hesston, Kans., will give programs in Kansas,
Oklahoma, and Texas during the Easter va-
cation, April 9-21. The primary purpose of
the team is to conduct evangelistic meetings
in Spanish at Mathis, Texas. Bro. Ramon
Castillo, a Puerto Rican Bible student at Hess-
ton, will bring the messages in Spanish and
a ladies' trio will sing in Spanish. Sister Mary
Eleanor Bender of the Hesston faculty will
accompany the team.
Hesston College and Bible School, Hesston,
Kans., will conduct a missions emphasis
week, April 26-30.
The J. H. Koppenhaver family, upon ar-
rival in Argentina for their second term of
service, were guests of the Lawrence Brunks
in Pehuajo until their house in Bragado was
ready for occupancy. The Bible School, of
which Bro. Koppenhaver is director, will
open April 20. Latest reports indicate that
there will be from 10-12 full-time students.
"The Great Commission and Every Believ-
er" was the theme of the sixth annual con-
ference of the Mennonite Church of Puerto
Rico held at the Betania Church, Pulguillas,
March 12-14. Visiting speakers included Bro.
John Koppenhaver, missionary to Argentina,
and Bro. Israel Garcia, an evangelist for the
Latin American Mission of San Jose, Costa
Rica. Bro. Elvin Snyder was elected moder-
ator of next year's conference.
Bro. I. Mark Ross, Hesston, Kans., is con-
ducting revival meetings at the Canton,
Ohio, Mennonite Church, April 11-18. Pray
for these services.
Bro. Albert Enns, graduate Bible School
student who has served as missionary in the
Villegas, Argentina, district during the past
year, is at the present visiting the Mennonite
colonies in Paraguay. He will, however, con-
tinue serving in our Argentine work for sev-
eral months longer, probably in the town of
America, after which he will enter mission
work among the Paraguayan natives under
the auspices of one of the Paraguayan church
boards.
Seventy persons attend services in the new-
ly organized witness in Coamo, Puerto Rico.
Ten persons have accepted Christ and two
former Christians returned to the church
during the last two months. The house where
services are held is becoming too small to ac-
commodate the group.
Students from Toronto Bible College gave
the program for the Youth Fellowship at the
Warden Park Mennonite Church, Toronto,
Ont., on Friday evening, April 2.
Sister Emma Hess, medical head nurse of
the Mennonite Hospital and Sanitarium, La
Junta, Colo., has been appointed director of
nursing services for the new P'oneers Me-
morial Hospital, Rocky Ford, when it opens
this summer. The new hospital will operate
under the direction of the administrator at La
Junta.
An illustrated brochure telling how you
may become a nurse aide or orderly has re-
cently been released by the Mennonite Hos-
pital and Sanitarium, La Junta, Colo. A
copy of this brochure may be had by writing
to the hospital or to the Publicity Office,
Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities,
Elkhart, Ind.
Bro. B. Frank Byler, Trenque Lauquen,
Argentina, held special week-end meetings
in Carmen de Areco, March 19-21. Sisters
Edna Good and Marta Quiroga, workers
Nurses Needed
A registered nurse and a practical
nurse are needed at the Mennonite
Home for the Aged, Eureka, 111., by
May 1. A registered nurse or a prac-
tical nurse is needed at Froh Bros.
Homestead, Sturgis, Mich., soon. Write
D. J. Mishler, Mennonite Board of
Missions and Charities, Elkhart, Ind.,
or the superintendents of these institu-
tions, if interested.
Your Treasurer Reports
Brother Luke Birky has been contacting
various churches in the interest of the new
Puerto Rico Hospital. We appreciate very
much the response given to the appeal for
funds to be used for this hospital. Even
though there has been much interest shown
in this program, the total funds coming in
so far do not represent adequate contributions
to warrant proceeding with the hospital now.
Recent reports from Puerto Rico confirm
again the need for this hospital. The Govern-
ment Public Health Agency has again certi-
fied that the present building is not acceptable
and that a transfer must be made as soon as
possible. The staff working in the hospital
has been doing a very commendable job for
the facilities available to them, but we feel
certain that a much better health program
can be initiated when the new hospital is
available. We also believe that this will in-
crease the scope of our witness and service
throughout the Island.
Brethren C. L. Graber and William Der-
stine have represented the Board in sponsor-
ing a fund-raising campaign in Puerto Rico.
Reports from them indicate considerable in-
terest. Our campaign there is being pro-
moted on the basis of seeking financial
assistance from interested individuals and
organizations in Puerto Rico in addition to
the funds which we will contribute through
the church. This type of effort we believe
will stimulate interest in Puerto Rico and,
therefore, extend the border of our witness
program. However, it is important in this
type of venture to have the support of the
church to meet the church's share of the
financial responsibility. Therefore, I would
like to urge continued response to Brother
Birky's appeals for funds and to urge those
who can do so to send contributions for the
Puerto Rico Hospital.
H. Ernest Bennett, Treasurer
Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities
Elkhart, Indiana.
in Carmen, report a successful vacation Bible
School, also held during the month of March.
Correction: Mrs. Jonathan Yoder, mission-
ary on furlough from India, will be one of
the visiting speakers at the annual meeting
of the Illinois District Women's Missionary
Sewing Circle Organization instead of Mrs.
J. D. Graber as reported earlier.
The annual meeting of the Franconia Men-
nonite Board of Missions and Charities will
be held at the Souderton, Pa., Mennonite
Church on May 3, 4.
The local board of the Kansas City Men-
nonite Children's Home met at the Home
on Friday, April 2. Bro. H. Ernest Bennett,
Elkhart, Ind., met with the board.
(Continued on page 356)
350
GOSPEL H ERALD
April 13, 1954
Hope Rescue Mission Dedicated
A lighthouse standing on a rock in a tur-
bulent sea casting its rays in all directions to
warn unwary sailors serves as a symbol for
the Hope Rescue Mission, 532 S. Michigan
St., South Bend, Ind., which was dedicated
on Sunday afternoon, February 28.
The service began at the call of the chair-
man, Tobe E. Schmucker, Goshen, Ind., who
has been named superintendent of the mis-
sion by the Executive Committee of the Men-
nonite Poard of Missions and Charities, Elk-
hart, Ind., under whose sponsorship the mis-
sion work is being carried on.
The chorister, Merrill Swartley, Goshen,
Ind., led the congregation in singing "Come,
Thou Almighty King." Paul M. Miller,
moderator of the Indiana-Michigan Confer-
ence, then conducted the devotions, reading
of Christ's compassion on the lost in Matt.
9:35 and of Paul's desire to preach the Gos-
pel to all men in I Cor. 9:16-22, and leading
in prayer.
Bro. Schmucker then gave his testimony
about how he became interested in rescue
mission work by attending services at the
Pacific Garden Mission in Chicago, and how
the present effort in South Bend is the result
of many concerned Christians from different
localities praying and giving to get the work
started. He then called on Arnold Vander-
meulen, a rescue mission convert and super-
intendent from Grand Rapids, Mich., to give
his testimony. Bro. Vandermeulen empha-
sized the Rescue Mission message, "Jesus
Loves You."
Following his testimony, representatives
from the city spoke, the fire chief in behalf
of the mayor and the captain from the police
force in charge of crime prevention. The lat-
ter encouraged the workers to do such a good
job in rescue mission work that "we won't
have much to do." Nolan Irvin, president of
the Evangelical Ministerial Association for
South Bend and Mishawaka, also spoke a
few words of encouragement.
Leonard Hunt, superintendent of the
Wheeler Rescue Mission, Indianapolis,
brought the dedicatory message emphasizing
the theme, "Christ Is the Answer." He as-
serted that skid row is more of an attitude
than a location.
Immediately following the message, John
H. Mosemann, president of the Mennonite
Board of Missions and Charities, conducted
the service of dedication in which the con-
gregation participated. At least 450 persons
were present, filling every room on the main
floor and the basement and overflowing into
the street. Others never left their cars.
The chairman of the local board, Nathan
Reiff of Elkhart, then gave a report to the
assembly of what had been given for the
work and something of what would be need-
ed for the future. He also gave an explana-
tion of the program as planned for the im-
mediate future. The offering for the after-
noon amounted to $750.00.
Special music in the program was provided
by a ladies' trio from Bethel College, Misha-
waka, Ind., and a men's quartet from Go-
shen College, Goshen, Ind.
The Hope Rescue Mission is the result of
several years of planning, first by the Urban
Evangelism Committee of the General Mis-
sion Board and more recently by its Execu-
tive Committee and the local board.
In 1952 the Urban Evangelism Commit-
tee appointed a subcommittee to study rescue
mission work, composed of the brethren
Allen Ebersole, Tobe Schmucker, J. Ross
Goodall, and H. Ernest Bennett. This com-
mittee presented its report to the November,
1952, meeting of the Urban Evangelism Com-
mittee including in its report the reasons why
the church should expand this field of mis-
sion work through the General Mission
Board, the objectives for establishing rescue
missions, a recommended procedure to be
followed in establishing rescue missions, sug-
gested locations and personnel. The Urban
Evangelism Committee then recommended
South Bend as a possible location and Tobe
Schmucker as the person to plan for and
initiate a rescue mission.
The Executive Committee of the General
Board at its March, 1953, meeting approved
the recommendation for establishing a rescue
mission in South Bend and authorized the
secretary of the General Board to work with
Bro. Schmucker in planning a program. At
its November meeting the committee author-
ized the establishment of the mission and
appointed Bro. Schmucker superintendent.
Since that time the local board composed
of Nathan Reiff, S. J. Hostetler, and Edward
Weaver of Elkhart, Willis Hughes of North
Liberty, and Marner Miller of Goshen, Ind.,
has been giving direction to the program.
Services are being held each evening ex-
cept Monday and Thursday. Local congre-
gations in the area have accepted responsi-
bility for one night a month to provide the
program and a light meal following. Interest
among other evangelical groups in the area
of the mission has been a real help in getting
the work started.
Pray for the Hope Rescue Mission, and
those who carry on the work, and give as
God's Spirit directs you.
Publicity Office, Elkhart, Ind.
News from Puerto Rico
By Gladys Widmer
The Lord certainly has been blessing the
beginnings of the work in Coamo. Yesterday
another family — father, mother, and a 15-
year-old daughter — came to the Lord. The
daughter had attended the services and has
been asking for us to visit in her home.
Since the time is always short when one is
down there, I did not get to her home till
yesterday. Her mother had been a member
of the Pentecostal Church before she mar-
ried, after which she had no permission to go
to services like that any more. She said she
had a happy experience at that time and that
all these years she has not forgotten it. Her
husband has been spending all the money
he earns on drink, cigarettes, etc., and she
has been making the living. A few weeks
ago don Pedro, another one of the converts,
began talking to don Luis, her husband, and
got him interested in the church. So yester-
Hope Rescue Mission. 5:?2 S. Michigan, Smith Hend. Ind.,
afternoon of the dedication, Feb. 38, 1954.
011 the
Tobe Schmucker, superintendent, addressing audience at dedicatory
service on Sunday afternoon, Feb- 21.
April 13, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
351
day in talking with him he was ready to give
himself to the Lord. We trust he can now
have victory over his terrible habits. His
wife was very much interested in coming
back to the right way. If Christ is allowed
to reign, that home will experience a great
change, for his wife expressed how unhappy
she has been and how hard it was to live in
the home.
The group of believers in Coamo have been
wanting a prayer meeting for a number of
months. Suggestions were given but they
had no leadership there to have it on their
own. So a few weeks ago I was definitely led
to go down on Saturday afternoons and help
them with a meeting of this kind. Last Satur-
day night they received such a blessing. They
had planned the meeting in the home of don
Dolores, a convert whose wife still does not
believe. He said it would be good for her
to listen. Not only she listened, but the next
door neighbors became greatly interested.
After we finished our meeting at nine, the
neighbor said he would like to ask questions.
He wanted to know how one can approach
God in the way we did, without having to
go through a priest. Also how one could ask
for forgiveness of sins and not need to have
another person do it. We hope to contact
this new family this week end.
A meeting for the young people at Coamo
was also begun on Saturday evening. We
are glad for the interest and trust that it will
be of help to them. This age group seems
to be the most difficult to reach, for the temp-
tations are many. If a nucleus can once be
formed and be given worth-while things to
do instead of the things that present them-
selves in a place like this, perhaps more will
come to give their lives to the Lord. A
housing project where everyone lives together
has its own peculiar problems that we do not
face in a country place like Pulguillas.
Aibonito, Puerto Rico.
Why Serve?
By Betty Schwartzentruber
Do I serve to be saved? No! I'm saved to
serve! We could do nothing for our salvation.
We were purchased of love, and now we are
slaves of God. We are purchased in order to
be used in His kingdom. Are we willing to
run errands for God?
It is the love of Christ that constraineth us.
Souls are dying without Christ every day.
What are we doing about it? Since joining
Voluntary Service I have become greatly chal-
lenged and burdened for the lost about me.
To see children running about on the streets
having no loving Christian mother to lead
them has burdened my heart. What will be
their eternal destiny if we do not tell them
of the love of Jesus?
We can reach some of these boys and girls
through Sunday school and Bible classes. It
is thrilling to see the eager response of the
children to friendliness and Christian love.
As I walk down the street familiar voices are
heard, "Hi, Bible School Teacher, are you
coming to my house today?" "When are
we having Bible class?"
As I go to Bible class periodically, there is
always a group of eager faces waiting to sing
Gospel choruses and to hear a Bible story.
After a number of them had led in prayer
during this one class meeting, Sandra, who
had prayed first, asked, "Please, Miss Betty,
may I pray again?" So she earnestly prays for
her Bible class teacher which she apparently
had forgotten the first time. . . . Most of
them had gone home when Claudia came to
me shyly, "Teacher, how can I be saved? I
want Jesus to live in my heart. . . ." There
was six-year-old Lynn saying, "Please, Teach-
er, how do you pray? My mamma doesn't
know how, and I want to pray before I go to
bed."
Through the Bible classes there are many
opportunities for contacts in the homes; to
have Bible reading and prayer with the fami-
ly, explaining the plan of salvation to them.
Mrs. Howell is now a fine Christian wom-
an with a ringing testimony for her Lord.
A class of boys and girls at Saginaw. Mich.,
who are eager to hear about Jesus and His love
for them. Many of our city missions are in
urgent need for more girls to serve in the mis-
sion homes, help in Sunday-school and Bible
class work as well as the many other duties of
a mission station. Girls, are you sure that G^d
dnesn't want you in an active mission situation?
Workers in the missions can serve on a regular
staff basis or in Voluntary Service.
However, He had to put her upon a sickbed
for several months to make her realize the
importance of a completely surrendered life.
I went to visit her often, and on one par-
ticular occasion as I entered she exclaimed,
"Praise the Lord! He answered my prayer!"
She went on to tell me how she had written
a note the night before and had wanted to
send it to us expressing her desire that we
come to pray and fellowship with her. We
had a wonderful afternoon together in fellow-
ship. In her illness she has come to surrender
herself completely to her Lord, and her
consecration is a joy to see.
Working here in the Saginaw City Mission
has taught me to apply more fully the prin-
ciples of total discipleship to my life. It is a
challenging experience of living and working
together with consecrated Christian workers,
and giving whatever we have to the Lord
to use as He will.
God can teach us how to give to His cause
in many different ways if we only allow
Him to. As Christians we have no room to
reserve anything for ourselves. — via Office for
Relief and Service, Elkhart, Ind.
Christianity is a missionary faith. — J. D.
Graber.
"So Weak You Need a Crutch"
By Ella May Miller
My "bones roar within me night and day"
since the Evangelism Conference held at
Eastern Mennonite College on January 17.
Several men full of faith and of the Holy
Ghost spoke their heart convictions, chal-
lenging each one present to do something
about the lost souls of the world.
Especially did one brother, a powerful
worker for God, give facts that made me
blush with shame before an almighty and
merciful God. Among the data which he had
so laboriously gathered together was this fact
that in one of our conference districts it took
three members five years to win one soul!
Now don't any of you from any conference
district smile contentedly; his figures from
other districts weren't much different; in fact,
some were worse.
He sincerely bared his soul to the group
as he further pointed out that in many cities
we say the people won't respond, yet other
denominations enter and before too long
have brought hundreds to Christ and the
church.
"And it's not because we have a pure, nar-
row Gospel that people won't accept," he add-
ed. Then he pointed out that when once a
soul finds Jesus as his Saviour and is brought
from a life of sin to a new life in Christ, he
gladly accepts the principles of the Bible as
interpreted by our church and in many
cases is more faithful to them than we who
have been born and nurtured with them and
are unappreciative of their values.
On and on I could quote from this speaker
as he presented startling, truthful facts to us.
Perhaps the essence would be this: we should
be out winning souls into the kingdom of
God, for Christ has kept us for this dark hour
of the world.
Several days later through reading an
article in one of our church papers I ran
across a suggestion by one of our members
that the church should establish centers and
follow up the students in higher educative
circles. Immediately I was forced to think
of the young people in our foreign lands
whom we teach to go anywhere into the
wicked, ungodly schools, businesses, and
communities and remain true to their God
and the church, for their power is in a living,
ever-present Christ, and their faith is strength-
ened by the continual reading of His Word,
and their health is in winning others to
Jesus.
I ask myself: "What is wrong? Should
not each member, regardless of educational
stature, be a cell which grows and expands
to form a new unit or church, if you please,
in that particular community, school, or
city? Isn't it also an accepted truth that the
young man or woman who has mama tag-
ging along managing all his affairs no matter
where he or she goes, is warped and unable
to develop normally? Does he not establish
and strengthen himself when he provides the
initiative and brains for his task?"
In a recent book review the reviewer
stated that the author would probably as-
MISSIONS SECTION
352
GOSPEL HERALD
April 13, 1954
sociatc more with unbelievers than we would
care to. If that be true, God in heaven
have mercy! Do we need to isolate and
segregate ourselves to be able to be faithful
disciples of Jesus?
And that brings me to a revealing condition
presented by the first conference speaker
when he declared, "Most Mennonite peo-
ple are so weak they need a crutch." He
meant the stimulus of and dependence upon
several hundred of our own people about
us.
May I be so bold as to propose that if
each one of us 60,000 Mennonite would
throw away his "crutch" and become devoted
to a Way, a Truth, a Life, a Person — Jesus, —
many thousands of souls would be won to
Christ and the church in 1954? That would
necessitate catching a new vision of God and
of ourselves, waiting at "Jerusalem" until
His power consumes us, and then witnessing.
Not to the church, nor to certain practices,
nor to the peace testimony, nor to our deeds
of charity — all of which are good and right
and have their place — but to the saving power
and truth of Jesus, His joy, peace, and pres-
ence in our own individual lives. Christianity
is a life, not a mere creed or doctrine. The
source of that life is Jesus. Each one of us
as a Christian is commanded to help recon-
cile the lost world to God through His only
Son, Jesus Christ.
Dear brother and sister, do you know that
in New- York City alone there are eight mil-
lion people, 50 per cent Catholics and 33 per
cent Jewish, about 500,000 Protestants, and
only 177,000 are in Sunday school on an
average Sunday morning? Where are the
7,823,000? Do you have a responsibility
toward them?
How about the 25,000,000 under 23 years of
age in America who receive no religious in-
struction? How about the millions in other
lands who have never heard of Christ? Are
you responsible for these souls? Will their
blood fall upon you?
May our Lord God have mercy upon us!
He is love and so good, but His goodness
will not last forever; one day comes justice
and judgment and, "it is a fearful thing to
fall into the hands of the living God."
I am not a pessimist, but I do believe in
the truth of God's Word. Was not the story
of the children of Israel written to teach
us from their experiences so that we might
profit from them? Time after time when
they settled smugly into the wealth and com-
fort of the culture of their day to the exclusion
of those about, and forgetful that they were
placed there by God to reveal Him to the
heathen, they needed to be punished by suf-
fering. Contemporary history verifies this
eternal truth. Germany's and Russia's stories
curdle our blood! Dare we be so senseless as
not to learn?
Why does a mission need to operate over
50 years in cities such as Chicago or Phila-
delphia without establishing strong, self-sup-
porting congregations? Why have so few
souls been saved in our rural mission work?
MISSIONS SECTION
Why only several hundred in Argentina after
30 years of miss'on efforts? Why only 60,000
Mennonites in the United States and Canada?
I dare say that if we suffered only one year
of loss or failure in any one of our businesses
or on any of our farms we would investigate
the source and change methods and tactics.
And change quickly!
We must rework our program for God !
We must go deep with Him now! The an-
swer is not in more organizations and mis-
(Doreen Harms is from Whitewater,
Kans., and is an MCC worker in Bremen,
Germany.)
I was a grain of wheat growing in a Men-
nonite farmer's field. When the time came,
I was released from my straw encasement.
After jogging into town along with many
other similar grains of wheat, we were
dumped into a large mill. After the ex-
A four-day distribution in Leuberk. Germany,
of 25 tons of flour and 130 cartons of meat
contributed by American Mennonites. Here a
needy German receives a bag of flour.
cruciatingly painful process of being ground
into thousands of pieces of fine white flour,
we were sacked. I noticed some of my friends
going into unlabeled bags, but when my turn
came, I was put into a large 100-pound bag
with a huge red circle on which was printed
"Mennonite Central Committee." and inside
of it were clasped hands with a cross in the
background. I wondered what was happen-
ing.
I had not long to wait, for we were loaded
into freight cars and sent to a place in Akron,
Pa., where we were stored in a large ware-
house along with many, many other similar
sa;ks of flour. I was frankly disappointed,
for it was dark and uninteresting, and it
seemed as though my usefulness in life had
sion boards, but in an individual devotion
and love for God with a consuming desire
to live the Christ life, whether in the home,
factory, office, farm, schoolroom, hospital, or
business, or when traveling, and in obedience
to the power and direction of His Spirit.
Such living will spontaneously overflow into
the lives of all those whom we contact.
Will you ask God to help you accept this
challenge today?
Harrisonburg, Va.
ended. No one paid the slightest bit of atten-
tion to me, even though from time to time
I heard footsteps and saw other bales and
cartons being removed.
But one day a group of men came in and
loaded a huge semitrailer, also designated
with this clasped-hands insignia, and we
traveled the 150 miles to New York City.
I was blissfully happy, for who would have
imagined such excitement could happen to
an unimportant kernel of wheat. I could
not know of the wonderful things yet in store.
All of the sacks, including mine, were
loaded into a dark place from the truck. I
felt defeated again. I visualized weary weeks
of waiting, waiting. But suddenly I felt that
we were moving, even though we were still
in that dark, close place; I asked one of the
sacks next to mine: "Where are we and why
do I have such a strange dizzy sensation of
moving."
"Don't you know, friend," was the re-
sponse. "We are on our way to Europe as
gifts-in-kind from the Mennonites. We are
to be distributed to the many needy in Ger-
many." After about two weeks, we stopped
moving and were stacked into a warehouse.
Now I was actually in Europe. They told me
it was Bremen, Germany. As my eyes became
accustomed to the warehouse, I saw that the
Mennonites had sent many things to Ger-
many besides flour. I saw milk powder,
meat, vegetables, fruit, lard, and other foods.
A bit farther on were bales upon bales of
clothing and chests of shoes for the needy
people. I rejoiced to be a small part in this
whole. But I was fretful, for I wanted to be
up and doing. Some of the other sacks of
flour were taken and never returned again.
Undoubtedly they helped relieve someone's
need. But I always remained. Then one day
I heard the warehouse men say they were to
load 25 tons of fiour and 130 cartons of meat
for a place called Luebeck. I was excited;
maybe I would be fortunate this time. My
clations were indescribable as I felt them lift
me onto the truck. After four or five hours
the truck stopped in Luebeck. It was cold
and there was snow on the ground, but they
carried us into a huge auditorium. The
cartons of meat were left there, too.
The next day the door opened and 10
ladies and four or five men came in. Some of
the men brought in huge armloads of heavy
brown paper bags. Then the women weighed
out the flour in 10-pound portions and closed
up the bags. The men carefully placed these
A Grain of Wheat
By Doreen Harms
April 13, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
353
bags in neat pyramidical rows. A huge sign
with the words, "In the Name of Christ,"
and the clasped-hands insignia on either end
was hung from wall to wall, high in the
center of the room. It was eye-catching. It
isn't boasting when I say we made a beautiful
sight — 25 tons of flour and three tons of meat
— all stacked up neatly in rows with a huge
banner above us identifying us as gifts given
"In the Name of Christ."
Several days later the officials of the city
and country and two ladies from the Men-
nonite Central Committee arrived as well as
the ladies and men who had sacked up the
flour and who would help distribute. I
heard the officials describe the need of Lue-
beck to these Mennonite representatives.
Luebeck is on the East Zone border, being
^ separated from East Zone Mecklenburg by
only a strip of water and several miles of
land. That is why so many refugees came
there following World War II. The refugee
influx added 90,000 persons to a population
of 150,000.
Then the doors of the distribution opened
and the recipients came in. There were old
people, young people, and even children. I
remember one little boy of seven and his sister
of five who came for the family's gift because
the mother was ill. There was an amputee
with one leg who had come a long distance
on a bicycle — imagine — to get his flour and
meat. I noticed many people with tears in
their eyes. After they had received their flour,
they would look at the huge banner overhead,
: and as they said "thank you" to the MCC
representatives, their eyes were moist. A few
were choked and could not even speak. I
noticed the MCC workers talked to many of
:' the people and I listened.
"You are a Mennonite and from America?
Won't you tell all those good people there
how grateful we are that they love and care
- for us?" one old lady said as she pressed the
MCC worker's hand.
"I have six hungry children at home; you
"• can imagine the flour is very welcome," said
: a younger lady. I was surprised to see even
some of the older men have moist eyes as
they shook the MCC worker's hands and
; were told from where the flour came and
why it was given.
"I always thought no one cared for us any
' more . . . but now, well, maybe I was wrong
' anyway," said another elderly lady.
"I can use the flour, but the thought behind
it is most important to me."
"Such nice white flour! Won't it make
wonderful Torten (cakes) !"
" 'In the Name of Christ' — Oh, that is
::: why!"
"This is the first time I was invited to
come to a relief distribution. Thank your
people at home for me, please."
I heard many of the people telling about
• their flight and about how they had to start
:' life afresh as refugees in Luebeck. They
came from various places like East Prussia,
Silesia, Pomerania, Danzig, and West Prus-
sia.
There was constant activity. In the four
days of the distribution, there were more
•: than 3,100 family units who received flour
and meat. A family received 20 pounds of
■c flour and one can of meat; a single person
only 10 pounds and one meat can. I was
happy they left me until near the end as I
enjoyed watching the German workers^ as
they served the many people with the gifts.
They were very understanding and sympa-
thetic. I thought they exemplified the motto
which hung above their heads.
The last day I, too, was picked up and
handed across the counter to an elderly cou-
ple. The man strapped me into his knapsack
which he carried on his back. They went to
the MCC workers and asked them to convey
their thanks to the people in America. They
said they were very poor; they had come
from Fast Prussia as refugees in 1945. "In
a few days we will celebrate our golden wed-
ding anniversary. We are so happy for this
gift, for otherwise we could not have celebrat-
ed this important occasion," they said.
I took one last look at the room. The flour
was nearly gone; but there above the workers
and the recipients hung the "In the Name
of Christ" banner with the clasped hands to
show that we are all brothers in Christ, and
I was glad. I hope everyone read that sign
and thought about it. — MCC Information
Service, Akron, Pa.
The
L4J1 Hour
Norman Derstine Leaves for Sicily
The Mennonite Hour announcer, Norman
Derstine, left Wednesday, March 31, on the
S. S. Homeland to visit the Mennonite
Church composed of 71 believers on the
Island of Sicily, south of Italy. Brother Ders-
tine is accompanying Bro. Lewis Martin on
this visit to the island. Let us pray God's
blessing upon them on this trip. They plan
to return about the middle of May.
Pray for the Easter Mennonite Hour Program
Since Easter marks the climax of the Chris-
tian message, more time for Easter hymns
has been given on this program. Also on the
broadcast is a testimony "What Easter Means
to Me" by Issa Khalil, an Arabian student
now attending Eastern Mennonite College.
It is the prayer of The Mennonite Hour
staff that this Easter program might stir sin-
ner and Christian alike to the victory found
alone in Christ.
From The Mennonite Hour Prayer Calendar
April 12, Mon. — Let us remember our Pastor
as he speaks in Passion Week services at
Worcester, Pa.
April 13, Tue— Thank the Lord for the fu-
ture home we have waiting for us. Let us
remember an elderly lady who is not well
physically and is looking forward to her
future reward.
April 14, Wed. — Pray for a 60-year-old lady
who spent much of her life in Voluntary
Service and is now confronted with the
problem of how to support herself.
April 15, Thurs. — Join with us as we pray
(Continued on page 356)
Missions Editorial
Characteristics of a Missionary
Church
A close observation of the early church
will indicate three spiritual characteristics
which caused it to develop into a missionary
church. It was a praying church, a Spirit-
filled, Spirit-led church, and a witnessing
church.
Prayer along with a study of the apostles'
doctrine and fellowship comprised an im-
portant part of the daily activities of the first
believers. They prayed when persecuted by
the Jewish authorities. The church prayed
Peter out of prison when Herod planned to
kill him. Paul and Silas prayed and sang
hymns in the Philippian jail.
The early church prayed before calling
their leaders: the deacons called in Acts 6;
the missionaries called in Acts 13; and the
elders ordained in Acts 14. The apostles,
Peter and John, prayed for the believers in
Samaria to receive the Holy Ghost. Prayers
were offered before miracles were performed
and during farewells.
The New Testament church was also a
Spirit-filled and Spirit-led church. Jesus' last
promise to His disciples in Acts 1:5 was that
they should be baptized with the Holy Ghost.
The Spirit came upon all of the 120 in the
upper room. Peter told his hearers that God
would give the Holy Spirit as a gift to all
who believe in Jesus. In at least two instances
the apostles laid their hands on believers that
they might receive the Holy Spirit: Peter and
John in Samaria following Philip's ministry,
and Paul in Ephesus to the believers who
had been baptized according to John's bap-
tism.
The Holy Spirit was a partner in service
to the early church. Peter told the Sanhedrin
that the Holy Spirit was a witness along with
the disciples to God's revelation through
Christ. One of the qualifications for the dea-
cons ordained in Acts 6 was fullness of the
Spirit. The Spirit called and sent out the
first missionaries, Paul and Barnabas.
The Jerusalem conference recognized the
co-operation of the Holy Spirit in their deci-
sions when they wrote to the Gentile believ-
ers, "It seemed good to the Holy Ghost and
to us . . . ." The Holy Spirit directed Philip
to the Ethiopian eunuch and Peter to Cor-
nelius. He was present with the believers
during times of testing and persecution.
In keeping with Jesus' final commission in
Acts 1:8, the early church was a witnessing
church. Each one of the 120 witnessed at
Pentecost and then Peter preached. The dis-
ciples taught daily in the temple during the
Jerusalem campaign. Acts 3 — 7. They wit-
(Continued on page 356)
354
GOSPEL HERALD
April 13, 1954
Relief and Service News
MRSC Weekly Notes
Voluntary Service
Bro. and Sister Forest King, West Liberty,
Ohio, have recently finished a period of short-
term Voluntary Service in the Mathis, Texas,
Unit assisting in the building program there.
The Kings served in Mathis instead of taking
a regular winter vacation. They were able
to contribute much through their fine spirit
of VS and willing co-operation.
The maternity home which this unit is
building to serve the Mathis community is
progressing as funds permit. Most of the
outside work is finished except for the land-
scaping which leaves only the inside finishing
work yet to be done.
The unit is also building its sixth house
for Mexican families who are unable to build
because of high labor costs. The families
furnish materials and the unit builds the
homes, receiving only a small maintenance
fee for the workers.
Sister Letha Miller, North Liberty, Ind.,
began work as a secretary on the Mennonite
Hour Staff on March 9.
Almost thirty Puerto Rican boys living at
El Hogar del Nino, a boys' home in Rio
Piedras, Puerto Rico, need someone to help
Joe and Tillie Nauraine take care of them.
Bro. and Sister Nauraine are the administra-
tors of the home.
A girl is urgently needed to assist in this
boys' home. The task is general housework
and caring for the boys. This is an excellent
opportunity to live a Christian witness among
growing boys.
During the present orientation school,
April 7-20, nine young people are preparing
for service in VS. James Bechtel, Nappanee,
Ind.; Dorothy Beachy, Salisbury, Pa.; Evelyn
Burkey, Sargent, Nebr.; John Hostetler,
Washburn, 111.; Dorothy Jean Kauffman,
Volant, Pa.; Mose and Barbara Miller, Ka-
lona, Iowa; Herbert Zook, St. Johns, Mich.;
and Shirley Miller, Elkhart, Ind., will soon
be joining the 140 other young folks serving
in Voluntary Service.
Pray for these volunteers as they give of
themselves in service that their work and
witness may be the means of enlarging the
Kingdom. Continue to pray also that "the
Lord of harvest would send forth laborers
into His harvest."
I-W Services
Many of the I-W unit in Harrisburg, Pa.,
are devoting their spare time to the Young
People's Bible Meetings, prayer meetings,
and workshops for boys and girls of the
Steelton Mennonite Mission, where they al-
so hold their weekly meetings.
The I-W men at the Veterans Administra-
tion Hospital, Roseburg, Oreg., are planning
to conduct summer Bible school work in the
Winston, Oreg., community.
MISSIONS SECTION
The I-W chorus, Des Moines, Idaho, as-
sisted in a series of evangelistic meetings held
recently in a local church.
Bro. L Y. Miller, Middlebury, Ind., is serv-
ing as the Area Field Representative for the
Northern Indiana and Michigan area.
Released April 2, 1954
Office for Relief and Service
Elkhart, Ind.
MCC Weekly Notes
Paraguayan Airline Makes First Asuncion-
to-Filadelfia Flight
March 19, 1954, may go down in history
as a significant date for the Mennonites in
Paraguay for on that day a new airline made
its inaugural flight from Asuncion to Fila-
delfia — the heart and center of the Mennonite
settlements in Paraguay.
Present prospects point to the establish-
ment and continuation of regularly scheduled
flights from Asuncion to Filadelfia which
would introduce a new era in transportation
facilities to the Chaco settlements. March 19
will long be remembered by the Mennonites
in Filadelfia as that day was generally de-
clared a holiday so that the people could be
on hand to greet the plane.
Regularly scheduled flights will be a tre-
mendous improvement over the slow-moving
river boat transportation and small chartered
planes. In addition to passengers, these planes
will haul luggage and freight. The introduc-
tion of commercial service can rightly be
considered a miracle-worker in a country
where horse and buggy is the common
method of transportation.
The inaugural flight was made by "Trans-
porte Aerea Nacional," a recently established
Paraguayan government-sponsored airline.
The Asuncion-Filadelfia route is one of two
initial flights being started by the line. The
plane being used is a DC-3, which carries 28
passengers and which makes the Asuncion-
Filadelfia flight in 1 V2 hours. The only other
air service to the Mennonite colonies are the
three-place Beechcraft Bononzas.
Most of Filadelfia's schools had declared a
holiday so everyone who wished could see
the DC-3 set its wheels on Chaco soil for the
first time. After the visiting officials had
stepped out of the plane, they were greeted
by the strains of Paraguay's national hymn
sung by a delegation of students. Then there
were speeches of welcome and speeches by
the visiting officials.
The guests of the party accompanying the
plane were shown several of the villages in
the colony as well as such colony industries
as sawmills, cotton gins, and butter and
cheese works. They were treated to a Men-
nonite-style chicken dinner at the home of
Mr. and Mrs. Cornelius Neufeld. Many of
the students at the airport were given free
rides over the colonies and got a view of
their homes and farms.
Orientation Booklet for I-W Men Published
An orientation booklet, "Proceed with
Caution," to aid I-O men in their adjustment
to new living and working conditions in I-W
service has been published by the Mennonite
Central Committee.
"Proceed with Caution" offers suggestions
on such questions as: "What if they call me
a coward?" "Should I tell the hospital I'm a
CO?" "Can I-W service be Christian serv-
ice?" "What can I do in my spare time?"
"Why is it so important I be a 'conscientious'
objector?" "What can I do with my room-
mate with whom I can't get along?" and
"How often may I go home on week ends?"
The use of illustrations and color and the
brief comments on the various areas of ad-
justment makes this 18-page booklet an at-
tractive and appealing informational hand-
book. "Proceed with Caution" was prepared
at the suggestion of the I-W service repre-
sentatives from the various Mennonite and
Brethren in Christ groups.
VS Conference Held in Portland, Maine
A week-end inspirational conference for
Voluntary Service personnel working at
Wiltwyck School for Boys, Esopus, N.Y., and
Maine General Hospital was held in Port-
land, April 3 and 4.
The conference theme, "The Christian's
Responsibility in our World Today" as re-
lated to Voluntary Service, was developed
through messages by Martin Schrag, former
Civilian Public Service educational director
and India-Java relief director. Mrs. Schrag
also spoke and presented musical selections.
Discussions and musical selections by the
13 volunteers from Portland, the 10 volun-
teers from Wiltwyck, and three volunteers
from MCC headquarters, Akron, Pa., were
also important parts of the conference. The
community children's Bible school held every
Saturday morning by the Pordand volunteers
was observed.
Glenn Esh, director of the MCC Volun-
tary Service office which arranged the con-
ference, participated in the program. A simi-
lar conference for Voluntary Service person-
nel in Baltimore, Washington, D.C., Akron,
and at Brook Lane Farm, Hagerstown, Md.,
is planned for either late April or early May.
Released April 2, 1954
MCC Information Service
Akron, Pa.
Women's Activities
The Busy Bees, a sewing circle of younger
mothers and others who cannot attend the
regular circle meeting of the Blough congre-
gation, Hollsopple, Pa., have been trying to
help the unfortunate in their community and
to bring cheer to the sick. At Christmas
time they gave a program at the Somerset
Children's Home and distributed gifts among
the children. A great deal of sewing was also
done for this Home.
• • •
Has your women's group considered visit-
ing the non-Christians and shut-ins of your
community? Why not organize in such a
way that members would go out in groups
of two, three, or even four on occasion?
As we pray for our missionaries, especially
for our sisters who go out as Bible readers
and who engage in spiritual visitation, may
we remember that we have the same oppor-
tunities to witness at our very doors.
April i), 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
355
Are we making the most of the privileges
K we have in distributing the excellent Chris-
; tian tracts which are available at our Men-
nonite Publishing House and at our branch
bookstores? When we travel, do we share
the Gospel of love with others? Do we some-
D- times stop to ask ourselves the question,
:: "How responsible am I to the millions in my
own beloved country who do not know the
love of Christ?" Thinking along this line
should be stimulating.
# # #
A A number of the women of the Cochran-
- ville, Pa., sewing circle have pieced quilts
from factory castoffs or leftover materials,
id "The quilts are really pretty," writes Sister
Lena S. Mast. In order to catch up with their
quilt tops, the circle had a special meeting
with forty women present at which time they
quilted four regular size quilts and one
« large crib quilt, leaving one quilt for the
:: younger mothers to finish in the evening
' 1 meeting.
The Cochranville sisters have been having
j'i monthly projects, for which they bring such
it- things as blankets, feed bags, dress lengths,
d knitting yarn and needles, thread, sewing
needles, and towels and washcloths.
# # *
'i The sewing circle of the Goshen College
congregation had as their February project
:: the giving of money to the Dhamtari Chris-
: tian Hospital in memory of Mrs. Ellis Zook;
in March they gave to Nursing Education,
:'; and in April they plan to give to the Prayer
Guide fund.
# * *
tn 1 Wives of the I-W men working in Des
Moines, Iowa, have been meeting twice each
month to sew garments contributed by their
home sewing circle.
jL * * *
Announcements have gone out for the
1954 Goodwill Christmas Bundles. Again
we are to choose the age of a child between
three and sixteen years. We should put into
our bundles only those articles listed. The
toys should be suitable to the age of the
children, such as a knife, ball, box of crayons
with color book, embroidery work, small
unbreakable doll, puzzles (not jigsaw), autos,
tractors, modeling clay, tinker toys. We are
to omit candy or gum. All items must be
new, should be wrapped in a turkish towel
and pinned securely with safety pins. No
'■' money should be put in the bundle, but a
: Christmas card and a self-addressed envelope
:) without stamps may be included.
To cover the cost of shipping and to pur-
chase a New Testament, we are to send a
: check or money order (50^) for each bundle.
• Those sending their bundles to North New-
ton, Kans., or to Ephrata, Pa., should send
their checks to MCC, Akron, Pa.; those send-
ing to Kitchener, Ont., should send their
checks to MCC, 10 Union Street East, Water-
loo, Ont., Canada.
: 1 After assembling for a boy 1 pair trousers,
::i 1 shirt, 1 sweater, 1 bar soap, 1 washcloth,
1 handkerchief, 1 toy, we are ready to prepare
the bundle for "our boy"; and after assem-
id bling 1 dress, 1 sweater, 1 bar soap, 1 wash-
cloth, 1 handkerchief, 1 toy, we are ready to
wrap them in the turkish towel chosen for
"our girl."
It will be most helpful if we sew (prefer-
ably with large machine stitching) a pack-
ing label carefully to the outside center of the
towel. We should print (or type if possible)
on packing label: (1) Name and address of
sender, (2) Bundle for a boy, age — (or)
Bundle for a girl, age — .
In order that our bundles can be distributed
before Christmas we must send them before
July 1, 1954, addressing them to the Goodwill
Christmas Bundles, Mennonite Relief Com-
mittee, North Newton, Kans., or Ephrata,
Pa., or 189% King Street East, Kitchener,
Ont., Canada. — Mrs. C. L. Shank.
From Our Churches
ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO
(Bethel Congregation)
"The Lord is good to all.*' "He rnaketh his
sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and
sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust." We
were blessed with a much-needed rain.
On Jan. 6 Bro. Jonathan Zook of Canby,
Oreg., was with us and allowed himself to be
used in our midweek prayer meeting.
Bro. Stanley Shenk and family were with us
from Feb. 5 to 11. We appreciated the mes-
sages Bro. Shenk brought us each evening.
Visible results were a number of reeonsecra-
tions and the spiritual life of the congregation
was deepened.
On March 7 Bro. Melvin Ruth of Phoenix,
Ariz., was with us for our spring communion.
We were happy to have Bro. and Sister Stanley
Weaver with us at this same time. Bro. Weaver
brought the evening message.
Bro. and Sister J. C. Gingerich were with
us on March 14. Bro. Gingerich brought the
morning and evening messages. Other visitors
were Bro. and Sister Roy Miller, Bro. Val Miller
and Sisters Nancy Sheeler and Cora Riehl. Bro.
Clarence Mohler stopped overnight en route to
Phoenix, Ariz. We as a small group enjoy hav-
ing those of like precious faith worship with us.
Sister Beulah Miller is slowly improving. Will
you continue to pray for her?
Ina Yoder.
FILER. IDAHO
(Filer Congregation)
Dear Herald Readers. Greetings in the name
of Him who died that we might live.
On Jan. 29, Bro. Allen Brb came into our
midst for revival meetings, continuing until Feb.
8. The theme for a number of his sermons was
"We would see Jesus." Three young boys ac-
cepted Christ as their Saviour.
Sunday evening, Feb. 21, Bro. Clifford Slatter
and wife gave a report of the work at the Four
Mile Creek Mission in Northern Alberta, and
some of their experiences while they were there.
They took the place of the regular workers who
attended a six-week winter Bible 6chooI. We
were impressed with the needs in this field,
and our prayer is that God will continue to
bless in that work.
Bro. and Sister Samuel Honderich were priv-
ileged to attend the Publication Board meeting
in Pennsylvania. They returned home Feb. 10,
having visited at a number of places while gone.
Bro. Honderich gave a report of the Board
Meeting and their trip on Sunday morning,
March 21.
Bro. Milo Stutzman, Carstairs, Alta., stopped
with us on Sunday, March 7, and brought us a
challenging message. He also gave an account
of his trip to the Mennonite World Conference
and Palestine. He was accompanied by his son-
in-law and daughter, Bro. and Sister Boyd
Stauffer, and children.
We ask an interest in your prayers for the
work at this place.
Matilda Miller.
MUMMASBURG. PENNSYLVANIA
(Mummasburg Congregation)
Dear Christian Friends :
"God promises us not 'as thy weeks' or 'as
thy months,' but 'as thy days, so shall thy
strength be.' That means Monday's grace for
Monday and Tuesday's grace for Tuesday, and
so on. The law of divine grace is 'sufficient
unto the day.' The law of divine deliverance is
'a very present help.' The law of divine guid-
ance is 'step by step.' "
We miss Bro. and Sister Harold Martin who
are serving in I-W in Norristown, Pa. Our
prayer is that they may faithfully serve the
Lord where He has called them.
On Sunday morning, Oct. 11, Bro. and Sister
Nevin Horst worshiped with us. They are now
in Ethiopia. On Sunday morning, Nov. 29, Bro.
and Sister Wm. M. Strong from Mechanicsburg,
Pa., worshiped with us. Bro. Strong brought
the sermon previous to the ordination of a
deacon to assist Bro. Amos C. Ogburn. Dec. 2
was the day set for the ordination, at which
time Bro. Clarence D. Martin was ordained.
Bro. Henry W. Nauman preached the sermon
and Bro. Richard Danner had charge of the
ordination service.
Bro. Josef Herschkowitz, Harrisonburg, Va.,
was with us on Feb. 21, and brought us the
morning and afternoon messages. He had charge
of the county jail service in the evening. We
want to support Bro. and Sister Herschkowitz
in prayer as they work with both the Jews and
Gentiles. Let us pray for the salvation of Israel.
On Feb. 28, we enjoyed our third annual
Christian day school meeting. Those serving on
the program were John R. Krabill, Sanford G.
Shetler, John S. Hess, and Elmer H. Weaver.
Evangelistic meetings followed this meeting
and continued until March 7. Bro. John Hess
was in charge. Five souls accepted Christ as
their Saviour. We wish them God's choicest
blessings. We realize, too, the need for personal
evangelism, for unsaved folks are not easily
persuaded to attend evangelistic meetings.
Bro. Richard Danner was with us for our
communioon service on March 21.
We are happy to report that there are 24
pupils in our Christian day school. Sister Rhoda
King is the teacher.
From the proceeds of the Lord's acre, gifts
were sent to Jordan and Korea. The blessings of
God have been on us ; therefore, let us serve
Him still more faithfully. Lizzie D. Myer.
NAMPA, IDAHO
(Nampa Congregation)
Dear Readers :
On March 9, Milo D. Stutzman, Kingman,
Alta., preached for us, and on Wednesday eve-
ning, March 17, Daniel Shenk, Sheridan, Oreg.,
brought us a message. Bro. Shenk was here to
visit his nephew, Mark Shank, of Homedale,
who is in very poor health.
Our superintendent, Harold Hochstetler, and
family left March 25 for a ten-day visit to
Casselton, N. Dak.
Bro. Durbin Zook, who is in the State San-
itarium at Gooding, is showing improvement.
Our oldest member, Bro. F. H. Hostetler, ob-
served his eightieth birthday March 22.
On April 4, Floyd Kropf, Sheridan, Oreg., and
Darlene Turner, of Nampa, will be married.
Our bishop, E. S. Garber, and wife returned
from a month's stay at Winton, Calif., on
March 27.
At present, prospects look good for having
three teachers for our Christian day school for
next year. This is very encouraging.
Mr. and Mrs. Harry Miller and family left
March 26 for Milford, Nebr., to bring Mrs.
Miller's father, J. M. Schweitzer, back with
them. Mrs. Sam D. Miller.
OREGON CITY, OREGON
(Bethel Congregation)
Dear Herald Readers : Greetings through
whom we are one.
Our elder bishop, F. J. Gingerich, went to
Arizona about the middle of February to ab-
sorb sunshine. Reports are that he has already
benefited. Our evangelist, Bro. C. J. Ramer,
was called home after his second evening here,
because of the serious illness of his wife. The
Lord had another brother in the person of Henry
Wolfer ready to come as soon as he was sent
for. He preached from Monday evening on
through Sunday evening. Three young souls
were saved, and many of us stood to indicate
that we want to do more for our Lord. May
we use every opportunity to fulfill our vow.
A group is preparing to sing an Easter can-
tata. Our oldest member, Lena Nofziger, has
been enjoying good health and attending serv-
ices faithfully. Henry Nofziger, a diabetic, has
not been able to attend during the last year.
His wife's brother, also a diabetic, had his
second leg amputated last Friday.
Sunday-school superintendents for this year
are Alvin Rogie and Thurlowe Gingerich.
Gospel signs are in evidence since Bro. Pal-
mer's visit last fall. Sarah Birky.
356
COSPEL HERALD
April 13, 1954
MISSIONS EDITORIAL (Continued)
nessed through miracles under the direction
of the Holy Spirit.
When scattered by persecution, "they . . .
went every where preaching the word." Grad-
ually the Jewish church became aware of the
world-wide significance of the Gospel
through Peter's Cornelius experience. Then
the Holy Spirit launched the first foreign
mission program from Antioch and the Gos-
pel was on its way to "the uttermost part of
the earth." — L. C. Hartzler.
SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON (Continued)
the Ten Commandments did Solomon break?
Forsaking God, he brought ruin upon himself
and his kingdom.
This is exactly what brings ruin to any
individual. This is what might bring ruin
to our nation. Moral law prevails. The con-
sequences of violation cannot be escaped.
"The soul that sinneth, it shall die." Chris-
tians should put forth more effort to be better
citizens, to leaven the whole country by living
in Christ and bringing others to know Him.
In Him only can we be safe.
— Alta Mae Erb.
Lesson based on "International Sunday School Les-
sons: the International Bible Lessons ior Christian
Teaching," copyrighted 1951 by the Division of Chris-
tian Education National Council of the Churches of
Christ in the U.S.A.
TEACHING THE WORD (Continued)
keep well in the forefront of our think-
ing, the aim of every true Sunday school.
What is that aim? It is not merely to
have pupils attend, not alone to impart
knowledge to the pupils, or to fill young
lives with activity good and harmless.
The Chief Aim
The chief aim of every true Sunday
school is to shape the immortal destiny
of a soul according to the Word of God.
Our success must not be judged alone by
the numbers in our classrooms but by the
results in the lives and conduct of our
pupils. The real test of a teacher's work
is not what that teacher does and says,
but what his pupils do and say as a re-
sult of his work.
Let a teacher keep clearly in mind
that the aim of his teaching is to bring
his pupils lace to lace with the claims of
the Gospel, the issue of salvation, and he
will be saved from wasting precious class
hours in pointless discussions or scattered
activities.
In the light of the true purpose of the
Christian teacher, methods can be evalu-
ated. It takes time and patience to press
beyond the mind and reach the soul and
spirit of the individual pupil. Thus also
does the example of the teacher take on
great importance. One said to his teach-
er of years gone by, "I have long since
forgotten the words you spoke, but never
shall I forget your godly life."
Knowledge may be obtained through
proper methods of instruction, a good
example may be convincing— these all
must be used to press home the need of
personal salvation and a right relation-
ship with the Lord Jesus. After all, the
pupils' reaction to the offer of personal
salvation is the most important and far-
reaching result of Sunday-school work.—
Gospel Banner.
THE MENNONITE HOUR (Continued)
for our Christian colleges and the many
Christian youth organizations, that they
may challenge youth to a life of service
for Christ.
April 16, Fri. — This request comes from New
York: "I ask your prayers for the conver-
sion of my loved ones."
April 17, Sat. — Pray for a home where a
daughter is an invalid and the mother is
not privileged to attend services. Pray that
the mother and daughter may be strength-
ened by the radio messages that they hear
throughout the week.
April 18, Sun. — Thank God for the reality of
the resurrection! Pray that today's Easter
program might be the means of bringing
Christ to many who know not of His
resurrection power.
MISSION NEWS (Continued)
Mrs. Jonathan Yoder, missionary on fur-
lough from India, will bring a missionary
mesrage at the 28th annual sewing circle
meeting of the Southwestern Pennsylvania
Conference to be held at the Mattawana, Pa.,
Mennonite Church on May 1.
Myra Jean Vogt, daughter of Bro. and
Sister Milton Vogt, missionaries to Bihar,
India, is having health problems again while
away at school. Pray for her.
Address change: Bro. and Sister Henry
Becker took over the work at Chandwa in
Bihar, India, from Bro. and Sister Milton
Vogt on April 1. The Vogts a-e preparing
to leave for furlough in May. The Beckers'
full address is Tori. E. I. Ry., Chandwa P. O.,
Palamau District, Bihar. India.
The missionaries in Bihar, India, were to-
gether for a fellowship on March 20 when
a new workers' house was dedicated at
Chandwa. Four persons were baptized at
a village about six miles away from Chandwa
on March 15.
Bro. Leonard Haarer, Waterloo, Ont., who
is serving the church there during the ab-
sence of Bro. and Sister J. B. Martin, special
commissioners to Israel, has been asked to
become superintendent of the mission outpost
of the St. Jacobs Mennonite Church in Ham-
ilton, Ont.
Bro. J. D. Graber, Elkhart, Ind., spoke at
the East Goshen Mennonite Church, Goshen,
Inch, on Sunday evening, April 4. The Sun-
day school children presented their mission
savings bank offerings during the service.
Bro. Luke Birky, La Plata, Puerto Rico,
will keep the following appointments in
northern Indiana during the next few weeks
in the interest of the new hospital in Puerto
Rico: April 21, Howe; April 22, Emma and
Plato at Emma, Topeka; April 24, Ft.
Wayne; April 25, Leo; April 27, Renton. Bro.
Birky spoke at Cullom, 111., on April 8; Routs,
Ind., April 9; Rensselaer, Ind., April 11,
morning; and Kokomo, Ind., April 11, eve-
ning.
Bro. C. L. Graber, Goshen, Ind., returned
from Puerto Rico on March 27 where he had
been giving assistance to Bro. William Der-
stine, Sellersville, Pa., in organizing a solicita-
tion program for the new Puerto Rico his-
pital on the Island.
FIELD NOTES (Continued)
Announcements
Christian Life Conference at Garber
Church, Menges Mills, Pa., all day April 25.
Speakers: Isaac Baer, Washington, D.C., and
Martin E. Weaver, Annville, Pa.
Bible Instruction Meeting at Carpenter's
Meetinghouse, Talmage, Pa., April 14-18.
Speakers: Paul R. Weaver, Alvin G. Martin,
Luke L. Horst, Amos W. Weaver, Wm. H.
Martin, James Sauder, Paul D. Angstadt.
All-day Bible Meeting at the Erisman
Meetinghouse, Manheim. Pa., Good Friday,
April 16. Speakers, Paul Bender, Grantsville,
Md., and Elmer Kolb, Pottstown, Pa.
Pre-Easter Meetings at Oak Grove, Bethel,
and South Union churches, West Liberty,
Ohio, April 11-18.
Passion Week Bible Conference at Bethel
Springs Church, Culp, Ark., with the follow-
ing subjects and speakers: "Teachings of
Jesus," by Leroy Gingerich, Versailles, Mo.,
and "Hindrances to Chrstian Living," by
Nelson Histand, Pryor, Okla.
Seven applicants under instruction to be
received at Bethel Springs, Culp, Ark., on
Easter Sunday.
Easter Song Service, at the Lititz, Pa.,
young people's Bible meeting, April 18.
Doctrinal me-sages by George R. Brunk,
April 15-18 at Fast Chestnut Street Church,
Lancaster, Pa., following revival meetings
by Paul Angstndt.
At Pinto, Md., Passion Week services
April 11-15. by the pastor, C. M. Helmick;
Good Friday services, April 16, Martin Z.
Miller, Elizabethtown, Pa., as speakers; Pre-
paratory service, April 17, by Aaron Mast,
Belleville, Pa.; communion service, April 18,
morning; evening service, Abner Miller,
Cumberland, Md.
Passion Week services at Olive Church,
Elkhart, Ind., by Roy Roth, Hesston, Kans..
April 11-18.
Services at Ra:ny River, International Falls,
Minn., April 11-18, by Jonas Beachy, Staples,
Minn.
Bible Prophecy Conference at Pleasant
Hill. Sterling, 111.. April 11-18, by C. K.
Lehman, Harrisonburg, Va.
Visiting Speakers
March 28. Rufus Horst, Kansas City,
Kans., at Sycamore Grove, Garden City, Mo.
Lester Wysc, Hartville, Ohio, at Clinton
Frame. Goshen. Ind.
April 4. L, A. Kauffman, Glendive, Mont.,
at Fairvicw, Minot, N. Dak., morning. Rock- I
way Chapel, East Minot, evening. Ira A. I
Amstutz, Apple Creek, Ohio, at Thomas ,
Church, Hollsopple, Pa.
April 11. Lawrence Burkholder, Princeton,
N.J.j at Zion Church, Beckersville, Pa. S. M. (
King, Goshen, Ind., at Metamora, 111.
April 13, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
357
MARRIAGES
May the blessings of God bo upon the homes
established by the marriages here listed. A year s
subscription to the GOSPEL HERALD Is given to those
whose address is supplied by the officiating minister.
Bender — Shaub. — Warren Bender. Melhnger
Mennonite Church, Lancaster, Pa., and Ada
Shaub, Stumptown Mennonite Church. Bird in
Hand, Pa., by Elmer G. Martin at the Stump-
town meetinghouse, March 13, 1954.
Eberly — Ginder. — Irvin F. Eberly, Hess con-
gregation, Lititz, Pa., and Mildred Jeanette
Ginder, Risser congregation, Elizabethtown, Pa.,
by Noah W. Risser at the Risser meetinghouse,
March 27. 1954.
Eberly — Fox.— Mahlon Eberly, Stevens, Pa..
and Ellen Mary Fox, Ephrata, Pa., both mem-
bers of the Indiantown congregation, by A. h.
Horst at the Indiantown meetinghouse, Feb. \6,
1954
' Hostetler— Hostetler.— Donald A. Hostetler,
Fairfield A.M. Church, Tampico, 111., and Mer-
lene Hostetler, Pleasant Valley Church Yoneal-
la, Oreg.. by Herman Hostetler, March 21. 19o4.
Hostetler— Kempf.— Everett Dean Hostetler
and Rosette May Kempf, both of Fairfield A.M.
Church, Tampico, 111., by Herman Hostetler,
Nov. 26. 1953. - . „ «
Kauffman— Smoker.— Melvin Lester Kautt-
man and Mary Ann Smoker, both members of
the Millwood Mennonite Church, Gap, Pa., fry
LeRoy Stoltzfus at the church, March b. 1954.
Kuhns — Steiner.— Stanley Kuhns, Pleasant
Valley congregation, Harper, Kans., and Viola
Steiner, Kidron congregation, Kidron. Ohio, by
Elno Steiner, brother of the bride, assisted by
Reuben Hofstetter and D. D. Miller, at the Kid-
ron Church. Feb. 20. 1954
Hershberger — Bender. — Andy C. Hershberger,
Cleveland, Ohio, and Ruth Bender. Riverside,
Iowa, by Christian Hershberger, father of the
groom, Nov. 5, 1953.
Martin— Keens.— Elmer Martin. Jr.. Melhnger
congregation, Lancaster, Pa., and Elva Keens.
Landis Valley congregation, Lititz, Pa., by A.
S Horst at the Landis Valley meetinghouse,
March 6, 1954. ,. „. . .
Martin-^Good— Harry B. Martin, Metzler
congregation, Ephrata, Pa., and Dorothy M.
Good, Bowmansville, Pa., congregation, by J.
Paul Graybill at the Bowmansville Mennonite
Church, March 20, 1954. .
Nisly — Miller. — Reuben E. Nisly and Mamie
Miller, both of Kalona, Iowa, of the Old Order
Amish, by William Yoder, March 10 1954.
Oberholtzer — Bollinger. — Chester S. Oberholt-
zer Hammer Creek congregation, Lititz, Pa.,
and Martha B. Bollinger, Annville congregation,
Lebanon, Pa., by Clarence Horst at the Annville
Church of the Brethren, Feb. 27, 1954.
Shrock— Kempf— Clarence L. Shrock and
Ruby Jane Kempf. both of Fairfield A. M.
Church, Tampico, 111., by Herman Hostetler.
March 14. 1954. « „ ,
Smoker — Kauffman. — Lester S. Smoker and
Esther Naomi Kauffman, both members of the
Millwood Mennonite Church, Gap, Pa., by Le-
Roy Stoltzfus at the church, Feb. 20. 1954.
Snavely — Hoover.— Roy Snavely, Chestnut
Hill congregation. Mt. Joy. Pa., and Mabel
Hoover. Blainsport congregation, Reinholds, Pa.,
by A S. Horst at the Blainsport meetinghouse,
March 20, 1954. „ . _..
Steiner— Kauffman.— Lee Steiner. Kidron
congregation, Kidron, Ohio, and Vera Kauffman,
Bowne congregation. Elmdale, Mich., by Elno
Steiner. brother of the groom, assisted by Daniel
Zook and T. E. Schrock, at the Bowne Mennon-
ite Church. March 7. 1954.
Ropp — Schrock. — Elmer Ropp and Sylvia
Schrock, both of Riverside, Iowa, Old Order
Amish. by William Yoder, Oct. 18. 1953.
Wadel — Blank. — David Wadel. Rowe Men-
nonite Church, Shippensburg. Pa., and Ruth
Blank. Millwood Mennonite Church. Gap. Pa.,
by LeRoy Stoltzfus at the Millwood meeting-
house. March 20. 1954.
Waite — Engle— Donald N. Waite. Homeville
Mennonite Church, Cochranville, Pa., and Anna
N. Engle, Millwood Mennonite Church, Gap, Pa.,
by LeRov Stoltzfus at the Millwood meeting-
house. March 27. 1954.
Yoder — Miller. — John J. K. Yoder and Edna
Miller by Val Headings at the Plainview C.A.
Mennonite Church, Hutchinson, Kans., March
14. 1954.
ANNIVERSARIES
Yothers, Erwin and Nora (Rush), had open
house at their home in Bedminster Twp., Bucks
Co., Pa., on Sunday, March 28, in honor of
their golden wedding. They were married on
March 24. 1904. Between the hours of 1 :00 and
10 p.m., 425 persons greeted them. They have 10
children and 19 grandchildren. They lived on
the same farm 49 years, and are still farming
and crying sales. They are members of the
Deep Run Mennonite Church, where they have
been teachers in the Sunday school for many
BIRTHS
'Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord" (Ps. 127:3a).
Alberts, Dallas G. and Carol Anna (Wen-
gerd), Millersburg, Ohio, first child, a son, Craig
Allen. March 21, 1954.
Becker, Henry A. and Nellie E. (Buller),
Glendive, Mont., third son, Lyle Monroe, March
12. 1954.
Brunk. Norman and Clara (Hartinan). Elida,
Ohio, sixth child, second daughter, Patricia Ann,
Feb. 8. 1954.
Burgraff, Henry and Evelyn (Taylor), Way-
land, Iowa, sixth child, third daughter, Barbara
Joan. March 19. 1954.
Burkey, Marlin L. and Margie (Schweitzer),
Beaver Crossing, Nebr., second son, Bradford
LaMar, Feb. 20, 1954.
Burkholder. Harold E. and Mary Jane
(Myers), Baltimore, Md., second child. John
Michael. March 6, 1954.
Byler, Lester S. and Nancy (Yoder), no ad-
dress, fourth child, third son, Georgie Lester,
March 20. 1954.
Craul, Gene L. and Helen M. (Hess). Lea-
cock, Pa., first child, Rachel Elaine. March 14,
1954.
Denlinger, J. Irvin and Miriam (Landis),
Lancaster, Pa., fourth child, Larry Ray, Feb.
14. 1954.
Gehman, George and Edna (Martin), Mohn-
ton Pa., fourth child, second daughter, Helen
Jean, March 30. 1954.
Gehman, Lester S. and Mary Jean (Bergey),
Harleysville, Pa., second child, Gwendolyn Jean,
March 16. 1954.
Graber, Dwight and Mary (Keith), Craw-
fordsville, Iowa, third child, first daughter, Vick-
ie JoAnn, March 13, 1954.
Hershey, Earl L. and Helen (Herr), Quarry-
ville. Pa., second daughter, Doris Arlene, March
13. 1954.
Hess. Harry G. and Minerva (Brubaker).
Manheim. Pa., seventh child, fifth son, Richard
B., Feb. 22. 1954.
Hess. Paul E. and Susan (Shreiner), Mt.,
Joy, Pa., fourth child, third son, Gerald Lamar,
Feb. 26. 1954.
Heydt, David Philip and Jeanette (Carper),
Manheim, Pa., first child, Philip Michael,
March 16, 1954. ■. , ,
Hoist. Albert and Ellen (Zehr), St. Jacobs,
Ont., first child, Lawrence Albert, March 18,
1954.
Hoover, Lloyd William and Saranna Mae
(Harter), Goshen, Ind., first child, Lloyd Mer-
lin. March 20. 1954.
Horst, Lesher B. and Luella B. (Lehman),
Chambersburg, Pa., fifth child, fourth daughter,
Rachel Ann, March 13. 1954.
Horst, Roy R. and Doris (Brubaker), York.
Pa., third child, second son, David Roy, March
22. 1954.
Kraybill, Paul N. and Jean (Metz). Inter-
course, Pa., second child, first son, Dale Edward.
March 13. 1954.
Kreider. Elmer H. and Bertha (Doerr), Col-
umbia Pa., third son, Kenneth Lee. March 17,
1954.
Kropf, Herman S. and Mildred G. (Stewart).
Harrisburg, Oreg., fifth child, fourth daughter,
Judith Ann. March 23, 1954.
Landis. J. Dale and Erma (Martin). Lititz,
Pa., fourth daughter, Jacqueline Joy, March 15,
1954.
Lehman, Samuel P. and Verna M. (Huber).
Washington Boro. Pa., first child, Lois Jean,
Jan. 18. 1954.
Lilley, Charles and Shirley (Bergey), Souder-
ton. Pa., first child, Linda Anna, Nov. 5, 1953.
Martin, James and Carol (Wenger), Duchess,
Alta., fourth daughter, Colleen Alice, March 18,
1954
Martin, Owen P. and Mary Olive (Chris-
tophel), Elkhart, Ind., third son, Millard J.,
Feb. 12. 1954.
Martin, Roy M. and Edna (Groff), Columbia,
Pa., second daughter, Karen Louise, March 21.
1954.
Martin, Tilman and Janet (Mills), Waterloo,
Ont., first child, Deborah Irene, March 29, 1954.
Meyers, Marvin and Grace (Landis), Souder-
ton, Pa., second daughter, Cheryl Elaine, Feb.
16. 1954.
Monroe, Glen and Emma Jean (Hostetler),
Kalona, Iowa, second child, first daughter,
Evelyn Joan, March 2, 1954.
Mumaw. Irvin R. and Arlene H. (Becker),
Wooster, Ohio, second child, Allen Becker,
March 19. 1954.
Mutchler, Glenn, Jr., and Betty (Snyder),
North Lawrence, Ohio, first child, Susan Carol,
March 28. 1954.
Nyce, Clarence F. and Blanche (Rice), Pip-
ers ville. Pa., a daughter, Beverly Diane, March
19. 1954.
Peachey. Enos and Lois (Byler), Belleville.
Pa., second son, Paul Enos, March 26, 1954.
Richards. Evan Joe and Emma (Sommers),
Goshen, Ind., first child, Evan Samuel, March
24. 1954.
Roth, Calvin and Mary (Steinman). Baden,
Ont., first child, Ernest Charles, Jan. 22, 1954.
Ruhl. Harold M. and Rachel M. (Hess), Mil-
lerton, Pa., first child, Helen Suzanne, March
15. 1954.
Schmucker, Tobe and Esther (Trover), Go-
shen, Ind., fifth child, fifth son, Daryl Grant,
Jan. 8. 1954.
Shank. Benjamin and Arlene (Hess). Holt-
wood, Pa., fourth child, first son, Joseph Ben-
jamin, March 3, 1954.
Sommers. Melvin and Alice (Miller), Union-
town. Ohio, second child, first daughter, Marga-
ret Joan, March 12, 1954.
Stauffer, Caleb J. and Elsie Mae (Martin),
Bethel, Pa., sixth child, fifth son, Delmar, Feb.
21. 1954.
Stauffer, Dareld W. and Joannita (Hirschy),
Mishawaka, Ind., first child, Michael DeVon,
March 5. 1954.
Steiner. Marvin and Mary (Eberly). Dalt-n.
Ohio, fifth son. Stephen Ray. March 21. 1951.
Swartzendruber, John and Kathryn (Bontra-
•-or) , Elkhart. Ind., second daughter, Audrey
Fave. March 16. 1954.
Troyer. Ted R. and Violet (Eicher). Duquoin,
Kans.. second child, first daughter, Rita Kay.
Feb. 2. 1954.
Widrick, Walter G. and Lorna Ann (Wid-
l-ick), Lowville, N. Y., first child, a son, Lynn
Wilbur. March 3. 1954.
Wenger, Glen and Bertha (Miller), Wayland,
Iowa, eighth child. Orie E.. March 5. 1954.
Wissler. Reid E. and Peggy (Weaver), no
address, a daughter, Sylvia Jean, Feb. 17. 1954.
Yoder. Simon and Vina (Helmuth), Kalona,
Iowa, fifth child, first son, Morris Dale, March
22. 1954.
OBITUARIES
May the sustaining grace and comfort of our Lord
bless these who are bereaved.
Bontrager, Gail Loren, son of Vernon and
Nina (Bender) Bontrager, was born Sept. 4,
1953 ; died at the home of his parents March 9,
1954; aged 6 m. 5 d. The cause of his death
was pneumonia. Surviving are his parents. 2
brothers (Lynn and Gene), his maternal grand-
parents (Mrs. and Mrs. Lewis Bender, Kalona,
Iowa), and other near relatives. Funeral serv-
ices in charge of D. J. Fisher, Robert Yoder,
and A. Lloyd Swartzendruber were held from
the East Union Church on March 11, with burial
in the East Union Cemetery.
Gehman, Richard Karl, son of Dr. J. Robert
and Dorothy (Landis) Gehman, of Omer, Mich.,
was born in Fairview, Mich., Nov. 16, 1949 ;
was drowned in a river near his home March
8, 1954; aged 4 y. 3 m. 20 d. He and his six-
year-old brother, Robert, were playing with their
sled on the river when they came to a cement
platform where water drained from a large pipe.
Bobby fell in, and little Richard pulled him to
358
GOSPEL HERALD
April 13, 1954
safety and then toppled in, and went under the
heavy ice. A neighbor girl heard Bobby, who
was hanging on a ledge of ice, cry for help,
and she with an aged neighbor, dragged him to
safety Bobby was taken to the hospital and
suffered no ill effect. Dickie's body has not been
found, though every effort possible has been
made He is survived by his parents and 6
brothers (J. Robert, James Edward, and Joseph
Charles). Memorial services were held at Au
Gres on March 13, conducted by Nelson Averill
of Twining Baptist Church, assisted by Jos.
Atherton, of Fairview, Mich.
Gingerich, Ida, daughter of the late Joseph
and Mary (Knepp) Miller, was born in Johnson
Co., Iowa, Jan. 27, 188G ; died at the home of
her daughter (Mrs. Donald Snider, Kalona,
Iowa), March 22, 1954; aged 68 y. 1 m 2o d.
On March 3 she was stricken and taken to the
Mercy Hospital at Iowa City, where she was a
patient for 11 days, when she was able to be
taken to the home of her daughter, She seeming-
ly was making satisfactory recovery until -Mon-
day when a blood clot on the brain caused her
death 12 hours later. On May 19, 1906. she was
united in marriage to Lewis 0. Gingerich To
this union six children were born One daughter
died in infancy. Surviving are her husband 5
children (Viola-Mrs. Glen Swartzendruber.
Parnell, Iowa ; Evelyn— Mrs Albert Baumgart-
ner, of Iowa City; Mrs. Luella Lmebaugh,
Miamisburg, Ohio ; Mrs. Donald Snider, of Ka-
lona, and Wilson J., Deer Creek, 111.), one step;
daughter (Mrs. Sam Bender, of Kalona), 6
grandchildren, 4 sisters (Mrs. Joe M Yodex of
Iowa City; Mrs. Jason Boiler Mrs Chris
Troyer, and Mrs. Omar Gingerich, all of Ka-
lona), and a large number of other relatives
and friends. She accepted Christ as her Saviour
in her youth, united with the Mennomte Church,
and was a faithful member of the East Union
congregation at the time of her death. Funeral
services were held from the East Union Church,
conducted by D. J. Fisher and A. Lloyd Swart-
zendruber, with burial in the East Union Ceme-
t6 Horst, Abraham G., son of Jacob L. and Eliza-
beth (Martin) Horst, was born in Washington
Co Md., Nov. 4, 1881 ; passed away at his home
near Hagerstown, Md., Feb. 24, 1954 ; aged 72 y.
3 m 20 d. On Feb. 1, 1906, he was married to
Susie H. Baer. He always enjoyed good health
until June, 1949, when he suffered a heart at-
tack from which he fully recovered. Eleven
days before his death, he had a stroke from
which he never regained consciousness. He was
a faithful member of the Miller Mennomte
Church. Besides his wife, he is survived by o
children (Edna Horst, Reading, Pa. : Ad \m H.
and Irvin J., Hagerstown, Md., Mable Horst,
Harrisonburg, Va. ; Lesher B., Chambersburg,
Pa and Elva Horst, at home), 6 sisters (Liz-
zie—Mrs. Elijah Mellinger, and Lydia— Mrs.
Arthur Spangler, both of New Holland, Pa.;
Katie— Mrs. John Layman, Denbigh, Va. ;
Amanda— Mrs. Amos Hege, Chambersburg, Pa. ;
Maria— Mrs. Jonas Martin, Terre Hill, Pa., and
Fanny Horst, Maugansville, Md.). and 20 grand-
children. Four brothers and 4 sisters preceded
him in death. Funeral services were held at
Miller's Mennonite Church, Feb. 27, in charge
of Samuel Martin, Moses Horst, and Amos Mar-
tin. Burial was made in the adjoining cemetery.
Mast, Catherine Ann, daughter of the late
Abraham and Anna (Miller) Mast, was born
Feb. 13, 1876, at Benton, Ohio; passed away at
Pomerene Memorial Hospital at Millersburg,
Ohio, March 26, 1954; aged 77 y. 1 m. 13 d.
She was preceded in death by her parents, one
brother (Sam E.), and 3 sisters (Mrs. Levi
Miller, Mrs. David Miller, and Mrs. W. A. Bur-
key). In her youth she was baptized and united
with the Martins Creek Church where she was
a member at the time of her death. She is sur-
vived by one sister (Mrs. Eliza Snyder) and a
number of nephews and nieces. Funeral serv
ics were held nt the Hunter Funeral Home in
Millersburg, March 29, with D. D. Miller and
S. W. Sommer in charge. Burial was made in
the Millersburg Cemetery.
Miller. Clarence Eugene, son of Joseph and
Leona (Stoll) Miller, was born Dee. 1. 1 !>.->•_• ;
died unexpectedly Dec. 27, 195:?, while being
taken to the doctor; aged 1 y. 26 d. Hp is sur-
vived by his parents, one brother (Ronald Lee),
2 sisters (Brenda Kay and Karen Sue), grand-
parents (Noah and Maggie Miller), grandmother
(Amanda Stoll), great-grandfather (Peter U.
Miller), and great-grandmother (Lydia Stoll).
Funeral services were held Dec. 29 at the Berea
Mennonite Church, Montgomery, Ind.. in charge
rf Tobias Slaubaugh. David Graber, and Bdd P.
Shroek, with burial in the adjoining cemetery.
Nusbaum, Amos, was born near Mlddlebury,
Ind., July 27, 1808; passed away March 12,
1954 ; aged So y. 7 m. 13 d. He had been ill
for the past four months. On July 7. 1889, he
was married to Anna Sunthimer. They resided
in the same community for 64 years. One son
(Oliver) preceded him in death. Surviving are
his wife, 2 daughters (Marie — Mrs. Wesley
Breaiser, and Grace — Mrs. Earl Hostetler, both
of Middlebury), 11 grandchildren, and 18 great-
grandchildren. Bro. Nusbaum was ordained to
the ministry in 1907 and faithfully served the
Clinton Brick congregation 47 years. He was a
kind, loving, and faithful worker for the Lord.
His interest and concern for the welfare of the
church was manifested by his messages which
were often given in deep sincerity and tears.
Funeral services were held at the Clinton Brick
Church. March 15, in charge of Amsa Kauffman.
with Oscar Hostetler assisting. Burial took
place in the Forest Grove Cemetery.
Shantz, Carrie Catharine, daughter of Enoch
and Catharine (Good) Erb, was born in Water-
loo Co., Ont., Jan. 30, 1880 ; passed away March
11, 1954; aged 74 y. 1 m. 11 d. In early woman-
hood she united with the Mennonite Church and
remained faithful to the time of her death. In
1917 she was united in marriage to the late John
S. Shantz, who preceded her in death in 1924.
She leaves to mourn one daughter (Alene — Mrs.
Howard Jewitt). 3 grandchildren, and 3 sisters
(Mrs. Matilda Cressman, Kitchener, Ont.: Mrs.
Manasseh Hallman, Petersburg, Ont., and Mrs.
Addis Cressman, New Hamburg, Ont.). Two sis-
ters preceded her in death. Funeral services at
Erb Street Mennonite Church. Waterloo. Ont..
were in charge of Leonard Haarer, assisted by
Clare Shantz. Burial was made in the Waterloo
Mennonite Cemetery.
Stauffer, Lizzie K.. daughter of the late Henry
R. and Mary H. (Kreider) Stauffer. was born
in East Lampeter Twp., Lancaster Co., Pa..
Jan. 19. 1874 ; passed away very unexpectedly
at the Mennonite Home, Lancaster, Pa.. March
13, 1954; aged 80 y. 1 m. 24 d. She united with
the Mellinger Mennonite Church in her youth,
and ten years later transferred to the East
Chestnut Street congregation, where she was a
member for more than fifty years. Surviving are
one brother (Amos K.), one nephew, and 2
nieces, all of Lancaster, Pa. Funeral services
were held at the Mennonite Home in charge of
D. Stoner Krady and Landis Brubaker. Inter-
ment was made in the Stumptown Mennonite
Cemetery.
Worline. Lenore, daughter of William and
Mary Waters, was born in Putnam Co., Ohio.
June 10, 1903; fell asleep in Jesus at her home
near Swanton. Ohio, Feb. 17, 1954; aged 50 y.
8 m. 7 d. She was united in marriage to Coy
Worline on March 24, 1920. This union was
blessed with 3 sons. She is survived by her
husband, 2 sons (Arlo, Swanton, Ohio, and
Bob, at home), 3 grandchildren, one brother
(George Waters, Morenci, Mich.), and many
other relatives and friends. One son (Lyle).
her parents, and one brother preceded her in
death. She accepted Christ as her personal Sav-
iour and united with the Springfield Township
Mennonite Church and was faithful until death.
She had been in ill health for over three years.
Over a period of six or seven years she made a
home for 13 boys from the Child's Welfare.
Funeral services were held nt the Sprincfield
Township Mennonite Church. Feb. 20. with Ray-
mond Richer and Elden Merillat in charge.
Burial was made in the adjoining cemetery.
Yocum, Lulu E., wife of Samuel Tocum and
daughter of the late Amos L. and Susan (Eher-
ly) Risser, was born .Tan. 27, 18S8; passed away
at her home March 1, 1954. after an illness of
18 months; aged 66 y. 1 m. 4 d. She was a
member of the Erb Mennonite Church. Surviv-
ing are her husband and a daughter (Ruth —
Mrs. H. Clay Esbenshade. Lancaster, Pa.l. 5
grandchildren. 1 great-grandchild, and a host
of fr'ends. Funeral services were held at the
F>b Mennonite Church. March 5. in chnrse of
Homer Bombcrsor and Joseph Boll. Jr. Burial
was made in the Erb Mennonite Cemetery.
ITEMS and COMMENTS
The Council of the General Synod of the
Netherlands Reformed Church has objected
to the Dutch government's recruitment of
volunteers for the armed forces from anions
the school youth. It said the primary task.
of the schools was threatened by these cam-
paigns, which bear the mark of propaganda
and not objective information. The Synod
also objected that enthusiasm was being in-
stilled in youth for modern weapons. Fur-
thermore, it said, youth should not be forced
to choose their future when they are at a
romantic age, still lacking mature judg-
ment. The Minister of Education was asked
whether the schools could simultaneously
promote spiritual defense and preparation
for a constructive peace. The Synod said
that, in its opinion, it was not the schools'
task to train the youth for the armed forces,
but to consider greater tasks, including pro-
motion of the consciousness of spiritual riches.
• • •
The distribution in June, 1953, of the 872,-
000 Arab refugees in the Near East, depend-
ing on relief from the United Nations, was
as follows: 208.000 in the Gaza strip in Egypt;
476,000 in Jordan; 102,000 in Lebanon; 85,-
000 in Syria; 5,000 in Iraq; and 20,000 in
Israel. In Jordan 53 per cent of the popula-
tion is composed of these refugees.
• • #
Harry S. Truman, in a recent interview
reported in the Quarterly Journal of Speech,
says that he had read the Bible twice before
he was twelve, and since then has read it
two more times.
• * *
One of the results of the Berlin Conference
was the passage by the West German Parlia-
ment of an amendment to the constitution
which will permit rearmament under E.D.C.
This, of course, is with American blessing.
It seems so short a time ago when the dis-
armament of Germany seemed all-important
to the American people.
• • •
Billy Graham's reception in London was
clouded a bit by a storm resulting from an
unfortunate publicity calendar which said
that socialism was ruining Britain. Graham
explained that the word intended was sec-
ularism. Some editor or proofreader almost
created an international argument.
» * •
American churches are spending more than
SI 0,000,000 a week on new construction, ac-
cording to reports by Departments of Com-
merce and Labor. The year 1954 promises to
be the biggest in history for church building,
the reports indicated. New construction dur-
ing the first two months is already 22 per
cent ahead of the same period last year.
• • •
The United States Information Agency
has created a new post, Chief of Religious
Policy, and has appointed D. Elton True-
blood, well-known Quaker author of Indi-
ana, to fill it. Trucblood wants to help over-
come the Communist initiative in the East-
West war of ideas.
• • •
Plans to organize its first congregations in
Louisiana have been announced by the
United Lutheran Church in America. This
^roup now has congregations in 42 other
states, 7 Canadian provinces, and the terri-
tories of Alaska and Hawaii.
(Continued on page 360)
April 13, 1934
GOSPEL HERALD
UQ44,
on a
did?
No need to starve your mind and heart
when you can get so much for so little.
Your well-balanced Mennonite reading diet should include three
staple items: The Mennonite Yearbook, Gospel Herald, and Chris-
tian Living. They provide you with a year-round reading diet that
costs less than one good "company" Sunday dinner.
MENNONITE YEARBOOK
A young encyclopedia of church knowl-
edge. Closely packed with facts, facts,
more facts about Mennonites all over the
world. Church organization, church schools
(do you know how many Christian day
schools are now in operation?), mission-
aries and their addresses, the number of
Mennonites in each state, names and ad-
dresses and telephone numbers of minis-
ters of all branches of Mennonites. Sunday-
50^
school and summer Bible school statistics,
facts about each district conference, and
so on and on and on.
Every year the facts are brought up to
date. This inexpensive but valuable refer-
ence tool belongs in your home where
you have quick easy access to it. Your
1954 copy will contain the 1953 church
statistics.
MENNONITE
YEARBOOK
GOSPEL HERALD
A weekly periodical of church news,
mission articles, and inspirational material,
the Gospel Herald belongs in your home.
If you are a Mennonite, you cannot afford
to miss this excellent weekly contact with
your church-around-the-world.
An alert Mennonite knows his church.
1 year— $3.00; 5 years— $12.50
As you read news about ministers, teach-
ers, missionaries, about church boards look
in your Mennonite Yearbook to get the
facts about them straight.
Keep informed. You will be glad you
are a Mennonite when you know what
your church is doing for Christ.
CHRISTIAN LIVING
The new monthly magazine for your
home and community. Packed between
the covers of Christian Living you will find
stories, devotional aids, and a wide variety
of articles. For the coming months your
1 year— $3.00; 5 years— $12.50
heart will be stirred as you read the book-
length serial, "But Not Forsaken," a vivid
story about the tragic experiences of a
Russian Mennonite refugee family.
Mennonite Publishing House
□ Mennonite Yearbook
610 Walnut Ave.
50
Send
Scottdale, Pa.
□ Gospel Herald
today
Please send me the following ) — >
1 yr. 3.00; 5 yrs. 12.50
□ Christian Living
for
I am enclosing □ check □ money order
1 yr. 3.00; 5 yrs. 12.50
these
staples
Name
Address
360
GOSPEL HERALD
April i), 1954
YOUR PUBLISHING HOUSE By A. J. Metzler, Publishing Agent
6. Periodicals 1 — 1 1 1 1 1 I I I
Besides those periodicals which are a part of our Christian
Educational materials ( Sunday-school helps, the Sunday-school
papers, and Program Builder) and The Way, we enter 1954
with the following: Gospel Herald, Christian Living, Christian
Ministry, Christian School and El Heraldo.
The most significant change during 1953 among our
periodicals was discontinuing publication of the Christian
Monitor after forty -five years, and the Mennonite Community
after seven years of service, and the launching of the new
monthly, Christian Living.
The accompanying table indicates the circulation trends
of the six periodicals published during 1953. The total in-
crease this year, as for a few years, has been small.
The Gospel Herald, the official denominational organ,
continues its efforts to serve every area and interest of the
church's faith, life and work. A recent careful reader-interest
survey was quite revealing. As religious magazines go the
interest was shown to be very good. The results of this survey
will be quite helpful to the editor in further improving the
paper in light of the readers' interests and needs. As is the
case with many official church organs, the Gospel Herald con-
tinues to be published at a considerable annual loss.
The first issue (January, 1954) of the new monthly
magazine, Christian Living, was mailed in December to an
initial subscription list of 12,500. This has since increased to a
little more than 13,000. The major emphasis of this new pub-
lication is Christian living in the home and community.
The Christian Ministry, being designed for ministers and
mature church workers, naturally has a limited reader appeal.
In spite of the good job the editor is doing, only 500 of our
1050 preachers are subscribers.
The Christian School is published in co-operation with
the Board of Education.
El Heraldo will be reported under Foreign Literature.
30000
25000
20000
15000
10000
5000
1944 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53
The Colombian government has in effect
barred non-Catholics from holding religious
services in their homes, according to a report
given to the National Council of Churches.
The official Colombian position may be sum-
marized as follows: (1) Protestant Colom-
bians and foreigners are forbidden to make
any public manifestation of their religious
faith outside of churches and chapels set
apart for that purpose; (2) Protestants in
"mission territories," three fourths of the na-
tion's area, are denied the right to have
schools for educating their children; (3) Prot-
estants in Colombia may not engage in any
activity which might attract others to their
faith.
# • #
The Chaplain of the United States Senate
may not speak as a member of that body, but
he can express opinions in his prayers. He
recently prayed, "O God, whose mercy is as
great as our unworthiness, forgive our fever-
ish ways and the impatience of our attitudes,
as our spirits, like restless pools, mirror the
agitation of our disturbed day. In the midst
of demands which strain our strength, save
us from forgetting the courtesy which shines
with respect and understanding for the opin-
ion of others. However much we may differ
in viewpoint, may we never lose faith in one
another's sincerity and high-mindedness of
purpose. Scorning all that is petty and mean,
may these testing days find us growing in
true greatness, the nobility of goodness."
* * •
The United States, according to the New
York Times, has made available to Israel,
since the founding of that state, $348,000,000
in grants, loans, and technical co-operation.
• • •
A. J. Muste, who recently retired as the
H3X3
Executive Secretary of the Fellowship of
Reconciliation, pacifist organization, has re-
fused to file a federal income tax return be-
cause, as he wrote the Collector of Internal
Revenue, "a stupendous percentage of the
federal budget is devoted to war purposes,
and an increasing percentage to the manu-
facture of weapons of mass destruction, and
there is no way of separating the income
used for war and that used for other pur-
poses."
• • •
One of the new series of bank notes to be
issued by the Greek government next June
will carry a picture of the Apostle Paul
preaching to the Athenians from the Areop-
agus.
m si o: •. : H3
"I v 3 i 1 B l 6 3 J Nr NN3H
GOSPEL HER _
'In the defence and confirmation of the gospel" "Tiow beautiful are the feet of them that preachtk gospel of peace'
VOLUME XLVI1.
TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 1954.
.NUMBER 16
The Communion Is a Symbol
By Harold D. Groh
The observance, in some form, of the
communion, the Lord's Supper, or the
Eucharist, as it is variously called, is one
of the most universal practices of the
Christian faiths throughout the world.
The forms of its observance as well as
the exact significance attached to it by
different denominations may vary, yet
there is a common denominator of many
Christian faiths found in this ceremony.
Jesus Himself instituted this service as
a memorial. "This do ... in remem-
brance of me," He said, as recorded by
Paul in I Cor. 11:25.
As the hour approached for our Sav-
iour to offer Himself for the deliverance
of the human race from the bondage and
slavery of sin, He planned with His dis-
ciples to commemorate the deliverance
of the Jewish people from the slavery of
Egypt by the observance of the Passover
supper. This feast had been observed
by them and their ancestors for the pre-
ceding fifteen hundred years. It was a
ceremony full of types and symbols.
The Passover lamb that was slain on
the night the children of Israel left Egypt
provided, first of all, the strength re-
quired by the people for the strenuous
journey before them. It provided, also,
an escape from the judgment of death
as the angel came through the land at
midnight and slew the first-born of all
households except those which displayed
the blood of the sacrifice on the door-
posts and the lintels. It was also a prom-
ise and a type of a Lamb that would one
day be offered to bring complete de-
liverance to all mankind held in slavery
by the bonds of Satan. For the next fif-
teen hundred years the Jews, more or
less faithfully, kept the feast as a thank
offering for past mercies and at the same
time regarded it as a promise of future
deliverance.
It is not difficult for us, in the light of
Christ's spotless life and His sacrificial
life at Calvary, to see the prophetic na-
ture of the Passover feast and the many
types which were fulfilled by Christ. As
Jesus ate with His disciples He "took
bread, and blessed, and brake it, and
gave to them, and said, Take, eat: this
is my body. And he took the cup, and
when he had given thanks, he gave i£
to them; and they all drank of it. And
he said unto them, This is my blood of
the new testament, which is shed for
many. Verily I say unto you, I will drink
no more of the fruit of the vine, until
that day that I drink it new in the king-
dom of God" (Mark 14:22-25). This was
a fitting climax to the annual feast of
the preceding fifteen centuries and a suit-
able inauguration of the new testament
in His blood. The former symbols had
pointed to and reached their fulfillment
in the sacrifice about to be offered at
Calvary and there was no need for their
further observance. Thus was the com-
munion service instituted with its roots
deep in the symbols and types of the Pass-
over. Its purpose was to commemorate
the facts of deliverance from spiritual
slavery at Calvary as the Jewish ceremo-
ny commemorated the fact of deliver-
ance from Egypt.
The communion is a symbol convey-
ing spiritual truth but possessing no mer-
it in itself. The bread which was broken
represents Christ's broken and bruised
body, while the cup stands for the sacred
blood that flowed from His wounds.
After Jesus had fed the five thousand
with the five loaves and two fishes, He
explained the source of the true bread
which gives everlasting life. "I am the
living bread which came down from
heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he
shall live for ever: and the bread that I
will give is my flesh, which I will give
for the life of the world. The Jews there-
fore strove among themselves, saying,
How can this man give us his flesh to
eat? Then Jesus said unto them, Verily,
verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the
flesh of the Son of man, and drink his
blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso
eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood,
hath eternal life; and I will raise him up
at the last day. For my flesh is meat in-
deed, and my blood is drink indeed. He
that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my
blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him"
(John 6:51-56). These words were a
stumbling block to many of His followers
and many of them went back and walked
no more with Him. In verse 63 of the
same chapter Jesus gives the key to the
interpretation of His words. Although
He had been speaking much about flesh,
He explains, "The flesh profiteth noth-
ing: the words that I speak unto you,
they are spirit, and they are life." He
did not expect them to interpret His
words literally but to seek for their spir-
itual meaning. When Jesus, in the upper
room, took bread and broke it and said
to the apostles, "This is my body which
is given for you: this do in remembrance
of me," and when He took the cup and
said, "This cup is the new testament in
my blood, which is shed for you," He
was using the same language as He used
in expounding the truth of the bread
fed to the five thousand.
The idea of transubstantiation— the
changing of the bread and the wine of
the communion into the actual body and
blood of Christ— is not suggested by the
words which Jesus used. That would
mean that the sacrifice was already of-
fered when the supper was instituted in
the upper room the night before Jesus
was led out to Calvary, and it would al-
so imply that the sacrifice is repeated
every time the communion supper is
observed from the time of the first com-
munion until the last one observed by
the church. The writer of Hebrews
makes it clear (9:24-28; 10:10-14) that
Christ suffered only once for the sins of
the world. "For Christ is not entered
into the holy places made with hands,
which are the figures of the true; but
into heaven itself, now to appear in the
presence of God for us: nor yet that he
should offer himself often, as the high
priest entereth into the holy place every
year with blood of others; for then must
Communion
By Margery Coffman
This bit of wheaten Bread reveal
Thy broken body, Lord?
This drop of ruddy grape portray
Thy love and death, O Christ, adored?
I am not worthy to partake 1
O God, how could I be?
Such vile and filthy flesh as this,
Such wretchedness as me!
This bit of bread, this sip of wine,
A bond of glory is
With those who died that they might keep
Communion such as this!
This sip of wine, this crumb of bread,
Of fellowship divine
A symbol pure; the worth is His —
My Saviour Lord's — not mine!
Unworthy yet, and graceless still,
Yet rise and take, O soul,
Sip of the wine, remembering Him
Who died to make thee whole!
Beamsville, Ont
362
GOSPEL HERALD
April 20, 1954
he often have suffered since the founda-
tion of the world: but now once in the
end of the world hath he appeared to
put away sin by the sacrifice of himself
. ... So Christ was once offered to bear
the sins of many; and unto them that
look for him shall he appear the second
time without sin unto salvation. . . . We
are sanctified through the offering of the
body of Jesus Christ once for all. . . . But
this man, after he had offered one sacri-
fice for sins for ever, sat down on the
right hand of God .... For by one of-
fering he hath perfected for ever them
that are sanctified."
The work of Calvary is sufficient to
atone for every sin of mankind. There
need be no further sacrifice. But there
is abundant need for us weak mortals
to think upon the sacrifice that was of-
fered for us. That is why Jesus instituted
this service, that as often as we eat of the
bread and drink of the cup we might
have our memory refreshed concerning
the means of our redemption and the
source of our life, in anticipation of His
coming. We in this age take time to com-
memorate our birthdays, our wedding
days, and many other events of outstand-
ing importance in our earthly lives, and
on such occasions we reminisce on the
events of the past. As we come together
for the communion service may our
thoughts be weaned from all things car-
nal and be focused on Him, the Lamb
slain for our redemption. May He be-
come our satisfying portion, our strength
and life. As the branch is in the vine and
has no life except that which it draws
from the same, so we are in Him, and in
Him we live and move and have our
being.
These are some of the spiritual truths
Jesus would have impressed anew on the
minds of His children every time they
come to the communion table.
Preston, Ont.
The Life That Satisfies
By L. L. WlCHTMAN
Reaching an elevated spot on a moun-
tain trail, one looks back to view the way
he has come. Across the level, up the
slope by devious twists and turns, he re-
calls the places of easy travel, some of
difficult passage, others of little interest.
Such is the way of life. Perhaps Paul
had this mountaintop experience when
he recorded the words in H Tim. 4:6-8.
Standing on the peak of the present, he
looks away to the past, and then turns
to view the future.
Summing up the years that had passed,
he declares, "1 have fought a good fight,
1 have finished my course, I have kept
the faith." Looking back on the years of
Christian service, how many Christians
can echo that declaration?
Preceding this statement, Paul admon-
ished Timothy to "make full proof of
thy ministry." He also told Timothy to
"endure hardness as a good soldier of Je-
sus Christ." ft might be he expected
Timothy to turn to him with questions
of like nature. "Paul, have you made
full proof of your ministry? Have you
endured hardness as a good soldier?"
Yes, Paul had endured hardness. Re-
ceiving stripes often, beaten with rods,
shipwrecked, in perils from human be-
ings, suffering hunger and thirst, he
knew the meaning of suffering. He re-
fused to swerve from the path of duty,
advancing steadily along the course be-
fore him. Then if anyone should ques-
tion him about his ministry, he had the
answer at hand. There rings a note of
triumph in that declaration, "I have
fought a good fight, I have finished my
course, 1 have kept the faith."
From the past he turns to the present.
No fears, no alarms, no doubts. He does
not dread the moment when he would
be called from this present world to en-
ter the world beyond. One can hear him
say quietly in an atmosphere of confi-
dence and satisfaction, "f am now ready
to be offered, and the time of my de-
parture is at hand." The path of his life
was nearly to the goal; the time short
when he would cross the border.
We do not need to search very far to
find the secret of his assurance and con-
fidence and readiness to be offered. 11
Tim. 1:12— "For I know whom f have be-
lieved, and am persuaded that he is able
to keep that which I have committed
unto him against that day." Do we pos-
sess the secret of that assurance and con-
fidence?
Paul looks on his ministry with satis-
faction, on his present life with assur-
ance, and then turns toward the future.
What does he see before him? "Hence-
forth there is laid up for me a crown of
righteousness, which the Lord, the right-
eous judge, shall give me at that day."
Men could rob him of earthly posses-
sions, and even take his life, but here
was one thing that could not be taken
from him. It was laid up for him. and
would be given to him at the proper
time.
How marvelous these words coming
from the lips of Paul! How far short we
fall when we apply them to our lives!
Our fights have not always been "good
(Continued on page 364)
Our Readers Say-
My heart was stirred as I read the article,
"Xonresistance in the Brotherhood," in the
March 16 issue of the Herald. In fact, I had
been thinking of writing an article entitled,
' Are We Nonresistant?" Now I do not need
to write it. but I do want to say a hearty
"Amen" to this one that Sister Nafziger has
written.
It is my conviction that, in a sense, we are
fooling ourselves when we say we are nonre-
sistant when, in the final analysis, we practice
it only in one area and that, the military. I no
longer wonder at people calling us cowards when
they fail to see the principle of Absolute Love
between brethren, but when it comes to war it
seems suddtnly we have been stricken with
some kind of piety that forbids us having any
part in it. It doesn't make too much sense to
have such a wonderful doctrine as Absolute
Love taught so realistically in the Bible and
then to have it touch only one segment of our
lives.
Nonresistance, or, as I prefer to call it. Abso-
lute Love, is taught so clearly in the Word. I
am praying for tne day when it will become the
motivating lorce in each oi our lives and in tne
whole 01 each hie. — Kenneth G. Good, Morton,
111.
* * *
It seems anything taught at the turn of the
century must now be auandoned. in Volume
XLv it, Ao. 7, UoSi-EL txEaAw, is a recent illus-
tration. Jesus declared, "... 1 will build my
churcn . . . ." Ihe term "church," whetner in
ancient pre-Chrisuan or Christian usage, im-
plies a group or assembly garnered unuer spe-
cinc circumstances, ine isew iestanient re-
cords tne estabnsnment oi a number oi cnurches.
'louay mere are many sucn organizations, it
is tins situation Uiat raises the sixty-iour dol-
lar question in tne aracie reierrea to above,
"ihe itapiure — Wiucn churcn :"
Ruling out, ot course, every possibility of any
satinc aspect in the query, tne answer is obvious
ana so snnpie, prowuuig mat tne teaciung re-
ceived at me turn oi me century is correct. Ihe
cnurcn raptureu win be "ine cnurcn oi Lhrist,"
as me late uaniei Kaumnan describes "UK
body of believers oi Uns aispensauou." It will
not be a national or iniernauuiial or a denomi-
national group as suggested in the aiore-incu-
tioned articie, but tne group conveniently spoken
ot as "ine luvisioie Churcn."
However, we are told that "The New Testa-
ment knows no concept such as an invisible
church.' " The answer to this unqualified asser-
tion is found in jonn 3 :<5. ihe new birui is an
uiumuuai invisible experience, ihe result is
an invisible creation within the individual.
Ihese individuals, or invisible creations (LI Lor.
b:ls), lorin me body spoken oi as the "invisible
Church' which will be raptured when Jesus
conies to receive ilis briue, and undoubtedly
pre-tribulation at that.
Indeed, the New Testament does know a
concept comparable to an invisible church. 1 his
concept is much more m evidence than any con-
cept of a Mennoiute church, with all its "ump-
teen'' segments; and how we laud our name. —
i". C". Brubachcr, Ayr, Ont.
GOSPEL HERALD
ESTABLISHED I0O8 AS SUCCESSOR TO GOSPEL WITNESS (ISOS) AND HERALD OF TRUTH (18«4)
PAUL ERB, EDITOR JOHN L. HOR ST. MILLARD C. LIN D. CONSULTING EDITORS LEVI C. HART2LER, MISSIONS EDITOR
THE OOIPIL HIKALD IS A RELIGIOUS WIIKLY PUILIIHID IN THI IHTMHTI OF THI MENNONITE CHURCH BY TMI MENNONITE PUBLICATION BOARD, SCOTTDALE. FA.
INTIRID A» SECOND CLASS MATTER IN I SOB AT THI POST OFFICB AT SCOTTDALE, FA., UNDER ACT OF MARCH S. 1B7S. SUBSCRIPTION PRICE, S3.O0 PER YEAR. THREE YEARS
IN ADVANCE, SB.OO, FIVE YEARS IN ADVANCE, BIl.BO. SAMPLE COPIES SENT FREE ON RIOUEST. SEND ALL MATERIAL FOR PUBLICATION TO OOSPEL HERALD. SCOT Y DALE, P».
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
April 20, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
EDITORIAL
Springtime Reminders
Springtime is here. No longer do we
need the assurances of the almanac, or
even the thermometer, for we have other
constant reminders of the fact. As I look
out of the office where I write I can see
forsythias, jonquils, hyacinths, japonicas,
dandelions, and cherries bursting into
bloom. The grass, the hedges, and the
trees also give their testimony as they
add ever-increasing touches of green to
the landscape. The birds also confirm it
as they sit on the arbors or treetops and
sing their cheery songs.
Nature unerringly reminds us when
springtime is here, and spring in turn
reminds us of newness of life. It is cer-
tainly fitting that Easter, with all its
connotations of life and beauty spring-
ing out of darkness and death, should
come when all nature is bursting into
newness of life. There could be no bet-
ter illustration of the transformation
which comes into the life which has
through faith been touched by the power
of the risen Christ. For "like as Christ
was raised up from the dead by the glory
of the Father, even so we also should
walk in newness of life."
The springing forth of plant life is
also an illustration of the spiritual body
which shall rise from the grave in the
resurrection. Paul says of the physical
body which is returned to the earth at
death: "It is sown in corruption; it is
raised in incorruption: it is sown in dis-
honour; it is raised in glory: it is sown
in weakness; it is raised in power: it is
sown a natural body; it is raised a spirit-
ual body."
The coming of spring also reminds us
of the spiritual activities that come at
this season or that need to be planned
for at this time. Distinctly characteristic
of the season are such great days, of the
church calendar as Good Friday, Easter,
Ascension Day, and Whitsunday— re-
minding us of the crucifixion, resurrec-
tion, and ascension of our Lord, and of
His sending forth the Holy Spirit on the
Day of Pentecost. These indeed speak to
us of some of the greatest events in the
life of our Lord and the history of the
church.
Spring also brings with it the time for
communion services and related meet-
ings, spring conferences and associated
meetings of various kinds. All of these
need preparation of mind and heart to
make them meaningful and means of
spiritual blessing.
Spring also reminds us that the sum-
mer Bible school season is just about
upon us and that we need to make ade-
quate preparations. It reminds us that
the summer camp season is just ahead
and will need our attention so that it
may make the greatest possible contri-
bution to the spiritual lives of people of
various ages and groups. The time for
tent evangelism is almost here also and
needs to be provided for in our church
life.
All of this reminds us that we need to
plan our spiritual activities for the
spring and summer so that souls may
receive the most help spiritually and God
may receive the greatest glory. In the
springtime people are diligent in plan-
ning and working in temporal affairs.
Let us be diligent and faithful too in
foresight, thought, and labor in our
church activities. Whether it is spring,
summer, fall, or winter let us give first
place to the things of the kingdom of
God.-H.
When You Can't Sing
Throughout the singing of the hymns
he sat sober and motionless. There was
no expression on his face, no action to
indicate that his thought was engaged
with the worship in which most of the
congregation were participating. He was
present in body, but his mind, for all
that one could tell, might have been far
away.
"Let us sing." That means all of us.
We have been told that only God has a
right to listen to congregational singing.
Certainly it is not congregational singing
if any significant number of the people
sitting there are not singing. In that
case we have choir singing with the choir
interspersed throughout the congrega-
tion. We don't want that. We want all
the people to join voices and hearts in
full-voiced, meaningful, spiritual praise
and prayer as we sing our great hymns.
But there may be cases where an oc-
casional person is unable to sing. There
363
are people who have lost their voices;
they lack the physical mechanism for
singing. There are a few— a very few—
who have strong enough voices, but they
lack an ear for tone. We sometimes call
them monotones— they produce the same
pitch, or nearly so, all the time; if these
people do participate in congregational
singing, they should not sing very loud-
ly. Then there are the non-singers— the
people who could have learned to sing, if
they had been taught, but who, through
lack of opportunity, cannot produce ac-
curately the various pitches of the scale.
Unfortunately there seem to be many of
these, and the church should be con-
cerned that the young folks growing up
should not increase their number. There
are also those who can sing by rote, but
they cannot read music; therefore they
are unable to sing unless they have heard
the song a number of times. We cannot
always sing familiar hymns, as subject
matter and the desire for variety call for
new ones. Lastly, there are times when
hoarseness or other temporary inability
makes it impossible or uncomfortable to
sing.
What should we do during congrega-
tional singing if and when we can't sing?
We must find something to do which is
also worshipful. It is intolerable that we
should sit in a house of worship, at a time
of worship, and let our minds wander to
subjects unrelated to the worship, the
instruction, the fellowship of the hour.
Menus and ledgers and libraries and
crops and machines must be resolutely
pushed into the background. Irrelevant
thoughts of people and happenings must
not intrude into the holy place. Our pur-
pose is to meet God, and the accident of
our musical inability must not interfere
with that purpose.
One thing we can do is to open the
book and read the words, concentrating
on their thought. Our hymns are good
poetry, and deserve careful thought and
study. They can bring us great blessing
entirely apart from their musical setting.
Nothing shows better our ineffective use
of hymns than the attitudes of those who
can't sing. When we refuse to take up
the hymnal, or put it back in the rack
because the song is new, or wave off the
proffered sharing of a book, pointing to
a hoarse throat, we are saying that the
music— the technical part of pitch and
rhythm and volume— is the important
thing in our hymns. Actually the music
exists only for the sake of the words. We
may not be able to sing— but can't we
364
GOSPEL HERALD
April 20, 1954
read? The hymn consists of words, not
notes; it is a poem, not a musical score.
So we can still participate in congrega-
tional worship even if we can't sing. We
can hold a book and follow the words
with our eyes. If the music is new, we
can soon join in an easy phrase here or
there. Even if we do not have a book, we
can listen to the words (let us hope the
enunciation is good) and think the same
thoughts with the singers. We can join
the whole congregation in reverent
praise, in heartfelt petition, in happy tes-
timony. And so we lose nothing at all of
the fellowship, even though we utter no
note of music.
Don't miss the blessing of the song
service merely because you cannot
sing!— E.
The Revelation of Jesus Christ
By J. L. Stauffer
(Fifth Parenthesis or Inset Between the
Seventh Seal and Personal Advent of
Christ Continued)
33. The Marriage of the Lamb. Rev.
19:1-10.
After meditation upon the sinfulness
of the religious system of the end-time
and its overthrow, it is refreshing to
meditate upon that which relates to the
consummation of the expectation of the
saints of all ages, namely, the union of
Jesus Christ the heavenly Bridegroom
and the Bride.
"After these things" there is heard a
great voice of much people in heaven.
They are proclaiming salvation and
glory and honor and power unto the
Lord our God.
They recognize His judgments as "true
and righteous." The great harlot that
corrupted the earth is now judged and
the blood of the Lord's servants avenged.
The redeemed ones represented by the
four and twenty elders, whose history
has been traced from the church epistles
in Rev. 2 and 3 and their translation to
heaven in Rev. 4 and 5 where they were
seated on thrones, appear in this chapter
with the four living creatures. They are
filled with praise. A "great multitude"
as the voice of many waters, first seen as
the multitude that comes out of the
great tribulation, are also filled with
praise, for the Lord God Omnipotent
reigneth. They rejoice because the mar-
riage of the Lamb has come and the
Bride hath made herself ready.
The bride is dressed in white linen
clean and white, which is the righteous-
ness of saints.
The angel tells John, "Write, Blessed
are they which are called unto the mar
riage supper of t ho Lamb." These are
the "true sayings of (.oil.''
John fell at the leet of the one who
was giving him this information, but he
was restrained. Only God is to be wor-
shiped.
Can we say with John, "Even so, come,
Lord Jesus"?
II. Water from Many Wells
By Nora Oswald
Pray without ceasing.— I Thess. y.i/.
"Pray without ceasing," is a twofold
command. The first request is that we
pray. The second is that we continue to
pray. One way to pray without ceasing
is to work toward the fulfillment of our
prayers, and by so doing assist God in
answering our prayers. It is not enough
that we ask; we must also do. We can't
leave God and our prayers in the closet
but we need to take them with us wher-
ever we go. It availeth little to pray,
"Give us this day our daily bread," if
we, then, sit idly by and wait for it. We
can't expect God to make good Samar-
itans of us if we pass by on the other
side and neglect our neighbor's need. A
well-dressed lady was riding along in a
swanky car. She was the first to arrive
at the scene of a highway accident. She
found that a man had been wounded
seriously and was bleeding excessively.
She thought it her duty to take him to
the hospital, but when she thought of
the lovely upholstery in her car she de-
cided she couldn't ruin it. So she went
on. Perhaps she was a praying woman,
perhaps not.
There is a picture of an eastern beg-
gar sitting by a gate. His hand holds out
a cup. But as he waits he becomes weary
and falls asleep. A clown drops a coin
into his cup. A theif passes by and steals
the coin. The beggar wakes and is dis-
appointed. "He prayed, indeed, but no
watch he kept. The golden answer slipt
by while he slept."
Yes, we need a willingness to work at
what we pray for, and not ask for graces
we are not wrestling to attain.
Hesston, Kans.
THE LIFE THAT SATISFIES
(Continued)
fights." Places along the path are marked
by "detours" where we strayed from the
course before us. But our course is not
finished. It is ours today to carry on the
"good fight" against the forces of evil.
There is so much to combat. Unless we
are careful, we may divide our efforts so
we accomplish very little.
It is ours to keep the faith and struggle
on, worrying neither about the past nor
the future. Our past is in the hands of
God; our future lies with Him. What-
ever we have as our due, God will render
it to us. Let us concentrate on the pres-
ent, making full proof of our ministry as
soldiers of Jesus Christ.
At the close of each day, may we be
It Happened —
TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO
(From Gospel Herald, April 4, iy2Q)
A special called meeting of the Men-
nonite Board of Education was held
west of Goshen. Ind., on Saturady, Feb.
16, 1929. . . . The meeting was called to
receive and act upon the report of a
special committee appointed to look into
the advisability of erecting a dormitorv
for men. . . . Resolved, that the Board
of Education approve the plan offered b\
the Committee. . . .
(From Gospel Herald, April 11, /920)
Bro. and Sister Geo. J. Lapp and
daughter, Harriet, on furlough from the
India Mission field, arrived at San Fran-
cisco, Calif., on March 31.
(From Gospel Herald, April 18, 1020)
Ordination services ... at the Pennsvl-
vania Church near Hesston, Kans., Sun-
day, April 7. . . . The Lord chose Bro.
Earl Buckwalter, for a number of years
superintendent of the Sundav school.
Shetler-Thomns.-On March 30, 1929.
at the home of Bro. S. G. Shetler . . .
occurred the marriage of Bro. Ham Y.
Shetler, . . . Davidsville, Pa., and Sister
Stella Thomas.
able to sav for that brief period, "I
fought a good fight, I kept to the course,
I contended for the faith." That is our
privilege and duty as soldiers of Jesus
Christ.
Avoca. N.Y.
Two Trees
By Edna Beiler
There was a tree —
Fair, fair to see —
Object of Eve's desire.
Deceitful root
And bitter fruit
Led to a sword of fire.
(Such beauty — luring to disgrace
And sin that tainted our world race!)
There was a Tree —
Dark, dark to see —
Blackened by one world's sin!
O Son of God,
On Calvary's road
You made that Tree divine.
(For that cursed Tree of blackened wood,
Dear God, accept our gratitude!)
Reading, Pa.
April 20, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
365
The Lancaster Conference Ministerial
Meeting
By Ira D. Landis
Preachers certainly are human, and
those of this generation are no excep-
tions. They need to see the depths of sin
from which they are saved, as did the
psalmist (40:1-3), and as Isaiah experi-
enced. Chapter 6. They also need to see
that they need continuous cleansing at
the laver of truth, and dedication to
their charge; that the age in which we
live is no more friendly to the true Gos-
pel than the age in which James the
Apostle lived (Jas. 4:4), and that we are
responsible for' preserving the faith for
future generations. This demands con-
tinuous preparation and frequent dedi-
cation to our task. To this end a Lan-
caster Conference Bishop Board Com-
mittee designed the twenty-first Minister-
ial Meeting especially for the ordained.
This fellowship and feast was also shared
by brethren from sister conferences, in-
cluding D. L. Martin from the North
Central Conference, and George Miller
from Honduras, Central America.
The meeting was held in the com-
modious 1936 Millwood meetinghouse
(as restored again alter the 1943 storm)
in beautiful eastern Lancaster County,
Pa., guests of a very hospitable congrega-
tion, able to feed a part of five thousand
men, besides women and children, on
two beautiful days, February 24, 25,
1954. One of the home bishops, LeRoy
Stoltzfus, and Bishop William M. Strong,
Mechanicsburg, Pa., were the modera-
tors.
The song leaders led a very inspiring
fellowship in hymn singing. These were
Reuben Stoltzfus, Martin R. Kraybill,
Paul R. Weaver, Sanford E. Hershey,
Emory Herr, and Isaac Frederick. The
devotional periods were in charge ol
ministers recently ordained, with Elmer
D. Leaman, first, and Landis Myers, the
last, reading portions ranging from I
Kings 18 to II Thess. 2. The topics dis-
cussed included such doctrinal ones as
consecration, sanctification, fellowship,
the ordinances of the devotional cover-
ing and anointing with oil, conferences,
the future resurrection, life, and godli-
ness. The practical subjects included pas-
toral responsibility, child evangelism,
personal evangelism, revival practices,
radio and television, Christian schools,
missions, and present-day trends. Open
discussion periods were interspersed.
The speakers included Jacob Z. Ritten-
house, of Franconia Conference, Samuel
L. Martin and J. Irvin Lehman, of Wash-
ington County-Franklin Conference, Er-
nest G. Gehman, of Virginia, and from
the home base Christian K. Lehman,
Richard Danner, Aaron M. Shank, Hen-
ry F. Garber, Mylin Shenk, H. R. Lichty,
and Amos W. Weaver.
Wednesday Morning
Consecration, the act of dedicating
ourselves for sacred uses, occurs 39 times
in the Old Testament and twice in the
New. It is (1) a voluntary act. II Cor.
8:24. The first step is self-dedication.
II Cor. 8:5. God is first chiefly interested
in us, not in our money, time, talents,
and services to the Lord. The heart is
the key to man. Cf. Deut. 6:6, 7. Some
are dedicated, they say, to the Lord and
not to the church, but the Corinthians
recognized that this was impossible; some
say they have dedicated themselves to
the cause, but not the Lord, but the
Lord comes first. II Cor. 8:5.
Millwood Meetinghouse
The same Greek word is translated
sanctification and holiness, five times
each. Sanctification is the renewal of the
soul in the image of God, resulting in
holiness. The law of His God is in His
very nature, producing holiness without
an admixture of sin, happiness without
an admixture of sorrow. Rom. 8:1-3.
Justification may pay the penalty, but
not change the condition. It must be in
me, not only for me. Regeneration ce-
ments together justification and sancti-
fication. The only satisfactory evidence
of religion is progress. The deathblow
is given to the old man.
Our fellowship on the basis of Acts 4:
13-33 must be humble, praying, Holy
Ghost-witnessing, united, classless, spir-
itual fellowship. The devotional cover-
ing is an ordinance, a veiling, and an
outward sign of Christian womanhood.
It is worn (1) to show God's order in the
Christian Church; (2) by a praying and
prophesying sister; and (3) by those who
recognize the position and the ministry
of angels. We need to present a united
front in the leadership, both in doctrine
and practice. Many churches, having it
200 years ago, have forever lost it. We
too can lose it within 35 years, if we do
not consistently stand together for it.
Faith is the foundation for all bless-
ings obtained from God. True faith can
see the thing done before it happens.
Anointing services fail: (1) for a lack of
faith (Luke 17:16-21); (2) by not confess-
ing our faults (German, sins) (Jas. 5:16);
(3) when it is observed only as an ex-
treme unction.
Conferences are a necessity to inter-
pret the Bible in doctrine and practice.
The decisions need to be made in har-
mony with the Word of God. As confer-
ences we need humility and unselfish-
ness in carrying out the doctrine of
Christ. Conference leaders need to keep
in mind Scriptures such as I Cor. 1:10;
3:9; Phil. 1:27; Eph. 4:2, 3.
The evils of the radio are threefold:
(1) due to the nature of the instrument.
The control can be decontrolled, even
by children; (2) the nature of the mes-
sages: Worldly songs and music are
learned, replacing Sunday-school hymns;
foolish and vain speaking. It portrays
violence and crime. By a report from a
house of correction, before television ap-
peared, crime's greatest incentive came
from sex literature, movies, and radio,
in this order. (3) its religion which, be-
cause of its variety, causes serious con-
fusion. (4) Jews, Catholics, Modernists,
Free Thinkers, Seventh-Day Adventists,
Mormons, and Christian Science, all are
on the air. (5) Hatred and war propa-
ganda, and especially during war peri-
ods, are prominent. Fundamentalism,
with war and divorce, is there too.
Psychologists claim that people re-
member 10 per cent of what they hear
and 90 of what they see. Television is
the fastest growing industry in America.
It took 20 years to sell the radio to 95
per cent of our population, but in 5
years television has captivated far more
than was anticipated. It was started by
tavern keepers and continues with beer
guzzlers. It requires the whole conscious
sell, in this differing from radio. It
brings the theater into the home. It is a
school of crime. In a certain tabulation,
there were 91 murders, 7 holdups, 3 kid-
napings, 3 arson, 2 jail breaks, one crim-
inal explosion killing twenty, etc. It sets
up a monopoly in the home. It makes
it difficult to maintain the family altar.
In missions we share what we enjoy,
we accept the challenge of Christ, and
spread the truth and life of the Gospel.
Faith is the driving force of missions, as
it draws upon a great reservoir of poten-
tiality in Christian youth. We have mis-
sions in six states, and 91 foreign mission-
aries in five different countries.
On Thursday
We want the best in hospitals, church
buildings, mechanics, etc. Be the best
bishop, preacher, deacon, Sunday-school
superintendent, teacher, parent. The
same materials go into jails as are used
in churches, and both are filled with
men— the one the worst, the other the
best. We have work to do and hands to
do it.
Trends indicate change, growth, or
decline, in a flux. We not the follow-
ing trends now:
366
GOSPEL HERALD
April 20, 1954
1. Greater pastoral activity.
2. Greater congregational activity.
3. An increasing interest in evange-
lism and missions.
4. A growing interest in Bible study.
5. A growing interest in world needs,
both relief and missions.
6. A growing emphasis on youth.
7. Increasing worldliness in many
areas of life, viz., attire, hairdos, musical
instruments, automobiles, etc.
8. A growing materialism.
9. Growing pressure from the world
on unequal tie-ups.
10. Increasing testimony to the world
of our age-old standards.
Just when the Mennonite Church is
about ready to exert her impact on the
world, she is in grave danger of losing it
herself.
We can all do personal evangelism,
but we do too little. God used this meth-
od in sending Jesus to earth. To a Christ-
less grave there are marching 40,000,000
per year. The heathen are on the in-
crease 37 per minute, 2,000 per hour,
370,000 per week. There are 16,000,000
businessmen in America without a Chris-
tian profession. Three of every seven in
America are born in non-Christian
homes. In America 30,000 villages never
hear the Gospel.
Evangelism includes all the doctrines,
with Jesus Christ as central. The mes-
sage must outshine the messenger. The
message bearer needs to be also the mes-
sage, giving emphasis to what he says.
I Cor. 4:1,2. No other means than a per-
son can be Spirit-filled and Spirit-direct-
ed. Revivalism will never become a
grown institution that needs no direc-
tion. Christ can today lift one from the
depths of sin by regeneration through
the power of the glory of His grace and
His name.
The resurrection is pivotal in the
Christian religion. Paul's arrest hinged
on the blessed hope, associated with a
resurrection of the dead, both of the just
and the unjust. Acts 23:6; 24:14, 15. 21.
The Old Testament gives some inklings
of it. Isa 26:19; Ezek. 27; Dan. 12:2;
Hos. 13:14. The New Testament brings
immortality to light through the Gospel.
John 5:28, 29; 11:23-26; Luke 14:14; 1
Cor. 15:16-28; I Thess. 4:13-18. God
shall raise the dead. Acts 26: 8. Justice
demands it. Gen. 18:25. The first resur-
rection is spiritual. John 5:24, 25; Eph.
2:1, 5; Col. 3:1; Rom. 5:4-13. The sctoiuI
resurrection is bodily. John 5:28, 29;
6:39, 40, 44; Matt. 25:30, 31, 45, 46, In
the parable of the tares, at the end of the
age, the tares are gathered out first. Matt.
13:30. The return of the l ord is not a
period, but an hour. Matt. 24:36.
The Christian becomes less earthly
and more spiritual day by day. Christ
alone can raise man to that level. Man
is not all-pbwerful, but limited, not all
sufficient, but ever Catling; nol eternal,
but mortal; nol perfect, but sinful
throughout. We are not partakers of the
divine nature by aspiration, education,
nor culture, but by regeneration. It is
altogether possible to live godly in this
ungodly America today. If you will not
give up past desires, God will not help
you; if you will, God will also. You must
be tired of the old life. The fruit of
Christlikeness is godliness. We are
known by our fruit. May it be fruit that
God will own!
» # *
This was a two-day session, long to be
remembered, a real mountaintop experi-
ence for the ministry and all assembled.
May the inspiration and power be telt
in every congregation and in every life,
and a real heaven-sent revival issue forth.
Bareville, Pa.
The Meaning of Easter
By Reba Gochf.nalr Dagen
The word "Easter" is mentioned only
once in the Bible. "And when he had
apprehended him, he put him in prison,
and delivered him to four quaternions of
soldiers to keep him; intending after
Easter to bring him forth to the people"
(Acts 12:4). Easter, a word of uncertain
derivation, is the modern name ot a
Christian festival, in commemoration ol
Christ's resurrection and the events ol
Passion Week, and, while movable, is
fixed at a certain period of the year.
With this definition one would think
that Easter should have one meaning.
But to different people it has just as
many different meanings. To some it is
a sacred, holy day; to others it is only a
hollow mockery of sacred things. Let
us contrast the meaning of Easter to the
world and to the Christian. In using the
term "world" here I mean the unchris-
tian or unsaved.
I have often, very often, wondered wh}
the world celebrates Christinas and East-
er. They go to the limit in their cele-
brations and at the same time reject the
blessed Son of God whose birth, death,
and resurrection constitute the reason
for these special holy days. To many
people of the world Easter means a
whole new outfit of clothing from head
to foot to join the grand Easter dress
parade. As we contact people in all
Walks of life in our daily work, it is dis-
gusting to hear women express their
deep regrets il Easter i^ earl) in the yeai
so they will have to wear B coat to hide
their finery. It is cqualh bad il it rains
on f aster Sundav .
To one (lass of people it will mean
going to church again for the first time
since last Easter, il for no other reason
than to show their outfits. To the mer-
chants and the confectioners Easter
means enlarged business and increased
bunk accounts, lor the\ have been pu-
pating lor Master a number of months
To a lai>>e host of c hildten 1 astei
inc. ins a new Outfit plus tooth. u lies and
stomach ac hes because of an oversupply
of rich chocolate carid) the Easter Bunnv.
brOllghl them. That in absolutelv all
that many, many children know about
Easter. This is the world's version of
Easter. What mockery! Oh, how it must
grieve the heart of God!
Now let us analyze the matter from the
Christian's side. What does Easter mean
to us? It is life. Easter means resurrec-
tion, a resurrected Christ, or a living
Christ. And that thought means eternal
life and immortality, and not onlv life
and immortality but also a happy dwell-
ing together in His presence. We don't
undervalue Christmas at all, but if
Christ's birth, His life, and even His
death on the cross, would be the end ot
the story, what would be our hope? For
"if in this life only we have hope in
Christ, we are of all men most miserable"
(I Cor. 15:19). Hence Easter means a
finished work, for Jesus said, "My meat
is to do the will of him that sent me.
and to finish his work" (John 4:34).
Easter means eternal life, for Jesus
said, "Because I live, ve shall live also"
(John 14:19). And that means joy in this
life and fullness ot joy in the life to
come. Easter means resurrection power
and victory. The last enemy to be de-
stroyed is death, but in His resurrection
power we have victory over death and
the grave, "knowing that he which
raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up
us also bv Jesus, and shall present us
with vou" (II Cor. 4:14).— Sent b\ Mrs.
C. Z. Martin.
Television
Bv Elizabeth Monroe
What shall our attitude be? Televi-
sion is a wonderful invention. Is it
wrong, or is it right? Ma\ we as Chris-
Uans watch? It is coming. It is now in
a large per cent of the American homes,
and in some Christian homes. Is it neces-
sary to denv ourselves ot this latest de-
vice? May the Word of God speak to us
about it.
Television is verj tricky. A religious
program, or scenery and industry may be
portrayed that are instructive and edu-
cational, and in the twinkling of an eye
the scene changes; then advertisements
of liquor and cigarettes flash before our
eyes. Can Christians watch? Jesus said.
"Watch and pray, lest \e enter into
temptation."
Col 1 :lSb. That in all things he might have
the preeminence.
I John 2:15-17. Love not the world, neither
the things that are in the world. . . . For all
that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and
the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is
not of the Father, but is of the world. And the
world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but
he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
Would watching television have a
tendencv to deepen mv spiritual life?
Rom. 8 :o. For to be carnally minded is death :
but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
Matt. 6:22b. If therefore thine eye be single,
thy whole body shall be full of light.
April 20, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
367
A Prayer for This Week
Our heavenly Father, we thank Thee
for Thy Word. We thank Thee that we
have received the truth and that it is liv-
ing in our hearts. We thank Thee that
it satisfies our deepest needs.
We praise Thee for the Bible schools
of our church. We praise Thee for the
young people who are studying Thy
Word there. We pray that all our young
people who are engaged in special Bible
study may open their hearts to Thee. We
ask that their lives may radiate the Lord
Jesus, the incarnate Word.
Cleanse us from the sin of neglecting
the Bible. Teach all of us how to feed
on the Word. Grant to each of us a deep
hunger for the truth of God, we pray in
Jesus' name.
—Leah C. Kauffman.
It may be that in the future we shall
be able to hear and see Gospel songs and
sermons over television, but oh, the dan-
ger! The quick changing from the good
to the bad! The cosmetic advertisements
I— the glamour— the galloping horses— the
excitement— firing of guns— killing— fall-
ing in death— strong drink and tobacco
portrayed! Shall we, who as a people
lhave for centuries avoided the theater,
bring a miniature theater into our living
room where "in quietness and in con-
fidence shall be your strength"?
II Cor. 7:1. Having therefore these promises,
dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all
filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holi-
ness in the fear of God.
The writer went with some relatives
to another state. On Sunday afternoon
we visited in the home of my relative's
sister. I should hardly say "visited."
There were few words spoken. This
brother and sister who lived hundreds
of miles apart did not ask of each oth-
er's welfare — they watched television.
Though I was a guest in the home, I
[could have walked out ot the living
room. Sometimes I watched, sometimes
I didn't. I felt I really wanted to be in-
formed as to the actual workings of the
j de\ ice.
The scene presented at this time was
beautiful. The tall fir trees seemed to
be those of the beautiful state of Oregon.
We watched a man climb up and up
nearly to the top of a very tall tree, then
he cut off the top and it dropped to the
ground. The tree then became a spar
tree. Cables were then fastened to it so
as to in some way help in the logging
process. We watched loads of huge logs
come in and the logging industry pro-
ceed. It would have been very interest-
ing and instructive had it not been that
the crew of workers were in the mean-
time quarreling, fighting, and killing.
Murders were committed before our very
eyes. Would you, fellow Christian, sit in
a theater on Sunday afternoon and fol-
low a scene of this kind? No. Why then
is it better in a home?
I was in a professed Christian home
from twelve o'clock noon until evening.
All afternoon television was on. The
little girl said, "The next program is my
little brother's favorite." Little brother
sat for a long time watching the Lone
Ranger. I counted four murders por-
trayed in that program.
Prov. 22 :6. Train up a child in the way he
should go : and when he is old, he will not de-
part from it.
I went to a home recently on a Sunday
evening, and this was a Christian home.
I went to be with three children while
the parents would be away during the
day for three days. This father is active
in the church he attends. When I first
stepped into their house this Sunday eve-
ning, the mother said, "Have you ever
seen television?" I replied, "I have."
"We have it. What do you think of it?"
she asked. That, then, was my opportu-
nity to give my testimony; to tell her
that the minds and the thoughts of
Christians should be on good things.
Col. 3 :2. Set your affection on things above,
not on things on the earth.
The next three days were eye openers
to me. The three young children, two
boys and a girl, were allowed to watch
television, and 1 could do nothing about
it. How attentive they were! How still
they sat! I suppose they never sat so
quietly for so long a period of time in
any church service. One time I stepped
into the living room to see what it was
all about. A partly dressed girl was
dancing. In fact, she was so nude I
should have been embarrassed to have
stayed with the children. In the evening
the father, the man who is so active in
church work, sat on the divan, a son on
each side. Between programs, advertise-
ments of strong drink and tobacco came
on and went off; came on and went off;
there they sat.
Matt. 6:13. Lead us not into temptation, but
deliver us from evil.
Phil. 4 :8. Whatsoever things are true, what-
soever things are honest, whatsoever things are
just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever
things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good
report ; if there be any virtue, and if there be
any praise, think on these things.
Gal. 5 :24. They that are Christ's have cruci-
fied the flesh with the affections and lusts.
Rom. 8:5. For they that are after the flesh
do mind the things of the flesh ; but they that
are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
Rom. 6:6. ... that henceforth we should not
serve sin.
Eph. 5 :9-ll. (For the fruit of the Spirit is in
all goodness and righteousness and truth;)
proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And
have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of
darkness, but rather reprove them.
II Peter 3:11. Seeing then that all these
things shall be dissolved, what manner of per-
sons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and
godliness.
I am told that the unthinking class of
Prayer Requests —
(Requests for this column must be signed)
Pray for a young man and a young wom-
an, keeping company, but not belong-
ing to the same church, that the Lord
may reveal His will, and move them
to do it.
Pray for the recovery, if it is God's will,
of a mother who has a malignant
tumor.
Pray that a newly converted sister may
have strength to have victory over
trials and that her husband may be
converted.
Pray for the special blessing of the Lord
upon our Japanese brother recently
ordained to the ministry.
Prayer is requested for a young father
who desperately needs deliverance
from sin and the power of Satan.
people love television; they need put
forth little effort. I am also told that
young people are leaving off music les-
sons, or anything that requires an effort
on their part, for television.
When television comes in all its force,
children will no longer sing their Sun-
day-school songs. They will sing the
songs they hear over television. Children
sit until their eyes water and their mus-
cles cramp. When television comes Sun-
day-school and church magazines will be
laid aside, folded. Good books will not
be exciting enough. They will stay on
the bookshelf or in the library, unread.
Mothers will have less time for the many
duties that are for them to do. There
will be less time for Bible reading; alas,
there will be less time for prayer.
Shall we let television come? Shall we
let our children see and hear men and
women quarreling, as they have never
seen their parents do? Separating with
angry words that would be tragic if real?
May the Word of God and the Holy
Spirit answer for us.
When we as Christians have spent all
the time we need to spend with our chil-
dren, in teaching them; with good liter-
ature; in wholesome recreations; in
Christian service and in the ministry of
prayer, there will be little or no time left
for television.
t
Science has found the same blood types
common in all races, history has the story
of one "man" only, and the Bible frames
the concept of a universal human fam-
ily.—John R. Mumaw.
368
GOSPEL HERALD
April 20, ipy-f
The Christian Victory
By Laverne Sensenic
Is it possible for followers of Christ to
live lives of victory? Can the trials and
temptations of this sin-cursed world be
overcome? It seems utterly impossible,
and we know it is by our own selves. But
if self is blotted out and Christ, the Vic-
tor, is substituted in its stead, the world
and its evil can be trampled underfoot.
Let us attempt to find the secret ol
the Christian's victory. First of all, our
relationship to the Saviour must be har-
monious. Our names must be written on
the golden pages of the Book of Life. All
our hidden sins must be confessed, for-
saken, and forgotten. The miracle of
being transformed from darkness into
the marvelous light must have occurred
in our lives, if they are to be lives of
victory.
Faith is an essential element of real
victory. The free gift of salvation for us,
as sinners, is received wholly by faith.
Likewise when Christ is sought to help
us in our struggle against the evil one,
we must place our complete trust in
Him. "This is the victory that over-
cometh the world, even our faith" (I
John 5:4).
The victorious life is not an untempt-
ed life. Christ was tempted and He fell
not. Adam and Eve were tempted but
they fell. We have inherited this Adamic
nature to sin from these two who were
placed in care of the Garden of Eden.
What happens when we do fall? Are we
barred forever from the grace of God
and sent to eternal damnation? No,
thanks be to Christ, we are not. We
must beg God's forgiveness and then pos-
sess the attitude of faith that He has for-
given. An inquisitive man once ap-
proached a newly consecrated Christian
with the question, "Sir, I hear you've got
the mastery of the devil. Is that correct?"
The man's answer was, "Oh, no, but I've
got the Master of the devil." I bis is
surely all we need.
Some people try to imitate God. Since
Christ was perfect, they think all they
must do is imitate Him. Christ never
commanded us to do this. He tells us
to reserve first place in our hearts solely
for Him so that His power can penetrate
our lives. Of course, we must try to Sol-
low Christ's footsteps daily, thai
alone will never bring vic tory. A drunk-
ard mav, with his own power, attempt (<»
keep his hands oil the bottle. Very rarel)
will he succeed in his arduous struggle.
Our own efforts and power are futile.
We must place our dust completely in
I lim, for 1 le is our \ ictory,
This calls lor an unconditional sut
rendei ol self to God. sell must be nailed
to the doss. In its plate must come a
willingness to live only lot Christ. AH
else must hi' placed in the background.
"When sin enters, Christ Bees; when
Christ enters, sin flees."
We must have a consciousness ol the
omnipresence of God. lie guides us not
only from that far-off destination balled
heaven, but lives with us right here on
this earth. A heaven on earth will be
ours if Christ is given the place of honor
He deserves.
Akron, Pa.
The Doctrine of Mary's Assumption
Ideas are strange things. Someone pro-
jects an idea. If it finds no followers, the
idea will very probably die.
Another projects an idea. It appeals
to some. It is repeated. It is promoted.
Some will very probably oppose it, but
the opposition may only serve to give it
emphasis. Eventually the idea prevails.
Not all may believe it, but it may find
acceptance on the part of a preponderant
majority.
When this happens in the life and af-
fairs of a state the idea will very prob-
ably be enacted into legislation and thus
be enjoined upon the citizenry as a law
which must be observed on pain ot pun-
ishment.
When it happens in the church the
idea is likely to be elevated into a new
doctrine. The best-known and most
widely discussed sample ol this proce-
dure at the present time is to be found
in the papal pronouncement by which
the bodily assumption of Mary was estab-
lished as a doctrine of the church. Now
that it has become a doctrine all mem-
bers of the Church of Rome must accept
it or find themselves outside the pale of
the church.
This new doctrine has been widely
criticized and very properly so. Where
in the Scriptures of God is there any-
thing which by any stretch of the imagi-
nation can be made to say that Mary did
not see death but was bodily transported
10 heaven? It is tyrannous for a church
to impose on pain of soul such a doctrine
upon the consciences of its members.
Hence, criticism is in order.
What most critics have overlooked,
however, is the fact that similar processes
can go on in any church body of the
world. This is one of the most subtle and
most fearfully destructive evils against
which the Christians of every church bo-
dy need to be eternally on their guard.
The members of any given church
body may often fail to recognize this
danger because we are all so prone in
our sinful pride and lack of spiritual
understanding to confuse our own opin-
ions with those of God.
What God does and teaches is always
good. What men do and teach, though
they do it in the name of God, may not
alwavs be so oood.— American Lutheran.
One Sure Way to Win
At the height of the war between the
States, when "feeling was bitterest. Presi-
dent Lincoln made a hopeful remark
about the South at a White House re-
ception. An elderly woman, hearing him.
flared up at him, wanting to know how-
he could speak kindly of his enemies,
when he should wish above all else to
destroy them. Lincoln answered " What, j
madam? Do I not destroy them when
I make them my friends?"
OUR SCHOOLS
Goshen College News
The chapel talks given during Noncon-
formity Week, March 29 to April 2, em-
phasized the practical side of this teaching
in its various phases. It was pointed out that
the noncomformed life is conformed to Christ
and that it implies suffering and cross-bearing
as well as joys; that the true child of God can
render service to the state even as a conscien-
tious objector and that the economic world
presents a challenge to the followers of Christ.
An appeal was made for a readiness to an-
swer the call of Christ to serve in needy
places among people who are underprivileged
and who are lacking in a Christian back-
ground. The speakers during Nonconform-
ity Week were William McGrath, a C.oshcn
College Seminary student; Henry Weaver,
)r., co ordinator of the I-W program for the
Mcnnonite Hoard of Missions and Charities;
J. C. Meyer, professor of history at Western
Reserve University, and Charles Neff, M.D.,
physician at Streets, Md.
Joseph W. Eaton, visiting professor at
Western Reserve University, addressed the
Mcnnonite Historical Society on April 3 on
the- subject. "The Mental Health of the Hut
terites." Dr. Eaton with others has made
an intensively interesting study in this sub-
ject and one that seems much worth while.
His address helped us to appreciate the value
of wholesome Christian living to the individ-
ual and also made us more aware of our
personal duty toward others in treating them
with equality, integrity, and love.
President Ernest Miller and president-elect
Paul Mininger attended a meeting of thfl
North Central Association on March 24-2o
and of the Executive Committee of the Men
nonite Board of Education on March 27
Both of these meetings were held in Chicago
The Messiah College Choral Society re
centlv gave a program of music to a larg<
and appreciative audience in Union Audita
rium. We were glad to have this group o
about as guests on our campus and for thi:
interchange and fellowship between Goshen
and her related college at Grantham, Pa.
Our eleven-day Easter recess which will be
gin at noon on April 9 brings happy anticipa
dons to many who will be returning to their
homes and also to those who, while denied
this privilege, will be serving on chorus tours
or in some similar capacity. — S. M. King.
April 20, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
PEACE AND WAR
That Blessed Hope
By Bertha L. King
When o'er the bare, brown fields
The gentle breezes blow
\nd golden sunrays warm the earth
With a soft and mellow glow;
When yellow daffodils arise
From out their winter beds,
And crocuses thrust through the leafy mold
Their varicolored heads;
When in their northward trek
The song birds swiftly wing,
And in the budding treetops
Their trilling, sweet notes sing;
Then with joyful hearts we say,
'See, Spring is on the way!"
|When strange phenomena appear
Throughout the earth and sky,
And famines, earthquakes, and disease
Cause the unfortunate to die;
|When restless nations war
In hate, one against another,
|And life is cheap, nor is man
To man a loving brother;
(When Israel's fig tree buds
Within her land again,
|And as a nation bears esteem
In the affairs of men;
Lift up your hearts and gladly cry,
"Lo, our Saviour's coming draweth nigh !"
Sure as the warming sun and gentle rain
Bring back to earth the e'er returning
Spring,
So surely shall the Saviour's words abide
Who gave His signs when He will come
again.
West Liberty, Ohio.
Wesley's Views on War
Selected by J. C. Wenger
But there is still a greater and more
undeniable proof that the very founda-
tion of all things, civil and religious, are
utterly out of course in the Christian as
well as in the heathen world. There is
still a more horrid reproach to the Chris-
tian name, yea, to the name of man, to
all reason and humanity. There is war
in the world! war between men! war be-
tween Christians! I mean those that bear
the name of Christ and profess to "walk
as he also walked." Now, who can re-
concile war. I will not say to religion,
but to any degree of reason or common
sense?
Let us calmly and impartially consider
the thing itself. Here are forty thousand
men gathered together on this plain.
What are they going to do? See, there are
thirty or forty thousand more at a little
distance. And these are going to shoot
them through the head or body, to stab
them, or split their skulls, and send most
of their souls into everlasting fire, as fast
as they possibly can. Why so? What
harm have they done to them? Oh, none
at all! They do not so much as know
them. But a man, who is king of France,
has a quarrel with another man, who is
king of England. So these Frenchmen
are' to kill as many of these Englishmen
as they can, to prove tint the king ol
France is in the right. Now, what an
argument is this!- What a method of
proof! What an amazing way of deciding
controversies! What must mankind be,
before such a thing as war could ever be
known or thought of upon earth?
How shocking, how inconceivable a
want there must have been of common
understanding, as well as common hu-
manity, before any two governments,
or any two nations in the universe, could
once think of such a method of decision!
Surely all our declamations on the
strength of human reason, and the em-
inence of our virtues are no more than
the cant and jargon of pride and ignor-
ance, so long as there is such a thing as
war in the world. Men in general can
never be allowed to be reasonable crea-
tures till they know not war any more.
So long as this monster stalks uncon-
trolled, where is reason, virtue, human-
ity? They are utterly excluded; they have
no place; they are a name and nothing
more. If even a heathen were to give
an account of an age wherein reason and
virtue reigned, he would allow no war
to have place therein.
Are our counrytmen more effectually
reclaimed when danger and distress are
joined? If so, the army, especially in time
of war, must be the most religious part of
the nation. But is it so indeed? Do the
soldiers walk as those who see themselves
on the brink of eternity? So far from it,
that a soldier's religion is a byword, even
with those who have no religion at all;
that vice and profaneness in every shape
reign among them without control, and
that the whole tenor of their behavior
speaks, "Let us eat and drink, for tomor-
row we die."
And what shall we say of the navy,
more particularly of the ships of war? Is
religion there, either the power or the
form? Is not almost every single man-of-
war a mere floating hell? Where is there
to be found more consummate wicked-
ness, a more full, daring contempt of
God and all His laws— except in the bot-
tomless pit?— Wesley's Appeal to Men ol
Reason and Religion.
# * #
In returning to London, I read the life
of the late Czar, Peter the Great. Un-
doubtedly he was a soldier, a general,
and a statesman scarce inferior to any.
But why was he called a Christian? What
369
has Christianity to do either with deep
dissimilation or savage cruelty?
In all the other judgments of God, the
inhabitants of the earth learn righteous-
ness. When a land is visited with famine,
or plague, or earthquake, the people
common ly see and acknowledge the hand
of God. But whenever war breaks out,
God is forgotten, if He be not set at open
defiance. . . .
You may well say, but not in the an-
cient sense, "See how these Christians
love one another!" These Christian king-
doms, that are tearing at each other's
bowels, desolating one another with fire
and sword L These Christian armies that
are sending each other by thousands, by
tens of thousands, quick into hell! Who
follow after only "the things that make
for peace, and things wherewith one may
edify one another"?
Shall Christians assist the prince of
hell, who was a murderer from the begin-
ning, by telling the world the benefit of
war?- John Wesley. -Wesley's Works,
Lond. Ed., Vol. 9.
Loving Our Enemies
Human nature being what it is, can a
man really love his enemies? Is it pos-
sible to face a foe with self-giving con-
cern, with deep compassion for him, and
with an intense desire to do something
in his behalf? Everything depends upon
who the enemy is. Jesus prayed for the
forgiveness of the men who were killing
Him because He recognized them. He
knew them to be the objects of God's
infinite concern and compassion. He felt
a warm bond of kinship with them and
longed to bring redemption to them.
It is not impossible for a father to
continue loving a prodigal son while he
wallows with the swine; it is not impos-
sible for a mother to go on loving a
daughter who has become a victim of
vice in its most repulsive form; it is not
impossible for a man to persist in loving
a kinsman who has become an ominous
threat.
Plainly it is the will of God that we
love our enemies. To do what our Fa-
ther wants done is the most practicable
of all courses of action, for even the
"weakness" of God is mightier than any
strength of man, even the "foolishness"
of God is wiser than anything man can
devise, and the "wrath" of God is more
loving than any human affection.
Responsibility rests upon us to take
the initiative in restoring the broken
bonds of kinship. It is the will of God
that we heap burning coals of fire of
compassion and forgiveness upon the
head of an enemy. We are called upon
to live this day as good members of God's
home, run the risks, take the consequenc-
es, and leave the results in the hands of
our Father. This the foolishness of God
which is wiser than any way of man.
Kirby Page.
370
GOSPEL HERALD
April 20, 1954
FAMILY CIRCLE
The Homeless
By Lorie C. Gooding
I'd only ask a little house,
Modest, and small of space,
(But a pilgrim and a stranger has
No sure abiding place;)
A place where I could be at peace
And know my wanderings done,
(But a pilgrim and a stranger has
No refuge of his own).
And I have passed the "happy homes"
Of which the poets sing,
And sometimes paused a while at them
Along my journeying.
(But a pilgrim is a restless soul
Who is constrained to roam.
And a stranger sits so lightly that
He never has a home.)
So I will pass the troubled years
A weary wayfarer,
A pilgrim and a sojourner,
As all my fathers were.
(When I reach that peaceful kingdom
Where the Eternal City stands
I will settle down forever
In a house not made with hands.)
Holmesville, Ohio.
Vital Statistics Report
By Ammon Kaufman
Parents, please report your births, and
bishops and ministers, please report your
marriages and deaths promptly. Some
college students are using our statistics
lor writing historical theses, etc.
Can it be correct that states like Indi-
ana and Iowa had only 5 marriages to
report during 3 months? Or like Virginia
only one?
The Gospel Herald reported in the
first cjuarter of 1954:
Births
Numbered 487 (249 males and 238
females) of which nearly 24 per cent were
"first child." Only one adoption was re-
ported. Four sets of twin sons and three
of son and daughter, or one set of every
68 singles (1953 national average has
♦hopped (o one to every 92 singles).
Largest family was 10 children. Given
names used were 178 males and 168 l<
males. One failed to give son's name.
Names used (male) Allen 12; David II;
Dean II: Eugene 14: James 13: |av 15,
John 10; Lee 12; l.vnn II: Ray 15; 9S
others used only once, (Female) Ann
29; Elaine 12; Jean 14; Joy 12; Kav 15:
Louise 10; Marie 19; Mary 11; Ruth II;
Sue 17; 91 others used only once. Family
names number 250; Kauffman 12; Mar-
tin 17; Miller 18; Weaver 12; Yoder 20;
170 others only once. Twelve births on
Dec. 20; 9 on bee. 31 and Feb. 1; 8 on
Dec. 18, and 22, Jan. 3: 7 on Dec. 12.
25, 26; Jan. 16 and Feb. 3.
Marriages
Numbered 125 of which 88 were held
in churches, chapels, mission stations,
and camp by 78 officials (3 failed to give
officials' names). Highest officials num-
ber 8; second 5; others less with 54 only
one. Five weddings on Dec. 27, Jan. 2.
16, March 6 (the national marriage a>-
erage has dropped from 16 per 1,000
population in 1946 to 9 per 1,000 in
1953).
Deaths
Numbered 143 (68 males and 75 le-
males), also 3 sons and 2 daughters still-
borns. Eight deaths were from accidents
(7 males and one female). Two bishops.
3 ministers, 2 deacons, and one deacon's
wife were
reported.
These people lived
a total of
8,821 y. 4
m. 13 d., or
an aver-
age of 61
y. 8 m. 8 d. Sixty-six
In ed be-
yond the 70 years.
Death by ages
Under
12
1-9
10-19
20-29
0
30-39
0
40-49
50-59
18
60-69
28
70-79
32
80-89
30
90-99
6
By months
Births
Marriages
Deaths
April, '53
0
1
0
May
0
1
0
June
0
3
0
July
7
1
0
1
1
1
September .
0
5
5
October
20
12
4
November ,
51
15
9
December .
150
35
50
January, '54 .... 127
32
35
101
13
33
25
6
6
3
0
0
487
125
143
By states, provinces.
and foreign countries
Births
Marriages
Deaths
Place not given 5
1
0
Arizonn
2
1
0
Arkansas
Q
0
0
California
2
1
0
Connecticut
\
0
0
Colorado
R
1
3
I Hda ware
3
0
0
Florida
4
0
0
rdaho
4
0
0
Illinois
21
7
7
I adiana
33
5
18
Iowa
23
5
7
Kansas
12
§
0
Kentucky
•>
0
0
Maryland
16
6
1
Michigan
4
1
Minnesota
"T
0
■ >
M ississippi
1
0
0
Missouri
6
rj
4
Montana
4
0
0
Nebraska
5
1
1
North Carolina
1
0
0
New York
5
0
1
Ohio
70
8
14
Oklahoma
3
0
2
Oregon
12
5
4
Pennsylvania
164
54
50
Tennessee
2
0
0
Texas
|
0
0
Vi rginia
25
1
6
Washington
1
0
0
West Virginia
0
0
1
Wisconsin
1
0
0
Tanganyika
1
0
0
Somaliland
1
0
0
Ethiopia
0
0
0
Puerto Rico
T
1
0
France
1
0
0
Japan
1
0
0
Ontario
15
17
17
Saskatchewan
1
1
0
Paraguay
0
1
0
Davidsville. Pa.
Grandmother Gladness
"Yes, I had a real pleasant visit," said
the bright-eved grandmother to her
friend, "and Ellen's husband was so
thoughtful of me. Every morning he
gave me the morning paper and kissed
me good-bv, and the last thing at night
he wanted to know if I was comfortable,
and gave me a good-night kiss. It isn't
always that young folks think to do those
loving little ways for us old folks."
"That's just it," assented the gray-
haired visitor, "and it isn't that they
mean to be careless, but they don't real-
ize how those little attentions brighten
the days for us. Now, my niece. Evelvn,
writes to me once a week, and I can't be-
gin to tell you how I appreciate it. She
is a busy girl, at the office all day, and
keeps house for her father, too, yet even-
week she sends me a bright, chattv letter.
She doesn't write so much after all, some
weeks she says there isn't much news,
but every funny thing she hears, or the
little happenings in the office, or tning
a new recipe at home, or the people she
meets, she tells me about them, and I
enjoy every bit."
"Yes, it makes one feel a part of the
world, and as if one knew what was
going on." agreed her hostess. "Now. m\
married daughter has three children and
is bus\ as a bee. but every few davs she
runs over and tells me the news. She
never forgets to have a Tittle package for
me, either. She'll say 'Try these new
cookies I made today." or 'How do \ou
like my brand of jam?' I guess she knows
I like presents and surprises .is well as
the youngsters. Anvwa\. it pleases me."
It doesn't take much to make us
grandmothers glad," smiled the gentle-
faced friend, "just a bit of loving to make
us glad we're liv ing, and a bit of the day's
news so we can keep in touch with
things, and the days are brighter and life
sweeter as we knit and think and wail."
—Home Department Magazine.
EXPRESSIONS OF APPRECIATION
I wish to thank all of my relatives and friends
who so kindly remembered me with prayers,
visits, letters, cards, gifts, and flowers during
my stay in bed. May the blessings of the Lord
rest upon you. — Mrs. Arlene White. Lancaster,
Pa.
April 20, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
TO BE NEAR TO GOD
TALES OF HIGH ADVENTURE
Faith Is an Adventure
Sunday, April 25
Luke 12:16-21 — Adventure in Foolishness
A family quarrel over papa's money and
farms calls for the observation by Jesus that
"a man's life consisteth not in the abundance
of the things which he possesseth." And to
show what He means, He tells of a man who
gambled his all on the venture that "posses-
sions are life" — and lost.
Now it strikes me that my country's gran-
aries are a good bit like this fellow's. Like his
less-favored neighbors who cast hungry eyes
in the direction of those bins, many starving
eyes are turned toward my country's, maybe
even my own. What country is perhaps the
most unpopular country in the world today?
Is the doom our prophets fear so much as far
away as I like to think? Jesus seems to sug-
gest here that it may not be.
"Lord, is it I?"
Monday, April 26
Luke 14:16-24 — Invitation to the Great Adventure
Were we a bit disturbed by Jesus' story
yesterday? Maybe He meant for us to be!
Being, disturbed seems to be one of the pre-
requisites for entering into this high venture
of Faith. The good people in Jesus' story
today were less than disturbed, even after
the servant came around to see why they
were late. They lost out on the supper, all
right, but they lost much more. They lost
the fellowship and the future help of a great
and good friend.
Now I'm glad it became possible to invite
us disturbed poor, and maimed, and halt, and
blind, and that there were those faithful serv-
ants, who even compelled some of us by the
love of God to come in. But I notice that
there is still room at the supper table.
Lord, I come. Make me a compeller.
Tuesday, April 27
Matt. 9:16, 17 — Adventure ol the New
Did you feel a bit out of place at the sup-
per yesterday in your beggar's clothes? I
did. I remembered something from a pleas-
ant past — Mother bending over her mending
basket. Maybe you too remember the twinkle
of adventure in her eyes, as she quickly
thumbed her way to the bottom to discover
just which of the preciously saved bits of
cloth would be most suitable. If you
had a three-cornered rip in your brand-new
overalls, she likely came up with a hoarded
piece of bright, new denim. If it was an old
gingham dress, worn through on the shoul-
ders, she likely found a like-colored piece,
saved out of the best part of a former gar-
ment.
Well, I was so ashamed with my torn rags
at that supper that I planned to go right
home and mend them. But you know, I
didn't need to. They gave me a brand-new
robe. They said something about new doc-
trine not fitting in with old prejudices, and
about not putting a new Spirit in an unre-
generate heart.
Lord, thank you for the new.
Wednesday, April 28
Matt. 13:44 — Buried Treasure
Your face looks just like I feel inside — as
though all this newness— good nourishment,
new robe, new wine, new bottles, new cloth —
were about to burst you with happiness.
Well, it hasn't cost us much, has it? How
much will you take for yours? Yes, I mean
all this new stuff. And that grin on your
face. And that new feeling inside. Mine's
not for sale either. In fact, there isn't much
you've got, I'd guess, that you wouldn't give
to keep it. You know, it might not be a bad
idea to shuck off a few old shoes, cheap rings,
false teeth, and stuff, in order to possess this
thing more completely.
Lord, I give you all my rags.
Thursday, April 29
Matt. 18:23-35 — Adventure in Forgiveness
Yes, indeed, it's good to know we've the
most wonderful treasure in the world, for-
giveness. We've the same song in our heart
and spring in our step this fellow in Jesus'
story had, when he stepped out of the mas-
371
ter's house a free man. How could he do
such a dastardly thing in return?
How do I feel toward that fellow whom
I paid for three tons of coal that he burned
in his own stove? Toward the milkman
whose bill was nine bottles higher than my
own carefully kept account? Remember,
I'm a forgiven sinner now.
Lord, give me the strength to forgive.
Friday, April 30
Luke 11:5-8 — Adventure in Prayer
Did you have trouble on that one yester-
day? It had me sweating too. Praying surely
changed some attitudes though, didn't it?
You know, God was just waiting to give us
those changed attitudes, "as many as . . .
needed" — at least as many as we came pre-
pared to take.
Did you notice that nothing is mentioned
about wants? If prayer were a way of getting
God to give up His good will for my little
wishes, it would be most dangerous. Guess
"as many as he needeth" is good enough for
me.
Lord, "teach us to pray."
Saturday, May 1
Luke 15:4-10 — Adventure in Joy
Have you ever thought of God as an ad-
venturer? Wasn't the whole plan of salva-
tion a sort of risky venture? Every encounter
with sin and the sinner is a romantic episode
for Him. Salvation's Prince going into a
far country to deliver the distressed is the
Great Adventure. Every time He starts out
on night's black, thorn-edged path, He knows
the sinner's will may make succor impossible.
No wonder Jesus' stories are adventures.
(Continued on page 380)
A Promising King Fails
Sunday School Lesson for May 2
(I Kings 12:25-33; 14:1-20)
Who is this promising king that is given
ten tribes of God's people over which to
rule? What qualifications for this position
does he have? What were the conditions for
success that God presented to Jeroboam
through the Prophet Ahijah?
How did Jeroboam come to be the king
of Israel? (Let a pupil report on this.)
Where did he have his headquarters? How
did Rehoboam react to this division of the
kingdom? Report.
With this historical background we can
now study this king Jeroboam, a man of
ability and promise, but a man who did not
put God first. Tragedy, as it always does
in such cases, followed.
Jeroboam's first care was to build two
fortresses where attacks might be expected,
one in the center of his tribes and one on
the eastern border.
What security had God promised Jero-
boam? See 11:38. Evidently this king
could trust thick walls better than God's
promise and ability to "be with" him and
build him "a sure house,"
Again Jeroboam decided "in his heart"
that he must help God fulfill His promise.
Why did he establish calf worship? Did he
intend these calves to be gods to worship
or just symbols of Jehovah? Naturally if
there was to be worship there must be
shrines and priests and sacrifices and festivals.
Was this worship plan devised for God's
sake, or for the king's sake? How could it
be that he could degrade religion like this
to secure his personal gain?
What was the great sin of Jeroboam? Why
would he not take God's way for his rule as
king? What was the sin in setting up the
calves? They were meant to be only a symbol
of Jehovah. Could any one worship before
an idol and not worship the idol? Can man
make any atonement for willfull disobedience
to God's plain command?
What did Jeroboam gain by his intrusion
of self-will into his reign? Trouble, destruc-
tion, and a terrible epithet, "Jeroboam, the
son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin." His
decision to walk in his own ways ruined
him and his people. — Alta Mae Erb.
Lesson based on "International Sunday School Les-
sons: the International Bible Lessons for Christian
Teaching," copyrighted 1951 by the Division of Chris-
tian Education National Council of the Churches of
Christ in the U.S.A.
372
GOSPEL HERALD
April 20, 1954
FIELD NOTES
Items to appear in this column for any issue of the
following Tuesday must reach Scottdale by Wednes-
day morning.
Bro. and Sister H. James Martin, mission-
aries under appointment to Uruguay, spoke
at the Calvary Church, Pinckney, Mich., on
the evening of April 4. This was the last of a
series of appointments, over a three-week
period, at different congregations and mis-
sion points in Michigan.
A foreign student group from Goshen
College, accompanied by Bro. and Sister John
Paul Oyer, gave a program at Pinckney,
Mich., on the evening of April 9, on the
theme, "Our Discovery of Christ." In the
group were Lydia Muller, of France; Hans
Wiehler, of Germany; and Nai-Kwang, of
Formosa. The group is giving programs in
various Michigan churches over the Easter
period.
"The Holy City" was sung at the Bloom-
ing Glen, Pa., Church on Sunday evening,
April 4, by a combined chorus under the
direction of Bro. Hiram Hershey.
An Easter sunrise service in the church-
yard of Mellinger's Church, near Lancaster,
Pa., was led by Bro. George R. Brunk, Den-
bigh, Va.
Baptismal and preparatory services were
held on Good Friday morning at Good's
Church, near Elizabethtown, Pa.
Speakers at a Christian Workers' Fellow-
Table of Contents
361 — The Communion Is a Symbol
Communion (Poem)
362— The Life that Satisfies
Our Headers Say
363 — Springtime Reminders
When You Can't Sing
364 — The Revelation of Jesus Christ
II. Waters from Many Wells
It Happoned
Two Trees (Poem)
365 The Lancaster Conference Ministerial Meeting
366 — The Meaning of Easter
Television
367 — A Prayer for This Week
Prayer Requests
368— The Christian Victory
Goshen College News
369— That Blessed Hope (Poem)
Wesley'B Views on War
Lovinq Our Enemies
370 — The Homoless (Poem)
Vital Statistics Report
Grandmother Gladness
Expressions of Appreciation
371— To Be Noar to God
Sunday School Lesson for May 2
372— Field Notes
Calendar
373 — Mission News
Your Treasurer Reports
374 — 2.500,000 of Them
Serving the Miqrants in California
375 — Servinq the Miqrants in Navaholand
376 — Servinq In Music Therapy
377 — The Two Greatest Enemies of Foreiqn Missions
The Mennonlto Hour
Are We Problem Conscious?
378— MRSC Weokly Notes
MCC Weekly Notos
Women's Activities
379— From Our Churches
The Book Sholf
381— Births
Marriaqos
Obituaries
382 Items and Comments
384 — Your Publishing House
ship at the Bayshore Church, Sarasota, Fla..
on the evening of April 11, were Bro. J. N.
Kaufman, Peoria. 111., and Sister Lydia
Shank, Goshen, Ind.
Edmonton, Alberta, one of the fastest
growing cities in Canada, has a number of
Mennonite families resident there. The chal-
lenge for the establishment of Christian work
there is clear. The members have their week-
ly prayer meeting under the leadership of
Bro. Leonard King, with ministerial help
usually supplied from Tofield.
Among the participants on a series of
panel discussions on "Marxism and the
Christian Answer" over WMBI Chicago, 111.,
on Sunday afternoon at 3:30, from April 4
through June 27, are the brethren, Samuel A.
Yoder, Goshen College, and Peter J. Dyck,
Mennonite Biblical Seminary, Chicago, 111.
Ground was broken for a new church
building at Elkton, Va., on March 22. The
new church will be a brick structure with full
basement, providing Sunday-school rooms on
both floors. Work was begun here in 1947,
using a rented building. The present mem-
bership is 60.
Easter sunrise services were held at the
Beech Church, Louisville, Ohio, with Bro.
I. Mark Ross, Hesston, Kans., as speaker.
Communion services were held in the fore-
noon service.
A Victorious Life Conference was held at
Crystal Springs, Kans., Church, April 16-18,
with Bro. Elam Hollinger, Hesston, Kans.,
as guest speaker.
Our people are being circularized by the
Christian Approach Mission. Be sure you
have read the note on page 334, Gospel
Herald issue of April 6. This Mission does
not deserve our support. Give to our own
relief work in Jordan and our own mission
work in Israel.
A foreign literature conference was held at
Scottdale on Thursday forenoon, April 8,
and on the afternoon of the same day the
Committee on Co-ordination of Church Pro-
gram of General Conference also met here.
Committees meeting in Pittsburgh, Pa.,
last Friday and Saturday, April 9, 10, were
the General Conference Executive Commit-
tee, the Mennonite Board of Education Con
stitution Committee, the General Pducational
Council, and the Conrad Grebcl Lectureship
Committee.
Change of Address. — Arthur M. Graybill.
1117 Mahantongo St., Pottsville. Pa., to R. 1,
I\>ti-.villc.
Bro. and Sister Joseph Slagell, I lydro.
Okla., spent some time recently visiting in
the home of their son-in-law. Bro. Paul M.
Lcdcrach, Scottdale. Bro. Slagell took part in
the church services at Scottdale, Sundav
morning, April 1 1.
Passion week evangelistic services were
held at the Hannibal. Mo., Mission, April
IS 18, with I). Wyse Graber, Stryker. Ohio,
as speaker.
Bro. Nelson Kauffnian, 1 lannibal. Mo.,
spent March 29, 30. in a meeting with the
ministers of the Arkansas Area discussing
how adequate bishop oversight might be
given and attending the meeting of the
Arkansas Area Committees.
Four men were added to the Hannibal
Mission Church by baptism recently, three
young married men in the Jefferson City
State Prison and a middle-aged man living in
Hannibal. If you feel like writing encourage-
ment to these men in prison, their names and
numbers are George Foote 67641; Laverne
Delcom 67613; George Kunoe 64779, Box
c/00, Jefferson City, Mo.
Baptism, communion, and feet-washing
•ervices were conducted for the brethren in
the Missouri State Prison on April 5 by
Nelson E. Kauffman, assisted by Harold
Kreider. Seven men participated in the
communion and feet-washing sen-ice. One
of the members refrained for personal rea-
sons. One former member is still in a back-
slidden state.
Bro. and Sister Harold S. Bender, Goshen,
Ind.. were in Scottdale last week doing edi-
torial work on the Mennonite Encyclopedia.
(Continued on page 380)
Calendar
Annuel meetinq Illinois Mission Board. Pleasant Hill.
East Peoria, 111.. April 22, 23.
Annual meetinq Ohio Mennonite Mission Board, West
Clinton Mennonite Church, near Archbold. Ohio,
April 23-25. . . , „ _ .
Semiannual meetinq, Commission for Christian tdu-
cction, St. Jacobs, Ont., April 30. May I.
Conference on Christian Community Relations. E.M.O..
Harrisonburg, Va., May 6-8.
Annual meetinq Gull States Regional Conference,
Gulfhaven congregation. Gullport, Miss.. May /-».
Home Sunday. May 9. - ■
Ohio Mennonite and Eastern A.M. Joint Conference,
Walnut Creek Church in Holmes Co.. Ohio. May
25-27, 1954. •
Indiana-Michigan annual meetings at Howard-Miami
Church. Kokomo, Ind. Mission Board. June 13
Conference June 2, 3.
North Central Mennonite Conference and associated
meetings. June 7-11 at Lake Region Church.
Detroit Lakes, Minn.
Annual meetinq Mennonite Board of Missions and
Charities, Western Mennonite School. Salem.
Oreq.. June 17-20.
Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Youth Fellowship. Go-
shen Colleqe Union Auditorium, Goshen, Ind..
June 25-27.
1954 Schedule for Laurelville; Writers' Conference,
June 26 to July 2; Family Week. July 3-9: Boys'
Camp (aqes 9-13), July 10-16; Girl's Camp (ages
9-13), July 17-23; Junior High (ages 13-15). July
24-30; Junior High (ages 13-15). July 31 to Auq. 6;
Young People's Institute. Aug. 7-13; MYT Work-
shop and Annual meeting. Aug. 14-20; Church
Music Conference, Aug. 21-27; Missionary Bible
Conference, Aug. 28 to Sept. 2.
Peace Sunday, July 4, 1954.
Annual meeting Mission Board of Southwestern Penn-
sylvania Conference, Otelia Church. Mt. Union.
Pa.. July 9. 10.
Illinois Junior Camp. July 12-17. and Junior Hiqh
Camp. July 19-24, Camp Emmaus. Mt. Morris. 111.
Virginia Conference and related meetings. Spring-
dale Church. Waynesboro. Va.. July 27-30.
Annual Ohio MYF convention. Ohio M»nnonite Camp
Ground. Kidron. Ohio. July 30 to Auq. 1.
Annual meeting Southwestern Pa. Conference. Mar
tinsburg. Pa.. Ang. 1-4.
Illinois State MYF Retreat, New Salem State Park.
Auqust 5-8.
Annual meeting Iowa-Nebraska Conference. West
Union. Pamell. Iowa. Aug. 10-13.
Annual meeting South Central Conference. Assembly
of God campground, near Eldon, Mo.. Auq. 17-20.
Annual meetinq Illinois Conference. East Bend.
Fisher. 111.. Auq. 24-26.
Fall meetina. Commission for Christian Education.
Laurelville Mennonite Camp, Laurelville. Pa..
Sept. 27. 28.
Study Conference of Child Evangelism. Laurelville
Venn-nite Camp, Sept. 29. 30.
Fall meeting. General Council of Mennonite General
Conference. Laurelville Mennonite Camp, Oct.
1. 2.
Annual mooting of the Mennonite Board of Education.
Kalona-Wellman, Iowa area; Oct. 14-16. 1954.
April 20, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
373
Go, Preach • MISSIONS * GivC Pmy
The General Board Headquarters for Missions. Relief, and Service: 1711 Prairie Street. Elkhart, Indiana. Telephone, Elkhart 2-2786.
Mission News
The tentative opening date for the Bethany
Mennonite Home in Philadelphia has been
set for May 1.
The students from the Goshen College
School of Nursing who are affiliating at the
Cook County Hospital, Chicago, 111., gave the
Sunday evening program at the Bethel Men-
nonite Church on Sunday, March 14.
Bro. John L Haxnish, Eureka, 111., served
the Peoria, 111., congregation on Sunday, April
11, while the pastor, Bro. J. J. Hostetler, was
holding evangelistic meetings at Arthur, 111.
Bro. and Sister Isaac Frederick, formerly
superintendent and matron of the Millersville
Children's Home, have moved to Tampa,
Fla., where Bro. Frederick will be serving as
superintendent of the Ybor City Mission,
replacing Bro. Samuel Strong.
A farewell service for Sister Jean Garber,
R.N., missionary under appointment to
Honduras, was scheduled for Sunday after-
noon, April 11 , at New Danville, Pa. Sister
Garber left Washington, D.C., Monday night,
April 13, if plans carried. She was due to
arrive in Honduras April 15 where she will
spend about ten days before going on to
Costa Rica for language study.
Bro. Elam Hollinger, Hesston, Kans., and
a men's quartet gave an inspirational pro-
gram at the Mennonite Gospel Center, Kan-
sas City, Mo., on March 19.
The Nevin Horsts arrived in Ethiopia on
March 18. . . . The Daniel Sensenigs and
Mary Byer arrived in Ethiopia on March 15.
. . . The Elam Stauffers arrived in Tangan-
yika on Sunday, March 7.
Bro. Simeon Hurst, missionary on furlough
from Africa, presented an illustrated lecture
at the Elmira, Ont., High School on April 9.
An offering was taken for mission work in
Africa.
Bro. and Sister FL James Martin, mission-
aries under appointment to Uruguay under
the General Board, are now located at 76
Greenfield Rd., Lancaster, Pa. While waiting
for their visa Bro. Martin will be working
among the Puerto Rican migrants in the
Lancaster Conference area, under the sponsor-
ship of the Eastern Board. The General
Board has released these folks for this service
until their visa is granted. Regular services
are held at New Holland, Rawlinsville, and
West Grove for the increasing number of
Puerto Ricans who are remaining in this area
for the entire year.
Special Easter services in the Toronto, Ont.,
churches included a baptism service at Ward-
en Park on Sunday evening, April 18, and a
chorus program at Danforth by the Wilmot
Township mixed chorus from West of Kitch-
ener.
The Simeon Hurst family, missionaries on
furlough from Tanganyika, Africa, will
speak in the Toronto, Ont., area churches as
follows; April 30, an illustrated report of
mission work at Musoma at a Youth Fellow-
ship meeting at the Danforth Church; May
2, morning, Morningside; afternoon, Elles-
mere; evening, Warden Park.
Bro. J. D. Graber, General Mission Board
Secretary, will speak on "Oriental Missions"
to the Belmont Mennonite Church, Elkhart,
Ind., Sunday evening, April 25.
Bro. William Hallman, missionary to Ar-
gentina, writes that they have not been able
to find housing at Villegas where they are
to serve and may have to live in America
temporarily. Pray that their housing prob-
lems can be solved.
The Mexican Mennonite Church, Chicago,
111., participated in Passion Week services
sponsored by the churches of the Spanish
Evangelical Alliance, April 12-16. Services
were held at the Mexican Mennonite Church
on Tuesday evening, April 13.
A group of students from the Goshen Col-
lege Biblical Seminary, Goshen, Ind., who
were attending the Evangelism Workshop in
Chicago, gave the Sunday evening program
at the Mexican Mennonite Mission on April
11.
A new brochure entitled "Maybe You
Should be a Social Worker" prepared under
the auspices of the Child Welfare Committee
of the General Mission Board has just been
released by the Publicity Office at Elkhart.
Distribution is being' made through our
church colleges, but anyone interested can
receive a copy by writing to the Elkhart office.
Bro. Albert Guengerich, High River, Alta.,
began a term of voluntary service on March
30 at Smith, Alta., an outpost of the Alberta-
Saskatchewan District Mission Board.
The theme of the annual Holmes County
Mennonite Youth Fellowship Supper held
at the Berlin, Ohio, High School on Saturday
evening, April 10, was "Christ-centered Serv-
ice to the Ends of the Earth." Speakers in-
cluded Mrs. Vernon Hostetler, Alliance,
Ohio, who served in a Summer Service Unit
at Cleveland, Ohio, several years ago and
Levi C. Hartzler from the General Mission
Board headquarters at Elkhart.
Bro. Linford Hackman reports openings
for at least seven couples in the Alberta-
Saskatchewan District Mission Board area in
the April Northern Echoes. Pray that God
will raise up these workers and inspire others
to give for their support.
Bro. Luke Birky, La Plata, Puerto Rico,
will speak regarding the need for a new hos-
pital in Puerto Rico to the Pleasant View
congregation, Goshen, Ind., on April 29.
Bro. Birky spoke to the Salem congregation,
Foraker, Ind., on April 13.
Bible Conferences were held in the north-
ern Alberta Mission area during the Easter
season as follows: at Bluesky with Bro. Dan
Your Treasurer Reports
The oldest foreign mission field under the
General Board is that of India. At present
the mission work in India is divided into
two areas. One area is the mission work in
the Central Provinces and the other is the
Bihar mission field, a relatively recent mission
field in India. In the Central Provinces steps
have been taken to unify the church and the
mission program into the Mennonite Church
in India. Through a change of this kind it
is anticipated that a great deal more responsi-
bility will be assumed by the national church.
However, it is evident that many years will
be required before the church can be finan-
cially able to carry a major part of the finan-
cial responsibilities. In the first place, all of
the foreign missionaries from America need
to be supported. This includes their mission-
ary allowance, housing, medical expenses,
equipment, and travel. There are also many
institutions which have been built and estab-
lished with church funds which the native
church cannot possibly support at the present
time. In the Bihar field the mission is very
young and, therefore, there are not sufficient
members to establish a church under national
direction. This means that the total finan-
cial load rests upon our American churches
for this mission field.
In light of the above development, en-
couragement is being given to the Mennonite
Church in India to financially help itself, but
it is necessary to point out that the brother-
hood in America must give a great deal of
financial assistance during the several years
ahead to help our brethren in India establish
themselves as a strong church.
The budgets being required for India have
not decreased due to this step. Therefore, we
would like to sincerely urge our congrega-
tions and constituency to continue their strong
financial support of the mission work in
India. Many years of hard labor and many
lives have been dedicated to establish the
Mennonite Church in India. Let us not at
this point forget the church or fail to support
it adequately so as to discourage the continu-
ing growth of the church. Contributions for
India may be designated for the various par-
ticular needs in India or they may be desig-
nated for the India General Fund or the
Bihar Mission Fund. May we also request
the church's continued prayer support for
our brethren in India.
H. Ernest Bennett, Treasurer
Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities
Elkhart, Indiana.
Brenneman, Creston, Mont., as instructor;
and at Smith with Bro. Paul Voegtlin, To-
field, Alta., as instructor.
(Continued on page 380)
374
GOSPEL HERALD
April 20, 1954
2,500,000 of Them
N
Negroes, Mexicans, Orientals, Puerto Ric-
ans, Indians, and whites — over 2,500,000 in
all — have been invited by the U.S. dollar to
harvest the food produced by the American
farmer. These are the agricultural migrant
laborers of America.
They have been invited to "get rich quick"
in the harvests, but no one told them of the
days no harvesting is available. The average
migrant works barely one half of the working
days of the year. The remainder of the time
is spent in moving from harvest to harvest
or in waiting for crops to ripen before picking
can begin. Migrants travel extensively, but
not for pleasure, adventure, or to enjoy the
beauties of nature. Their travels are a con-
stant search for new employment, a new
home, and a new chance to "make good" —
the chance that so often fails to materialize.
Briefly the national migrant picture is this:
Economic
Average size of migrant family — 5.7
Average yearly income per family — $1428
Average yearly income per worker — $500
Average number of days worked per year
—101
Average size of cabin — 10' x 16
Average family moves four times a year
Physical
Sickness is harder, oftener, longer
Malnutrition is common
Death rate is high
Tuberculosis rate is 19 times higher than
average
Infant mortality rate is 7 to 10 times higher
than average
Medical attention is often not available,
too expensive, or too distant
92 per cent have no way to preserve food,
not even ice
Only one out of three are assured of a
safe water supply
60 per cent have no bathing facilities
Social
Unwanted by the community
Exploited by merchants
One class lifter finishing their crafts project,
Noah's aril iinl the animals.
MISSIONS SECTION
Discriminated against by residents
Deprived of the right to vote
Ineligible for welfare assistance
Excluded from Social Security
Barred from many recreational activities
Unable to bargain collectively
Migrants Are a Kicked-around People
Migrants are often those who, because they
belong to a racial or religious minority, are
uneducated, illiterate, or handicapped in other
ways and have found that this type of life
and work is the only one open to them.
Often they are exploited by labor contractors
— some contractors collect as much as 10
per cent of all the earnings and seldom pro-
duce as much employment as they promise —
and also migrant camps are the centers of
operation for professional gamblers, prosti-
tutes, dishonest peddlers, false faith healers,
and others who directly and indirectly rob
them and in other ways take advantage of
them.
In California alone there are 200,000 of
these people — all of them living in 12 x 15
foot, one-room cabins, tents, old barns or
chicken houses, drafty shacks, and often
even less.
What do they do? Truly, that is an im-
portant question, for some have become dis-
couraged and have turned to drinking, gam-
bling, drugs, and other types of evil and un-
productive amusement; but many others are
merely trying to eke out a living for a family
— a family of five or even fifteen.
Yes, 2,500,000 of them— working in peas,
peaches, pears, plums, and potatoes; apples,
oranges, grapes, onions, and tomatoes; cotton,
nuts, berries, and many other fruit and vege-
table crops. So many to be ministered unto,
but so few to minister. Each migrant has
a soul which needs salvation and sanctifica-
tion. What are we doing for them?
In the Coalinga-Huron area of Fresno
County, Calif., four young people are serving
the migrants of that area, under the Mennon-
ite Central Committee Voluntary Service
program. Elmer Regier, unit leader. Moun-
tain Lake, Minn., and his wife, Gloria; Neva
Siemens, Buhler, Kans., and Charlene Unruh,
Newton, Kans., make up the unit.
The unit lives and works together, doing
their cooking, laundry, and housekeeping
co-operatively. A typical day's schedule goes
something like this: breakfast, group devo-
tions, dishwashing, cleaning, lesson prepara-
tion, lunch dishwashing, packing ot lesson
materials and equipment in the unit jeep-
station wagon, discussion of plans and goals
for the day's camp activities, pre -camp unit
prayer service, Bible club in one of the mi
grant camps (two sessions, for different age
groups), supper, and sometimes personal
visitation, a religious film, or worship service
in the camps.
Other evening activities include visiting
the local library or school recreational t.ntli
tus, lesson preparation, letter- and report-
writing, contacting local ministers or lay
leaders to stimulate interest in and support
ol the work, and on two evenings each week
—
1
1
•
-3-
E 1
M
/
y
.
, .
•
• *
KJCC
t
/
— 1
29**29
SON
—2
f E
I
4
CCALINC
Area of west Fresno County. California, show-
ing the migrant camps in which MCC voluntary
service workers serve. The round dots show
the migrant camps.
the unit attends an adult education course in
"Conversational Spanish" at the local high
school. This latter activity should prove of
special benefit in the work, for many of the
migrants in this area are of Mexican descent
and it is more effective to witness to them
in their own language. — MCC Information
Service.
Serving the Migrants in
California
By Charlene Unrlh
Coalinga is hidden in a valley surrounded
by barren hills in the southwest corner of
Fresno County, Calif. The camps in which
we work are located in the cotton field area
southeast of Coalinga. Camp 3 is the greatest
distance from Coalinga, approximately 35
miles. The shortest distance to a camp is
about sixteen miles, to Camp 22 or Camp 4.
The other camps not mentioned thus far are
Camp 18, Camps 28 and 29, and Walker's
Camp. Only Camp 3 and Walker's Camp are
located on the blacktop road, the others being
at least a mile off a paved road. Thus it
will be more difficult to travel to some of
these camps after the rainy season arrives,
for then the mud makes some of the roads
practically impassable.
The many heart-warming experiences we
have had in the beginning weeks of our
work among the migrants of the Coalinga-
Huron area are hard to relate with pen and
paper. In order to obtain full benefit they
must be lived. However, the perplexing and
seemingly insurmountable problems of these
people are constantly before us. To change
the physical and economic conditions is out-
side our realm. Perhaps instead we can give
them a motive for seeking a better way of
life. Perhaps we can teach them that with
Christ it is possible to have an abundant life
within even when outward circumstances
seem hopeless.
As we drove into Camp 22 for our first
Bible club session, we were greeted by the
assistant boss's son, Lewis, with, "I thought
I'd help you guys clean the cabin." The
April 20, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
375
camp boss is allowing us the use of one of
the better cabins in the camp. It has two
rooms instead of the usual one tiny room.
With facilities such as this, we can divide
the children into classes according to their
abilities and thus more efficiently meet their
needs.
For 20 minutes the dust, old mattress cot-
ton, beer cans, rags, rubbish, and trash flew so
thick we couldn't see the other end of the
cabin. Lewis ran home for a bigger and
better supply of brooms and so, fortified with
weapons, we attacked the dirt and filth.
Most of the cabins are given a superficial
cleaning before the families move in, but
what can possibly be done with the meager
resources available to make such a place as
this cheery and homelike? How can people
who live in drab, unpleasant, uncomfortable
surroundings and without any privacy at all
be motivated to live clean, upright lives?
No paint whatsoever — inside or outside the
cabin. No glass windows — just shutters that
lift up and down to regulate light and ven-
tilation. Some of the cracks in the walls have
been covered with cardboard or newspaper.
Into such homes come the 10.000 migrant
farm laboring people of west Fresno County.
In the camps where these people live there
are rows upon rows of small one-room cabins.
The camps vary from 100 to 250 such cabins
and may house from 800 to 1500 people each
during cotton-picking time. Each camp is a
community in itself and has its own store
where the patrons can buy their food. Since
there is just one store and the families seldom
get to neighboring towns to buy their sup-
plies, they are often subject to exploitation
by the store owner. Liquor dealers also find
it very profitable to establish a business in
these camps, and thus add to the misery
when discouraged fathers try to drown their
troubles or youth tries to satisfy its longing
for something to change the monotony of
living.
Two of the camps in which the MCC
unit carries on its program have large tents
for the purpose of entertaining the camp
constituency with cheap movies and other
entertainment. Considering the many un-
healthy influences with which conscientious
Christian parents would have to compete in
order to bring up their children in the fear
of the Lord, we doubly appreciate children
like Lewis, who is unselfish, helpful, and
considerate of others around him.
After we had the cabin halfway respectable
and presentable, Lewis said, "I'll have to go
home and wash up; I wouldn't want to come
to Bible class looking so dirty." Soon he came
back all cleaned up and bringing his four-
year-old niece. Two of our personnel went
into the camp to make a house-to-house can-
vass and invite the children, while two re-
mained at the cabin to set up the record
player, amplifying system, and teaching sup-
plies. When Lewis saw that we weren't
quite ready to begin, he dashed out to see
who else he could invite.
In this same manner we have now begun
work in five different camps, all located
within a 35-mile radius of Coalinga. In the
camp most highly populated at the present
time, the First Mennonite Church of Reedley
has again begun a weekly Sunday-school pro-
gram. For this we are truly grateful. With
our combined efforts we will be able to have
a more well-rounded program.
On school days we begin with Bible club
as soon as the children come home from
school. The younger ones come home around
3:15 and the older ones at 4:30 p.m. In this
way we can have the various age groups
separately. We are hoping to begin a moth-
ers' club and nursery class which will meet
in the early part of the afternoon. We are
hoping it will soon be possible to purchase
a sewing machine which will help us in
getting this work established.
As soon as all the children have arrived,
we begin our singing around the little port-
able organ and then our Bible story — illus-
trated with flannelgraph pictures whenever
possible. After story time and Scripture mem-
ory work comes the activity period. The
children usually look forward to making
something with their hands, something they
can take home and show Mother. Often
handicraft consists of Bible verse plaques to
hang on the walls of their cabins or some
useful or ornamental item to use in their
homes. As much time as is available then is
used for recreation. Many useful lessons can
be taught through planned and well-directed
play. Approved children's records are also
used during the recreation time.
Is it a stabilizing factor to these children
in unstable homes and communities to hear
again and again that God loves them? "God
loves you and wants you to love Him and
each other. If you ask Him, He will help
you to be good." The best way for us to
illustrate this point is for us to love the chil-
dren, and this is not hard to do. To see their
faces light up with an ear-to-ear grin and
their hands waving in greeting when we ar-
rive is one of our rewards of service. To look
into a sea of intent faces — white, black, or
brown — as we tell the story, makes us the
more determined to make each one of our
visits a planting of fertile seed on this fertile
ground so that the harvest might truly be
great. So many people without a church,
without a saving knowledge of Christ. What
are we among so many? We pray that our
every effort may be worth while and that
all we do might point to the One in whose
name we serve. — via MCC Information
Service.
Serving the Migrants in
Navaholand
By Marion Bontrager
To the public the Navaho Indian has pre-
sented a complicated problem. News dis-
patches give a confusing picture. One dis-
patch reports a million-dollar transaction by
the tribal council while another describes a
relief drive to feed hungry Navaho children.
The Navaho reservation is a vast expanse
of desert in northwestern New Mexico, north-
eastern Arizona, and southeastern Utah. It
is approximately two thirds the size of Indi-
ana, and the tribe has about 75,000 members
of which 80 per cent are illiterate and only
14,000 of the 28,000 school-age children are
attending classes. In this nation, Navahos
lead in infant mortality and in the number
of tuberculosis cases. We find a desperate
need for hospitals, schools, and roads on the
reservation.
Experts who made long-range studies of
the Navahos have concluded that even the
fullest development of all reservation
resources would be enough to support
only half of the tribe. The reservation is
mostly semiaried, composed of mesas, hills,
rocks, and badly eroded land. Combine with
this the fact that the Navaho tribe is one of
the most rapidly growing racial groups in
America. In 1870 there were 10,000 Navahos
compared to 75,000 today. The Indian Agen-
cy predicts that in ten years there will be
12.000 more Navahos.
Once the Navahos were self-sufficient;
their land was adequate. Today with the
increased population they purchase more than
half of what they consume. So we find a
very changing Navaho world. Many are
receiving wages in sawmills, coal mines,
railroads, construction jobs, oil refineries,
and farms. Last year Navahos earned around
fifteen million in approximately 22,000 jobs
off the reservation in Arizona, New Mexico,
Colorado, California, and Utah. The tribal
council with its million-dollar transactions is
operating 22 tribal enterprises and recently
hired an executive to run them. Gas and
oil leases and uranium mining have put
new wealth into tribal funds. The Navahos
keep it in a trust fund administered by the
tribal council. As such it is invested in var-
ious enterprises which produce more jobs for
Navahos.
With the lack of resources on the reserva-
tion the Navahos have become a migrant
people. There are large camps of farm work-
ers at Phoenix, Ariz., Grants, N. Mex., and
various other places. In the past these people
have lived a simple, pastoral life. There was
much time to relax, for ceremonies and trips
to the trading post. All of that is changing.
The slow change and gradual absorption
into the white world requires tremendous
adjustments. The language difficulty is an
important factor. Many of the Navahos are
trying desperately to learn English because it
is difficult to get along without it. The In-
dians do not understand the rules for com-
peting in the white world. The combination
of these two factors gets the Indians into
very trying circumstances.
The change is slow and difficult. One
finds many "long-hairs" (very conservative
men who still wear their hair long and tied
in a ball and adhere tenaciously to all old
traditions and beliefs) who want nothing of
this change. To Navahos who have come in
close contact with white people in missions
and schools, a conflict is posed. Many of
them are living in a world which is neither
white nor Navaho. The young people who
have been away to boarding school don't
want to return to a hogan with a dirt floor.
To move into a house such as the white man
builds means isolation from their relatives.
Whichever move they make, they are sub-
ject to criticism from either Navahos or
whites.
MISSIONS SECTION
376
GOSPEL HERALD
April 20, 1954
need a sense of belonging. Most of all, they
need Christ.
We ask a continued interest in your prayers
that we may be able to bring to these people
the Christ who alone can solve their many
problems.
( The Service Unit to the Navaho Migrants
is made up of Marion and Eloise Bontrager,
Shipshewana, Ind.; Lois Kauffman, R.N..
Millersburg. Ohio: and Doris Detweiler.
Pocomoke City, Md. —via Office for Relief
and Service, Elkhart. Ind.
(rafts period brings together old and young. Each person has a lapboard and does simple
edloring . Sometimes the older ones make beautiful handwork in crafts period.
Naturally, we find different responses to
these insecurities and frustrations. Some try
to act as much like white people as possible.
Others find relief in following very conser-
vative practices. Others respond by an at-
tempt to escape reality by actual physical
withdrawal or through alcohol. Still others
turn to intensive participation in native cere-
monies or in the peyote cult which practices
the eating of peyote, a hypnotic.
The work of our service unit is divided
roughly into four phases: religious, nursing
and health education, crafts, and recreation.
This fall we hope to again have our little
school at Grants, N. Mex., which was dis-
continued this past fall for lack of personnel.
In all phases of our work we try to portray
the Christian way of life.
We have religious meetings in each camp
at least once a week on a schedule whereby
each camp can expect us on a specified day.
It is encouraging to know that some of the
people await our coming eagerly. Recently
at one camp a mother told us that she had
asked her son to go to town for groceries.
I fe answered, "No, not tonight. The Eene-
ishoodiis (missionaries) are coming and I
want to be here." Our religious meetings
are held around an open (ire after the Indians
have come in from work and have eaten sup-
per. We sing Gospel songs and choruses in
English except for "Jesus Loves Me" which
we can sing in both languages. Bible stories
arc told in simple English and recordings of
songs and messages in the Navaho language
arc played. On Sunday forenoons wc conduct
Sunday school in two camps using summer
Bible school materials and devoting two
Sundays to each lesson.
Another important part of our religious
work is individual visitation. A person from
MISSIONS SECTION
our group goes to the home ot some mother
who can read or understand English and
who has manifested her willingness to have
someone visit and discuss the Bible with her.
These contacts are highly important and we
appreciate the access that we have to the
homes of these people.
Nursing care is done much as the public
health nursing. The more serious cases are
referred to one of the Indian hospitals. One
of the objectives of the nursing program is
to encourage the people in cleanliness and in
following good hygienic practices. Many of
their sores and ailments are due primarily to
a lack of cleanliness and knowledge.
The Indians are very adept in craft work.
They do excellent work and enjoy this privi-
lege to make things with their hands. It
gives us a fine opportunity to be with them,
learning to understand them.
Recreation is much needed among these
migrant people. They live in crowded camps
and have very little equipment with which
to play games. We have furnished some
equipment and are attempting to teach the
children to play together co-operatively.
Christmas bundle distribution is a happy
spot in the drab lives of these people and is
an event much looked forward to. This dis-
tribution is an excellent expression of Chris
tian love, and as we sing carols and tell the
Christmas story, we also explain to them
the why and wherefore of the bundles.
The greatest needs of the Navaho Migrants
ire education and Christianity. Most of
these people working on large vegetable
farms have sufficient material things. The
only persons we have seen without enough to
eat are those whose money is squandered in
whisky. The only material gifts we encour-
agc -lie the Christmas bundles as an expres-
sion of Christian love. These people need
education to learn to re.nl the Bible, recipes,
and directions for purchased articles. They
l-W
ORK
ORSHIP
ITNESS
Serving in Music Therapy
(Leonard Hurst. Goshen, Ind., the writer
of this article, is a I-W serving in the Carter
Memorial Hospital for the mentally ill in
Indianapolis, Ind. He works with the pa-
tients in the areas of music and recreation in
the attempt to rehabilitate them to happy,
useful living.)
Of the many uses for music, probably one
of the least frequently mentioned or heard
of is Music Therapy, and it follows quite
naturally that one of the rarest of individuals
in the music field is the Music Therapist.
Although until very recently I had never met
a musical therapist, some of the problems
and aims of this field have been revealed to
me in my work in music at Carter Memorial
Hospital.
Music Therapy, as the name implies, is pri-
marily concerned with aiding in the over-all
treatment program of psychiatric institutions.
It does not claim to be a cure, but its values
have been manifested concretely enough to
warrant its further development. Of its val-
ues, one of the chiefest is its ability to pene-
trate the subconscious mind of the mental
patient. Having once penetrated this main
barrier to the patient's progress, further and
more stable relationships are possible.
Music then becomes the initial means of
reaching or communicating with an other-
wise unreachable mind. Its language is un-
derstood where words arc meaningless.
Orderliness returns where confusion reigned,
and peace and quietness replace the bitterness
and acridness common to diseased minds. The
mechanisms involved are not fully known,
but most certainly one of the greatest factors
is the communicative power of music. Closely
allied with this is the concept of "mood
matching." Here the choice of music is de-
termined for a patient by first determining
the nature and type of his illness and then
attempting to select music closely akin to his
particular need. For example, where melan-
cholia is evident one would use spirited and
joyous music.
Music is also being effectively used in a
therapeutic way in large groups. This may
be nothing more than what is generally rc-
lerred to as community singing. In such a
situation individuals in the group are helped,
and thev in turn aid the group in general.
Good feelings are contagious, and it is the
April 20, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
377
purpose of music to spread this contagion.
In this way a simple tune often has more to
offer than a complex medicine.
The mind has a desire for beauty, loveli-
ness, and peace. Many people who have not
found these in their lives can get a first
glimpse of them through good music. It is
a profound privilege to be engaged in a work
where the fruits of love can be so well ex-
pressed to the needy. — via Office for Relief
and Service, Elkhart, Ind.
The
Mennonite
Hour
The Two Greatest Enemies of
Foreign Missions
"Prejudice and indifference are the two
greatest enemies of foreign missions, and ig-
norance is the mother of them both."
Prejudice is defined by Webster as "pre-
mature judgment." The judgment of the
unsaved on foreign missions is unworthy of
consideration, and the judgment of the aver-
age Christian on the subject is of little more
value. The reason for this can be found in
Webster's first definition of the word preju-
dice: "premature judgment." Too often
premature judgment becomes a dodge to
avoid the hard labor of straight thinking.
Indifference is lack of concern. This mal-
ady has plagued the church from the begin-
ning. The first disciples had to be dynamited
out of their indifference by the murder of
Stephen. With the whole world on its way
to hell, the disciples stayed in Jerusalem tak-
ing turns preaching and conducting prayer
meetings. There are pagan tribes on earth
for which absolutely nothing is being done.
The church has seen this open wound for
centuries and is still indifferent. We sing
about Greenland's icy mountains and India's
coral strand, close our hymnals, and settle
back comfortably to listen to another message
on "peace of mind."
Ignorance is lack of knowledge. A Chris-
tian may be learned in many fields and yet
lack knowledge of the moral state of the
heathen and their need of salvation through
Christ.
It is ignorance that causes men to use such
arguments as, "The heathen are happy with
their own religions." "Every man has a
right to his own belief." "There is a little bit
of good in all religions." Does not the Bible
say, "For the wrath of God is revealed from
heaven against all ungodliness and unright-
eousness of men, who hold the truth in un-
righteousness" (Rom. 1:18), and "Now we
know that what things soever the law saith,
it saith to them who are under the law: that
every mouth may be stopped, and all the
world may become guilty before God" (Rom.
3:19)? The lost condition of the heathen is
here given in one-syllable words. There is no
excuse for not knowing.
Prejudice and indifference have no place in
the heart of a Christian. Let any open-
minded believer read every day for one
month the first three chapters of Romans.
"Mother Ignorance," with her two children,
Prejudice and Indifference, will die the death
of the wicked. — The Alliance Weekly.
B. Charles Hostetter in Ohio, April 24-25
B. Charles Hostetter will be speaker at the
West Liberty, Ohio, Youth Rally Saturday
night, April 24, at 7:30, held at the West
Liberty High School Auditorium. On Sunday
he will be at the South Union Mennonite
Church for both morning and evening serv-
ices.
Stations Soon to be Discontinued
WBIR Knoxville, Tenn— last broadcast
April 11
WDNE Elkins, W. Va.— last broadcast
April 25
Also one of the two releases on HCJB
Quito, Ecuador, will be dropped after April
28.
Why discontinued? In the case of WBIR
Knoxville and WDNE Elkins, the reasons
are poor mail response, decreased support,
and undesirable hours for broadcasting. In
the case of HCJB Quito, Ecuador, the reason
for dropping the 2:00 a.m. release is pri-
marily due to lack of support for our foreign
broadcasts.
Your prayer and financial support are need-
ed to continue to proclaim "The Living
Christ for a Dying World." Our mailing
address: The Mennonite Hour, Box 22, Har-
risonburg, Va.
"My Word shall not Return Void"
From the Protestant Chaplain of the Denver hospitals:
"Your broadcast is a real witness, and it is prov-
inq to be a point oi contact for us as we visit the
patients in the Denver Hospitals. Recently while
ridinq the elevator with a nurse, one ot the 1-w
boys received a fine testimony of what your program
had done for her that Sunday morning.
"Perchance if you have some small card or other
printed item of your broadcast suitable to leave with
the patients, we believe we might be of help in ex-
tending the interest in The Mennonite Hour. We
could profitably use several hundred as a begin-
ning."
Word is Received from the Jewish Center in Washing-
ton, D.C.:
"We here at our Jewish Center in Washington
appreciate the broadcast and we are anxious that
our many Jewish friends of this city know about it.
Passover is near and we are planning to distribute
from door to door in the Jewish sections of our city
special liteiature prepared for Israel at this Passover
season — with it we decided to give the card an-
nouncing the broadcast."
Listeners from England Hear Broadcast over Radio
Ceylon:
"For the last few weeks I have been listening to
your broadcast from Radio Ceylon. Reception of
Radio Ceylon itself is good, but unfortunately there
has been another transmitter "jamming" the station
at this time of day.
"Does The Voice of the Andes (Station HCJB) trans-
mit the Mennonite Hour? If so, I should be glad to
know the time. I am sure God must be blessing you
in your world-wide ministry; I pray He will continue
to do so."
Massachusetts Woman Appreciates Messages:
"I can never thank you and your staff for the
wonderful message that I received over WBZ Boston
every Sunday evening. As we have no church here
it is truly a blessing to me to be able to attend
through the means of your broadcast. With the
Lord's blessing we pray that we shall be able to get
our Mennonite summer classes here soon. I have
not been in the church very long. I was baptized
Nov. 14 last year. Of course, there is a great
temptation and many trials here, as I am our only
representative here in Massachusetts, but I look ever
to our Lord for counsel and guidance, and through
your message I can also go to church . . ."
From Fort Wayne, Ind.:
"We have been listening to your broadcast for
several weeks at 9:00 p.m. Sundays, over station
WOWO, Fort Wayne, and the broadcast comes in
(Continued on page 380)
Missions Editorial
Are We Problem Conscious
One of the speakers at the City Mission
Workers' Round Table held at Detroit,
Mich., March 24-26, urged his hearers to
become solution conscious. "We are prob-
lem conscious in missions," he said. "What
we need is not problems committees but so-
lutions committees."
He went on to declare that Christ is the
answer to our problems. We must believe
that proclaiming the Christian way of life
is the most important task in the world and
then act as if we believe it.
No doubt we are too much like Peter who
walked on the water as long as he kept his
eyes on Jesus, but when he began to look
at the wind and the waves, his problems, he
began to sink.
Jesus looked beyond the opposition and
ridicule of the Jewish leaders, His problems,
to the purpose for which He came into the
world. He came to minister to needy man-
kind and give His life a ransom for many
and no one, no problem, could deflect Him
from His purpose.
The City Mission Workers' Round Table
pointed up some problems that face the
church due to the urbanization and industri-
alization of our society and the social in-
justices among us due to race prejudice.
If we look only at the problems, we will
sink like Peter and will need to cry to God
for help to save ourselves.
Does the Gospel we preach not have power
to save men and women from the un-Biblical
practices of labor and management, insurance
companies, and other involvements of a
worldly society? Can we not reach men and
women lost in the intricacies of divorce?
Why have we been so unsuccessful in
bringing urban people into the church? Why
is it that we lose more members of nonfarm-
ing occupations than we gain? Must urban
communities produce a lower ratio of con-
scientious objectors than rural communities?
We cannot solve these problems by organi-
zation or legislation. We must find their
solutions in Christ. We must find them as
Jesus and the apostles did through much
prayer and close co-operation with the Holy
Spirit.
Can we attain the spiritual dynamic neces-
sary to meet the needs of city dwellers? Paul
established a church in Corinth, one of the
wickedest cities in his day. He had serious
problems to solve, but for him Christ was the
answer.
May we be as courageous, as separated
from the world, and as spiritually empowered
as the Apostle Paul! — L. C. Hartzler.
MISSIONS SECTION
378
GOSPEL HERALD
April 20, 1 954
Relief and Service News
MRSC Weekly Notes
Voluntary Service
Don Yoder, West Liberty, Ohio, has taken
over the assignment of directing the boys'
crafts and the recreation programs of the
VS unit, Mathis, Tex. These programs are
geared especially to the boys and young peo-
ple of the Mathis community and are cor-
related with the activities of the Mathis Men-
nonite Mission.
The next orientation school for volunteers
entering service will begin on May 26, 1954.
There are now seven young people attending
the present school instead of nine as previous-
ly announced.
With the building program going on at
the Gladstone Mission, Cleveland, Ohio,
there is an urgent need for a man to help in
this work of building and also to assist in
carrying on the boys' activities of crafts and
clubwork. This person would be of inval-
uable assistance to Bro. Vern Miller, the pas-
tor, while the building program is yet con-
tinuing for the next four months. Anyone
who can serve in this way for a period of
four months should contact D. J. Mishler,
Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities,
1711 Prairie St., Elkhart, Ind.
Wanted! A mature girl to serve in the El
Hogar del Nino boy's home in Puerto Rico
as an assistant to Bro. and Sister Joe Nauraine
who are the administrators of the home. This
person should also be qualified to take over
the responsibility when Bro. and Sister Nau-
raine leave for several weeks. The work is
that of general housework, assisting the cook,
planning menus, caring for the approximate-
ly 25 boys, and in all of this there is the
challenge to leave a glowing Christian testi-
mony in everyday situations which will guide
the boys to the Light. If you can fill this
position or know of anyone else who would
qualify, please write to D. J. Mishler at the
above address.
Sisters Eleanor and Lorraine Nicmela,
Menahga, Minn., have joined the MRSC
staff as secretaries. Lorraine is serving only
for a three-week period while on vacation
from the Northern Lights Gospel Mission.
A Summer Service Station Directors Con-
ference is being planned for May 6 and 7.
Directors of service units and the MRSC
staff will evaluate previous experience and
discuss together means for making the 1954
summer's activities of the most value to the
church's program and to the volunteer.
There arc still openings for young people
to serve in the summer service program es-
pecially in the areas of city and rural mis-
sions. These places provide real challenges
to service and are needy and growing areas.
Those who arc interested in this service
should write to Mark Lehman, Slimmer
Service Director, Otlice tor Relict and Serv
MISSIONS SECTION
ice, 1711 Prairie St., Elkhart Ind., about defi-
nite places to serve.
I-W Service
Sister Velma Frey, Wauseon, Ohio, has
been appointed to present crafts and mean-
ingful leisure time activities to I-W units.
Sister Frey will also work in the area of wom-
en's activities in correlating the activities of
the I-W wives' groups with the Women's
Missionary Sewing Circle Organization of
the church.
While en route to Cleveland, Ohio, to re-
port for I-W service, Ralph Miller, Hydro,
Okla., suffered a broken leg and other minor
injuries in an automobile accident in south-
east Iowa. Pray that he as well as the others
involved will soon be restored to normal
health.
Each Monday evening the group at Farn-
hurst, Del., has a singing class, and at the
present they are studying the book of Acts
during their regular biweekly meeting.
Released April 9, 1954
Office for Relief and Service
Elkhart, Indiana
MCC Weekly Notes
PAX Men Serve in Egypt, Iraq, and Jordan
A new outreach of the Mennonite Church
are the services of PAX men working in
primitive and unproductive villages in the
Middle East in a rural development and re-
habilitation program known as International
Voluntary Service. IVS is operated in co-
operation with the United States Point Four
program and depends upon volunteers to
carry out its rehabilitation and experimen-
tation projects. Three PAX men are now
serving under IVS. Before entering these
new assignments these men served in the
PAX program in Europe.
The latest PAX man to enter IVS is Har-
old Neuman, Metamora, 111., who is assisting
in a poultry project in Jericho, Jordan. This
project is part of an agricultural experi-
mentation program to aid refugees in Jordan.
A second PAX man — Carl R. Janzen, Be-
atrice, Nebr. — is engaged in sanitation work
in Iraq. He is a member of a team seeking
to provide self-help for Iraqi villagers.
Kenneth ImhorT, Washington, 111., does
agricultural experiment work on a farm
operated in connection with Assiut College,
Assiut, Egypt. ImhofT, like other PAX men.
reports of many opportunities to witness for
the Christian faith.
PAX men through these services are able
to express the Christian's compassion for a
suffering world. At the same time they arc
able to inject into their work the meaning
anil purpose of the Christian life. The num-
ber of Mennonite volunteers who will serve
through IVS will be limited. The Breth-
ren Service Commission has been active in
bringing IVS into existence. Dr. Eldon
Burke, .1 member of the Church of the Breth-
ren, is chief of party of the Iraqi project.
Dr. Burke is known to many MCC workers
in Europe because of his association with
CRALOG.
New Directive Concerning Refusal of
Induction
A new Selective Service direcdve stipulates
that before a conscientious objector can be
prosecuted for refusal of induction, his case
must be reviewed by the director of Selective
Service before he is reported as a delinquent
to the department of Justice.
This directive applies to registrants who
have refused induction on the basis of con-
scientious objection to war or on a ministerial
status. Following this refusal the registrant's
cover sheet (file) must be forwarded by the
local board to the director of Selective Serv-
ice who will then determine whether he
should be reported as a delinquent registrant.
The time required for this review may nor-
mally require several weeks.
Any one who has a problem of this kind
should communicate at once with the Peace
Section, Mennonite Central Committee, Ak-
ron, Pa.
Released April 9, 1954
MCC Information Service
Akron, Pa.
Women's Activities
"The Power of the Gospel in a Changing
World" is the theme around which the pro-
gram for the annual Missionary Sewing Cir-
cle program is being planned. The business
meeting and the inspirational program will
be scheduled for Friday and Saturday, June
18 and 19, at Western Mennonite School,
Salem, Oreg.
A children's meeting has been planned for
those children who will be traveling with
their parents to the Annual Mission Board
Meeting in. Oregon, June 17-20. Watch for
further announcements in Words of Cheer
and Youth's Christian Companion.
• * •
Mrs. Mahlon Eigsti, general secretary for
WMSCO. spoke at a special meeting in Gar-
den City, Mo., Saturday, April 10.
• • #
A kit containing a constitution, ideas for
projects, and the WMSCO program in gen-
eral has been prepared for women in I-W
centers. These kits may be obtained from
Field Secretary, Florence Shantz, 1711 Prairie
St.. Elkhart, Ind. (office address) or from
Henry Weaver, Jr., 1711 Prairie St., Elkhart,
Ind.
• » •
The monthly report from our general
treasurer gives $582.60 as the amount con-
tributed to Nursing Education in March.
This brings our total contributions toward
our goal of $3,600.00 up to $3,159.87. This
is the nearest we have come to keeping our
pledge to this very needy cause. Our church
papers continue calling for Christian nurses.
Helping to produce Christian nurses is one
waj of Ih ing the spirit of the good Samaritan.
• • •
Our sisters of the Buckhorn station, Ma-
thias, W. Y.i.. arc enjoying their sewing cir-
cle. It was only about three years ago that
Katie F. Shank called at the homes in this
community and found an interest in this
April 20, /p54
GOSPEL HERALD
379
type of work. The first meeting was held in
the neat little cabin in "Dove Hollow."
# # #
Great Is the Company by Violet Wood
was the book Mrs. J. D. Graber reviewed
for the Missionary Society of the Goshen
College congregation on Monday evening,
March 29. This is a book that all our sisters
would enjoy reading.
* * *
Florence Shantz spent a number of days
during the first week in April at the Mis-
sion Board headquarters, 1711 Prairie St.,
Elkhart, Ind., in order to get started in her
new work as Field Secretary for WMSCO.
May we be faithful in remembering her in
prayer as she undertakes this new field of
service. — Mrs. C. L. Shank.
From Our Churches
AKRON. NEW YORK
(Clarence Center Congregation)
Dear Hekjlld Readers :
Baptismal services were held Sunday, March
28 at which time three young souls were re-
ceived into church fellowship. May we be re-
minded of our responsibility to these "babes in
Christ." , _ , ,
During the winter months the Wednesday
evening meeting was devoted to a study of
Clarence Benson's book. "The Sunday School in
Action" — a challenge to Sunday-school teachers
and workers.
The Library Committee has put forth con-
siderable effort in revitalizing the church library.
Many new and worth-while books have been
added, creating a renewed interest in reading.
A separate bookcase was purchased for the
primary department to be kept where it will be
more accessible to the children.
Recently a group of young people from
Ontario Bible School presented an all-day pro-
gram on "Evangelism." Bro. John Garber con-
cluded the evening program with a stirring
message. After dismissal a large group stayed
to see slides of the Saginaw mission work shown
by Melvin Leidig.
Norman Eick was elected to serve on the
YPBM committee with Linford Klingelsmith
and Leighton Snyder.
Of special interest and value is a separate
children's meeting conducted in the basement
during the YPM upstairs.
We are happy to report increased attendance
and interest in our sewing circle work. This is
a definite avenue of service that brings a bless-
ing not only to those receiving the gifts but to
the giver as well. Plans are to purchase two
new portable machines. We sent out a large
number of comforters this winter. Much credit
goes to Sister Hattie Aderman, who puts in
many hours of work making comforter tops and
rag rags.
Ray and Mary Yoder will be devoting six
months of their time, beginning this spring, to
help with the tent evangelism work in charge
of Bro. Andrew Jantzi. May the Lord richly
bless their efforts. Moneda Hartzler.
BELLEVILLE. PENNSYLVANIA
( Aliens ville Congregation)
Christian Friends :
Bro. Andrew Brenneman visited our congrega-
tion on Jan. 10 and brought the morning mes-
sage. That evening a group of 40 people from
the Methodist Church at Ardenheim, a small
village near Huntingdon, Pa., visited us and
took part in a testimony meeting.
On Jan. 24, Bro. Orie Kauffman, Vassar,
Mich., preached the morning sermon. He served
as teacher in our winter Bible school held in the
Locust Grove Church. Belleville, Pa. The en-
rollment was 102. Other teachers were Roes
Metzler, Harold Brenneman, and Elam Glick.
Since Jan. 27 we are enjoying a workers'
training class each Wednesday evening preced-
ing prayer meeting. The attendance has in-
creased and good interest is shown. Bro.
J. Ellrose Hartzler directs the discussions.
Bro. B. Charles Hostetter and the Mennonite
Hour Quartet gave an interesting program on
March 13. On March 14 Bro. Samuel Strong of
Harrisonburg, Va., brought the message.
Our bishop, Raymond Peachey, spent two
weeks at Newport News, Va., holding meetings.
Bro. A. C. Walls and Bro. Paul Bender, both
of Grantsville, Md., were guest speakers at our
spring missionary conference on March 27, 28.
Speakers from local mission points also served
on the program.
Guest speakers on April 3 and 4 at the
Sunday-school Promotion Conference were Bro.
and Sister Paul Erb, Scottdale. Pa., and Bro.
Walter Otto, Springs, Pa.
Bro. Andrew Jantzi is to be our evangelist in
a series of meetings from April 7 to 18. The
Gingerich sisters of Hartville, Ohio, will be
with us one week during the series to bring
messages in song. Ida Kanagy.
BROKEN BOW. NEBRASKA
(Broken View Congregation)
Greetings in Jesus' name :
Praise Him for His wonderful works to the
children of men.
Four souls joined our number by baptism the
past year. One young mother, one sixteen-year-
old girl, and two younger teen-agers. One
eighteen-year-old boy has finished the articles
of faith and is awaiting baptism as soon as our
bishop, P. R. Kennel, can come.
A family who had been living about 90 miles
from church is now living closer and worships
with us regularly again.
Services are held every other Sunday at the
local old people's, home. They look forward to
our coming and especially appreciate the sing-
ing.
The sewing circle meets monthly in the homes
of various sisters. Much of the work done is
donated to the local needy. A layette has just
been completed for a needy mother and several
comforters pieced and tied for others. We are
somewhat handicapped since we have to haul
the sewing machine and supplies around. We
look forward to the time when we can keep
these in the church basement.
We have purchased some land in Broken Bow
on which we plan to move our church building.
We hope to get it accomplished by fall. We
plan a small addition and a full basement to the
present building. This will take care of the
children's classes and cloakrooms, which we have
never had. We are doing all the work we can
ourselves. We are yet short of funds, but we
feel the Lord will provide. If any one or group
wishes to help in the work here, we will greatly
appreciate any donations. We know the Lord
will bless every effort in His own way. You
may send donations to our secretary, M. E.
Yantzie, 1356 S. G St., Broken Bow, Nebr.
We feel that this move is the Lord's will in
order to serve the congregation better and it
also gives us a better opportunity to win the
lost. The new location will be nearer for all
concerned and on better roads. Several now live
30 miles away and others 20 and 25 miles. The
new location will be much more centralized
since we do live in all directions from Broken
Bow. We are needing major repairs on the
building and a new furnace also, and by moving
now we can do both jobs at once.
We ask an interest in your prayers that the
cause of Christ be fulfilled at this place.
Mrs. Irvin C. Burkey.
THE BOOK SHELF
Books reviewed In these columns may be ordered
from the Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale, Pa.
Sex-Character Education, by John A.
O'Brien; Macmillan; 1953; 212 pp.; $2.75.
It is indeed a pleasure in these days of
confusion and shallow thinking on matters
related to sex to come upon a modern book
that makes no apologies for sex but boldly
proclaims its divine origin, links its function
with character, and places the responsibility
for sex-character education on parents in the
home.
The author is the well-known professor
of the Philosophy of Religion at the Uni-
versity of Notre Dame, and the book bears
the imprimatur of Bishop John Francis Noll,
yet the volume is admirably adapted to meet
the needs of all faiths. Its authoritative tone
is enhanced by the inclusion of chapters and
sections by Dr. Paul Popenoe, the Child Study
Association, the American Social Hygiene
Association, and Margaret Culkin Banning's
classic essay on "The Case for Chastity."
The agreement of these eminent authorities
is remarkable. The repetition of material
may at times be tedious reading but it adds
up emphasis to the point of being convincing.
The experts appear to be agreed on the fol-
lowing:
Most youth problems are concerned with
sex. Silence is criminal. Parents must be the
teachers, and before they can teach they
must themselves have information and, even
more importantly, must have a wholesome
attitude. The book is devoted in large part
to creating a wholesome attitude on the part
of parents. It asserts that to those who get
proper information from their parents, "the
fountain of life is pure, clean, and whole-
some." Again, "Sex is the creation of God.
Not only is it thoroughly good and whole-
some, but it is also the divinely established
fount from which spring the most sacred
social relationships and the deepest human
friendships. . . . To belittle sex and to look
disparagingly upon it is to belittle God and
to depreciate one of the noblest elements in
all His creation."
This is not sex worship. Rather, it is the
author's intent to place it in its proper con-
text as one of the character-building elements
when fitted into the framework of family
life and living, something which this re-
viewer has tried to say for some time, but
which is better developed in this book than
anywhere else that has yet come to his at-
tention. We teach not nearly so much by
what we say as by our attitudes of reverence,
love, and honesty. Sex education is not a
thing apart. It is inseparable from general
character education. Hence the title of the
book.
Parents will be helped by the discussion of
when instruction should be given, and by the
interesting model conversations between par-
ent and the young child, the adolescent, and
the premarital youth. The tone is reverent,
God-centered, never trite. There is a pro-
gressive story of basic biology, the role of the
father, the function of menstruation, and
night emissions. In insisting on telling the
whole story the author does not mean so
much not omitting any physical details as in-
cluding the place of love and of God in par-
ental behavior.
There are helpful suggestions for the timid,
for parents whose children do not ask ques-
tions, and for those who have previously giv-
en wrong information. When petting youth
asks, "What's the harm?" Dr. Max Exner
states that "if we have no answer that can
inspire youth to convinced personal choice,
then we may not appropriately reprove or
condemn." Then he proceeds to furnish the
answer that is convincing to those willing to
be convinced.
When a friendly neighbor boy comes over,
380
GOSPEL HERALD
April 20, ipy-f
we do not send him out of the house because
he has a stain on his shirt, nor can we help
but welcome this volume although every
Mennonite reader will notice an incidental
favorable reference to the dance and the
theater. This is incidental to the main mes-
sage of the book, which is the most effective
plea for a sound, home-administered, God-
centered, sex-character education program
this reviewer has yet seen. — H. Clair
Amstutz, M.D.
TO BE NEAR TO GOD (Continued)
Are you enjoying this new venture in
Faith? Have you ever come in after a dark,
dangerous quest, with a lamb's soft, safe body
curled about your neck? Have you seen the
glint of gold when you had almost given up
a dear one as lost?
Lord, I would be a partner in your joy.
— Carl Beck.
THE MENNONITE HOUR (Continued)
very well and is such a blessing to our hearts and
so challenging. God bless your ministry. How we
love the music, too. The guartet thrills our hearts."
From a Maryland Listener:
"Please accept this token of our esteem for your
fine work. While our contributions have not been
as freguent as we would like, we value the services
you render very deeply. We seldom ever miss a
broadcast before attending our own church services
every Sunday morning.
"We pray that God will richly bless each and
every one who helps produce the fine broadcast we
hear every Sunday, and that you may continue to
grow in your work for His kingdom."
FIELD NOTES (Continued)
On Tuesday evening, April 6, the Hanni-
bal Mission Church showed two films, "The
Birthday of a Prophecy" and "A Day of De-
liverance," to the Jews of Temple Israel in
Hannibal. After each film there was open
discussion on the common concern of Jews
and Christians.
The Christian Laymen's Tent Evangelism,
Inc., which is sponsoring the Hammer Tent
Revival, announces that for the summer
campaign of 1955 Bro. Myron Augsburger,
Harrisonburg, Va., will serve as evangelist
and Bro. J. Mark Stautter, also of Harrison-
burg, will serve as song leader.
Bro. Gideon G. Yoder, Hesston, Kans., con-
ducted a Bible Conference at the Pleasant
View Cluirch, Hydro, Okla., April 9-11.
Announcements
Home Mission Conference at 1 less Church,
near I. it it/.. Pa., evenings of May 6 to 8 and
all day May 9. In addition to speakers from
home missions ol the district Bro. Myron
Augsburger, Harrisonburg, \'a., will serve
on the program. The Conference theme i*-
I Corinthians 1:7,
Annual meeting oi the Ontario Sewing
Circles at Krb St. C hurch, Waterloo, Ont.,
May 11.
Voice of Youth Chorus, under the direction
of Daniel Krady, in a program o! 1'astct
music at the Mennonite ('lunch, Tenth and
Harrison Sts., Wilmington, Del., Sunday
evening, April 18, at 7 p.m.
Victorious Life Conference at Blooming
Glen, Pa., May 8, 9, Paul M. Miller, Goshen,
Ind., speaker.
All-day Sunday-school meeting at Bair's
Codorus near York, Pa., May 2. Speakers:
Frank Enck, Willow Street, Pa.; Russel Baer,
Steelton, Pa.
Martha Ropp, relief worker from the Men-
nonite Church in France, at the Midway
Church, Columbiana, Ohio, April 28.
Missionary Round Table at Goshen, Mary-
land, Monday, May 10. This is for all mission
workers of the Lancaster Conference District.
Mission workers from other districts are also
invited. The afternoon program is taken up
by a panel discussion on "Evangelism and
the Child," with Paul M. Lederach, chair-
man, and speakers, David Thomas, Noah
Hershey, and Amos Horst. In the evening
Bro. Lederach will speak on "Missionary
Imperatives in the Seven Parables of Mat-
thew 13."
Week-end meetings at Hopedale, 111., with
Lester Hershey, on furlough from the Puerto
Rico mission field, April 23-25.
Annual Sewing Circle Meeting of Indiana-
Michigan district at Union Auditorium, Go-
shen, College, April 24.
Mission meeting at South Union, West
Liberty, Ohio, with Lester Hershey, of Puerto
Rico, as guest speaker, on May 2.
Easter Service at New Found Mission,
Teges, Ky., April 18, with Joe Pantana, Paul
Smith, and Harold Good, all of Elida, Ohio,
as speakers.
Visiting Speakers
April 4. Merlin Good, Wildcat, Ky., at
Salem, Elida, Ohio.
April 11. H. S. Bender, Goshen, Ind., at
Wooster, Ohio. Levi C. Hartzler, Elkhart,
Ind., at Martins Creek, Millersburg, Ohio,
and Martins, Orrville, Ohio. Jacob Peltz,
International Hebrew Alliance, at Prairie
Street, Elkhart, Ind.
April 18. Michael Shenk, Sarasota, Fla.,
at Frazer, Pa. I. E. Burkhart, Goshen, Ind.,
at New Wilmington, Pa. Virgil Vogt, Go-
shen, Ind., at Meadville, Pa. Millard Lind,
Scottdale, Pa., at Leetonia, Ohio, and two days
preceding, in Passion Week services for three
churches in the area. A. J. Metzler, Scottdale,
Pa., at Detroit, Mich., and three days pre-
ceding, in special services.
Evangelistic Meetings
David Thomas, Lancaster, Pa., at Cottage
City, Md., April 11-25. A. J. Metzler, Scott-
dale, l'a., at Salem, Elida, Ohio, May 16-19.
George R. Brunk, Denbigh, Va., at Scottdale,
Pa., April 19 25. Don A. Augsburger, Orr-
ville, Ohio, at Kingvicw, Scottdale, Pa., April
26 to M.iv 2., Peter Wiebc, Goshen, Ind., at
Liberty, Mich., April 14-18.
oh, many a heart is longing
For words that arc never said.
And many a heart goes hungry
For Something better than bread.
—Selected.
MISSION NEWS (Continued)
Sister Betty Schwartzentruber, who has
been serving at Saginaw, Mich., has returned
to her home in Ontario the first of April.
Her father, Bro. David Schwartzentruber,
Tavistock, Ont., brought the morning mes-
sage at Saginaw on April 4.
Bro. Lester T. Hershey, missionary on fur-
lough from Puerto Rico, will be speaking at
the annual meeting of the Illinois District
Mission Board at the Pleasant Hill Church,
East Peoria, 111., April 22, 23, and at the
Hopedale, 111., Mennonite Church, April 23-
25.
The attendance at the Ninth St. Mennonite
Church, Saginaw, Mich., has increased this
past winter and now averages 115. The
workers request the prayers of the church in
behalf of the witness there.
Beth Anne joined the family of Bro. and
Sister Clayton Sutter, superintendent and
matron of the Mennonite Home for the
Aged, Eureka, 111., on April 11. She has an
older brother Sem and an older sister Miriam.
Bro. Melvin Leidig, who graduated from
the Mennonite Bible Institute, Kitchener,
Ont., recently, has returned to Saginaw,
Mich., to assist in the mission program there.
Sister Elsie Selzer also returned to Saginaw
at the close of the school year at the Ontario
Bible Institute.
Following the Crowd or Christ
Do you dare to be different? Many are
afraid to stand up for right; they are afraid
of criticism. They lack iron in their blood
and grace in their soul; they bask in praise
and approval.
The slow, sinful stain of our day is tint-
ing and tainting many who were once faith-
ful souls. The continual drip of worldly
customs, fads, styles, and patterns has soft-
ened the will and corroded the resistance of
many a person.
Do you dare to hold high, by clearly
marked precept and righteous practice, the
teachings of Jesus Christ, or do you go along
with the crowd which is confused, loose in
morals, godless? The Bible calls for red-
blooded, straightforward, strong-spirited, and
stout-hearted men and women who can face
the Master at the end of the day and say,
"I did my best to represent you today."
Those who constituted the crowds in the
days of Joseph, Moses, Samuel, and Paul
have returned to the dust and are forgotten.
But the influence of the saintly lives of
Joseph, Moses. Samuel, Paul, and other
noble men increases with the centuries be-
cause they dared to be different. They did
not conform to the world. They would not
sacrifice principles for approval or praise.
Friend, you will never get your name in the
eternal hook of Who's Who by being world-
ly, by Following the crowd. — Hillery C. Rice.
As .1 white candle in a holy place, so is the
beauty of an aged face. — Joseph Campbell.
April 20, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
381
BIRTHS
"Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord" (Ps. 127:3a).
Bitikofer, Leroy and Doris (Selzer). Canton,
Kans., second son, Dennis Eldon, April 6, 1954.
Bontrager, Morris and Rachel (Yoder), Hutch-
inson, Kans.. fifth child, second son, Eugene
Arlvn, March 18, 1954.
Brubaker. Albert P. and Betty (Brenneman),
Lancaster, Pa., second son, Daniel Lynn, March,
Brubaker, John A. and M. Elizabeth (Neff),
Straeburg, Pa., second child, first son, John
Allan. Jr., March 26. 1954.
Burkholder, Edgar L. and Ada Grace (Leh-
man), Chambersburg, Pa., first child, Isaac Ray,
March 28. 1954. ^
Sren, Dean and Carol (Roth), Sheridan,
Oreg., second child, Lonnie Dale, March 18,
1954.
Derstine, David F. and Maxine (Troyer),
Blooming Glen, Pa., second child, first son, Da-
vid Daryl, Jan. 26, 1954.
Fenton, Raymond M. and Evelyn (Merrillat),
Wauseon. Ohio, first child, Robert Lee. Dec. 14,
Grieser, Dale and Grace (Roth), Milford,
Nebr., first child, Anita Jo, Jan. 7, 1954.
Hege, Enoe and Betty (Hertzler), Mechanies-
burg. Pa., second child, first son, Jay Enos.
April 3, 1954. .
Horst. Abram S., Jr., and Marian (Leaman).
New Holland, Pa., first child, Judy Elaine.
March 27. 1954. .
Leatherman. Samuel D. and Ada (Lewis).
Souderton, Pa., fifth child, second daughter,
Nancy, April 1, 1954.
Lengacher, Joseph S. and Doris Jean (llem-
erding), Montgomery, Ind., first child, Michael
Alan, April 2, 1954.
Livengood, Paul H. and Elva (Weaver). Nar-
von. Pa., second son, Lester Eugene. March 10,
Miller, Atlee and Viola (Hershberger). Ber-
lin, Ohio, first child, Naomi Fyrne, March 21,
1954
Miller. Dan and Dorothy (Kaufman), Con-
neaut Lake, Pa., first child, Joseph Daniel,
March 18. 1954.
Miller, David L. and Mary (Beachy). Part-
ridge, Kans., third daughter, Carol Anne, March
16. 1954.
Miller, Ernest. Jr., and Ruth (Holloway).
Denbigh, Va., third child, second son. Ernest
Christian III. March 9. 1954.
Miller, Ervin and Emma (Miller), Burton,
Ohio, seventh child, fourth son, Edward Ray.
Jan. 21, 1954.
Miller, Mahlon, Jr., and Sara (Yoder). Bur-
ton, Ohio, fourth child, third daughter, Rhoda,
Jan. 16. 1954.
Miller, Melvin and Anna (Chupp), Burton,
Ohio, first child. Stephen Eli, Feb. 3, 1954.
Miller, Ray and Clara (Miller), Lexington.
Ohio, fifth child, Martha Kay, March 30. 1954.
Nice, Henry R. and Pauline (Wenger), Den-
bigh, Va., first child, Cheryl Joy, March 19, 1954.
Schwartzentruber, Kenneth and Grace (Ben-
der), Harrisonburg, Va., first child. Virginia
Ann. Jan. 30, 1954.
Showalter, Ray and Ann (Yoder), Kansas
City, Mo., first child, Krista Salome, April 1,
1954.
Siegrist, James B. and Esther (Kreider), East
Berlin. Pa., fifth child, first son, James K.,
March 24. 1954.
Smoker. Raymond and Margaret (King),
Cochranville, Pa., fourth child, third daughter.
Norma Jean, March 27, 1954.
Snader. Titus F. and Susanna (Beam), Nar-
von. Pa., fourth child, third daughter. Ada Dar-
lene. April 1, 1954.
Stamm, Franklin and Doris (Short), Arch-
bold, Ohio, fifth child, Sammy Lee, March 26,
1954.
Strite. Wayne G. and Ethel (Martin). Hagers-
town. Md.. first child. Eugene Ray, March 10.
1954.
Weaver. Harvey and Irene (Musser), Denver,
Pa., seventh child, fourth son, Mark M., April
3. 1954.
Weaver. Mprvin R. and Mary Ella (Weaver),
Lititz. Pa., fifth child, second daughter. Miriam
Txuiise. April 1. 1954.
Wenger, Marion E. and Shirley (Headings),
West Liberty, Ohio, a daughter, Shirley Marie,
March 8. 1954.
White, Ira M., Jr., and Arlene (Shertzer).
Lancaster, Pa., a son, Donald LaMar, March 6,
Wilkins, George Edward and Alice Jane
(High), Lititz, Pa., third child, second son,
George Eric, March 28, 1954.
Yoder, Andy and Irene (Byler), Burton, Ohio,
third child, first daughter, Leona, Feb. 26, 1954.
Yoder, Ralph W. and Ruth (Miller), Orrville,
Ohio, fourth child, second son, Randall Wade,
April 1, 1954. . .
Yoder, Ray and Verna (Yutzy), Middlefield,
Ohio, first child, Mary Lou, March 18, 1954.
Yoder, Rollin and Edna (Shantz), Eaglesham,
Alta., third and fourth children, twin daughters,
Shirley Lynn and Sharon Lee, March 28, 1954.
MARRIAGES
May the blessings of God be upon the homes
established by tne marriages here listed. A year's
subscription to the GOSPEL HERALD is given to those
whose address is supplied by the officiating minister.
Horst — Eckert.— Harold M. Horst. Hinkle-
town congregation, Ephrata, Pa., and Arlene S.
Eckert. Ephrata congregation, by Mahlon Zim-
merman at the home of the bride, March 2<,
1954
Leichty — Hartzler. — Leonard Leichty, Leo,
Ind., congregation, and Carolyn Hartzler, Maple
Grove congregation, Topeka, Ind., by Edwin J.
Yoder, assisted by Ellis Croyle, at the Maple
Grove Church, Jan. 16, 1954.
Maust — Beachy. — Ivan Maust and Hilda
Beachy, both of Castleman River Conservative
A.M. congregation, by Ivan J. Miller at the
Maple Glen meetinghouse, Grantsville, Md.,
March 7. 1954.
Miller — Bender. — David Miller and Lima
Bender, both of Castleman River Conservative
A.M. congregation, by Ivan J. Miller at the
Maple Glen meetinghouse, Grantsville, Md.,
March 28. 1954. , „. .
Yoder — Bender. — Creed Yoder and Miriam
Bender, both of the Castleman River Conserva-
tive A.M. congregation, by Ivan J. Miller at the
Maple Glen meetinghouse, Grantsville, Md.,
March 28, 1954. „ _ 3
Yoder — Milkie.— Raymond Stanley Yoder,
Stahl congregation, and Amelia Sara Milkie,
Johnstown, Pa., by Sanford G. Shetler at the
home of the bride on Easter Sunday morning,
April 5, 1953.
OBITUARIES
May the sustaining grace and comfort of our Lord
bless these who are bereaved.
Gingrich, Abram S., son of the late Bishop
and Mrs. Abraham Gingrich, was born in North
Woolwich, Ont., Aug. 31, 1886; died suddenly
of a heart attack March 30, 1954; aged 67 y. 6
m. 28 d. His wife, the former Lauretta R. Sny-
der, predeceased him in 1945. Surviving are 4
children (John and Isabel. Bridgeport, Ont.;
Mary — Mrs. Armond Musselman, Kitchener,
Ont., and Ruth — Mrs. Lloyd Jantzi, Wellesley,
Ont.), 5 brothers (Cyrus, of Alberta; Angus,
New Hamburg, Ont, and Ira, Addison, and
Irvin, all of Guernsey, Sask.), 2 sisters (Mrs.
Abram Snider, Guernsey, Sask., and Mrs. Henry
Knoll, Elmira, Ont.), and 4 grandchildren. He
accepted Christ in his youth and united with
the Mennonite Church at Elmira. In 1927 he
moved to the Breslau district, transferring his
membership to the Cressman Mennonite Church,
in which fellowship he remained until his sudden
passing. He served in various capacities in the
local congregation. The funeral was held April
2 in the Cressman Mennonite Church with Oscar
Burkholder as minister in charge. Burial was
made in the adjoining cemetery.
Good, Amos C., son of Jacob and Emma Good,
was born July 13, 1901; passed away as a re-
sult of a heart attack on March 9, 1954, at his
home in Elkhart. Ind. ; aged 52 y. 7 m. 26 d.
Surviving are his widow, the former Alpha
Welty to whom he was married on June 22,
1928, a foster daughter (Nancy Lou Welty),
and the following brothers and sisters (Emory,
Hopedale, 111.; Mrs. Ella Mast, Kokomo, Ind.;
Jacob, of Elkhart ; Raymon, of Chicago ; Irven,
of Goshen ; Mrs. Anna Swartz, Turner, Mich. ;
Mrs. Bertha Swartz, Loogootee, Ind., and Mrs.
Lizzie Miller, Lagrange, Ind.). There are a num-
ber of nephews and nieces. His parents and
two brothers preceded him in death. He united
with the church in his youth at the Howard-
Miami Church near Kokomo, Ind., and for many
years had been a member of the Prairie Street
Mennonite Church, Elkhart, Ind., where funeral
services in charge of J. B. Shenk and D. A.
Yoder were held on March 11. Interment was
made in the Prairie Street Cemetery.
Hershberger, Savilla, daughter of the late
Solomon D. and Catherine (Yutzy) Yoder, was
born near Grantsville, Md., July 5, 1877; died
in the Meyersdale. Pa., Community Hospital on
Jan. 30, i954; aged 76 y. 6 m. 25 d. In her
youth she accepted Christ as her Saviour and
united with the Amish Mennonite Church where
she labored faithfully to the end. She was mar-
ried to Noah E. Hershberger on Dec. 2. 1894. To
this union were born 8 children, of whom the
eldest. Annie, died at the age of 9 months. Also
preceding her in death were her husband, who
died Dec. 26, 1926, 2 full brothers, 5 half broth-
ers, one half sister, 7 grandchildren, and one
great-grandchild. Surviving are 7 children (Si-
mon N., Wellman, Iowa ; Sadie — Mrs. Elmer D.
Schrock, Grantsville, Md. ; Vernie— Mrs. Daniel
S. Lichty, Oakland, Md. ; Lydia— Mrs. Sam-
uel A. Beachy, Salisbury, Pa. ; Elmer N.,
Springs, Pa. ; Fannie — Mrs. Noah S. Beachy,
and Ervin N., both of Meyersdale, Pa.). The
children were all present for the funeral. She
also leaves 31 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchil-
dren, one aunt (Mrs. Russel Engle), and nu-
merous other relatives and friends. She was
taken to the hospital for observation for a heart
condition and passed away two and one-half days
after entering. Funeral services were conducted
at the Mountain View Church near Salisbury,
Pa., by Jacob J. Hershberger, Lynnhaven, Va.,
in German and A. J. Metzler, Scottdale, Pa., in
the English language. Interment was made in
the Niverton Cemetery.
Hochstetler. Edna Elizabeth, daughter of John
H. and Rhoda Yoder. was born Aug. 27. 1894.
nt Bertrand. Nebr.; met her death by a train-
automobile accident at Graceton, Minn.. March
26, 1954 ; aged 59 y. 6 m. 29 d. In 1904, at the
age of 8 years, she moved with her parents to
North Dakota, where she lived the remainder of
her life. She was baptized and united with the
Old Order Amish Mennonite Church on Oct. 1.
1911. Later she transferred her membership to
the Mennonite Church where she remained a
faithful member until death. On Oct. 31. 1912.
she was united in marriage to Eli G. Hochstet-
ler. To this union 5 sons and 2 daughters were
born (Melvin and Rhoda — Mrs. Joseph Bacher.
Wolford. N. Dak.; Perry, Williams, Minn.;
Emery, Oxford, Iowa ; Vernon, Graceton, Minn. ;
Dora Belle — Mrs. David Bacher, of Wolford, and
Carl, Mylo, N. Dak.). Surviving besides her
husband and 7 children are 24 grandchildren and
one sister (Fanny — Mrs. A. J. Stoll, Wheatland.
N. Dak.). Her parents, 2 brothers, and one
grandchild preceded her in death. Funeral serv-
ices were conducted at the Lake View Mennonite
Church, March 30, by Rufus Beachy and Floyd
E. Kauffman.
Hostetler, Daniel C, son of Christian C. and
Anna (Zuercher) Hostetler, was born in Canton
Bern. Switzerland, July 29, 1870; passed away
at his home in Orrville, Ohio, Feb. 19, 1954.
after several days of illness ; aged 83 y. 6 m. 21
d. Since the age of ten, he lived in Wayne
County, Ohio. He confessed Christ in early
vouth and became a member of the Sonnenberg
Mennonite Church. In later years he trans-
ferred his membership to the Martins Mennonite
Church where he served until death. He was
married to Elizabeth Bixler on Oct. 14, 1897.
He leaves his wife, 5 children (Laura — Mrs.
Elton R. Yoder, Esther E. — Mrs. Harry M. Hos-
tetler, and Marvin E., all of Orrville; Mahlon
W.. Canton, Ohio; and Ellis M., Mentor. Ohio),
14 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, one sis-
ter (Mary Ann. Kidron, Ohio), and 4 brothers
(Jacob C. and Simon C, Kidron, Ohio; Peter C,
Salem, Oreg., and John C, Dalton, Ohio). Two
children preceded him in death. Six years ago
he and his wife celebrated their golden wedding
anniversary. Funeral services at the church
were in charge of Stanford Mumaw, assisted by
Virgil Gerig, O. N. Johns, and Don Augsburger.
Interment was made in Martins Cemetery.
Johns. Rachel Nanlee, daughter of Gnlen and
Edith (Hoover) Johns, was born Dec. 29, 1952.
Together with 2 brothers (Joe Alan and Steven)
and one sister (Lois) she helped to make the
home a happy one. On March 23, 1954, Jesus
382
GOSPEL HERALD
April 20, 1954
took her to her heavenly home; aged 1 y. 2 m.
24 d. Her death was caused by accidental toxi-
cation, after having swallowed a number of pain-
relieving tablets. She passed away at the Go-
shen. Ind.. hospital the following day. Funeral
services were held March 25. in the Benton Men-
nonite Church, with Lewis Miller and Edwin J.
Yoder in charge. Burial was made in the ceme-
tery east of the church.
Luther, Robert M.. was born in Westmore-
land Co., Pa., May 24, 1S72 ; departed this life
at Sarasota, Fla., Feb. 2, 1!J54 ; aged 81 y. 8 m.
8 d. He is survived by his companion. Ella H.
Weaver Luther, with whom he journeyed
through life for over Gl years. Also surviving
are 8 sons and 2 daughters (R. Bruce. Mecha-
nicsburg, Pa. ; Newton N., Algio T., Lydia Belle
— Mrs. Charles Caldwell, and William C all of
Johnstown; J. Daniel, Three Rivers. Mich.;
Edna Elizabeth— Mrs. Lloy A. Kniss. Witmer,
Pa.; Martin R., Dayton, Ohio; Harold S.,
Greensburg. Pa., and George E., Silver Springs,
Md.), 34 grandchildren, 1G great-grandchildren,
and many other relatives and friends. He was a
faithful ' member of the Weaver Mennonite
Church for more than 55 years. Services were
conducted in Sarasota on Feb. 3 by T. H. Bren-
neman, after which the body was shipped to
Johnstown where services were conducted in the
Weaver Mennonite Church on Feb. 5. with Har-
old E. Thomas in charge, assisted by Aldus
Wingard and Snnford Shelter. Interment was
made in the Richland Cemetery.
McCormick, Mary, daughter of Martin and
Susan (Meucher) Shoup, was born May 12,
18GG, in Mt. Eaton, Ohio; died March 30, 1954,
at the home of her son William, North Lima,
Ohio; aged 87 y. 10 m. 18 d. She was in failing
health for a number of years and bedfast the
last four months. She was a member of the
North Lima Mennonite Church. In 1883 she
was married to Jacob McCormick. who preced-
ed her in death in 1931. She leaves a daughter
(Mrs. Rnseln Wingerter, of West Salem), 2
sons (William. North Lima. Ohio, and Ralph,
Canfield. Ohio). 2 brothers (Elmer Shoup. West
Salem, Ohio, and Noah, New Springfield, Ohio).
11 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and 2
great-great-grandchildren. A son (Homer) pre-
ceded her in death. Funeral services were in
charge of David Steiner. Interment was made
in the North Lima Mennonite Church Cemetery.
Fletcher. Catherine Ann, daughter of John
and Elizabeth (Clipp) Sherman, was born July
5. 1873. in Elkhart Co., Ind. ; departed this life
March 11, 1954, at the farm home near Waka-
rusa. where she had resided for many years;
aged 80 y. 7 m. G d. On Dee. 23, 18S8. she was
united in marriage to Frank Fletcher. To this
union 11 children were born. S of whom survive
(Ralph and Earl, both of Elkhart, Ind.; Delia-
Mrs. John Nusbaum, Edna — Mrs. Howard Par-
cell, and Celesta — Mrs. Holland Troxel. all of
Elkhart: Ruth — Mrs. Ray Blake, of Mishawa-
ka : Ethel — Mrs. George Hunsberger, of Waka-
rusa, and Treva. at home). Nine grandchildren.
3 great-grandchildren, and many other relatives
and friends also survive. Three children (Myrtle,
Roy, and Lowell) preceded her in death. After
the death of her husband in 1933. she lived with
her children. She was for many years n mem-
ber of the Olive Mennonite Church and loved to
attend as long as health permitted, and ex-
pressed her trust in Christ as her Saviour to
the end of life. Funeral services were held at
the Olive Mennonite Church. March 14, in
charge of Kino Steiner and Clarence Shank.
Burial was made in the Olive Cemetery.
Uufenacht, Amos, son of John and Barbara
Rufpnncht, was horn near Ar'-hbold. Ohio. Dec.
23, 1873; died March 2(1, 1954; aged SO y. 3 in.
3 d. On Nov, 30. 1S99, he was united in mar-
riage to Little Slif<rt, who preceded him in
,1, .11111 mi March 25. 1943. This anion was
bletwed by the birth <>f i children (Glen, Jesse.
Mary, and Rath). In his younger years he ac-
cepted Christ as his personal Saviour and united
With tin' Central Mennonite Church, where he
remained a faithful member until death. Besides
his wife, he was preceded in denth bv his par-
ents, 4 brothers, and one dauirhter (Rnt'O. Sur-
viving are 2 suns, one dair-hter. all residing near
Arehhnid, Ohio 14 grandchildren, o great-grand-
children, and many other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were conducted at the Central
Mennonite Clmrch by P. L. Frey, Jesse Short,
ami Henry Wyse.
WIHardi Jeremiah, son nf John and Amanda
(Fredrleksl Wlllard, was born in Elkhart. Ind..
Jan. 24. 1892: departed this life at the Elkhart
General Hospital, March 2B, 1064 ; aged B2 v.
2 m. 1 d. On Dec. 13. 1917. he married Goldie
May Lechlit ner. lie suffered much in the Inst
two years. Surviving are his widow and 11
children (Pearl Mrs. Chester Kane. South
Bend, Ind. ; Bernice — Mrs. Eston Campbell, New
London, Conn. ; Deloris — Mrs. Lamar Brown,
Florence — Mrs. Oliver Lowell, Bertha — Mrs.
Donald Brown, and Ruth— Mrs. Lester O'Bry-
and, all of Elkhart; Ivan, Gary, Ind.; Russell.
Robert, Ralph, and Walter, all of Elkhart), 2
sisters (Mrs. John Eberly, of South Beud. and
Mrs. Roy Schrock, Vandalia, Mich.), and 13
grandchildren. One son (John) preceded his
father in death. He attended the Oslo United
Missionary Church. Funeral services were held
at the Olive Mennonite Church, March 28, in
charge of Dean Freed and Clarence Shank, with
burial in the Olive Cemetery.
Kanagy. Lydia Ann, daughter of Elias D. and
Susannah Oswald Troyer, was born in Holmes
Co., Ohio, Dec. 19, 1872: died March 23, 1954;
aged 81 y. 3 m. 4 d. With her family she lived
in pioneer times and conditions in the Michigan
forest, later moving to Kansas and back to
Illinois in covered wagons. Later they moved to
Champaign Co., Ohio, where Lydia became a
member of the Oak Grove Mennonite Church.
She married Jacob Kanagy on Dec. 22. 1901.
To this union was born one son (Vernon) who
was taken from them at the age of 17 ; she
never seemed to have recovered from this loss.
She leaves her husband, 2 brothers (P. A. Troy-
er, of West Liberty, and M. L. Troyer. Elida.
Ohio), 3 sisters (Mrs. Elizabeth Yoder. West
Liberty, Ohio; Mrs. J. I. Byler. Shipshewana,
Ind.. and Mrs. S. W. Witmer, Goshen. Ind.),
and 28 nieces and nephews. One sister (Martha)
and 2 brothers (Eli and Noah) preceded her in
death.
Stuckey, Emanuel, son of the late Peter C.
and Anna (Short) Stuckey. was born near
Stryker, Ohio. April 12 1878; passed away at
home of his son, Marlin, near Archhold.
Ohio, March 3. 1951; aged 75 y. 10 m. 19 d.
On Jan. 10. 1901, he was united in marriage to
Sarah King, who passed away on Sept. 18,
1939. Shortly after their marriage he was
converted and together with his wife joined the
Mennonite Church. He was a regular attendant
at the Lockport Church as long as health per-
mitted. To this union were born 3 children
(Ilva Ann — Mrs. Harvey Grieser, Wauseon,
Ohio ; Marlin K. and Denver N.. Archbold,
Ohio). Besides his children and their compan-
ions, he is survived by 12 grandchildren. 10
brothers and sisters (Samuel, Aaron, and Mrs.
Leah Stevens, Wauseon, Ohio; Peter and Dan,
Stryker, Ohio; Mrs. Lizzie Nafziger, Mrs. Sarah
dinger, and Elmer, of Archbold : Mrs. Mary
Miller. Louisville. Ohio, and Mrs. Malinda Short,
West Unity, Ohio). He was preceded in death
by his wife, one grandchild, 3 brothers, and 3
sisters. Funeral services were held at the Lock-
port Church, March 0, conducted by the Lock-
port ministry. Burial was made in the Lockport
Cemetery.
ITEMS and COMMENTS
Korea has led the world in many impor-
tant discoveries, according to returned relief
worker for the Mennonite Central Commit-
tee, Verne Kohls of Grimes, Iowa. Koreans,
according to Kohls, preceded Gutenberg in
the use of movable type by about 50 years.
Korea was the first Asian country to adopt a
system of public education. It also con-
structed the world's first astronomical ob-
servatory in A.D. 647. — W.P.
• • •
Se< retarj of State John Foster Dulles blows
hot, then cold, upon the hopes of Christian
people. In October, 1 9*53. he said, "Our in-
stitutions of freedom will not survive unless
they are constantly replenished bv the faith
that gave them birth. . . . Our best reliance
is not more and bigger bombs, but a way of
life which reflects religious faith. . . . The
present Congress and the Cabinet all rec-
ognize the priority of spiritual forces. We
do not intend to turn this nation into a pure-
ly material fortress. ... I believe that the
great majority of the American people and
their representatives in government still ac-
cept the words of the prophet: 'Not by might,
nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the
Lord of hosts.' "
But then in January, 1954, he sent a chill
over the world as he described the new se-
curity policy. The crucial sentence was: "The
basic decision was to depend primarily upon
a great capacity to retaliate instantly by means
and at places of our choosing." In view of
America's acknowledged military superiority
such a sentence is enough to make the rest of
the world cower in fright.
• * •
A New York Times correspondent con-
tributed to the columns of that paper a long
article on the beginning of the Billy Graham
campaign in London. He told of a certain
cynical skepticism among press representa-
tives in London, but his article was on the
whole sympathetic. It concluded, "The
masses of Englishmen are largely untouched.
Many of the country's beautiful old churches
are neglected and the clergy are in poverty
and discouraged. If Mr. Graham can con-
tribute any impetus to a change in conditions,
his ministry here will be welcomed."
• • #
Three evangelistic meetings will be held
each Saturday during Billy Graham's three-
month London crusade. This decision was
reached following the 30,000 turnout for the
first Saturday night meeting. To accommo-
date the big crowds, three separate meetings
were held on that night, since the stadium
seating capacity is about 11,000.
• # »
The World Jewish Congress will oppose a
proposal by India to place World Calendar
Reform on the agenda of the next UN Ec-
onomic and Social Council session. A Jew-
ish representative said India's proposal would
have "disastrous effects on religious observ-
ances based on traditional calendars." The
proposed calendar, in order to make any date
fall on the same day of the week each year,
proposes an extra World Day, which would
make one week of 8 days. "If such a scheme
were adopted it would deliver a body blow
to the observance of the Sabbath and con-
sequently to the practice of Judaism," said
the Jewish representative, "and it would be
equallv disastrous to the followers of every
other religion who would refuse to tamper
with their religious calendars in order to con-
form to changes made by secular authorities."
• • •
Leaders of the Seventh-Day Adventist
Church have hailed as a victory for religious
liberty the treeing of four GI's who had been
court-martialed at Fort Richardson, Alaska,
for refusing to perform routine duty on Sat-
urday, their Sabbath. According to the pres-
ent ruling, Seventh-Day Adventists will not
be assigned to duty on the Sabbath, but will
be assigned to duty on Sunday.
• • •
The American Bible Society's Foreign Sec-
retary for Asia, just back from a trip to the
Far East, reports that he found demand for
the Bible in Asia greater than it has ever
been. He described this interest as "part of
April 20, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
383
a movement throughout the free world in
the direction of a revival of religion and faith
generally." He also reported, however, that
the circulation of the Bible in many countries
is becoming more difficult because of rising
nationalism. Some countries are insisting
that all products, including books, be pro-
duced within their borders, rather than im-
ported. This means that the cost of bringing
the Bibles to the peoples in these countries
will become higher.
* # *
The Saturday Review of Literature pub-
lished early in March a "representative check
list of religious books published during 1953
and thus far this year." Included in the 78
books is "We Tried to Stay," by Dorothy
McCammon, a Herald Press publication.
# * *
Some 400 natives were among the more
than 800 men and women who attended an
interracial meeting at the Metropolitan
Methodist Church in Cape Town, South
Africa. It was the first gathering of its kind
in the history of the South African Metho-
dist Church. Aside from official synod meet-
ings which are always multi-racial, European
(white) Methodist and native or "colored"
members of the denomination have tradi-
tionally met in separate churches. The presi-
dent of the conference warned that the
church is not yet "as alive as it ought to be
to the urgent need of printed propaganda"
for circulation among the African people to
counteract a spate of "subversive" literature
available to them.
• # #
Gospel Recordings, Inc., has sent simpli-
fied Bible messages to more than 100 coun-
tries. This nonprofit group has sent 8,850 in-
expensive phonographs and 648,400 records
since its founding in 1939. Records in more
than 500 tongues have been pressed and sent
free to missionaries on every continent. Most
of them are prepared in the field by natives
translating from an English script prepared
in America.
* * #
The House Ways and Means Committee
has recommended that the amounts an in-
dividual income tax payer is allowed to de-
duct for charitable contributions be increased
from 20 to 30 per cent of his net income.
I However, the extra 10 per cent would be
deductible only on contributions made to "a
1 church, a convention, or association of
churches or religious order; a regularly es-
tablished educational institution; or hospital."
• • •
The largest Moslem country in the world
is Indonesia. Ninety per cent of its popula-
tion of 83 million is of that faith. The in-
formation office of the Indonesian Republic
says Pakistan, next largest, has 64 million
Moslems in a population of nearly 78 million.
— New York Times.
• • *
An honest Portuguese laborer has returned
to his employer in New York an overpayment
of $4.00. His letter reads, "Dear Sirs: I am
enclosing herewith 100 escudos. I worked as
a laborer for your company in the park
around 1925 or 1926 and when I left your
employ, I received by error payment of an
extra day, at $4.00 approximately. That is
why I am sending to you the equivalent
amount in escudos to repay my debt. Please
accept it. — (Signed) Manual Vieira Goncalo."
The corporation replied: "Your letter tell-
ing us you were overpaid one day's wages in
1925 or 1926 and forwarding to us 100 escu-
dos is very much appreciated. Such honesty
makes the world a fit place in which to live.
We have returned herewith the 100 escudos
and ask that you accept it as a present from
us for our appreciation of your great honesty
and our best wishes for your good health."
* # #
The United Nations High Commissioner
for refugees has warned that the refugee
problem throughout the world is still serious.
He pointed out that 350,000 refugees in Eu-
rope "have still not found a solution for the
problems of their existence." Of this figure,
he added, 90,000 still live in refugee camps
and the rest in temporary quarters. He said
there were a total of 2 million homeless
throughout the world. The president of
United Service for New Americans has ex-
pressed doubt that the refugee relief act of
1953, intended to a'dmit 209,000 non-quota
immigrants, would accomplish its purposes.
He predicted that the law's "self-defeating
provisions will make a mockery of President
Eisenhower's high purpose in requesting the
law. This situation," he added, "is solidly
satisfying to the fanatic anti-alien forces who
engineered the McCarran-Walter law."
* * #
Keith L. Brooks, founder and editor of
Prophecy Monthly, died at the age of 67 on
February 23. He was formerly a faculty
member of the Bible Institute of Los Angeles
and editor of King's Business. Publication of
Prophecy Monthly will be conducted under
the direction of Mrs. Brooks and the staff,
according to the earnest desire of Keith
Brooks.
* * *
The average age of the French house is
over 120 years. One out of every five persons
in Paris live in "inadmissible" condition.
During the past nine years France has built
only 330,000 new housing units. The cost of
the war in Indo-China, 6 billion dollars in
seven years, has held back building. For this
sum would have paid for 800,000 new houses.
No wonder the French people are tired of
that war.
* * #
The number of persons so far admitted
under the refugee legislation of last summer
is numerically insignificant. Stirred into ac-
tion by a rising tide of complaint, the State
Department at Washington now plans to
send more than 50 special security agents
abroad in an effort to speed up the workings
of the cumbersome law.
* • •
Sitting still and wishing
Makes no person great,
The good Lord sends the fishing,
But you must dig the bait.
This little quatrajn, wrote John Masefield re-
cently, is the best advice he ever received.
(Continued on next page)
Coals of Fire
By Elizabeth Bauman
Illus. by Allan Eitzen
SEVENTEEN dramatic real-life
stones show how "Love thy
neighbour as thyself" works, even
when that neighbor is an enemy.
Stories are based on actual hap-
penings. They come from many
periods of history.
For every young person who
wonders about the way of nonre-
sistance. $1.95
Introduction
to Theology
By John C. Wenger
FOR the first time!— a systematic
statement of Mennonite the-
ology given with its historical Ana-
baptist background.
In clear, understandable lan-
guage is set forth the doctrinal
teaching of the Bible. Following
the introduction to the whole scope
of theology are chapters which
deal with God as Creator, as Re-
vealer, as Redeemer, as Sanctifier,
and as All in All. It is an excellent
companion volume to Separated
unto God which deals with dis-
tinctive doctrine and practice.
A book for every Sunday-school
library, every Mennonite pastor,
Christian education workers, speak-
ers, college students, and homes
interested in careful Bible study.
$4.00
Mennonite Publishing House
Scottdale, Pa.
384
GOSPEL HERALD
April 20, 1954
YOUR PUBLISHING HOUSE
7. Christian Educational
Materials
The Christian Educational materials produced by our
House for the Church are mostly in three groups: (1) Uniform
Sunday-school Helps from primaries to adults, (2) Graded
Sunday-school Helps for preschool children, and (3) The
Herald Summer Bible School Course for 13 grades (3 preschool
to tenth grade). However, materials are also provided for
mission study courses, Christian workers' training, and other
study groups.
These materials are planned by the Curriculum Commit-
tee and then developed by House writers, artists, and editors
in the Christian Educational Department of the Editorial
Division.
The Uniform Sunday-school Materials constitute the
largest single publishing project with a circulation of 170,000
and a dollar volume of $143,044. Other Mennonite groups, as
well as non-Mennonite schools, are regular users of these
materials.
To date we have graded Sunday-school materials for
the ages four to five ( Kindergarten I ) only. Thus the volume
of these sales has reached 24,981 only. The new graded course
for ages three to four (Nursery) is scheduled for completion
and to be introduced during 1955. This promises to be a very
comprehensive course for these small children. The pro-
duction of Kindergarten II for ages five to six will then follow
to complete the three years of the preschool Sunday-school
series.
Work has begun on outlines and selection of Scriptures
for the nine years in the primary, junior, and intermediate
grades in the Graded Sunday-school Series. But the planning
and producing of curriculum materials is a gigantic task,
and we do not want to promise completed materials pre-
By A. J. Metzler, Publishing Agent
maturely. However, we are endeavoring to plan more
carefully the budgets, schedules, and personnel before under-
taking major publishing projects.
The first of the current series of the Herald Summer Bible
School Course was presented to the public in 1948 and the
last was completed in 1950. To date we have distributed
866,367 pupils' books, 47,221 teachers' manuals and 2,030
Superintendents' manuals. This includes the regular English
edition, a revised edition for the General Conference Men-
nonites, and the German, French, and Spanish translations.
With approximately 77,000 children enrolled in our own
663 schools, it is clear that about 100,000 of our pupils' books
are now serving children in other summer Bible schools in
United States and Canada. Furthermore, about two thirds
of the children in our own schools are from non-Mennonite
homes.
How 200,000 Summer Bible School Books are used.
With our Editorial Division divided into the three depart-
ments—Books, Periodicals, and Christian Education— the three
Sunday-school papers: Youth's Christian Companion, Words
of Cheer, and Beams of Light, and the Program Builder, are
in the third department.
An eight-foot neon-lighted cross has been
put on the steeple of a union church near
Pittsburgh as a warning to low-flying planes.
The church is only about two seconds' fly-
ing time from the Greater Pittsburgh airport
and in direct line with one of its busiest run-
ways. The religious beacon has become pop-
ular with pilots, since the church is located
on the highest point near the airport and the
cross can be seen all the way from the Ohio
border. "I thought it was some sort of com-
mercial advertising stunt at first," one pilot
said. "But now most of us are using it as a
guide to the field." Perhaps there is an alle-
gory in that.
• • #
The approaching decision of the United
States Supreme Court in the public school
segregation cases is to be the most important
issue involving racial relations which that
Court has faced in 97 years. The Court's
ruling will affect an estimated 9,000,000
white children and 2,650,000 Negro pupils in
17 states and the District of Columbia.
Membership in Texas Baptist churches in-
creased 118 per cent between 1936 and 1953,
to reach a total of 1.307,000 at the end of last
year.
* * *
Last December, President Eisenhower told
the United Nations Assembly that "an ag-
gressor in possession of the effective mini-
mum number of atomic bombs for a surprise
attack could probably place a sufficient num-
ber of these bombs on the chosen targets to
cause hideous damage." He also said "that
the retaliation capabilities of the United
States are so great that such an aggressor's
land would be made waste." Such a conflict
between two atomic colossi would bring
about "the annhilation of the irreplaceable
heritage of mankind handed down to us
from generation to generation, and the con-
demnation of mankind to begin all over
again the age-old struggle upward from
savagery." Recently Premier Molenkov of
Russia in a campaign speech warned that a
new war with modern arms would mean
"the destruction of world civilization." On
this point, it seems, the great powers of the
world are in full agreement. How to pre-
vent such a fatal exchange of bombs is what
they cannot agree upon.
• • •
Of the vast sums that we are spending for
research and scientific development, 76 per
cent go to the Department of Defense and
about 10 per cent to the Atomic Energy Com-
mission, again largely for defense. — New
York Times.
"J A V MftllQGGM L9*
NUN3v:i:v/a V %
GOSPEL HERALD
In the defence and confirmation of the gospel" "Tlow beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace'
I'OLUME XLVII.
.TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 1954.
.NUMBER 17
A Group of Graces
By Edna Beiler
Grace for a Guest
God bless you for your lack of laughter-
Contrast to too much gaiety.
God bless you for your silence after
Some chatterer's dulling vagary.
God bless your frequent overflowings
From secret springs, unfailing, deep.
Oh, may He bless your furthest goings
And, by His Holy Spirit, keep
Your heart and mind and soul at rest
Till you return, once more my guest.
Prayer for a Poet
(After reading his book)
Lord God, bless the mind that dreamed
Splendid songs like these—
Phrases effortless (it seemed!).
Lord God, bless the mind that dreamed
With deceptive ease
Such flawless melodies.
Lord God, bless the, heart that breathed
Warmth into these words
Until vital life-fire seethed.
Lord God, bless the heart that breathed
Agile mountain herds,
And flight of gallant birds.
Lord God, bless the soul that stormed
Earth and sky above
For syllables his heart-beat warmed.
Lord God, bless the soul that stormed
Earth, my soul to move;
And heaven itself for love.
Grace for a Day
For this day of wings and not of walking,
(Dragging across the roughened cobbles
Pride, fear, and hate-invisible hobbles.)
For this day of song; never of talking,
(Trivial chatter, words on the tongue!
While glorious hymns remain unsung.)
For this day of silence instead of laughter,
Piercing the winter-hard heart of the clod
In tones that echo the voice of God.
For this residue of rejoicing after
The day has vanished. (We two together
Comrades-come-close in the spring bright weather.)
For this hint I catch of the golden word
Your world has whispered— I praise Thee, Lord!
A Litany for Little Things
For peeping, downy baby things,
For scraps of velvet on small wings,
For ruffled throat that sings, and sings—
We thank Thee, Lord.
For tiny seeds with urge to grow,
Spring beauties with their elfin glow,
And all small blooms that brave the snow-
We thank Thee, Lord.
For peace in which to drift asleep,
For dark— where weary eyes can weep,
For private dreams a heart can keep—
We thank Thee, Lord.
For bits of brightness in our day,
For angel glimmerings through dull clay,
For briefest blessings, help us say—
We thank Thee, Lord!
Reading, Pa.
386
GOSPEL HERALD
April 27, i954
God Is Faithful
By Helen Alderfer
Did you ever notice that there is a
rainbow at the beginning and at the end
of the Bible?
/ do set my bow in the cloud,
And it shall be for a token of a covenant
Between rne and the earth.— Gen. 9:13.
And there was a rainbow
Round about the throne.— Rev. 4:3.
God called the rainbow a token of His
covenant the day He promised that nev-
er again would there be a flood such as
that which destroyed all life but that in
the ark.
The Bible could be called a Book of
Covenants, for in all of its library of
books there is hardly one that does not
record a promise made by God to men.
John Wesley wrote in his journal one
day, "All these days I scarce remember
to have opened the Testament but upon
some great and precious promise."
Think of all the promises that you can
remember from the Bible.
Did you remember these?
Always there will be a seedtime and a
harvest. Drought there may be in the
part of the world where we live, but
somewhere in God's world there is a seed-
time and after it a harvest.
Summer and winter there will be; and
day and night. There are nights that are
long, where there is pain or grief or anx-
iety but the light of day will come. God
has promised it!
God has promised that our prayers
will be answered. "The . . . prayer of a
righteous man availeth much." It was
said of Mary Queen of Scots that she
feared the prayers of John Knox more
than all the armies of Europe. For John
Knox was in tune with God and unself-
ishly he asked for things that God de-
lighted to grant for the good of His
world.
This year some of us may have our
personal lives cut to the quick by some
pain; it may be the death of someone we
love. Then we will remember the prom-
ise, "The Lord is nigh unto them ... of
a broken heart." And we will go on up-
held by the Lord who orders our steps.
Catharine Marshall, author of "A Man
Called Peter," knew that on the gray
dismal January morning when her hus-
band entered into his new life she too
was entering a new life. "At that dark
moment my future was all unknown. Yet,
deep within, 1 believed that 'goodness
and mercy shall follow me all the days
of my life.' " She asked God to show her
what good He could bring out of Peter's
death and pledged herself to co-operate
fully with the answer. The result: Cath-
arine Marshall found that if we believe
in God and His promises, "God is able
to bring positive good for us, and for the
world, out of any situation, any so-called
'tragedy' if we let Him." The Bible is
lull of promises for the old, old problem
of sorrow.
God has promised forgiveness for sins.
That pressure of the burden of guilt is
lifted when there is repentance— for the
boy or girl who has become guilt con-
scious, for Johnnie Allison living in a
prison, for one who has wasted all the
years of life and now has only days or
hours left. God puts no age or race limi-
tations on His promises, none of the if's
we often put on ours.
Today life may seem dreary and de-
pressing. Turn the Christian's golden
key of faith in the lock of the treasures
of God's Word. It fits the lock of His
promises. They will lessen the dismay.
". . . be men of transparent
character" (Phil. 1:10. Williams).
There are many more promises. Do
you find yourself exclaiming, "This is a
book of promises!"
And every promise will be fulfilled.
God, who is Truth, cannot lie. He sware
by Himself because there was no other
greater than He in whose name He could
take an oath. And always there is the
rainbow, the pledge that Almighty God
will keep His promises.
What a difficult world it would be
were it not for the promises of God!
What a world of want! But we can be
rich. Every promise of God that we be-
lieve adds immeasurably to our riches.
In a world whose thoughts are too
much of violence and whose conversa-
tion is of calamities to come, those who
are persuaded of God's faithfulness say,
"Therefore will not we fear, though the
earth be removed, and though the moun-
tains be carried into the midst of the
sea
By inspiration, John painted a rain-
bow around the throne of God. He knew
that his God was a faithful God; forever
and ever the same. God's faithfulness is
the rainbow in our lives— to our souls a
symbol of assurance that "He is faithful
that promised." When next you see a
rainbow in the sky, remember that God's
hand has painted it there for us. That
which He has promised, He will do.
Culp, Ark.
Our Readers Say-
. . . please do not discontinue the ["Our
Readers Say"] column. It fills a very useful
place in our official church organ. It is bene-
ficial to us to know what are the opinions of
other brethren. And I surely think we as a
church should have confidence in our editor
and his judgment, that useless and unwise com-
ment is not published in the column. Also I
feel that the field notes are both interesting and
profitable. It is right that the Gospel Herald
should print the facts about who preached where
and on what date . . . . — Leroy Gingerich. Ver-
sailles, Mo.
* * *
Some time ago in an editorial you commended
a recent publication by Ladd under the title
of "Crucial Questions About the Kingdom of
God." . . . The statement of the author that
the great problem of the kingdom of God is
not solved by "abstract theological reasoning,"
but by exegesis . . . and "The point of depart-
ure must be, What do the Scriptures teach,
rather than, what does Logic allow" provides
an objective law of interpretation to keep from
the fantastic interpretations of the ultra-dis-
pensationalists on the one hand and the vagaries
of the other extreme. This book should be care-
fully studied by every Mennonite pastor who de-
sires to keep himself from "handling the Word
of God deceitfully."— Walter McDowell, Delft,
Minn.
* * *
In the Gospel Herald issue of March 30,
1954, I noticed an article written by Mrs.
Kauffman. This article seemed to touch me very
much since it seems so near to my way of
thinking. . . .
Through these many years of confinement I
have learned that we cannot seek diversion
whenever we meet problems which confront us
day after day, but we are forced to face them and
work them out for our own welfare as well as for
the welfare of our fellow man. Therefore I do
sincerely believe it is the Christian's joy and duty
to help those who are in need, and that Christ
meant the least of these are those that need
help, no matter what their position in life,
and whosoever gives aid to one in the name of
Christ, glorifies the Master's name and helps to
enthrone Him in the hearts of men.
I enjoy seeing Christians doing the things that
Christ did ; they should talk less and do more.
We must rest our claims to the love of man-
kind, where Christ rested His, upon the works
that He did. Too much Christian service is of
the lips only, and too much worship is form and
ceremony, not of the heart, not touching the
great problems of life, and that while men are
dying for want of spiritual bread. . . .
Some professed Christians are all right in the
believe, trust, hope, pray, and preach, but they
are not so much on the do, and we know that it is
the do that counts in this life. What a wonder-
ful world this would be if the "Sermon on the
Mount" were lived, and not just simply talked
about ! We must all work in the Master's vine-
yard ; we all have our talents and God will
hold us responsible for the use we make of them.
Christ taught and lived a doctrine of love t
and helpfulness toward all men, even His
enemies, and if we are willing to follow Christ
we must think of those who need help, both
(Continued on page 392)
GOSPEL HERALD
ESTABLISHED I BOO AS SUCCESSOR TO GOSPEL WITNESS lISOSI AND HERALD OF TRUTH (18641
PAUL, tub, EDITOR JOHN L. HOR ST, MILLARD C. LIND. CONSULTING EDITORS LEVI C HARTZLER. MISSIONS EDITOR
THE OOBPEL HERALD 18 A RELIGIOUS WEEKLY PUBLISHED IN THE INTERESTS OF THE MENNONITE CHURCH BY THE MENNONITE PUBLICATION BOARD, 9COTTOALE. FA.
ENTERED AS SECOND-CLASS MATTER IN IBOS AT THE POST OFFICE AT 8COTTOALE, PA., UNDER ACT OF MARCH 9. 1S79. SUBSCRIPTION PRICE: 43. OO PER YEAR. THREE YEARS
IN ADVANCE, SS.OO, FIVE YEARS IN ADVANCE, SH OO. SAMPLE COPIES SENT FREE ON REQUEST. SEND ALL MATERIAL FOR PUBLICATION TOOOSPEL HERALD, SCOTTDALE, PA.
** PRINTED IN U.S.A.
I
April 27, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
387
EDITORIAL
Guilty by Association
Many persons these days are being ac-
cused on the basis of association. If they
have some time or other been in the com-
pany of people who are considered sub-
versive; if they have belonged to organi-
zations which later have been considered
a "front" for communism; if some of
their close friends or relatives are known
or thought to be subversives— then they
themselves are suspected of disloyalty. It
is obviously unfair to judge people on
such indirect evidence. "Birds of a feath-
er flock together" may be a fairly ac-
curate human observation, but it is not
divine Scripture. There are many rea-
sons why people talk to one another, and
we must be slow to judge motives. It is
not safe to assume that a person is sym-
pathetic with what his father or brother
or son stands for. Christians will remem-
ber the insinuations concerning Jesus be-
cause He ate with publicans and did not
repel the thieves and the women of loose
character. Every lover of justice and lib-
erty must regret any tendency to base
judgment on inference and to pronounce
guilt on the ground of association.
And yet it is good for Christians to re-
member that an ungodly world is acting
in character when it so judges. The rea-
son the disciples fled from Gethsemane
when Jesus was arrested was that they
were in danger simply because they were
His followers. In the courtyard the ac-
cusing finger was. pointed at Peter simply
because someone recalled that he had
been with Christ, and his Galilean accent
seemed to corroborate the charge. After
the crucifixion the disciples met fearful-
ly, behind locked doors, for they knew
they were considered guilty by associa-
tion. The early church was composed of
people who because of their faith in the
Crucified risked criminal prosecution.
No believer in those days was far from
prison or death. Most of the books of
the New Testament were written in
prison or by men who knew imprison-
ment. The author of Hebrews exhorts
the Christians to go without the wall
with Christ, "bearing his reproach." And
under the Roman persecutions any per-
son who confessed the Lordship of Christ
denied the deity of the emperor, and so
brought down upon himself the heavy
hand of the law.
So it has been in later periods of stress.
In Zwingli's Switzerland anyone who
gave shelter to an Anabaptist was con-
sidered an Anabaptist. One reason mis-
sionaries had to leave communist China
was that it was dangerous for their Chris-
tian friends to show any interest in the
American "imperialists." They were
counted guilty merely by association, and
the missionaries had to leave if only to
protect the Chinese Christians.
We have for so long enjoyed a favored
position in society that it is a little hard
for us to realize that the time may again
come when one must pay a price for mak-
ing the good confession. Perhaps it is
here already for those who follow out all
the implications of Christian disciple-
ship. A part of our daily cross is to bear
the ridicule and scorn of those who do
not accept the principles of Jesus. Can
one be truly Christian without having
considered what his discipleship will cost
him? A Christ-rejecting world will also
reject those who bear His name and who
walk in His ways. He will give us grace
to rejoice in our "guilt by association."
"Victory Through Grace"
In the Gospel song by this title, the
author, Sallie Martin, uses a refrain
based upon Eccl. 9:11: "I returned, and
saw under the sun, that the race is not to
the swift, nor the battle to the strong
. . . ." In interpreting the Book of Ec-
clesiastes one needs to remember that it
was written from the viewpoint of a man
"under the sun," that is, from an earthly
position. "Nearly forty times in this
book does the Spirit of God name the
earth and the things belonging to the
earth. It is only in the last few verses
that we get 'above the sun.' "
However, in sweeping along to the
conclusion of the book Solomon gives us
many wise and helpful sayings, especial-
ly if spiritually interpreted. But even in
natural things we often see the one who
gets a lagging start turn out to be the
winner of the race, and find the nation
that is most militaristic to be the loser in
the war. The person who makes the big-
gest splash often drops far behind his
more modest competitor in any area of
life.
But the truth of the above statement
comes out most strongly when applied to
spiritual things. Every Christian worker
in order to succeed must come to the
realization of the truth which Paul ar-
rived at and expressed in II Cor. 12:10:
"When I am weak, then am I strong."
The apostle expands this great principle
in I Cor. 1:27-29: "But God hath chosen
the foolish things of the world to con-
found the wise; and God hath chosen the
weak things of the world to confound the
things which are mighty; and base things
of the world, and things which are de-
spised, hath God chosen, yea, and things
which are not, to bring to nought things
that are: that no flesh should glory in his
presence."
Abraham, Moses, and a long catalogue
of heroes of Old Testament times had to
learn this lesson and through their faith
in God rather than in themselves they
"out of weakness were made strong,
waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight
the armies of the aliens" (Heb. 11:34).
We too need to learn this great lesson
if we would have victory over sin and do
effective service for our Lord. To do
either of these in our own strength is to
invite frustration and failure. It is only
as we recognize our own weakness and
depend on the Lord for strength that we
can prosper and have success in Christian
life and service. That testimony of the
Scriptures is borne out in the experience
of all Christian workers who have been
used largely of the Lord. So whether we
are ministers, missionaries, evangelists,
Sunday-school teachers, personal work-
ers, witnesses in our homes and com-
munities, or engaged in any other form
of Christian service at home or abroad,
we need to remember the famous words
of the Prophet Zechariah: "Not by
might, nor by power, but by my spirit,
saith the Lord of hosts."
Then we are ready to agree with Solo-
mon and to sing with the song writer:
Not to the strong is the battle,
Not to the swift is the race,
Yet to the true and the faithful
Vict'ry is promised thro' grace.
-H.
Our conduct is to be gauged by, the
eternal plumb line of God's truth, rather
than by temporal expedience. —Andrew
Shelly.
388
GOSPEL HERALD
April 27, 1954
The Revelation of Jesus Christ
By J. L. Stauffer
The Judgment of the Armies and the
Coming of the King of Kings. Rev.
19:11-21.
The event of events which saints and
our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ have
anticipated through the centuries is now-
being consummated. This event began
with the descent of the Lord as the Bride-
groom and the home-going of the saints
who meet Him in the air. It is consum-
mated by the appearance of Jesus Christ
with His saints to take over in relation
to the earth. The heavens received our
Lord at the time of His ascension and
now they open to allow Him to appear
upon earth with His saints. Olivet was
the mount from which He ascended, and,
according to Zech. 14:1-4, "the mount of
Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the
east" will be the place where His feet
shall first touch upon His return to earth.
Zechariah and Revelation are one in
their testimony that all nations will be
gathered together against Jerusalem.
One can understand this when we know
that the beast will have universal and
world-wide worship and support.
We can be certain that here we have a
nghteous war because it is said that "in
righteousness he doth judge and make
war." The description of our returning
Lord to execute judgment upon evil cor-
responds, as we would expect, with the
many prophecies of His return. Jesus
said when He was here, that the testi-
mony of two men is true. We have three
on this subject, namely, Isaiah, Zecha-
riah, and John, bearing united testimony
on some of the things concerning His re-
turn.
Isa. 61:2 tells of the "day of vengeance"
and John has described it as Jesus Christ
revealed it in the Book of Revelation.
Isa. 63:1-3 tells us how the one described
in 61:1-3 and identified by our Lord as
referring to Himself (Luke 1:18-21) is
clothed with red garments like one that
treads the winefat. He again asserts that
the day of vengeance has come. John
tells us that He is clothed with a vesture
clipped in blood. He is the Word of God.
Out of His mouth goeth a sharp sword
and with it He smites the nations. This
evidently refers to His words and their
effect upon the armies of the world.
When the soldiers came to arrest our
Lord at Gethsemane, it should be re-
called how He said "I am" and they fell
back as dead. He spake to them and
they stood up and took Him. When our
Lord speaks to these rebellious armies,
they will not stand up again, until the
resurrection of the Great White Throne.
In the meantime and immediately, their
dead bodies become a feast for the fowls
or buzzards.
What a contrast between the children
of God in time and the children of this
world, but in the consummation of this
age, the saints are present at the marriage
supper of the Lamb, while the bodies of
children of this age become a feast for
the fowls of the air. Their souls and
bodies are scheduled for the lake of fire
at the close of the one thousand years
when death and hell give up their dead
and they are resurrected.
Verse 15 should be compared with
God's testimony in Ps. 2:9 and Ps. 110.
This description of judgment should be
compared with the following references
where there are notes of similarity and
identity. Ps. 2; Isa. 2; 11; 61:1-3; 63:1-6;
Joel 3; Zech. 14; Matt. 25:31-46; Jude
14, 15; II Thess. 1:7-9; 2:3-12.
This judgment scene according to the
Gospel of Matthew takes place after the
tribulation, which agrees with the order
in Revelation. Matt. 24:29, 30.
The beast who has been dominating
the world throughout the tribulation pe-
riod meets his doom through the return
of the rightful King of kings and Lord of
lords. Verses 19, 20; cf. II Thess. 2:9-12;
Dan. 7:11, 26.
The false prophet of the beast from
the sea, revealed in Rev. 13:11-18 as the
beast from the earth, meets his doom to-
gether with the first beast. These two
men who exalted themselves against Je-
sus Christ and deceived the multitudes,
meet their doom together and are cast
alive into the lake of fire. The two
prophets (Rev. 11) who were for God
and were slain by the beasts were resur-
rected and raptured to glory alive. These
two beasts go into perdition alive. Such
is the contrast between men of God and
men under the domination of that old
serpent, the devil and Satan.
III. Water from Many Wells
By Nora Oswald
But when thou doest alms, let not thy
left hand know xvhat thy right hand
doeth.— Matt. 6:3.
I planted a wee, wee seed
In the dark cool earth.
God watered the tiny seed
And gave it Siamese birth.
One twin upward grew,
Peeped out to greet the sun.
Taller, taller, a sturdy oak,
Majestic, stately, praises won.
Birds built nests on branching boughs,
Passers-by lingered 'neath its shade,
Infirm rocked in peaceful lay.
There happy children played.
The other twin downward grew,
Deep, deep, and formed the roots.
Unseen, they held the tree erect
And fed it water and foods.
It matters not, we be root or tree.
Outstretched hand that blesses hu-
manity,
Or a sold that supports with strength.
It is required, onlv. "That we be faith-
ful."
Hesston, Kans.
It Happened —
FIFTY YEARS AGO
(From Herald of Truth, April 21, 1904)
To give the Herald readers an idea
how much ministers get who go to the
West Virginia field, I will give a short
statement of what Bro. Jos. F. Heatwole
received last year. The expenses of liv-
ing, which were §23.13, were paid by the
Home Mission Board. SI 0.00 were con-
tributed by the members of the several
congregations in West Virginia [for] the
house and horse pasture . . . grand total
. . . |33.13. Bro. Heatwole lived about
six months at this place.
(From Herald of Truth, April 28, 1904)
Minister ordained ... in the Holde-
man district, Elkhart Co., Ind. ... the
lot falling on Bro. [Jacob K.] Bixler, he
was ordained April 23, Bish. David Burk-
holder officiating.
With sadness we report the death of
Pre. Isaac A. Miller, . . . near Fairview,
Mich., on April 19.
Note the change of address [of Bro.
J. A. Brilhart] from Port Treverton, Pa.,
to Scottdale, Pa.
Revivals Again
By Ivan R. Lind
Revivals Again! Yes. here we are again
in the midst of another series of revival
services. It is true that we are still in the
shadows of our past revival services. I
can well remember back to the time
when some responsible persons were
strongly of the opinion that we are ha\
ing too many revivals on our campus. In
my opinion there is only one situation
which would even give the semblance of
too many revivals. This is portrayed in
the servant in Jesus' parable who. having
received his talent, went and hid it in the
ground. Only the soul who has set him-
self against God will resist or resent re-
vival meetings. Therefore, if I find in
my heart an element of bitterness or re-
sentment to these meetings. I had best
take careful inventory and know assured-
ly just where I have invested the life that
God has entrusted to me.
But there is a more pleasant side to
revivals which comes to us in two other
of Jesus' parables. "Again, the kingdom
of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a
field: the which when a man hath found,
he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and
selleth all that he hatti, and buyeth that
field. Again, the kingdom of hea\en is
like unto a merchant man. seeking good-
(Continued on page 403)
April 27, 1934
GOSPEL HERALD
389
Historic Anabaptism in a Doctrinal
System
By Chester K. Lehman
Introduction to Theology, by John Chris-
tian Wenger; Herald Press, Scottdale, Pa.;
1954; 418 pp.; $4.00.
At last the Mennonite Church is in posses-
sion of a theology which presents historic
Anabaptism in a doctrinal system. Bro.
Wenger has interpreted for mid-twentieth-
century Mennonites the faith as understood
and practiced by their Anabaptist fore-
fathers. In this respect it is a pioneering work
and it is well done.
Bro. Wenger brings to this task the train-
ing, skills, and insights of a philosopher,
church historian, exegete, theologian, and
churchman. Trained in Mennonite colleges
and in leading universities and seminaries,
he brings to this work breadth of knowledge
and viewpoint, is highly qualified to present
the theology of a relatively unknown Chris-
tian group, and does so in a manner which
at once lifts this faith to a position of
respect and challenge among recognized
interpretations of the Christian religion.
We have long been familiar with the theolo-
gies of Luther, Calvin, Arminius, and Wes-
ley, but the voices of Conrad Grebel and
Menno Simons have not been heard. Stu-
dents of Christian thought have far too long
passed up the obscure Anabaptist groups, be-
ing content to regard their beliefs as nones-
sential or to class them with the radical
Miinsterites with whom they had nothing in
common — except in name. Happily church
historians are re-evaluating the faith of the
Anabaptists and are recognizing that in many
respects this group of Reformers thought
more deeply, more consistently, more coura-
geously than did Luther and Zwingli. In
this work the true Biblicism of these obscure
Anabaptists becomes a shining light and the
concept of basing faith and life solely on the
Scriptures is accurately demonstrated.
Setting up the severe limitations of pre-
senting a doctrinal system "which would be
readable, and which would serve as an in-
troduction to larger and more comprehen-
sive works in theology" the author had to be
selective, to organize compactly, and to strive
for simplicity of language and expression. He
has signally achieved his goal of writing "to
strengthen a childlike faith in Christ." The
trained theologian may wish that the author
had engaged Anabaptist beliefs with Lu-
theran and Reformed theologies. Anabap-
tism must give an adequate account of itself
in the presence of the far more influential
types of evangelical faith. Some would ask
for a greater recognition of the philosophical
aspects of theology, for philosophy serves as a
buttress to faith. The author would not ig-
nore these criticisms; rather he fulfills his
purpose by entrenching Christian doctrine in
the Scriptures. Far too frequently the the-
ologian has been a better philosopher than a
Biblicist. The author demonstrates the fact
that when the Bible is allowed to speak, the
truth commends itself to reason without the
assistance of a labored philosophical defense.
The author groups his material under five
main parts: God as Creator, God as Revealer,
God as Redeemer, God as Sanctifier, and
God as All in All. This theocentric approach
has much to commend it, especially as it
gives unity and true perspective as well as
simplicity and compactness of presentation.
Uniformly the author presents at length
the Biblical support of each doctrine. As a
splendid case in point sixty-two pages are de-
voted to God as Revealer which in other
works of this size would have been limited
to ten or twenty pages. The author presents
both the idea and content of divine revela-
tion as it lies in every part of the Bible from
Genesis to Revelation. The incarnation of
our Lord and the doctrine of inspiration are
both brought into proper focus as aspects of
revelation.
The distinctive merits of this work are
many. There is distinct merit in depending
upon the labors of master theologians among
whom greatest recognition is given to the
late Dr. B. B. Warfield of Princeton The-
ological Seminary. In the author's presenta-
tions of the Trinity, Revelation, and Inspira-
tion the thinking of Warfield is quite forma-
tive.
From some points of view the greatest
merit of Bro. Wenger's work lies in the in-
tegration of the distinctive Anabaptist doc-
trines into a theological system. Central to
Anabaptism is its Biblicism, which spelled
out in a system shows absolute dependence
upon the Scriptures for the form and content
of Christian doctrine. The Anabaptist view
of the nature and function of the church in-
volves the concepts of the New Testament
church of believers, of believers' baptism, of
the church as a brotherhood, of church dis-
cipline, of discipleship, of the separation of
church and state, and of separation from the
world. The ethic of love in its manifold ap-
plications, including nonresistance, furnishes
the mold for the discussions of the Christian
life and of the Christian in society. Through-
out he buttresses Biblical proofs with copious
quotations from Anabaptist leaders.
We may be jarred by the author's speak-
ing of only two sacraments and saying that
this is the view of both the Swiss Anabap-
tists and the Dutch Mennonites. While the
historic view may not accord with the Scrip-
tures, perhaps it is time for us twentieth-
century Mennonites to re-examine our con-
cept of Feetwashing, Devotional Covering,
Anointing with Oil, Holy Kiss, and Marriage
since we have placed their practice in the
same category with that of Baptism and the
Lord's Supper. Shall we call the latter sacra-
ments and the former ordinances; and if so,
what distinction should be made between
them?
Certain specific interpretations and view-
points of special merit also call for notice.
The author does not countenance the theory
which places an indeterminable period of
time between verses 1 and 2 of Genesis 1.
To him the six days of creation constitute
original creation. The reviewer has often
wondered why more theologians do not ap-
proach the attributes of God as they are found
in Christ. This method followed by the au-
thor seems simple, intelligible, and funda-
mental. A discussion of God's wrath, rarely
mentioned in theologies, is given forceful
notice by the author. Very pertinently he
shows that the issue in the theory of evolu-
tion lies between Christian theism and evolu-
tionary materialism. On the difficult prob-
lem of man's fundamental nature the author
holds to dichotomy, which views man as a
twofold being. The still more difficult doc-
trine of imputation as based on Romans 5 is
skillfully handled. The treatment of the un-
pardonable sin should bring comfort to many
troubled souls. Highly gratifying is his cou-
rageous and sensible defense of the Mosaic
authorship of the Pentateuch. In the presence
of the great mysteries of the Christian faith,
such as the doctrines of the Trinity and the
Person of Christ, the author frankly rec-
ognizes the limitations of human reason and
shows how theologians oftentimes have been
drawn into fruitless speculation. The New
Testament interpretation of the cross is sim-
ply and ably presented. Where many the-
ologians have endeavored "to give a single
interpretation of the purpose and result of
the death of Christ," the author without any
effort at unifying presents six or seven ac-
complishments of Jesus on Calvary. The
significance of the cross simply does not re-
duce to a single theory. A sane view of
close communion and of the Lord's day is
taken. The matter pertaining to the age of
conversion which at the present time is en-
gaging the serious attention of the church
receives thoughtful attention and in the re-
viewer's judgment points the way to the
true solution.
On account of differing interpretations
among Bible students regarding end-time
events the author very wisely brings the
principle of Biblicism to bear on the subject
by a direct appeal to the testimony of the
Scriptures. About twenty pages are given to
a presentation of the major references to the
return of Christ. Only after this is done does
he discuss the several millennial theories, pre-
senting them in their historical setting. Dis-
pensationalism is shown to be unscriptural.
He raises serious questions for the Premil-
lennialist to think about and admits that
problems may be raised concerning Amillen-
nialism. The appeal to the testimony of
church creeds is entirely in order. In a very
modest way he makes it clear that all the
major leaders of the Swiss Brethren, the Hut-
terian Brethren, and the Dutch Mennonites,
including Menno Simons, were amillennial
in faith. Likewise, that all the Mennonite
confessions of faith are amillennial. He also
lists some recent Mennonite church leaders
who held either view.
So well has Bro. Wenger performed this
service that the reviewer gready hesitates to
390
GOSPEL HERALD
April 27, 1954
suggest any demerits or points for possible
improvement lest attention be drawn away
from the positive values of the work. On
this account the reviewer moves cautiously,
recognizing full well that his own judgment
may be in error.
The reviewer believes that in an outline of
the field of theology Biblical history and
Biblical theology belong more properly under
Exegetical Theology, inasmuch as both of
these are Biblical in content and are there-
fore subjects of exegesis.
The theocentric approach to theology is
undoubtedly the profoundest conceivable.
However, another truth almost as central to
theology is that bound up in Christ's words,
"All things have been delivered to me by my
Father" (Matt. 11:27). If these words com-
prehend the totality of Christ's work as
prophet, priest, and king, should there not
be a Christocentric emphasis likewise? It
would serve still further to integrate the sev-
eral parts of a theology into a grand or-
ganism of truth.
In view of the menace of Roman Cathol-
icism it would seem that a critique of this
view of the Scriptures and of Tradition could
well have been given. Is Satan capable of
being ashamed? It seems to the reviewer
that Satan accomplishes his foul purposes
whether his followers are polished and re-
fined sinners or whether they stoop to the
lowest depths of degradation. An account of
Satan ought to contain some reference to his
being bound a thousand years.
The explanation of sub-Christian ethics of
the Old Testament does not seem to have
been given sufficient answer, although refer-
ence to Christ's teaching on the question of
divorce is certainly to the point. The au-
thor's avoidance of the words plenary and
verbal as descriptive of Biblical inspiration is
noticeable to those who have found them
useful in this connection. While they are not
Biblical terms, many conservative scholars
have felt their appropriateness in defining
the extent of inspiration. The reviewer com-
mends to the author's consideration the view
of Warfield on the meaning of kenosis, in
which the Princeton professor defends the
KJV translation made of no reputation as ex-
pressing more accurately Paul's thought. (See
art. Person of Christ in I.S.B.E.)
In view of certain present emphases the
argument against Second Work of Grace,
Entire Sanctification, and Perfectionism
teaching should be strengthened. One wishes
for a more explicit pronouncement on the
problem of divorce and remarriage.
The reviewer's ears are attuned against
use of the term sacrament because it savors
of Catholicism. Does not the term ordinance
still stand as the best word for Baptism and
the Lord's Supper? In view of divergent
views of the significance of the Lord's Sup
per it would seem essential that some notice
be given of them, including a defense of our
interpretation.
Absence of reference to the Devotional
Covering excites concern. If it is a Christian
ordinance, there should have been a treat-
ment of it. This is especially true when its
validity as an ordinance is being challenged
by some Mcnnonitcs. And what shall be
said for the Holy Kiss? Does it not obtain a
value higher than that of a social custom?
Furthermore, does not the Anointing with
Oil carry greater significance than that of a
medical treatment?
At times it seemed that if God's covenant
relation with man would have been given a
more controlling position, the topics associat-
ed with this relationship would stand out
with greater meaning. Thus if the author
had undertaken to state quite explicitly the
relationship of the New Covenant to the Old,
the present value of Old Testament law
would become still clearer. In other words,
the present application of Old Testament law
is dependent on how we relate the New
Covenant to the Old.
The treatment of the Holy Spirit would be
improved if the Holy Spirit's predictions of
the Messiah and of His being poured out on
all flesh, together with His work in Christ,
had been included.
The story of Christianity is the
story of a miracle-working GocL
— B. Charles Hostetter.
The reviewer has wrestled for some time
with the translation and interpretation of
Acts 13:48. In spite of the conclusions of
such great exegetes as Warfield and Machen,
he concludes that the interpretation, disposed
for eternal life or placed themselves in the
ranks of those who welcomed the offer of
eternal life, supported by Cook, Clarke, Mey-
er, Lumby, and Robertson, accords best with
the sense of the Greek and the context of
the passage.
The -discussion on the New Birth lacks
mention of some essential elements necessary
even in an introduction to theology, among
others a statement that the Holy Spirit is the
agent of regeneration, the conditions for re-
generation, the time element, the resultant
position of sonship, and the supernaturalism
of the experience. At some point it would
have been well to have related the several
aspects of salvation, such as repentance, faith,
justification, regeneration, and sanctification.
Since there is considerable loose thinking
in the realm of sanctification. Scriptural sup-
port of its two senses would do much toward
building up the true understanding of this
doctrine. Indeed, the reviewer feels that the
whole structure of Entire Sanctification teach-
ing falls as the punctiliar and linear aspects
of sanctification are grasped. No discussion
of Christian assurance can be regarded ade-
quate without reference to the First Epistle
of John.
The reviewer has given much thought to
the integration of nonresistance, noncon-
formity, and separation of church and state
with the main highways of theological
thought and has found that when they are
organically tied up with the Kingly Work
of Christ new and enriched meaning is
gamed. Helpful integration would also be
accomplished by associating the church with
the Messianic Kingdom and of subsuming
both under the New Covenant. Whether or
not a Christian theology should include a
study of the Christian Life is open to ques-
tion. In the reviewer's judgment the work
would be enhanced if the author had given
attention to the doctrines of prayer and Chris-
tian stewardship, together with the Chris-
tian's use of the Bible.
By way of general appraisal, Introduction
to Theology marks an epochal advance in the
doctrinal expression of the Mennonite Faith.
True to historic Anabaptism and built four-
square on the Word, this work will serve
mightily "to strengthen a childlike faith in
Christ."
Harrisonburg, Va.
Are Cigarette Smokers Scared?
For the first time in more than two
decades cigarette sales have skidded ap-
preciably (after a slight setback in 1949).
and the tobacco-growing and cigarette-
making industries are worried. They fear
that the health-centered campaign
against cigarette smoking may be taking
hold. We hope they are right.
One of the evidences is to be seen in
cigarette advertising. "The cigarette
that takes the fear out of smoking," is the
current Phillip Morris slogan. \'icero\
is offering "double protection." Kent's
costl\ advertising shows the black de-
J O
posits ol "tars and nicotine" reputed to
come from "other" cigarettes. Consumers
are counseled to choose Kent's for the
"greatest health protection in cigarette
history."
The head of one company sadly con-
cludes, "You can't spend millions yeai
after year implying that your brand is
healthful while all others will kill you.
without its having some effect on the
public."
Of course the cigarette companies are
making a brave attempt to laugh oil the
fears. But a New York distributor re-
ports that he is selling twice as main
"stop-smoking" pills this year as e\er be-
fore. (The medication usually contains
lobeline sulphate, which produces nau-
sea when a smoke is taken afterwards.)
A little volume with the title, "How to
Stop Smoking," has sold more than 70.-
000 copies, when the book trade won hi
have called 10.000 the normal expect-
ancy. Filtered cigarettes, supposed to be
less harmful, have more than doubled
sales over the last year, despite higher
prices.
Most important, perhaps, the Ameri-
can Medical Association has announced
that none of its publications will can)
cigarette advertising, and this means a
S 1 00.000 -a-) ear loss to the journal. ()nl\
products "useful to the physician" will
be advertised.
W hat w ill finally be prosed out on the
connection between smoking and cancel
remains to be seen, but Dr. Evans A.
Graham's announcement is only the lat-
est of several. He has produced cancer
April 27, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
391
A Prayer for This Week
God of our Fathers:
Thou art the Almighty Creator, the
Father of Jesus, and the King Eternal.
We approach Thy holy, lofty throne in
the name of Christ; we cry, "Abba Fa-
ther" because Jesus died, rose, and
ascended back into heaven.
We pray for the church— Thy church
against which the gates of hell can never
prevail. We thank Thee for God-fearing
bishops, faithful ministers, and diligent
deacons. We thank Thee for superin-
tendents, song leaders, teachers, commit-
tee members, and for those who keep the
doors of Thy house. We thank Thee for
missionaries, medical personnel, relief
administrators, institutional faculties,
and for all who love Thee supremely and
who love their neighbors as themselves.
Teach us to know and to do Thy will;
lead us into complete identity and union
with Thy Son; open our hearts and
mouths so that lost men and women
about us may hear the words of Christ.
For Jesus' sake, Amen.-J. Mark Stauffer.
experimentally in mice by using nothing
but the tars from tobacco smoke. He
firmly believes that there is something in
cigarette smoke which can produce can-
cer. "Our experiments have proved it be-
yond any doubt," he says, and his collab-
orator, Dr. Ernest L. Wynder, predicts
a marked increase in the incidence of
lung cancer.
The new interest in cigarette smoking
and health has given the cigarette makers
due cause for alarm.— From The Church
Advocate.
Prairie View Hospital — A Result
of Christian Discipleship
Our churches are concerned about
mental health because ministering to
suffering man is an obligation of Chris-
tion discipleship and an expression of
true Christian love.
This was the message of C. N. Hostet-
ter, Jr., chairman of the Mennonite Cen-
tral Committee, as he addressed the ap-
proximate 2,500 persons who had met to
dedicate Prairie View Hospital "to the
carrying on of the Master's work and the
fulfilling of His mandate."
Developing the dedicatory message on
the mission of the church, Bro. Hostetter
pointed out that unless the church does
something about sickness and human suf-
fering, she ignores the example and man-
date of Christ. The mission of the
church, he said, is to reveal God to the
world, make Christ's redemption effec-
tive in the lives of men, and follow the
example of Christ, who ministered to
man's total need.
"The ministry of healing for mental
illness is not simple and easy," the MCC
chairman declared. "To make Prairie
View Hospital's service effective, we need
to use the resources of the best in human
knowledge and skill plus the aid of di-
vine grace with its supernatural healing
potential.
"Without supernatural grace man's
best knowledge, efforts, and skill fre-
quently wander in the wilderness in the
search for mental and emotional health.
The Gospel of Christ has a relevant and
dynamic contribution to make in the
search for mental health .... We rec-
cognize that this religious and spiritual
contribution is only a part of an ade-
quate mental health program, but we
hold it is an important one."
In the dedicatory address Dr. Milton E.
Kirkpatrick identified some of the social
phenomena which have psychiatric re-
percussions and urged his listeners to be
concerned about controlling them be-
cause "mental health like diphtheria con-
trol is everybody's business."
The director of che Greater Kansas
City Mental Health Foundation suggest-
ed the "ungrown-upness of the American
people" as one of the causes of mental
illness. Another source, he said, is our
contemporary culture which is "status-
minded, future-oriented, and whose goal
is economic production." He pointed to
family security found in possessions in-
stead of in members of the family group.
Dr. Kirkpatrick warned of the dangers
of prejudice and discrimination!
"We are paying a terrific price for dis-
crimination against and segregating a
group of our citizens who are supposed
to be participating to the fullest extent
in our democratic way of life. This price
we pay is not in money alone but in hu-
man misery as well, and it constitutes
the greatest obstacle to our position of
leadership in world affairs where we
must communicate with the people of
the world— four-fifths of whom are col-
ored. Prejudice, furthermore, is a per-
sonality disease and the child infested
will be a prisoner of his own ill feelings.
He radiates hatred and hostility and cre-
ates real and imaginary enemies. Chil-
dren become infected with prejudice
from their association with adults."
Dr. Kirkpatrick also expressed deep
concern on threats to freedom of thought
and "the tactics of those who assail the
reputations of our public servants under
the guise of patriotism."
"What can we do to modify a social
culture which perpetuates— generation
after generation— a system which pro-
duces mental diseases, delinquency,
criminality, prejudice, corruption in gov-
ernment, and disturbed international re-
lationships? If we continue in the future
as we have in the past to educate our chil-
dren without question, to meet the de-
Prayer Requests —
(Requests for this column must be signed)
Pray for the salvation of a drinking fa-
ther, and for his wife and children,
that they may remain true to the Lord.
Pray for a middle-aged brother who
seems to grasp many Gospel truths,
but to whom love is a foreign word,
that he may be cleansed and filled
with the love of God.
Pray for the deliverance and healing of
a young man who is mentally ill.
Pray for the summer Bible schools that
will be held in Europe during the
summer months. Pray for those who
are translating materials to be used in
the schools, for the teachers, and es-
pecially that the Word of God may
find root in the lives of the children
who attend these schools.
Pray that the door may not be closed to
the evangelical witness in Colombia.
A sister requests prayer that she might
be healed of a nervous condition as
she submits herself to the Lord.
mands of our culture, then we nourish its
injustices and perpetuate its illnesses ....
Culture patterns will be modified only
as our individual attitudes become sub-
ject to change and the attitudes of the
group then become a powerful influenc-
ing factor."
The contributions of money, furnish-
ings, equipment, labor, and prayer which
made Prairie View Hospital a reality
were recognized by Henry A. Fast, MCC
vice-chairman and chairman of the after-
noon program. Prairie View was con-
structed and equipped at a cost of $260,-
000. It began operation Monday, March
15, debt-free and with an operating fund
on hand.
Administrator Myron Ebersole rec-
ognized those who planned and con-
structed the hospital building and in-
troduced staff members. Delmar Stahly,
director of Mennonite Mental Health
Services, Akron, Pa., extended greetings
from the other two MCC mental hospi-
tals—Brook Lane Farm in Maryland and
Kings View Homes in California— and
commented how these three institutions
span the continent but yet are linked to-
gether in their services.
A dedication statement at the hospital
site by Bro. Fast was followed by the
dedicatory prayer by Waldo Hiebert, a
member of the hospital advisory com-
mittee.
Next, contractor F. G. Roupp gave the
hospital key to Bro. Hostetter, who as
(Continued on page 394)
392
GOSPEL HERALD
OUR SCHOOLS
Faith and Shifting Social
Standards
By Florence B. Amstutz
(An address given at the annual Chris-
tian Life Conference at Goshen College)
A tree translation of the famous defini-
tion of faith found in Hebrews would be
that faith is banking on the hope that
what is yet in the future will certainly
become true, a confidence that things
which are not seen are nevertheless real.
The eye of faith sees what is not evident
to the doubting eye. It sees more than
that which is immediately at hand.
Religious faith is a belief in the de-
pendability and goodness of God. The
pious person lives as if God were visible.
That is why faith is a transforming pow-
er. The man of faith believes that even
when he does not see his way out of diffi-
culty, God will see to it that some way
good' will ultimately triumph. That is
why faith is a stabilizing power. The
righteous, says Paul to the Romans, live
by faith. . .
Establishing and maintaining a family
is an act of faith. When two people
pledge their troth, to live with each oth-
er, for better or worse, richer or poorer,
they are banking their lives without res-
ervation, believing that the person to
whom the future is entrusted is worthy.
A modern refrain has it, "Marriage is a
ramble." With the methods frequently
used for choosing a life companion, it is
just that. The result is that it is too much
to gamble, and the step is taken with
reservation, with fingers crossed so to
speak, with the idea that if it does not
pay off, divorce is possible. Clearly, this
is not faith. It is taking chances, and the
busy courts are evidence that it does not
pay to "take chances."
Before there can be a strong faith there
must be some degree of knowledge. You
can have faith in a person only after
knowing by experience that that person
is dependable, honest, capable. When
these cpjalities have been demonstrated,
faith is not a gamble. It is like putting
money in the bank-all your life savings.
It will be as safe as anything human.
More, it is an investment. The eye of
faith can see dividends which are not yet
declared. Love begets love. Confidence
yields confidence. Investing life is an ad-
venture. It need not be a gamble. Evi-
dently God had faith in humans, or He
would not have delegated to them the
power of creation. Looking at the re-
sults through human eyes, we might con-
clude that God's faith in humans is not
well placed. There seem to be so main
failures; so many parents that seem not
to be worthy of the great trust God has
placed in them. Yet these may be seem-
ing failures. We do not know what they
look like in the sight of God.
About one hundred and fifty years ago
on a frosty February morning in the hills
of Kentucky, we are told, two farmers
met each other on the road. "Have ya
heard the news?" said the one spitting
out a wad of tobacco, "Tom Lincoln's
got another kid." "You mean Lazy
Tom?" asked the other, "Poor kid, hasn't
a chance in the world." "No chance" was
the verdict. But in the eye of God, the
eye that sees what is not evident to a
neighbor's eyes, at least not yet, the in-
vestment of love on the part of Lincoln's
parents brought results. God used it,
made of the "poor kid without a chance
in the world," a hope and avenue of
blessing to millions who up to now had
been thought of as chattel at auction
sales, a household word and an inspira-
tion to millions in every continent be-
cause of his honesty and his compassion
for the underprivileged.
Family living is an adventure in faith.
It is oftentimes necessary to have faith in
children, who have as' yet not proved
themselves. Then one needs to have faith
in God who made them, and made their
natures, and who placed the stamp of the
image of God on their souls, and in Him
who placed His hands on their heads and
blessed them, and who said, "Except ye
. . become as little children, ye shall
not enter into the kingdom of heaven."
They have not yet proved themselves,
but if they have been nourished on a
liberal diet of love, sprinkled with a gen-
erous dose of confidence, they will not
often fail us. It takes faith to believe
this, but the history of people proves it
to be so.
Children are the hope of the future.
An investment in them is an act of faith.
Faith is the "evidence of things hoped
for." At a time when children are trying,
when they disappoint us, we must see not
only what they are, but what they are to
become-and how they are to get that
way. If at such times we disappoint
them, we break faith with Gcxl's method.
If we are dependable and loving, it will
help them to become dependable and
loving, even though we may not see the
results at once. But we have faith in
God's method. Love begets love. Trust
produces dependability. We sow the
seed. We have faith in God that He will
give the harvest.
This is indeed why God instituted the
family. The family is a parable of the
Gospel. "We love . . . ," says John, "be-
cause he first loved us." And again. "God
COmmendeth his love toward us in that,
while we were yet sinners, Christ died
lor us." This is the heart of the Gospel.
He loved us while we were unloving so
that we may become lovable. This is the
April 27, 1954
meaning and nature of redemptive love.
We cannot love until we have been
loved. We must first experience love be-
fore we can produce love. God made par-
ents so that children may be loved, and
being loved, become lovable. It takes
faith to believe this, but experience
teaches us that it is so. The family is a
little world where the redemptive work
of God may be carried on. Members of a
family are workers together with God.
engaged in the formation of godly char-
acters. This is indeed a high calling and
a noble task. If we bank our lives in this
the plan of God, if we have faith in His
work, we shall in time have the sub-
stance of things now hoped for, and evi-
dence of things not now seen.
Goshen, Ind.
OUR READERS SAY (Continued)
spiritual and physical, and strive to do our
utmost to help them, and surely our reward
will be great. "Man's faith is hidden unless
manifested by his works." . . .
We men who are in prisons are just as
human as anyone else and we have our
temptations and desires just as others have :
therefore, it is very necessary and we are in
great need of help such as Bro. and Sister
Kauffman (as well as the others) are giving
those men at Jefferson City, so that they may
have new faith and courage to strive on in a
Christian way of living under such great adverse
conditions.
While it is true that letters of encouragement
do help a great deal under such conditions,
nevertheless those visits are doing more good
for the men than any sermon that could be
given. Xo person will fully realize the im-
portance of such things to a confined man un-
less at one time or another he was placed
in such a position.
When someone picks us with a pin. it hurts
us just as much as it would hurt those who
are not in prison ; on the other hand, when a
kind deed is displayed to us, it gives us much
greater joy and encouragement than it could
possibly give to those who are free to do as
they see fit. . . . — Clair Kauffman, London, Ohio.
* * *
I was made to rejoice when I read your recent
editorial, "A Suggestion." When the $32,000
deficit was announced by our Mission Board
treasurer. I felt that perhaps I was guilty of
withholding from our Lord the 8 per cent short
of the tithe that has been estimated our church
did last year.
At the time of the original announcement, I
thought how easily we could wipe out the deficit
by all contributing one dollar additional, direct
to the treasurer. We would have the $32,000 to
balance the budget and plenty left to enlarge our
missionary outreach.
May it never be said of us as a church, that
we were too self-satisfied and materialistically
minded to support the program of the church.
God forbid that the veil of materialism may
ever dim our vision as we see the multitudes
about us in need of redemption.
I say "Amen" to your suggestion and using
the slogan of one of our many popular fund ap-
peals, "Now let's all give." — D. E. Croyle, West-
trittt. hid.
We need to study the faults and suc-
cesses of others in other times and places
and learn from them without being criti-
cal 01 uncharitable toward them.— Noah
G. Good.
April 27, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
CHURCH HISTORY
A Sermon
(Delivered by Bishop Samuel Coffman, Rock-
ingham Co., Va., at the Weaverland, Pa.,
Church, March 31, 1890, reported by John W.
Weaver, Union Grove, Pa.)
Text, John y.16-31.
My beloved brethren and sisters, and
all assembled, greetings in His name:
It has pleased the Almighty God, in
His infinite wisdom, to add a breath
to our lives, that we have yet the priv-
ilege to meet as we have never met
before. We are yet spared before many
others who have gone the way of all
flesh, to try the realities of the other
world. What they have done is done for-
ever, and what they have left undone, is
left undone forever.
We are yet in the day of grace. But
we cannot tell how soon our time will
come to leave this world of tribulation
and sorrow. Oh, ye older men and
women, when will your time come? And
ye young men and maidens, ye young
and flourishing, when will your time
come? You may live to the age of twen-
ty, thirty, forty, or more years, but it is
not promised to any of us. Today is
promised us and we know not whether
we shall live this day out. We cannot
tell one minute of time ahead of us what
will happen the next, and in one sense
it is well that we cannot. Today is the
accepted time; today is the day of grace;
today if you hear His voice, harden not
your hearts as in the days of provoca-
tion. Oh, sinner, why not come today
and partake of His Spirit? The Saviour
says at one place, "Therefore be ye also
ready, for at such an hour as ye think
not, the Son of man cometh." Oh, I
often thought during the past year, how
many thousands and millions have been
called away in the twinkling of an eye,
and have not been ready, not prepared.
But they are nevermore to return, and
we are spared in the land of the living.
We must confess that it is only by the
grace of God that we are what we are. It
is not that we merit anything or that
God owes us anything. No, for if we
have done all that He has commanded,
we are still unprofitable servants. Oh,
then let us all try so to live that we may
at all times be ready to leave this world
in full hope to land on a better shore
where parting words are heard no more.
The only place I can point us all to is to
Jesus Christ.
A thought just now strikes my mind
about which I will make a few remarks.
It is not united with the text, but I often
have a text read, and maybe not say
much about it, just as I am led by the
Spirit. It is about Joseph, how he was
despised among his brethren and at last
sold into Egypt; how he was there high-
ly honored and esteemed by the king;
how Pharaoh had a dream and Joseph in-
terpreted it. This is all well known to
you Bible readers. Well, the famine
came, and the only place they could ob-
tain food was from Joseph. He nurtured
his father's household.
So, dear friends, the place to obtain
food for the soul is to go to that de-
spised Joseph, namely, Jesus Christ,
who suffered the ignominious death.
What for? So that we might have life.
We can read, "For a righteous man some
would even dare to die." But this Jesus
died for His enemies, those that mocked
Him, for those that cried, "Crucify him,"
and for those that did crucify Him, and
for all; and there prayed to His heavenly
Father, "Father, forgive them; for they
know not what they do." Oh, this was
perfect love! For greater love hath no
man than to lay down his life for his
friends, but He died for His enemies.
Oh, come then today to that meek and
lowly Jesus, that Giver of all good and
perfect gifts, and be partakers of that
love. Oh, then, dear friends, let us all
try to strengthen the bonds of love, for
love is the bond of perfectness.
Love is compared to the hoops of a
barrel. When we break off the hoops,
each stave will go its own way. It falls
to pieces. So it is with the church of
God. It we lose love, that bond of
perfectness, it will fall to pieces, each
one will take his own way. Then let us
all unite in love and go hand in hand
toward that heavenly place where all is
love. Let us love that which is worthy
loving, for Christ said, He that loveth
anything more than me cannot be my
disciple.
Dear friends, if we have anything that
we love more than our Saviour, it is our
idol. Many, many a one has his idol. It
seems strange doctrine in a Bible land,
nevertheless it is so. One has his idol
of silver, another gold, another his cattle
or farm. Now, dear young sisters, if you
have a ribbon on your body which you
love more than Jesus, it is your idol.
Therefore let us gather all these idols
and put them away, consumed by the
love toward God. We should take it to
heart that we set not our affections on
worldly things. But to love the true
and loving God, and "thy neighbour as
thyself, for this is the law and the
prophets."
We must love God and one another
sincerely so that our prayers are not
hindered. If we love one another, it
is pleasant to enjoy each other's pres-
ence; but we must soon part again, and
each one going to our respective home.
But we have the promise that if we hold
out faithful and continue in His love to
the end, we will meet on Canaan's shore
393
where parting words are heard no more.
There we shall enjoy each other's pres-
ence forever more, singing praises unto
God throughout that long and never-
ending eternity. "For God so loved
the world, that he gave his only begotten
Son, that whosoever believeth in him
should not perish, but have everlasting
life."
"For God so loved the world." This
word world is considered by some to
mean the earth as a planet, but the
word is here used to mean the people,
the inhabitants of the world. Now
we will say, "God so loved us, etc." We
are all put on the same footing. We have
the same privilege our first parents had.
We can choose which we will, life or
death. We are free agents. Our first
parents, Adam and Eve, were placed in
the Garden of Eden and were allowed to
eat all kinds of fruit, except of the tree
of knowledge of good and evil, they were
forbidden to eat. But they did not re-
main in that blessed state. The enemy,
in the form of a serpent, beguiled them,
and they did eat. Now their eyes were
opened. They saw that what they had
clone was against God's word. They
tried to hide their shame by sewing fig
leaves together, and hiding behind the
bushes in the garden. But that all-seeing
eve of God found them out. God called,
saying, "Adam, where art thou?" Adam
replied, "I hear thy voice, but I am
al l aid, because I am naked." The Lord
said, "Who told thee that thou art na-
ked? Hast thou eaten of the forbidden
fruit?" Adam said, "The woman that
thou gavest me, gave me and I did eat."
Now this same calling that said, "Adam,
where art thou?" comes to every one's
heart at the present day, saying, "Man,
where art thou?" But is it not often the
case that when we hear that voice we try
to cover our shame with worldly matters,
try to hide our sins from an all-wise God?
But God knows our every sin. They did
eat, and according to God's word, they
fell under sin and condemnation. God
was not willing that His creatures should
die under condemnation; so He said
unto the serpent, "I will put enmity be-
tween thee and the woman, and between
thy seed and her seed. It shall bruise
thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel."
They were not left without hope, but
they had the promise of a Redeemer, and
in the fulfillment of time, this Redeemer
was born. Where was He born? In the
lowly town of Bethlehem in Judah— an
example of humility.
Jesus came to save that which was lost.
If we would be saved, we must come
down to the feet of Jesus, as Mary of old,
who sat at His feet, and wet them with
tears, and wiped them with her hair.
Mary had a sister named Martha who
made herself very busy in serving. She
came to Jesus and said, "Dost thou not
care that I serve alone? Bid Mary to help
me." But Jesus said, "Martha, Martha,
thou carest for many things. One thing
is needful. Mary hath chosen that good
(Continued on page 404)
394
GOSPEL HERALD
April 27, 1934
FAMILY CIRCLE
The Homekeepers
By Lorie C. Gooding
Men must do the whole world's labor
With hearts as brave as hands are skilled,
For it is their place and privilege
To plow and plant, to plan and build.
And against the men's returning
Women keep the fires burning
Men must clear away the forests,
And plan the towns, and make the roads.
Men must till, and sow, and harvest,
And raise the barns, and haul the loads.
And for evening's homeward bringing,
Women keep the kettles singing.
Men must do the work appointed,
Give the strength of heart and brain,
Until, their daily task completed,
Sundown turns them home again.
So for blessed peace at night,
Women keep the lamps alight
Holmesville, Ohio.
Home
By Alfred S. Rotz
The ideal home is one in which Jesus
reigns. In a home of this type, love is
the supreme ruling power. Where God
is not recognized, "there can be no solid
comfort and peace. Such a place cannot
be called home in the strictest sense of
the word. When we speak of home, we at
once think of joyful association, rest, hap-
piness, and contentment— a place where
we rest from our labors, and are re-
freshed after weariness and separation
from loved ones. The buildings, furnish-
ings, and surroundings do not constitute
a home, but it is the loved ones who
dwell in that home that make the spot
sacred and aflord a haven of rest in this
world of turmoil and care. The word
"home" stands for all that is beautiful.
In our visions and dreams our minds
wander back to our earliest recollections
and home appears to us like a fairyland,
fragrant with flowers, where the air is
laden with the sweetest melodies of love.
We think of mother folding us in her
tender arms of love, while we listen to
her soft, gentle voice sending up the
sweet incense of prayer and supplications
for the dear lambs of her fold. The early
influences of home are never forgotten.
The godly home, where children are
taught to know God and are brought up
in the nurture and admonition of the
Lord, is the dearest place on earth. A
home like this is a place of refuge in ev-
ery time of sorrow and trial. God, in His
all-wise providence and mercy, has in
stituted the home for the propagation of
the human race and for their present and
eternal good. The godly home with a
family altar is a sanctuary of the Lord
and the very gateway to heaven; it is here
where the knowledge of God is preserved
and where everything that stands for
good is maintained. We hear it said,
"What is the world without a home?"
but we would add further, "What is a
home without Jesus Christ?" Without
Him as the Head of our home it is void
of true happiness, for in a home where
Jesus is not, contentions and divisions
arise and sin becomes rampant with con-
fusion and every evil work.
God, in His precious Word, gently
teaches us how to maintain the beauti-
lul virtues that adorn the Christian
home. The Word of God is the only safe
guide to preserve the home from the in-
trusion of the archenemy of souls. It is a
lamp to our feet and a light to our path-
way and reveals to us Satan in his crafti-
ness with a thousand of his imps, clamor-
ing to break into our homes to kill and
to destroy. If the Word of God is hid in
the hearts of the members of the home
and God is honored and recognized in
every detail of our life, that home will
be a power for God and for the church.
Piety must begin in the home. If chil-
dren are left without teaching or re-
straint in the home, they will grow up
like heathens, with no respect for God
nor parents. Having started out on such
a course, they will naturally have no re-
spect for the church nor for the civil law;
and by rapid successions they land be-
hind the bars. The home is the nucleus
of the nation and it stands to reason a
nation composed of the kind of homes
just mentioned, ultimately must come to
ruin. But thank God, we still have a
remnant of homes who have not bowed
the knees to Baal; and were it not for
such homes in the world, God would
visit swift judgment upon this sin-be-
nigh ted world.
The fact of the raattei is, the homes of
nations have deteriorated ami base been
producing enormous crops ol infidels,
skeptics, atheists, agnostics, Eree-thinkers,
and what not, so that the very Founda-
tions of the homes, the churches, and the
c iv il governments are beginning to quiv-
er. Men ol renown ami far-sightedness
are |)ii//led and driven to thru wits' end
to know how to devise and legislate laws
to cope with the terrible evils that are
threatening this nation ol ours as well as
other nations of the world.
What this old world needs is .1 gra
c ions rev iv al of the old-time religion ol
the Lord fesus Christ, and homes thai
can produce such men as John the Bap-
tist, Samuel ol old, and other illustrious
Bible characters, and also such men ol
renown as the early founders of our
church and nation. It is then that we
will have homes, a church, and a gov-
ernment that will stand up against the
ravages of Satan's forces, and the hen
darts and onslaughts of the devil. Thank
God, we can have godly homes if we will.
Jesus said if we ask anything in His
name, He will grant it to us, and there
is nothing Jesus would more delight to
give to us than godly homes. He is stand-
ing at the door of every unsaved home,
knocking again and again for admit-
tance, but they will not let Him in.
Might we come just a little closer home
and see if some of us church members do
not sometimes bar Him out. He wants
to spread a table of good things before
us, but we are so occupied with the tran-
sitory things of this life, that we seem-
ingly do not have time to commune with
our glorious Heavenlv Visitor. In the
beautiful account of "Mary and her sis-
ter Martha," Jesus teaches us a wonder-
ful lesson. If we would eat less, wear
cheaper clothes, do without many un-
necessary luxuries, and contribute the
money thus saved to charity, feasting
upon the bounties of heaven so richly
provided for our hungry souls, how
much richer we would be and how much
sweeter would be the love in our homes!
W hat calm and heavenly peace would
pervade instead of strife and contention
as is sometimes the case. Then our
church relations would be correspond-
ingly sweeter, more spiritual, and more
powerful for good. The world would ac-
knowledge that there is something in the
religion which we profess that exceeds
by a thousand times what the world calls
pleasure in her revelry of sinful indul-
gences.—Selected.
EXPRESSION'S OF APPRECIATION
I wish to express my sincere thanks and ap-
preciation to my relatives and friends who eo
kindly remembered me with prayers, cards, flow-
ers, visits, and other gifts during my stay at the
hospital and since my return home. May the
Lord bless vou all. — Alice Martin, Hagerstown.
Md.
* * *
To our many friends and relatives we sincere-
ly say thank you for your prayers, help, and
kindness to us through our hospital experiences.
We appreciated the cards, visits, flowers, and
gifts very much. Continue to pray for us. May
the Lord richlv bless you all for the same. — Mr.
and Mrs. Edgar X. Geib, Gap, Pa.
• » •
We wish to express our sincere thanks and
appreciation to all who so kindly remembered
me during my stay at the Memorial Hospital in
Johnstown, and for the prayers, cards, gifts.
Howers, and visits during my illness. May the
Lord reward each one of you is our prayer. —
E. S. Thomas. Hollsopple, Pa.
PRAIRIE MEW HOSPITAL (Continued)
MCC chairman presented it to Admin
istrator Ebersole and invested him with
the responsibility of operating Prairie
View. Bio. Ebersole, in unlocking the
door, symbolized this opening as the ini-
tiation of Prairie View's services. An es-
timated 6,500 persons visited the hospital
during the open house which followed
the March 1 1 dedication and which was
also held March 7. PJ. and 13,
April 27, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
395
TO BE NEAR TO GOD
TALES OF HIGH ENTERPRISE
Faith Is an Enterprise
Sunday, May 2
Road Luke 20:9-16 — Enterprise in Horticulture
Farming can be immensely satisfying, espe-
cially if we know that the farm is God's and
we are His husbandmen, His partners in this
business of feeding the world's mushrooming
population. I suppose these fellows in today's
story thought they were doing all right. Here
was the crop planted and ready to harvest-
little work, no investment, no interest, no
tax, and now not even rent. Pretty soft!
But what did these satisfied hunks of proto-
plasm know of real satisfaction? — the kind
of joy we talked about yesterday? Jesus sug-
gests that even their physical ease may be a
temporary thing.
Am I finding joy in giving the bare tenth
of the fruit of the vineyard?
Lord, make me a good renter.
Monday, May 3
Read Matt. 20:1-15 — Enterprise in Labor
Have you ever thought that the boss wasn't
giving you a good deal? I have. No, my
work wasn't very interesting as long as I
felt like that. Do you know why I felt so?
I hadn't yet learned a lesson in today's story.
You can never hurt me by doing good to my
neighbor.
There is no doubt about it. These fel-
lows who "have borne the burden and heat
of the day" had more to show for their
day's work than the Mary Magdalenes, who
start work at five in the afternoon. But they
got a good deal — the agreed reward. To
some of us men of small achievement, Je-
sus' "She hath cast in all that she had" is a
comforting word.
Lord, make me appreciaive of your gen-
erosity— to my neighbor.
Tuesday, May 4
Head Luke 19:12-27 — Business Enterprise
Every good businessman knows that un-
used capital in the drawer is a liability. The
plow left out in rain and sun deteriorates
faster than the plow turning loam. He obeys
these laws of economics and nature.
Jesus suggests that there are similar laws
of the Spirit. There is a law which says,
"Occupy [RSV, trade with these] till I come."
In your and my lap are entrusted all the
"riches in glory by Christ Jesus." This is our
coin. I am to "trade with these" for men's
souls. Even as I obey this eternal law, I show
my capacity for eternal responsibility. Obedi-
ence has no substitute.
Lord, teach my heart that to love is to obey.
Wednesday, May 5
Read Luke 14:28-30 — Enterprise in Carpentry
Every carpenter knows the adventure of
the new blueprint. He isn't a carpenter very
long until he too learns something of the ven-
ture in economics.
You've started on this venture of faith now.
Even before you started, you were warned
that even the animal kingdom has prom-
ised comforts, but physical comforts are
promised to no followers of Him who walks
the Calvary road. In the past ten days you've
learned that it costs unselfishness, a debt to
God for a feast and a new outfit, forgive-
ness, prayer with groanings that cannot be ut-
tered, journeys on dark paths, rentals, labor,
training in spiritual economics.
I'd better sit down right now and decide
if I want to start carrying out the blueprint.
Lord, give strength for the Calvary road.
Thursday, May 6
Read Luke 14:31-38— Enterprise in Warfare
If you think carpentry has privations, think
about the soldier. Unfortunately Satan and
his retainers are not interested in promoting
carpentry. There will be times, when, like
Nehemiah, you'll need to exchange the^ car-
penter's apron for the breastplate of right-
eousness, and the hammer for the sword of
the Spirit. Maybe you're like me, not a
very good fighter. Never mind. Remember
your only weapon of offense is the sword,
which is the Holy Spirit of God. Release that
sword by a constant self-crucifixion. Like Eli-
sha's servant your eyes will be opened to see
the armies of flaming chariots of victory on
your side. But such self-denial is costly. Can
I?
Lord, let me see those on our side.
Friday, May 7
Read Matt. 25:31-46 — Enterprise in Judgment
I suppose no judge worthy of the name,
ever passed sentence without first trying
to determine what was best for the offender
and for society. But what does he base
judgment on? It is on facts, presumably
accurate facts, brought to light in the trial.
And it is only because a man's deeds are such
an accurate gauge of what is in the heart that
our law courts have any validity.
Let no man be deceived. "By grace are
ye saved through faith ... not of works."
But it is equally true that "Out of the
abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh."
There is only one evidence of the regenerate
heart. It is the regenerate life of loving serv-
ice.
Lord, make me a spreader of love and
joy.
(Continued on page 403)
Elijah Calls the People Back to God
Sunday School Lesson for May 9
(I Kings 17:1-19:18)
In what book of the Bible is told the story
of the kings of Israel and of Judah? Who
were the first kings when the kingdom of
Solomon was divided? What king is reign-
ing in today's lesson?
It would be very helpful in this history
study to '.race the line of kings of Israel and
see the character of each. Use the Bibles.
Let each find the references.
Jeroboam, I Kings 14:20; Nadab, 14:20;
15:25, 26; Baasha, 15:27-30, 33, 34; Elah, 16:1-
6, 8; Zimri, 16:9-15; Omri, 16:15-19, 23-26;
Ahab, 16:28 ff. Put the names of the kings
on a long piece of paper (1 foot wide, 4
yards long) with the number of years each
reigned drawn to scale (1 inch=2 years).
Continue this line throughout the quarter.
Keep it for next year when the kings of
Judah can be added. Also put on the
names of the prophets at their respective
places.
What kind of man was Ahab? 16:29-33.
Let a pupil report on the Baal worship. The
pupils should know why God considered
this worship a great sin. Recall the first and
second of the Ten Commandments. Deut.
5:6-10. Read also Deut. 5:29, 32, 33.
This Baalism was the major cause of decay
in Israel. We - mus* remember that our
God is a very jealous God. He had a right
to be. Read Deut. 6:14, 15, 25.
But God is ruling over all. He sees the
fearful sin of idolatry and sends Elijah
to call the people back. Ahab and Israel were
punished with a drought and famine. There
was not even any dew for three years. This
was said at the word of the Lord, "before
whom I stand," said Elijah. Elijah disap-
peared. Jezebel's troops hunted the land for
him, but God hid him.
In three years this fearless prophet spoke
again. The king blames him for Israel's
trouble.
Elijah challenges the Baal worship by test-
ing the power of Baal. God told Elijah to use
this sensational test to call Israel back to
God. Read together this grand scene of
history. 18:19-39.
God is still on tha throne today and sees
the false gods of America in 1954. Some-
one has named these gods the fiery god of self,
the god of gain, the god of pleasure, the
god of sex, and the god of salvation by club
or lodge membership (F. S. Mead). Let's
remember God can answer by fire. "Him
only shalt thou serve."
— Alta Mae Erb.
Lesson based on "International Sunday School Les-
sons: the International Bible Lessons for Christian
Teaching," copyrighted 1951 by the Division of Chris-
tian Education National Council of the Churches of
Christ in the U.S.A.
396
GOSPEL HERALD
April 27, 1954
FIELD NOTES
Items to appear in this column for any Issue ol the
following Tuesday must reach Scottdale by Wednes-
day morning.
Fourteen young people and one mother
were received into church fellowship by water
baptism at the Kidron, Ohio, Church on
Good Friday, April 16, with Bro. Reuben
Hofstetter officiating and the brethren Isaac
Zuercher and Allen Bixler assisting.
The Christian School Patrons' Association
met at the Crown Hill Church, Rittman,
Ohio, on April 20, in the interest of establish-
ing a Christian Day School in Wayne County,
Ohio.
The new Bethany Christian High School
building, located near Goshen, Ind., is now
under construction with the footers in and
the wall going up. This school is being spon-
sored by the Indiana-Michigan Conference.
A Summer Bible School Workshop was
conducted at Goshen College on the after-
noon of April 24. Bro. Russell Krabill was
in charge.
Bro. John E. Gingrich, pastor of the Johns-
town, Pa., Church, who recently underwent
a severe siege of sickness, is again filling the
pulpit and resuming normal activities, al-
though he still needs to guard against over-
activity.
Change o£ Address,— Bro. B. H. Noll,
Table of Contents
385 — Grace for a Guest (Poem)
Prayer for a Poet (Poem)
Grace for a Day (Poem)
A Litany for Little Things (Poem)
386 — God Is Faithful
Our Readors Say
387 — Guilty by Association
"Victory Through Grace"
388 — The Revelation of Jesus Christ
III. Water from Many Wells
It Happened
Revivals Again
3B9_Hlstoric Anabaptism In a Doctrinal System
390 — Are Cigarette Smokers Scared?
391— A Prayor for This Week ,
Prairie View Hospital— A Result of Christian
Dlscipleship
Prayer Requests
392— Faith and Shilling Social Standards
393 — A Sermon
394 — The Homekeepers (Poem)
Home
Expressions of Appreciation
395 — To Be Near to God
Sunday School Lesson for May 9
396— Field Notes
Calendar
397 — Mission News
Your Treasurer Reports
398 — Sowinq the Seed in the Bathet Area. Bihar.
India
Forward in His Strength
399 — Spiritual Refreshing at Chandwa
400 — A Need at Philhaven
"La Hora del Calvario" Transfers to the Ha
dio Evanqolism Committee
401— Dratt Aqo Census to Strengthen Our Peace
Testimony
The Mennonite Hour
Can Wo Eliminate Labor-Management Prob-
lems?
402— MTSC Weekly Notes
MCC Weekly Notes
403 — Fr^m Our Churches
405 — Births
Marrlaqes
Anniversaries
Obituaries
408 — Items and Comments
408 — Your Publishing House
Rohrerstown, Pa., to R. 1, Spring Grove,
York Co., Pa.
Bro. Paul Erb, of the Gospel Herald of-
fice, spent a few days last week attending a
meeting of the Associated Church Press in
New York City.— H.
The Sharon Christian Day School pupils
of Ybor City, Tampa, Fla., gave a program
at the Pinecraft Church, Sarasota, Fla., on
Sunday evening, April 11.
Baptismal services were held at the Fair-
view Church, near Albany, Oreg., on April
11, when nine applicants were received into
church fellowship.
Bro. Nelson Histand, Pryor, Okla., con-
ducted a Bible conference at the Mt. Zion
Church, Versailles, Mo., during Passion
Week.
At the week-end meeting at the Hereford
Church, Bally, Pa., April 18, Brethren War-
ren Good and Elmer Moyer were speakers.
Bro. Ira D. Landis, Bareville, Pa., con-
ducted a tour to visit historical places in Lan-
caster County, Pa., for a group of MCC
workers on the afternoon of Good Friday.
The Historical Committee of the Men-
nonite Church met at Goshen, Ind., on April
20.
Bro. Willard Claassen, Newton, Kans., Ex-
ecutive Secretary of Board of Education and
Publication of the General Conference Men-
nonite Church, spent a few days at Scottdale
last week in the interests of Christian edu-
cation curriculum materials.
Separated unto God, by Bro. John C.
Wenger, is used as a study book for Wednes-
day evening classes at the North Goshen,
Ind., Church. Each evening one chapter is
being studied, with different brethren leading
the thirteen meetings required to complete
the course. This might be a good example
for other congregations.
Bro. LeRoy Stoltzfus, Bird-in-hand, Pa.,
conducted communion services at the Pine-
craft Church,, Sarasota, Fla., on Friday eve-
ning, April 9.
Communion services were observed by the
newly organized congregation at Sacramento,
California, on April 18. Bro. Ernest Garber,
Nampa, Ida., conducted the service.
Bro. Martin E. Weaver, Annville, Pa.,
brought the message for the communion
service at the Berea Church, Alma, Ont., on
Easter Sunday morning.
Ordination. — At an impressive service on
Wednesday evening, April 21, at the Lec-
tonia, Ohio, Church Bro. Fred Augsburgcr
was ordained to the ministry for the Youngs-
town, Ohio, Mission. Bro. Rudy Stauffer
had charge of the meeting, representing the
Ohio Mission Board and Conference. Bro.
I larold Bauman preached the sermon, and
Bro. B. B. King gave the ministerial charge.
Other brethren who took part in the service
were Paul Yoder, S. A. Voder, and David
Stciner.
The Touring Chorus of Western Mennon
itc School, Salem, Oreg., is giving musical
programs in six different Oregon churches
over a period from April 11 to May 12.
Bro. D. A. Yoder, Elkhart, Ind., was speak-
er for Passion Week services held at the
North Goshen, Ind., Church, April 11-18.
Bro. C. F. Derstine, Kitchener, Ont., may
be addressed at Cleveland, Ohio, c-o Vern
Miller, 5008 Wellesley Ave, May 6-9.
Announcements
I-W Boys' Chorus from Cleveland, Ohio,
will be at the Hartville Mennonite Church,
Hartville, Ohio, for the regular monthly
hymn sing, May 2.
One hundred eighty-seventh quarterly mis-
sion meeting at South Union Church, West
Liberty, Ohio, May 2.
Summer Bible School workshops at Ephra-
ta, Pa., evening May 11; Elizabeth town and
Paradise churches, May 13, in the evening.
Men's Touring Chorus of E.M.C. will be
giving a program at McCaskey High School
auditorium, Lancaster, Pa., May 1, at
7:30 p.m.
(Continued on page 404)
Calendar
Conference on Christian Community Relations, E.M.C.,
Harrisonburg, Va., May 6-8. . ,
Annual meeting Gull States Regional Conference.
Gulfhaven congregation, Guliport, Miss., May 7-9.
Home Sunday. May 9,
Ohio Mennonite and Eastern A.M. lolnt Conference.
Walnut Creek Church in Holmes Co., Ohio, May
25-27 1954.
Indiana-Michigan annual meetings at Howard-Miami
Church, Kokomo, Ind. Mission Board, June 1;
Conference June 1, 3.
North Central Mennonite Conference and associated
meetings, June 7-11 at Lake Region Church,
Detroit Lakes, Minn.
Annual meeting of Ontario AM. Conference, June
9-10, at East Zona A.M. Church, Ontario (near
Tavistock). ,
Annual meeting Mennonite Board of Missions ana
Charities, Western Mennonite School, Salem,
Oreg., June 17-20.
Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Youth Fellowship, (jO-
shen College Union Auditorium, Goshen, Ind.,
June 25-27.
1954 Schedule for Laurelville; Writers Conference,
June 26 to July 2; Family Week, July 3-9; Boys
Camp (ages 9-13), July 10-16; Girl's Camp (ages
9-13), July 17-23; Junior High (ages 13-15), July
24-30; Junior High (ages 13-15). July 31 to Auq. 6;
Young People's Institute, Aug. 7-13; MYF Work-
shop and Annual meeting, Aug. 14-20; Church
Music Conference, Aug. 21-27; Missionary Bible
Conference, Aug. 28 to Sept. 2.
Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp: Pre-camp train-
ing—June 28-July 2; Week-end Bible Conference
on Stewardship — July 3, 4, Milo Kauffman, Hess-
ton, Kans.; Junior Boys' — July 5-10 (ages 9-12);
Junior Girls — July 12-17 (ages 9-12); Junior High
July 19-24 (ages 13-15); First Family— July 26-
31; Youth Retreat — Aug. 2-7 (ages 16 and above);
Second Family— Aug. 9-14; Orientation Camp
for prospective I-W Men — August 21-28. PTogTam
sponsored by MRSC. Week-end Bible Conference
and Annual Meeting of the Rocky Mountain Men-
nonite Camp Association — Sept. 5, 6.
Peace Sunday, July 4, 1954.
Annual meetinq Mission Board of Southwestern Penn-
sylvania Conference, Otelia Church, Mt. Union.
Pa., July 9, 10. , . , _ .
Illinois Junior Camp, July 12-17, and Junior High
Cnmp. July 19-24, Camp Emmaus, Mt. Morris. HI.
Virginia Conference and related meetlnqs. Spring-
dale Church. Waynesboro, Va.. July 27-30.
Annual Ohio MYF convention. Ohio Mennonite Camp
Ground. Kidron, Ohio, July 30 to Aug. 1.
Annual meeting Southwestern Pa. Conference, Mar-
tinsburg. Pa.. Aog. 1-4.
Illinois State MYF Retreat. New Salem Stale PaTk,
August 5-8.
Annual meeting Iowa-Nebraska Conference, West
Union. Parnell. Iowa. Auq. 10-13.
Annual meetinq South Central Conference, Assembly
of God campqround, near Eldon, Mo.. Aug. 17-20.
Annual meeting Illinois Conference, East Bend,
Fisher. 111., Aug. 24-26.
Fall meetinq. Commission for Christian Education.
Laurelville Monnonite Camp. Laurelville, Pa.,
Sept. 27. 28.
Study Conference of Child Evangelism. Laurelville
Mennonite Camp. Sept. 29. 30.
Fall meeting. Genoral Council o! Mennonite General
Conference, Laurelville Mennonite Camp, Oct.
1, 2.
Annual meetinq of the Mennonite Board of Education,
Kalona-Wellman, Iowa area; Oct. 14-16, 1954.
April 27, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
397
Go, Preach • MISSIONS # Give, Pray
The General Board Headquarters for Missions, Relief, and Service: 1711 Prairie Street, Elkhart, Indiana. Telephone, Elkhart 2-2786.
Mission News
Bro. Albert Buckwalter, missionary to the
Argentine Chaco, recently made a 70-mile
trip toward Pampa, Argentina, an Indian set-
dement, to contact prospective students for
the Bible school to be conducted in the Chaco.
He failed to reach his destination because of
high water, but he did contact one prospec-
tive student.
Bro. J. D. Graber, Elkhart, Ind., spent
April 9-12 at Eastern Mennonite College,
Harrisonburg, Va., in the interests of the
mission program of the church. He spoke at
Mt. Clinton Mennonite Church on Sunday
morning, April 11, at the Lindale Mennon-
ite Church in the evening, and at chapel serv-
ices at Eastern Mennonite College on April 12.
The opening date for the Bethany Men-
nonite Home, Philadelphia, Pa., has been
postponed to May 10. A dedication service
will be held at the home at 2:30 p.m. on Sun-
day, May 9.
Final plans are being made for a dedica-
tory service at the Gladstone Mennonite
Church, Cleveland, Ohio, for Sunday after-
noon, May 9. The brethren C. F. Derstine,
Kitchener, Ont., and }. D. Graber, Elkhart,
Ind, will participate in the service. Funds are
needed to complete the building.
Bro. and Sister Paul Kniss, Bihar, India,
held evangelistic meetings in the villages of
Banio and Gargoma during March. The re-
ception at Banio was rather cold, but at
Gargoma almost the whole village turned
out every night and the people were very
friendly and attentive, although no deep spir-
itual hunger or conviction seemed to be
present.
Four persons were baptized at Chandwa,
Bihar, India, on March 15, causing rejoicing
among the missionaries and believers there.
The Mission Emphasis Week held at Hess-
ton College and Bible School, Hesston, Kans.,
this week included the following messages:
"Hesston College and Missions" by Bro. Milo
Kauffman; "The Challenge of Foreign Mis-
sions" by Bro. John Friesen, missionary on
furlough from India; "The Challenge of
Radio Evangelism" by Bro. Elam Hollinger;
and "The Challenge of City Missions" by
Bro. Sanford E. King, Hutchinson, Kans.
Bro. and Sister Hatano, a middle-aged
couple who were baptized at Kushiro, Japan,
in July, 1953, are becoming increasingly use-
ful in the work of the church. On April 7
Sister Hatano assisted Esther Beck with her
women's meeting in Obihiro, and on April 8
Bro. Hatano assisted Lee Kanagys with a
special church meeting in Nakashibetsu. He
also spoke in the Kushiro church service on
Sunday, April 4. Praise God with us for the
earnest, consecrated service of this Christian
couple.
Bro. C. F. Derstine, Kitchener, Ont., will
conduct a series of Bible lectures at the Glad-
stone Mennonite Church, Cleveland, Ohio,
May 6-9.
Communion services were held at the
Ninth St. Mennonite Church, Saginaw, Mich.,
on Saturday evening, April 17, with Bro.
J. D. Graber, Elkhart, Ind., in charge. Bro.
Graber also spoke at the Saginaw church on
the following day, Easter Sunday.
The Lee Kanagys fellowshiped with the
Kushiro Mennonite congregation on Sun-
day, April 11. Bro. Kanagy brought the
morning message. Daniel and Ruth Kanagy
and Dawn Alice Buckwalter furnished "spe-
cial music."
The Eighth Annual Youth Retreat of the
Mennonite Church in India will be held at
Balodgahan, M.P., India, May 1-6. Pray for
the young people of our India church.
The President of Argentina, Juan D. Per-
on, has recently reopened the Argentine radio
stations to programs of the Evangelical
churches. Mr. Peron explained that he was
unaware of the situation and blamed it upon
a few fanatical Catholics. May we thank
the Lord for this answer to prayer.
Bro. Don Augsburger, Orrville, Ohio, con-
ducted Passion Week services at the Bethel
Mennonite Church, Chicago, 111., April 16-18.
The Argentine Mennonite Bible School in
Bragado was reopened, if plans carried, on
April 20. To date there are six full-time stu-
dents enrolled with several other prospects.
In addition there will be a good number of
local part-time students. Bro. John Koppen-
haver, director, has been working hard to get
the physical plant and the courses ready by
the opening date. Bro. Lawrence Brunk and
Bro. B. Frank Byler are also on the faculty.
Bro. Luke Birky, La Plata, Puerto Rico,
gave an illustrated talk on the medical mis-
sion-service program in Puerto Rico to the
I-W men at Indianapolis, Ind., on Friday
evening, April 16. He also spoke at the
Shore Mennonite Church, Sunday evening,
April 18, and at the Burr Oak, Mich, Men-
nonite Church on Tuesday evening, April 20.
He will speak at the Olive Mennonite
Church, Elkhart, Ind., on Sunday evening,
May 2.
The address of the John Koppenhaver fam-
ily is Macaya 175, Bragado, FCNDFS, Ar-
gentina.
Bro. Urie A. Bender, Baden, Ont., con-
ducted special Easter services at the Morn-
ingside Mennonite Church, Toronto, Ont.,
April 16-18.
Bro. Norman Wingert, MCC Director for
Japan, recently visited our Hokkaido mis-
sionaries. He brought much-appreciated in-
spiration and encouragement.
The William Hallman family, missionaries
recently returned to Argentina, have moved
temporarily to the town of America where
the Daniel Millers have worked for the last
four years. Plans are for them to take up the
Your Treasurer Reports
We are now approaching the time of year
when plans are being made to send out new
missionaries to the foreign field. At the time
of the Annual Board Meeting appointments
are made for new workers and reappointment
of workers who have been on furlough. It is
always an inspiring part of any mission pro-
gram to find workers who are willing and
ready to go.
In connection with sending new workers
and returning workers from furlough, con-
siderable cost is involved for supplying need-
ed equipment and for furnishing travel ex-
penses. From time to time we have an-
nounced in this column that the Mission
Board has two special accounts, one for mis-
sionary equipment and another for mission-
ary travel. Since these costs are a definite
part of sending out missionaries, we would
again like to appeal for contributions to be
used for these two purposes. If you would
like to equip or help send a missionary to
the foreign field, you can do so by contribut-
ing to the above funds. In case anyone would
wish to do so, funds can be designated to be
used by any particular missionary. In the
near future I will be listing the missionaries
who will be going to the various fields. How-
ever, we would like to encourage general
contributions for these purposes, particularly
in light of the fact that we are now approach-
ing the time of year when funds will be
needed to send out workers.
H. Ernest Bennett, Treasurer
Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities
Elkhart, Indiana.
work in Villegas, but until now they have
been unable to rent a house there. Their
present address, therefore, is Sarmiento 380,
America, FCNDFS. The Hallmans request
your prayers that the way might open up
for them to go to Villegas if that is the Lord's
will.
The church building at Ellesmere near
Toronto, Ont., is nearing completion, but
$2,000 will be required to complete and
furnish the main floor. The congregation be-
gan using the basement on Easter Sunday
morning.
For three consecutive Sundays the enroll-
ment in the Spanish Sunday school at Mathis,
Texas, totaled 82, 86, and 91 respectively.
This enrollment has grown from a pre-1953
enrollment of 40-50. The everyday contacts
of the missionary family and the VS unit are
bearing fruit. Praise God for answered
prayer and keep Mathis on your prayer list.
Bro. and Sister Simeon Hurst, missionaries
on furlough from Africa, spoke at an all-day
Good Friday service at the Wideman Church,
Markham, Ont., on April 16.
(Continued on page 404)
398
GOSPEL HERALD
A side-show attraction at the "mela" at
Ralumath, Bihar, India.
Missionaries and Indian evangelists preach
the Gospel to interested listeners at the
"mela."
Sowing the Seed in the Bathet Area.
Bihar, India
By Paul and Esther Kniss
As we look back over 1953 and see where
the seed was sown, we are moved to pray
that some of it might germinate. Some we
know fell on stony ground. Some, on the
other hand, fell on real soil where it may
well grow and bear fruit.
In January, Paul and the evangelists
preached at two "melas" or fairs where thou-
sands of people come to buy or sell oxen or
goats. In turn they sang and preached
and sold Gospels till their throats were
hoarse, then bought a cup of tea and rested
a bit and started again. Some who cannot read
buy a Gospel because they have a son who
can; some buy out of curiosity; a few, we
believe, buy because they are really searching
for something.
Also in January we, with all our workers,
set up camp at Bichi Tongri. We had visited
here a few times before, but the people
were not used to the likes of us and were
very suspicious. Rumors were afloat that we
were on the lookout for people to offer as
sacrifices. When one villager saw Esther
typing a letter, he thought she was printing
money. One man showed real interest in the
Gospel and tried to convince the others that
we were harmless. After two weeks these
people were a little more at ease, but still had
some suspicions.
Next we went to Kalkaliya. Here it was
quite different. We had toured here the
year before, and the people were over their
fear of us. Some of them had been near to
a decision. We found the young people espe-
cially interested. They have learned many
of the songs we sing, and we frequently
heard them singing while herding goats or
doing some chore. The older ones did not
attend the meetings so regularly. When ask-
ed why, they said, "What we hear makes
us dissatisfied." We praise the Lord that they
are under conviction. May they soon have
the courage to do what they know they
should.
At Kasmar our reception was not so good.
The Oraons were willing to listen, but their
MISSIONS SECTION
landlords, the Brahmins, did not approve,
and so threatened them and forbade them
to come to the meetings. One Brahmin be-
longed to the Arya Samaj. This sect is to
Hinduism about the same as Phariseeism
was to Judaism. He came to the meetings,
but not to listen. His sole purpose was to
ridicule and try to trap us with questions and
to provoke argument. Some good contacts
were made, however, in house to house visita-
tion.
We toured next at Banio. One of our
evangelists lives near by and has been
working there for a few years. We had a
couple very good meetings, then their big
festival Sarhul came on, with its all-day
and all-night singing, drumming, dancing,
and drinking.
In May we lifted our eyes unto the hills.
We went to Darjeeling where Paul had most
of his schooling. The school faculty has com-
pletely changed, but many of the old school
servants are still working. Their memories
are good. On meeting us, they would mo-
tion with their hands first low down, then
high, and say, "Oh1 Paul Baba! Was this
little, and now he's grown and married! How-
many children? Sahib and Memsahib (Paul's
parents) are well?" Our stay in Darjeeling
was physically strengthening and spiritually
refreshing. We enjoyed matchless scenery,
fine fellowship with missionaries, good meet-
ings and a good view of Mt. Everest. We
were there when Everest was No. 1 world
news, and even saw Tenzing's wite when she
first heard the news of the successful climb.
We returned to the plains in June. The
monsoon had come and everything was
turning green again. From )uly to Sep-
tember we took part in the workers' training
school. We were all wonderfully blessed in
the last week's meetings when Stud Prakash
brought lu-.in searching messages. Bro. Pra-
kash really loves the Lord and has a running
over JOY that is contagious. Most of those
present in the meetings confessed sin and
claimed victory.
On September *0, ll)53, we started camping
at Ronhe. The rains weren't quite over, but
April 27, 1954
the few rains we had while there did not
hurt us. Meetings were very well attended
and a real interest shown. We must continue
to work there. The chief hindrance seemed
to be that the people were afraid to stop
serving evil spirits. Surely, they think, if
we stop offering to the spirits they will visit
sickness, death, and crop failure among us.
In October we went to Madhya Pradesh
to serve on a Youth Conference program. We
were challenged and thrilled to see such a
large group of Mennonite youth take part so
wholeheartedly in the program. While there
a physical examination showed that Esther
needed a little surgery. About a week after
this we returned to Bihar. Then, the day be-
fore we were going out touring again, we
got a telegram advising us to return to M.P.
for further surgery. The Lord was very
near through all this, and we praise Him that
the need for surgery was discovered and taken
care of.
Several days after our return to Bihar in
December, we went to Itke. Several there
were Christians some years ago, but when
they were left without a shepherd, they turn-
ed back. Interest was good, but attendance
was poor because it was the wedding season.
All weddings are conducted during two con-
secutive waxing moons of the year. Every-
one of the village is invited to most wed-
dings, and each wedding lasts several days.
At Itke we are especially burdened for
Somara. He was once a Christian, and he
knows that he should be serving Christ in-
stead of the devil now. He is under convic-
tion but is not quite ready to pay the
price. He is a sort of natural leader, and
if he would come, others would likely follow.
The year closed with a round of Christ-
mases— a celebration at each station and at
each village where there is an evangelist.
We believe that the seed sown in the vil-
lages where we toured, in the villages visit-
ed from time to time between tours, in the
night schools the evangelists conduct, and
in the melas will someday bear fruit. Let
us pray and work to that end.
Bathet, Balumath P.O., Bihar, India.
Forward in His Strength
By Allen and Elsie Shirk
As we turn our thoughts to the events ot
the past year we are reminded that only
that which was done for Christ will endure.
We rejoice in having seen the Word being
preached and heard, sold and read, heeded
and accepted, or striking roots of evil in the
heart and being opposed. Together with
bazaar preaching, women's meetings, con-
gregational and workers' prayer meetings,
working with our evangelists, and the regular
administrative duties the following are a
few of the events of the year 1953.
Jan. 5. The Yogts and we spent a few days
visiting the Surguja work of the English Dis-
ciples where there is now a Christian com-
munity of over 200 newly baptized believers.
During the past year this is reported to be the
place of worst persecutions of Christians in all
April 27, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
399
of India. The blood of the martyrs is still the
seed of the church. Satan went down in de-
feat as many souls came through vic-
toriously.
Jan. 28. On our first tour experience we
rejoiced to see so many interested and yet
grieved to see the forces of Satan working
through landlords and big men to keep
the needy from hearing the Gospel. A
wedding ceremony in the village culminated
this tour in Patratu.
Feb. 10. The annual mela (county fair)
began in Latehar and we went daily to preach
and sell the Word to the people. From
the very beginning Satan had his forces pre-
pared, threatening us with harm, and trying
to destroy our equipment and literature. We
praise the Lord that our workers and Chris-
tians who went along to sing and testify
were willing to suffer abuse for Him who
died for them.
March 5. Today we moved an evangelist
to the area around Obar where there seems
to be interest, to shepherd a neglected flock
of Christians in the vicinity. There are a
number here who will eventually become
Christians and we hope that a church can
sometime be established here.
March 19. Alvin Hostetler was here to see
me off as I climbed a mountain for a
short tour among a neglected Christian com-
munity and non-Christians who are hunger-
ing for the Word. This was deep in the
jungle where wild elephants come and de-
stroy crops.
March 25. I accompanied Elsie and Sylvia
Ann to the hills to clear out some suspects
who were involved in the case of the murder
of the two missionary women in Dehra Dun.
After a week I returned to Latehar in time
for the Easter activities.
April. Bro. Milton Vogt and I went on a
tour of investigation southwest of Latehar
in the interest of opening a new station.
This is quite a jungle area. Here we saw
a herd of wild bison. We found people living
in sparsely settled villages. They listened very
well to the Gospel and we hope to contact
them in the future. This was also the
month of the spring communion services at
Latehar and Nareshgarh. We rejoiced for the
baptism of two new converts at the latter
place.
May-June. This was the hot season which
is nearly unbearable on the plains, and so
I retired to the hills to join the rest of the
family. We enjoyed entering into the activ-
ities of the hills and appreciated very
much the knowledge gained in the annual
conferences. The physical rejuvenating was
also greatly rewarding.
July-September. This was a blessed time
of fellowship in the study of His Word with
our workers. How we rejoice to see them
learn and grow, even though they often think
that we make Christianity too hard. In
my class in nonresistance they seemed to think
that we were setting the Christian stand-
ard too high, even though they saw it to be
right according to the Word. We did re-
joice to see many of them willing to seek
to attain it. In my class on Parables and
Miracles I attempted to develop in them an
ability to study the Word by teaching them
the direct method of Bible study. At the
end many expressed appreciation of this
simple method. Before their study had been
very haphazard. Elsie taught a children's
Bible school these weeks.
Our last week of fellowship together will
be one to long remember. It was a time of
searching as God used an evangelist to
point us all, workers and missionaries, to
the utmost in Christian living. Hearts
were cleansed, convictions deepened, and
lives dedicated.
Autumn. We gradually got our workers
back into their fields of service as the rains
came to a close arid travel was possible.
This being the busy season of the year in
the harvest we made a trip to the Brethren
in Christ mission in North Bihar and a side
trip to Darjeeling and Kalimpong, visiting
missionaries along the way. During this time
the evangelists did more of the personal
type of work and sought out areas for the
coming touring season where people wanted
to hear the Gospel. Then came the regular
"Let them fus] thank the Lord for His
steadfast love, for His wonderful works to
the sons of men: and let them fus] offer
sacrifices of thanksgiving and tell of His
deeds in songs of joy ....
"He turns deserts into pools of water, parch-
ed land into springs of water ....
"Praise His name."
These were our feelings after the close
of the refreshing Bible school of two months
during the rains. Especially when we saw
our men workers who had been using
tobacco for years now get victory over this
habit and get a new refreshing from the
Lord.
One leader said, "When 1 was tempted
again I got such a burden that I doubted
if I was born again; so I just gave myself
to Bible study as hard as I could and what
joy when I discovered that this intensive
reading of God's Word made it my own;
I had memorized much Scripture without
expecting it." And he amazed us by repeat-
ing long passages of Scripture for us.
Another teacher said, "I thank God that
He has shown me what to do when I am
tempted: just pray." So we bless the Lord
for His reviving us in the midst of the
years.
We spent some time touring among places
where there were a few Christian families
living so as to encourage them and help
them in their witness to their neighbors
who are yet in darkness. We toured at
Nagar and were happy to see the conversion
of one man, Sukhu, there this year. He
has been dealt with for years. His brother-
in-law was also a seeker. However, there
had been much opposition from older rela-
tives; but Sukhu came alone. There seem
to be signs of this opposition melting away.
We are praying that Sukhu will be able to
communion, Thansgiving, and Christmas
events. We rejoiced to have the two new
Christians to commune with us at Naresh-
garh.
Dec. 14. The call had come from some
to hear the Gospel at Bakoria, 20 miles
west of Latehar. But after several days'
preaching there on tour they began to fear
the Hindu leaders, shopkeepers, and others
and did not want to hear any more. Satan
goes on fighting the spread of the Gospel.
In the day by day activities it seems as
though we are getting so little accomplish-
ed for the Lord. But when we look into the
shining faces of those who were in heathen
darkness only a few years before, we ask
God to forgive our lack of faith and com-
mit all to Him, knowing that He is all pow-
erful and in the end will be all victorious.
Praise His name for the growth in individ-
uals, especially among our workers, which
will mean much in the establishing of an
indigenous church.
Latehar, Palamau District, Bihar, India.
bring his wife, his children, and many other
of his neighbors and relatives. He seems
happy and has shown a forgiving spirit. One
day his relatives tried to fight with him be-
cause his child had broken their waterpot,
but Sukhu would not fight. We are sorry
that one of the members at Nagar is not
having victory. We have prayer for him
and believe that God will break his heart
of stone and make it a heart of obedience
to Him.
At Hisri we also found interest, but
none of the non-Christians were yet ready
to accept the Lord. Two young boys of
A Christian family in Bihar, India. Bhondu
Babu married his wife 12 years ago when he
was 40 and she was 12.
MISSIONS SECTION
Spiritual Refreshing at Chandwa
By Milton and Esther Vogt
400
Christian parents were instructed and bap-
tized. We were so happy with the spirit of
co-operation and industry that was manifest-
ed here. When one widow did not get her
fields planted, the church group decided to
do that field for the Lord and use the re-
turns for the Christmas dinner expense.
We thank God for this and pray that they will
see the next step of working this way to
bless someone else of God's children and not
just benefit from such efforts among them-
selves.
We were also happy to see Patrus, his
wife, and son Thomas leave the Roman
Catholic Church and become new creatures
in Christ. Some time later we were privileged
to fellowship with them in the marriage cere-
mony of Thomas. Another bright, promising
girl was baptized and happy in Christ, but
she has left us by marrying into a Lutheran
home. We rejoice that she now knows her
Lord and is establishing a Christian home.
There is a village a walk of about 20 min-
utes from here. It is hidden in the jungle
and we hardly knew it was there. We found
the village after getting lost on the way. The
first woman we saw working out in the
field watched our approach with much fear.
The Bible woman explained to me that
her fear was because she thought we were
someone in authority who was coming to de-
mand our portion of the crop just harvested.
We soon came to a group of women. The
children clung to their mothers and the
mothers looked suspicious of us, but they gave
unusual attention.
Some days later our family went for a
walk to a stream at the edge of this vil-
lage. We were innocent of the fear our
presence caused there. They told us later that
the boys and girls and even the young men
and women ran for their homes when they
saw us coming. It reminded us of people flee-
ing from the wrath to come. Oh, that they
would do that rather than flee from our
presence! We hope to live down this fear
and help them to get to know our dear
Lord and Saviour.
The last time we were here one of the
women opened up her heart and told us
her trouble, her son had been killed when
a truck of bamboo had turned over on him
and to hide the accident those in charge burn-
ed his body at once. They were found out,
but after two years no justice had been given
his wife or mother. We tried to tell her of
the One who knows all about it and who
gives justice.
While we were touring at Kodarma the
Lord gave me a precious experience. We had
met the Tailor family ten or twelve years
before; so she sent word that I should come
and see her. Our time was very short there,
but on the morning wc were breaking up
camp, after I had done my part of the work,
F.lva and I left Milton to finish, and walked
to their home. She came out with two chil-
dren at her skirts and one in her arms. She
was overjoyed to see us; she is practically
alone in this world with her children. Her
husband comes home from his work in the
MISSIONS SECTION
GOSPEL HERALD
mine once in eight or ten days. The roof on
one part of the big rambling house was fall-
ing down. There were mud puddles and
dirt at the entrance. Her dress had a big
tear down the back. She excused herself of
the Indian custom of offering every guest
a cup of tea — the milk had not arrived yet; so
she could not offer us tea.
We understood and could also see how
much she appreciated just visiting with a
former acquaintance after many years. I
knew that they were Church of England
people and supposed that all of their spirit-
ual needs were cared for by their own lead-
ers, but when we were about ready to go
I asked her if she would object to my reading
the Bible and praying with her. "Oh, please
do," she said as she brought out her Bible.
I read parts of Ephesians 2 and saw how she
hung onto every word and its explanation.
Then I prayed and when we finished I notic-
ed that she and her oldest daughter were
in tears. She picked up her skirt and
wiped her face and after we sang a song she
explained, "It is just so long since anyone
has prayed with me. I do try to teach my
children. I teach them to pray every night,
but this has been so good. You know we
haven't even had our youngest baptized
yet. [He was about two years old.] Could
your husband do it?"
I told her that we do not believe in bap-
tizing infants because they can show no
faith, but just as soon as the child is old
enough to understand and believe on Jesus,
then he can be taken into the church by
water baptism to show that he now has
Jesus living in his heart. As they walked
along with us to give us an Eastern fare-
well, we could feel the gratitude in this heart-
hungry mother.
May God make our going out and coming
in a blessing to others that they, too, may
know how precious He is.
Chandwa, Palamau District, Bihar, India.
April 2j, 1954
your financial contribution, your interest, and
prayer support. We invite you to send your
contribution to Philhaven Hospital, Leba-
non, R.D. 5, Pa., and encourage your personal
visit.
A Need at Philhaven
Philhaven is a hospital for mental and
nervous diseases, located near Lebanon, Pa.,
and developed by the Lancaster Mennonite
Conference and other interested groups.
Because this type of institution has met
an urgent community need, this hospital
has been operating continuously to capacity,
and has established for itself an excellent
reputation in its field and in the community.
At the close of the second year of operation,
the work has grown beyond our anticipation.
A much enlarged staff is required to carry
out the program in a manner consistent with
the standards set for Philhaven. We now
find ourselves without housing facilities for
our staff. The temporary housing provided
by rented quarters is unsatisfactory and
not dependable. This has compelled us to
undertake the building of a staff dormitory.
We feel sure the friends of our hospital will
want to know of its growth, its work, its
problems, and needs. We earncsdy appeal to
all interested persons tor a continuation of
"La Hora del Calvario" Transfers
to the Radio Evangelism
Committee
By Lester T. Hershey
The subcommittee on Spanish broadcasts
set up by the Radio Evangelism Committee
of the Mennonite Board of Missions and
Charities held its first meeting at the Elkhart
headquarters on April 20. This subcommit-
tee's sphere of work is to publicize and pro-
mote the interests of the Spanish broadcasts
throughout the U.S.A. and Latin America.
The Spanish broadcast which has been di-
rected by Bro. Lester T. Hershey from Puerto
Rico since 1947 is known as "La Hora del
Calvario," and has been underwritten since
1950 by "The Calvary Hour," Orrville, Ohio,
founded and directed by Bro. William G.
Detweiler.
God works in mysterious ways His won-
ders to perform. When the director of "La
Hora del Calvario" wrote Bro. Detweiler
some years ago informing him of the pos-
sibility of enlarging the Spanish broadcasts
covering countries outside of the island of
Puerto Rico, there was an immediate response
from "The Calvary Hour" to underwrite
special expenses involved. This came as a
surprise, and yet we had every reason to
know that the work which the Lord had
begun was to continue. The letter which
was then written had not been one of
solicitation, but of a friendly nature, as
one broadcaster to another.
The Lord did expand our work during
those years, and little by little Bro. Det-
weiler was ready to underwrite more ex-
penses. When the great day came that we
were certain that the Lord had opened
the station Radio Internationale, Tangiers,
for us to broadcast into Spain, we knew we
could depend upon "The Calvary Hour" to
carry us through, for the Lord had put it
into the minds of several supporters to supply
the needs for a Spanish broadcast over HCJB.
Quito, Ecuador. Correspondence with these
brethren showed that they were ready to
make the switch to support the broadcast over
Radio Internationale, and Spain began to
hear the Gospel over the radio for the first
time in years. Today there are three Gos-
pel broadcasts going into Spain.
We have appreciated everything that "The
Calvary Hour" has done for our Spanish
broadcast. When the Radio Evangelism Com-
mittee invited us to join them in their radio
ministry we were reluctant to give up our
close relationship with "The Calvary Hour."
We prayed about it, and finally came to the
conclusion that, for the furtherance of the
Spanish broadcast and its enlargement, the
change would be necessary. As a missionary
appointed under the General Mission Board
for missionary work in Puerto Rico, which
April 27, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
401
connection we do not desire to break, we felt
this was the time to accept the change.
We want to express to "The Calvary Hour"
supporters and to its director, Bro. William
G. Detweiler, our sincerest thanks and ap-
preciation for the support given "La Hora
del Calvario" in the past four years. We
know that the Lord has abundantly blessed
you in your giving, for you did not give
to "The Calvary Hour," nor to "La Hora
del Calvario," but unto the Lord first, and
secondly that the Gospel might reach those
ignoring it or ignorant of it. We pray
your united support and continual prayers
for all the broadcasts carried on by our
church and by individual Mennonite minis-
ters. Be prayer warriors and financial sup-
porters of this part of our Lord's ministry
in evangelizing the world.
New York City, N.Y.
I-W
ORK
ORSHIP
ITNESS
A Draft Age Census to Strengthen Our
Peace Testimony
The Mennonite Relief and Service Com-
mittee has been charged with the responsi-
bility of nonpastoral services to Mennonite
I-W men. In order to carry out this respon-
sibility efficiently, MRSC is interested in
keeping in contact with the young men for
some time before they register until they
complete their term of service.
The Peace Problems Committee of General
Conference is co-ordinating the pastoral serv-
ices to I-W men. Both of these organizations
need information as to classification, location,
termination of service, and changes of loca-
tion throughout the two years that a young
man is in I-W service.
The matter of orientation for service has
been a concern for some time. More informa-
tion about the young men who are to enter
service is necessary in order to set up an
effective program of orientation.
In order to obtain this needed information,
the Mennonite Research Foundation has been
asked to conduct a census of all men between
the ages of 17 and 26 as of January, 1954.
This census is now being carried on with the
co-operation of district conference officials,
pastors, parents, and friends of I-W men.
The Foundation has sent out census forms to
each Mennonite congregation. These forms
will be completed and returned to the Foun-
dation at Goshen, Ind.
With this new system we will be able to
provide each man with materials which will
help him to adjust to his I-W service. We
will be able to give each young man informa-
tion regarding the choices which will face
him in registering as a conscientious objector,
types of work available, and some under-
standing of the problems which need to be
faced in the areas of leisure-time activity and
group fellowship. This will also mean that
each year MRSC will need information on
young men as they enter the 17-year age
group.
The Research Foundation will analyze the
information from these forms which will
show us just where we stand on the matter
of nonresistance in practice. This analysis
will be a gauge for our progress or lack of
it in the whole field of peace teaching.
The information in this questionnaire is
extremely fundamental. It is valuable to all
of us for the information it brings about our-
selves as a church. It will be useful for the
Peace Problems Committee in working with
the various conferences in co-ordinating I-W
pastoral services. It will be helpful to MRSC
is assisting I-O men with pertinent informa-
tion and in serving the men while they are in
I-W service.
We trust that pastors, parents, I-O and
I-W men will take this census seriously in
order to insure complete information. Any
concerns about this census should be ad-
dressed to the Mennonite Research Founda-
tion, Goshen, Ind. We trust that the Lord
will bless as we attempt to better our Chris-
tian life and witness. — Boyd Nelson.
Office for Relief and Service
Elkhart, Indiana
The
Mennonite
Hour
Mennonite Hour Heard in Africa and
England
Word was received recently from our
missionaries in Ethiopia that they were able
to hear the broadcast from Radio Ceylon
(Short-wave station on the Island of Ceylon,
south of India). Reception was "excellent"
according to this report. "All of us on this
compound here at Nazareth just stood around
the radio and drank in the message given by
Bro. Charles." The distance from Radio Cey-
lon to Ethiopia is about 3000 miles.
Radio Ceylon reaches into England, ac-
cording to a recent letter from an English
listener. Distance between Ceylon and Eng-
land measures about 7000 miles. One fourth
of the world's population is within good lis-
tening range of Radio Ceylon. Even though
many of these people do not own a radio set
or speak English, yet there remains a tre-
mendous opportunity to reach those who are
acquainted with the English language.
Some time ago Dr. Frank Kline of India re-
ported "Millions are listening to Radio Ceylon
for the purpose of studying democracy and
also Christianity." It must be kept in mind
that those who understand the English lan-
guage represent an educated group, and
therefore if more of this group embrace Chris-
tianity, they are in a position to influence
many others who do not know the English
language. "Faith cometh by hearing, and
hearing by the Word of God."
KXIC Iowa City Time Change
Beginning May 2 The Mennonite Hour
will be heard from 12:30 to 1:00 p.m. each
(Continued on page 404)
Missions Editorial
Can We Eliminate Labor-
Management Problems?
One of the speakers at the City Mission
Workers' Round Table held in Detroit, Mich.,
March 24-27, quoted an authority on labor
unions as saying, "If everyone would apply
Mennonite principles, labor unions would
be unnecessary." What he meant was that
a careful practice of Biblical principles by
both management and labor would remove
the need for organizing labor unions.
No one will deny that labor unions have
made possible the elimination of many unfair
labor practices in this country and in Eng-.
land. Child labor laws, equitable working
hours, and wages adequate to meet the
standard of living along with many other
legitimate benefits have resulted from the
concerted efforts of organized labor.
But why should labor have to organize
to obtain these benefits? Why in a Chris-
tian America should management take ad-
vantage of labor except when deterred by
coercion? Why should an employer not
share profits with his employees because
that is the Christian thing to do? Some
employers do that.
On the other hand, the present trend in
labor unions is toward becoming big busi-
ness. The annual income of the large unions
puts them in the same category with big
business. They employ many persons just to
look after the interests of labor. Some of
the labor headquarters are as plush as any
big industrial offices. The men who sit
behind the desks of labor unions become em-
ployers and wield the power of the union
with the same abandon that characterized
industrialists in the past.
Why should labor unions and their lead-
ers fall into the same abuses which have
sometimes characterized management and
industry? Because they are human beings.
The unregenerate man does good when it is
to his advantage to do so. He is not
motivated by the love of God because he is
not subject to God.
The Christian, on the other hand, is the
child of God. When he lives true to his
character he will treat his neighbor as he
would want to be treated and love his brother
as himself whether he is his employer or his
hired help. For that reason, the practice of
Biblical principles obviates the need for
labor unions.
An increasing number of men in the Men-
nonite Church are establishing industrial
(Continued on page 404)
MISSIONS SECTION
102
Relief and Service News
MRSC Weekly Notes
Voluntary Service
There is yet opportunity for you to join
a summer service unit. Volunteers are ur-
gently needed in the city and rural missions.
Especially are there needs at Culp, Ark.;
Akers, La.; Mt. Union, Pa.; Chicago, 111.;
and Youngstown, Ohio. Our mission workers
in these places need your help. The Lord
needs you.
Several more volunteers are also needed
to complete the units to serve in the Ritt-
man, Ohio, and Eureka, 111., Homes for the
Aged. These service opportunities are ex-
cellent ways of denying self and taking up
the cross — a requirement for the disciple
of Christ. Pray with us that His work will
not suffer this summer for lack of young
people and older ones who can serve. Will
the Lord's work be hindered because you
did not pray, because you did not volunteer?
If you would like more information or an
application form write to Mark Lehman,
Summer Service Director, 1711 Prairie St.,
Elkhart, Ind.
Upon the completion of the April 7-20
orientation school, seven more Voluntary
Service workers will have begun their terms
of service. James Bechtel, Nappanee, Ind.,
is working in the building program of the
unit in Mathis, Texas. Dorothy Beachy,
Salisbury, Pa., is serving in the mission
program at Saginaw, Mich., filling an im-
portant place as an assistant in the mission
home, Sunday school teaching, visitation,
and all the other activities of a city mission.
Dorothy Jean Kauffman, Volant, Pa., is serv-
ing in the Children's Home, West Liberty,
Ohio. The unit at Froh Bros. Homestead,
Sturgis, Mich., has welcomed Mose and
Barbara Miller, Kalona, Iowa, into their work
and activities. Mose has transferred from an
earning position to VS for the completion of
his I-W service. Herbert Zook, St. Johns,
Mich., is joining the unit of six which is
serving in various capacities at Hesston Col-
lege, Hesston, Kans. Shirley Miller, Elkhart,
Ind., is serving in Indianapolis, Ind., as a
housekeeper in the I-W center.
Information concerning this year's orienta-
tion and class for nurse aides at the Men-
nonite Hospital, La Junta, Colo., has been
mailed to all pastors and ministers. The
orientation period begins on May 26. There
are yet several openings for girls to join
this class. Nurse aides with this year of
service have the satisfaction of having con-
tributed to the care of the sick. In addition,
they have an excellent training which stands
(hem in good stead in further hospital work
or in homemaking for a family.
There are also openings for nurse aides
in Kansas City., Kans., and Iowa City, Iowa.
Anyone interested in any of these nurse
MISSIONS SECTION
GOSPEL HERALD
aide opportunities should contact D. J. Mish-
ler, Mennonite Board of Missions and Char-
ities, 1711 Prairie St., Elkhart, Ind.
I-W Services
A group of the I-W men in Indianapolis,
Ind., were challenged by a message from Rev.
Roy Mueller of that city in which he pre-
sented maps and spoke on the spiritual needs
of Indianapolis, emphasizing different types
of needs both in the heart of the city and
in rapidly developing outlying areas.
A witness through Easter sunrise caroling
was given by a group of the I-W men in In-
dianapolis, Ind.
Each I-W Area Field Representative is re-
ceiving a small library of books to serve
I-W men. These are books pertinent to the
I-W situation and will provide a valuable
leisure-time activity and also help the men
in developing fully their work, worship, and
witness. A small library is being maintained
at MRSC headquarters in Elkhart, Ind., and
books will be loaned to I-W men upon re-
quest. .
Bro. Ivan Birkey, Fisher, 111., was with the
I-W group at Elgin, 111., for services on
April 13, and Bro. Robert Harnish, E.
Peoria, 111., on April 20.
Financial
The total Relief and Service Committee
program includes support for MCC relief,
refugee aid, I-W services, voluntary service,
and PAX; and there are also the two expand-
ing programs of I-W services and voluntary
service for the Mennonite church. The sup-
port for these programs comes through the
monthly congregational relief and service
offering. Your continued support of this
offering and your individual contributions
and prayer support are highly appreciated.
May the Lord continue to bless in this phase
of His work.
Released April 16, 1954
Office for Relief and Service
Elkhart, Indiana
MCC Weekly Notes
Mennonites in Mexico in Urgent
Need of Help
Mennonites in Mexico continue to be in
urgent need of physical and economic assist-
ance. Had it not been for the limited crop
in 1953, the situation in certain commu-
nities would now be critical. Many of these
people are finding it extremely difficult to
live— much less recover from the effects of
three previous crop failures.
Many persons have reached the end of
the financial road. Supplies of food and
money have been depleted and so they must
depend on outside help for existence. MCC
worker Harold W. Voth of Newton, Kans.,
reported that the number of food requests
had increased from 33 in December to 73
in February. This group of very poor peo-
ple is unable to improve its economic status.
During the years of drought and crop failure
these people have lost their horses and
April 27, 1954
machinery and now do not have seed and
tractor fuel to plant crops.
The majority of Mennonites around Cuauh-
temoc, however, did raise sufficient crops
to tide them over until this year's anticipated
crop. There were farmers who produced
only fodder, but little or no grain that
could be used for seed. While this fodder
is a great help in supporting livestock,
many of these people have lost their live-
stock in previous years and so have little
opportunity to realize a profit. Many farmers
who did get a grain crop were forced to sell
all they harvested to pay debts that were
overdue and now need seed for this year's
planting.
During the past year MCC workers have
been distributing food and making seed, trac-
tor fuel, and rehabilitation loans. Because of
their dire circumstances many of the recipi-
ents have not been able to repay these loans
and will be needing similar loans this year. A
railroad car containing 60,000 pounds of
white flour sent to Mexico early this year
has been a tremendous help to Mennonites
and Mexicans without sufficient food.
MCC workers report they do not have
sufficient material aid and loans available
to alleviate all the neediest cases. They re-
port it necessary to turn away some who
come for aid because they are unable to as-
sist them.
Mennonites and Mexicans in the Cuauh-
temoc area are also suffering from lack of
medical care and treatment. Death has re-
sulted in a number of cases from complica-
tions which set in from lack of medical as-
sistance. To alleviate this need, MCC has
made arrangements to help put the regional
hospital in Cuauhtemoc back into full-scale
operation.
MCC is planning to send three nurses to
serve in this hospital. They are Orpha
Leatherman, Danboro, Pa., who from 1947
until 1950 served in the Mennonite Hospital,
La Plata, Puerto Rico, and who has been
head nurse in the Quakertown, Pa., Hospital;
Esther Swartzendruber, Goshen, Ind., who
for the past five years has been a nurse to
a practicing physician in Eureka, 111.; and
Elizabeth Goertz, Newton, Kans., a former
missionary in China and now employed at
Brook Lane Farm, Hagerstown, Md. David
Karber, Blaine, Wash., MCC Mexico director,
has been appointed as a member of the hos-
pital board.
An obstacle in the operation of the MCC
program in Mexico is the difficulty of se-
curing long-term visas. The beginning of
the services of the three nurses is dependent
upon what type of arrangements can be
made for their living in Mexico for an ex-
tended period of time.
Mennonites in the United States and Can-
ada desiring to assist their brethren in Mexico
may send contributions to their conference
headquarters or to the Mennonite Central
Committee, Akron, Pa.
1954 Mental Health Week, May 2-8
Mennonites should be particularly aware
ot the sixth annual observance of Mental
1 lealth Week from May 2-8 this year. Key-
note for the week is "Healthy Bodies Need
April 2j, 1934
GOSPEL HERALD
403
Healthy Minds," a slogan emphasizing that
total health has its mental as well as its
physical components. The Mennonite Cen-
tral Committee Mental Health Section urges
that we all become aware of the opportunities
for participating in local community events
during this special week.
This nation-wide event is jointly spon-
sored by the National Association for Mental
Health and the National Institute for Mental
Health, a federal health service. Mental
Health Week has been taken up by schools,
churches, industrial organizations, labor un-
ions, government agencies, hospitals, clinics,
health and welfare agencies and organiza-
tions all over the country. These civic and
service groups use it as an occasion for
bringing up-to-date information to dispel
the feeling of dread and mystery still cling-
ing to the subject of mental illness.
Mennonite mental hospital administrators
in Newton, Kans., and Reedley, Calif., have
been instrumental in forming local societies
to sponsor mental health educational activi-
ties in their own areas. We all should rally
behind the local organizations sponsoring
these activities. The Mennonites have dem-
onstrated a tremendous potential for provid-
ing hospital services and they should not
overlook the opportunity to become in-
formed and helpful in their own commu-
nities even where these special facilities do
not exist.
We are particularly encouraged to be re-
ceptive to new ideas during this period of un-
usual availability of information. Radio pro-
grams and newspapers will keep you inform-
ed. Special programs, discussion groups and
organizational campaigns will receive new
emphasis. Readers of this article are asked
to report to the Mennonite Central Com-
mittee, Mental Health Section, Akron, Pa.,
any special observances in which they partici-
pate or any definite reactions they have to
these activities in their home communities.
The fight against mental illness is everybody's
fight and each of us has a part in the task.
Released April 16, 1954
MCC Information Service
Akron, Pa.
From Our Churches
BIRD IN HAND, PENNSYLVANIA
(Monterey Mennonite Church)
The Monterey Church, in a series of Sunday
evening programs during March and April, has
been considering the outreach of the Mennonite
Church in missions, radio evangelism, relief,
and mental health.
On April 4 three staff members from Brook
Lane Farm, MCC mental hospital near Hagers-
town, Md., presented information on the out-
reach of the Mennonite Church in menial hos-
pital work. J. D. Goering, the administrator,
and Mr. and Mrs. Erwin H. Mellinger spoke.
A panel of Monterey church members will
Consider the outreach of the local congregation
on April 25. This program will conclude the
series.
The outreach in missions was presented by
Orie O. Miller. Akron, Pa. B. Charles Hostel -
ter, pastor of "The Mennonite Hour," Harrison-
burg, Va., spoke on radio evangelism, and J. N.
Byler, director of MCC relief. Akron, Pa., spoke
on relief.
HARPER. KANSAS
(Pleasant Valley Congregation)
To the readers of the Gospel Hebald:
Greetings in the name of Jesus our blessed
Redeemer. On Jan. 17 Bro. Milo Kauffman,
Hesston, Kans., gave his lectures on Steward-
ship.
Sam and Alice Schmidt celebrated their fifti-
eth wedding anniversary on Jan. 28. Their
sons and daughters were all present for this oc-
casion. In the evening the congregation gave
an informal program and served refreshments
in the church basement. We wish them God's
blessing and many more happy years of wedded
life together.
The Varsity Chorale from Hesston, under the
direction of Paul M. Yoder, gave a program of
sacred music the evening of Feb. 26. This pro-
gram was greatly enjoyed by all.
On Feb. 28 Bro. Luke Birky showed slides
and presented the need for a new hospital in
Puerto Rico.
The YPCA from Hesston College rendered a
very interesting program on March 21 on their
work among the colored folks in Wichita. Let
us remember to pray for this work.
Quite a number of men from our congregation
attended the annual Christian businessmen's din-
ner held at Hesston College.
For our midweek meetings we are studying
the book, "Youth and Nonresistance."
Pray for us, and come to worship with us
when possible.
Mary Kuhns.
PALMYRA, MISSOURI
(Pea Ridge Congregation)
Dear Herald Readers :
Greetings in Jesus' name : "God is our refuge
and strength, a very present help in trouble."
Surely we can claim this promise and it grows
more real to us clay by day.
Our hearts were saddened by the death of
Lawrence Dale, little son of Oliver and Ruby
Hathaway, following surgery for bnain tumor.
He was a lovable child and we miss him much.
Bro. and Sister C. F. Greaser and Bro. and
Sister Walter Fenton, Hesston, Kans.. and Bro.
and Sister Oney Hathaway and children from
Birch Tree attended the funeral.
Our fall revivals were held Nov. 11-22 with
Bro. I. Mark Ross, Hesston, Kans., in charge.
One young boy gave his heart to the Lord. Pray
for him as he grows in years that he also may
grow in his Christian life. Sister Ross was also
here and we appreciated her presence with us.
While distributing "The Way," we contacted
the old people's home in Monroe City. They
invited us to come for services and so we are
having services there the first Sunday of each
month. Pray for us that we may be faithful in
this work and that much good may be accom-
plished.
The brethren David and Oliver Hathaway
attended the ministers' meetings at Hesston,
Kans., and Sister Ruby and Lawrence Dale
visited at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs.
C. F. Greaser.
The ministers' workshop was held in Hanni-
bal, Mo., March 2-5. During this time Bro.
Howard Charles and Bro. Gerald Studer gave
mesages to our congregation which we appre-
ciated very much.
On March 14, our pastor, David Hathaway,
conducted baptismal services for David Wayne
Hathaway. Our bishop, Daniel Kauffman,
Cherry Box, Mo., preached the sermon. Sister
Kauffman and children accompanied Bro. Kauff-
man.
On March 15 we met in the home of Oliver
Hathaway. Luke Birky, on furlough from
Puerto Rico, showed pictures and told of the
work there.
On April 4, Bro. and Sister Ira Buekwalter
and daughter Martha, and baby, worshiped with
us. Bro. Buekwalter through t the morning mes-
sage.
A number from here attended the quarterly
Sunday-school meeting in Hannibal on March
28.
Pray for the work at this place.
Nellie Hathaway.
WHITE CLOUD, MICHIGAN
(White Cloud Congregation)
Christian greetings in the name of our risen
Lord and Saviour.
Oh, that we could say with Paul, "According
to my earnest expectation and my hope, . . .
with all boldness, . . . Christ shall be magnified
. . . , whether it be by life, or by death."
The last Sunday in January, six young peo-
ple from M.M.B.S. at Fairview, Mich., gave a
program here.
Our sisters' sewing circle has been coming to-
gether twice a month this winter making com-
forters and doing sewing for relief. The last
Wednesday in February they sorted and shipped
211 pounds of used clothing.
On Missionary Day, Bro. Orvin Hooley, Burr
Oaks, Mich., gave us two inspiring Gospel mes-
sages.
On the evening of April 1, Bro. James Martin,
recently from Costa Rica, spoke of their work,
showed slides, and gave us an inspiring message.
Bro. Tobe Schrock is scheduled to be here on
Saturday. April 17, and Easter Sunday to give
talks on the theme, "It is expedient . . . that
one . . . should die."
The four churches in this district held Good
Friday meetings at the Brethren Mennonite
Church.
On New Year we held our annual business
meeting. A tie resulted from the vote for Church
Paper Correspondent ; hence you'll see two
names.
Ray and Artie Bontrager.
TO BE NEAR TO GOD (Continued)
Saturday, May 8
Read Luke 12:35-38 — Enterprise in Hope
Which child is most happy to see Mother
come home from town — the one who has
completed the given tasks or the one who
has broken the favorite vase? Today's serv-
ants were awaiting the master's return. There
are no slandering remarks made here con-
cerning the boss's running off to the wedding
and letting them do the cleaning up. As they
wait, they are in imagination enjoying the
feast and the congenial company with him.
And when his horse stamps before the gate,
they fly as one man to the door to welcome.
The pure heart has no fear of judgment.
He knows nought but the joy of hope.
Lord, give the joyous eyes of Hope.
— Carl Beck.
REVIVALS AGAIN (Continued)
ly pearls: who, when he had found one
pearl ol great price, went ami sold all
that he had, and bought it."
In the first of these parables I see many
of us who have entered into this revival
rather nonchalantly. We have been
saved; we have peace with God. The re-
vival isn't lor us, but we believe in it and
are ready to co-operate because we know
that there are those who needa revival.
We also know that there are always those
that are definitely blessed through each
revival service. So surely we would not
be against having revivals. We co-operate.
But don't you know, as we go from
service to service, the Lord breaks
through to us, too, and we find a hidden
treasure in the field! Having found, we
make that treasure our own. There will
be a goodly number of us again during
these winter revivals that will unexpect-
edly come upon treasure in the field of
revival experience.
Then again, there are those of us who
are going to experience the blessing
404
GOSPEL HERALD
April 27, 1954
which is portrayed in the second of these
parables, the parable of the pearl of great
price. We have enjoyed the Christian
life; it has had in it many small pearls.
It has been a real joy to us to experience
the beauty of these pearls in our posses-
sion. But our souls have been restless,
always restless. We are dealers in real
Christian experience. We are alert and
always on the search for those deeper
moments and more meaningful experi-
ences that come with Christian growth.
So to us this revival will be a part of the
larger program of Christian growth. We
are searching for a goodly pearl. And
you may be sure that as we search, God
will reward our quest. That is His
promise.
So let us all join hands in the circle of
prayer and beseech God for the unfold-
ing of the blessings of His Spirit-visita-
tion these days. There is, however, one
thing to note and remember. In all three
of these parables there is a note of com-
plete and unreserved commitment of
one's life to God. In the talents, there
must be an investment for God. In the
discovery of the unexpected treasure and
in the search for the goodly pearl, it took
the selling of all that those men had to
make the treasure and pearl their very
own. So must we also anticipate and be
ready to give ourselves wholly and with-
out reserve to God in what He shall re-
veal to us. "All of Thee, O Blessed God,
and none of self!"
Hesston, Kans.
A SERMON (Continued)
part which shall not be taken from her."
How is it, my dear sisters, do you not
often make yourselves too busy in serv-
ing, and perhaps sometimes forget too
much of the one thing needful? Do not,
dear friends, think hard of me in speak-
ing so, for it is all out of love. I love
every one in this house, and wish unto
every soul everlasting life; but I feel it
my duty to warn all.
(To be continued next week)
MISSION NEWS (Continued)
Sister Edna Good, reporting from Carmen
de Areco, Argentina, says that they had an
attendance of 23 in their summer Bible school
and that enthusiasm was high in spite of the
Catholic Bible school which ran simultane-
ously.
Bro. Ellis Gerber, Kidron, Ohio, a mis-
sionary in the African Congo under the Con-
go Inland Mission, has recently contracted
hepatitis, a combination of jaundice and ma-
laria. He is recovering satisfactorily, but will
require a year to convalesce, Pray for Bro.
Gerber and his work.
Bro. John Litwiller, missionary to the Ar-
gentine Chaco, is at present directing the or-
ganization of a Bible school for the training
of Indian leaders and supervising the build-
ing of a home and clinic for the nurses in
the Chaco. Although there has been men-
tion of a reassignment for the Litwillers, no
immediate changes are to be made.
Don Cosme, one of the charter members
of the Bragado, Argentina, Church and a
faithful worker in the church for a quarter of
a century, passed away on April 9. Bro. Nel-
son Litwiller was in charge of the funeral
service. Don Cosme and his wife, Dona
Carmen, who survives him, are well known
to all Argentine workers for their faithful-
ness and glowing testimony.
Bro. Josef Herschkowitz has recently ac-
cepted an appointment by the American
Board of Missions to the jews, an interde-
nominational work with stations both in
America and abroad. He will be engaged in
promotional work for the Board and will be
located in Minneapolis, Minn. He positively
declares his loyalty to the Mennonite Church
and retains his membership in the Chicago
Avenue Mennonite Church at Harrisonburg,
Va. The Jewish Evangelism Committee of
the Virginia Conference has expressed to him
its appreciation for his tireless labor of love
while visiting churches in many Mennonite
conferences. His services will be available as
before and we sincerely wish him God's
richest blessing in his new assignment.
The 187th Quarterly Mission Meeting for
the West Liberty, Ohio, churches will be
held at the South Union Church on Sunday,
May 2, and will feature the mission-service
program in Puerto Rico. Speakers include
Bro. Lester T. Hershey, missionary on fur-
lough from Puerto Rico, Bro. Nelson Hos-
tetter, former sanitation worker in the La
Plata Mennonite Project, Puerto Rico, and
Bro. Roscoe Miller, former teacher at Bar-
ranquitas Academy, Barranquitas, Puerto
Rico.
FIELD NOTES (Continued)
Bible instruction meeting at Slackwater
Church, near Millersville, Pa., Saturday eve-
ning, May 1, and all day Sunday following.
Raymond Charles, Lancaster, Pa., and John
Martin, New Holland, Pa., instructors. Every-
body welcome.
Quarterly Sunday School Meeting at
Churchtown, near Carlisle, Pa., May 2. Roy
Geigley, Gettysburg, Pa., and Pearl Mose-
mann, Plainfield, Pa., speakers.
Monthly meeting for Jewish Evangelism
at Vine Street, Lancaster, Pa., May 3, at
7:30 p.m. Topic, Studies in Zechariah; speak-
ers, M. S. Stoltzfus. Service for prayer and
fasting at 1:00 p.m. preceding.
Christian Warfare Conference at Meck-
ville, Pa., Church Saturday evening, May 1.
and all day Sunday, May 2.
"The Home God Meant Has a Family
Altar" will be the topic for Hess Young Peo-
ple's Bible Meeting, Lititz, Pa., May 2.
Ralph Matin, Malvern, Pa., speaker.
Seventh Annual World-wide Missionary
Conference at East Chestnut Street, Lan-
caster, Pa., May 19-23.
Annual Spring Musical at Pinto, Md.,
Church, May 2. Guest speakers, Paul Erb,
Scottdale, Pa., Richard Martin, Elida, Ohio.
Sixth annual meeting at the Buffalo
Church, four miles west of Lewisburg, Union
Co., Pa., on Saturday May 8. Speakers,
Harold Brenneman, Ephrata, Pa., Henry
Garber, Mt. Joy, Pa., and Landis Brubaker,
Lancaster, Pa.
Visiting Speakers
April 11. Allen Tennis, Lititz, Pa., at
Sarasota, Fla. Harry Diener, Hutchinson,
Kans., at Colorado Springs, Colo. Ellis
Croyle, Goshen, Ind., at Johnstown, Pa.
April 18. Dr. Ivan Neprash, converted
Russian atheist, at Denver, Colo. Earl Buck-
waiter, Hesston, Kans., at Sycamore Grove.
Garden City, Mo., for communion services.
Ellis Croyle, Goshen, Ind., at Thomas Church,
Hollsopple, Pa. John F. Grove, Greencasde,
Pa., at Altoona, Pa., and three days preceding.
Michael Horst, Hancock, Md., at Cedar
Grove, Greencasde, Pa.
Evangelistic Meetings
Hammer Revival Meetings at Western
Mennonite School, Salem, Oreg., beginning
May 29. John E. Wenger, Allemands, La.,
at Yoder Church, Kans., beginning April 16.
Wrm G. Detweiler, Orrville, Ohio, at Fair-
point, Ohio, beginning April 25.
George R. Brunk Tent Revivals at the
Mellinger Farm on Route 11, north of Mar-
ion, Pa., beginning on Sunday afternoon,
May 9. All Sunday meetings will be held in
the afternoons so as not to interfere with
regular church services.
Jantzi tent meetings to begin on May 2,
two miles east of Morgantown, Pa., on
Route 23.
THE MENNONITE HOUR (Continued)
Sunday instead of 4:00 to 4:30 p.m. It was
learned recently that the four o'clock time
was not very satisfactory to many of the
Iowa listeners. It is hoped that this new
time for release of the broadcast will prove
to be much more satisfactory. KXIC is found
at 800 on the dial.
Mixed Octet on Week-end Tour
A mixed octet and B. Charles Hostetter
will be in eastern Pennsylvania over the
May 1, 2 week end. On Saturday evening
at 7:30 the group plans to be at the Oley
Valley Mennonite Church near Oley.
At 2:30 p.m. Sunday the group will be
at the Perkiomen Youth center, 6th and Dotts
Streets, Pennsburg, Pa. Sunday night at 7:30
they plan to be at the Allentown Mennonite
Church.
MISSIONS EDITORIAL (Continued)
plants. Can they treat their employees with
such Christian grace that labor unions will
be unnecessary? And even if they can, will
labor leaders permit them to do it?
Many of our church members now work in
industry. The Committee on Economic and
Social Relations has negotiated agreements
w ith most of the large unions which make
participation in union activities unnecessary
for those who have a conscience against co-
operating, particularly in strikes.
Industry needs the salt and light in both
management and labor which courageous
Christians can provide. — L, C. Hartzler.
April 27, ip>4
GOSPEL HERALD
405
BIRTHS
"Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord" (Ps. 127:3a).
Allebach, Kenneth F. and Emma (Long),
Souderton, Pa., third child, second daughter,
Karen Sue, March 31, 1954.
Beidler, Willard B. and Mamie (Metz), Tel-
ford, Pa., sixth child, David, April 9. 1954.
Birkey, Warren and Delora (Litwiller), Del-
avan, 111., third child, second son, Daryl Wayne,
March 16, 1954.
Blosser, Vance and Frances (Vangundy), Cri-
mora, Va., first child, Vance Lee, Jr., Jan. 10,
1954
Burkholder, Merlin and Gertrude (Martin),
Waynesboro, Va., third son, Robert Michael,
April 3, 1954.
Byler, John M. and Cora R. (Byler). Reeds-
ville, Pa., third child, second son, David Richard,
Jan. 2. 1954.
Gahman, M. Earl and Doris (Moyer), Cen-
tereach. L.I., N.Y., first child, Deborah Lynn,
April 8, 1954.
Hartzler, Lloyd and Alma (Showalter), Ft.
Seybert, W. Va., fourth child, second daughter,
Naomi Kathryn, April 10, 1954.
Heacock, Lester and Sara (Hallman), Plum-
steadville, Pa., second child, Marilyn Dawn,
April 7, 1954.
Hege, Omar M. and Miriam Arlene (Shank).
Clearspring, Md., first child, Aletha Mae, April
7. 1954.
Hess, Ben B. and Sarah (Rudy). Audubon.
N.J., second child, Margaret Louise, March 29,
1954.
Hostetter, Amos I. and Ethel (Martin), Hag-
erstown, Md., sixth child, fifth daughter, Doro-
thy Ellen, April 4, 1954.
Kauffman, Alvin D. and Mary (Zehr). Mid-
dlebury, Ind., fourth child, Mary Ann, March
27. 1954.
Kauffman, Daniel S. and Esther (Smoker).
Parkesburg, Pa., fourth child, second son, Wil-
liam Charles. Feb. 20, 1954.
Keens, R. Samuel and Anna Ruth (Sherer),
Lititz, Pa., second son, William Samuel, April
7. 1954.
Kuhns. Paul Eber and Charlotte (Miller),
Harper, Kans., fifth child, second son, Kenneth
Eugene, March 22, 1954.
Lehman, Lawrence R. and Joan (Steiner),
Wadsworth, Ohio, first child, Lucinda Rose,
March 23. 1954.
Long, Byron F. and Elsie (Iben), Sterling,
111., second son, Melvin Fay, April 11. 1954.
Martin, Weaver W. and Kathryn M. (Weav-
er), Reinholds, Pa., second child, Marilyn Fern,
April 7, 1954.
Miller, Alfred P. and Dorothy (Cunningham).
Tuekerstown, Bermuda, fourth daughter, Patri-
cia Jean, April 6. 1954.
Miller. Charles H. and Dorothy (Witmer),
Dover, Pa., eighth child, Ruth Eileen. April 4,
1954.
Miller, Raymond and Ruth (Longenecker).
Middletown, Pa., eighth child, fifth daughter,
Marian, April 10, 1954.
Newcomer, Earl L. and Ruth (Barkle), Lan-
caster, Pa., second son, Glenn Allen, April 5,
1954.
Nissley, Roy and Ruth (Newcomer), Lancas-
ter, Pa., fourth child, first son, Wilbur, March
29. 1954.
Risser, Harold L. and Dorothy (Good). Bain-
bridge. Pa., third child, first daughter, Miriam
Lois, March 24, 1954.
Ropp, Ernest Glen and Ardith (Hershberger).
Kalona. Iowa, third son, Warren Glen, Dec.
4. 1953.
Ropp, John and Violet (Martin), Nashwauk,
Minn., a son. Leland John, April 4. 1954.
Roth, Sterling L. and Priscilla J. (Schlabach),
Albany, Oreg.. third child, first daughter. Jo-
Ann Delight, March 31. 1954.
Rupp. Leon D. and Clara (Pletcher). Wan-
seon. Ohio, first child, Roselyn Grace, April 2.
1954
Schlabach, Alva J. and Doris (Crossgrove),
Wauseon, Ohio, second child, first son, Jay
Lynn, March 19. 1954.
Schrock, Clifford and Susie (Hochstetler),
Topeka, Ind.. third child, first daughter. Bertha
Mae. March 2. 1954.
Shenk, Paul E. and Dorothy (Benner), Den-
bigh, Va.. first child. Karen Marie, Jan. 28. 1954.
Siegrist, Jacob B. and Erma Mae (Herr).
Lancaster, Pa., eighth child, second son. Daniel
H.. March 22. 1954.
Slagell, Harold and Ella (Miller). Hydro,
Okla., first child, a daughter, Darla Ladene,
March 14, 1954.
Sommer, Donald Lloyd and Barbara (Bru-
baker), Kidron, Ohio, second son, Hugh Michael.
Springer, Orval and Dorothy (Garber), ,
111., second daughter, Connie Lou, April 7, 1954.
Stalter, Darrell and Fae (Birkey), Paxton,
111., third child, third son, Randall Lee. April
9 1954.
'Stalter, Ronald and Martha (Glick), Eureka.
111., first child, Sara Jane, April 5, 1954.
Stoltzfus, Einer E. and Mary Ellen (Wagler),
Des Moines, Iowa, first child, Barbara Diane,
March 21. 1954.
Stoltzfus, Omar B. and Annie (Zook), Honey
Brook, Pa., second son, David, April 9, 1954.
Suter, Eldon L. and Kathryn (Landis), Har-
risonburg, Va., third child, third daughter, Joy
Elaine, Jan. 29, 1954.
Sutter, Clayton and Elsie (Eash), Eureka,
111., third child, second daughter, Beth Anne,
April 11, 1954.
Swartz, Sam C. and Eleanor (Reist), Pre-
mont, Texas, fifth child, third daughter, Jan
Elizabeth. March 20, 1954.
Swartzendruber, Wilbur and Lois, Wellman,
Iowa, first child, Joyce Ann, Jan. 12, 1954.
Troyer, Wilbur Jay and Elizabeth (Glick),
Lagrange, Ind., eighth child, fifth son, Daniel
Jerry, March 30, 1954.
Wengerd, Ezra and Clara (Miller), Union-
town, Ohio, ninth child, fourth son. Junior,
March 14. 1954. The child was stillborn.
Yoder, Lee and Ruth (Glick), Winfield, Pa.,
third child, second son, Jesse Lynn, March 30,
1954.
Yoder, Ralph A. and Pauline (Yoder), Mid-
dlebury, Ind., third child, first son, Myron Ross,
April 1, 1954.
Zimmerman, Ivan B. and Irene (Newswang-
er), Lititz, Pa., eighth child, fourth daughter,
Susan Ethel, April 6. 1954.
MARRIAGES
May the blessings of God be upon the homts
established by the marriages here listed. A year/s
subscription to the GOSPEL HERALD is given to those
whose address is supplied by the officiating minister.
Kropf — Turner. — Floyd Kropf, Harrisburg,
Oreg., congregation, and Darlene Turner, Nam-
pa, Idaho, congregation, by Ernest Garber at
the Nampa Mennonite Church, April 4, 1954.
Birky — Detvviler. — Jacob W. Birky, Columbia
Falls, Mont., and Mary Pauline Detwiler, Perka-
sie. Pa., both members of the Mountain View
congregation, Creston, Mont., by John E. Lapp,
assisted by Ernest K. Moyer, at the Rocky
Ridge Mennonite Church, Quakertown, Pa.
Hornberger — Millhouse. — John David Horn-
berger, Ephrata congregation, Ephrata, Pa., and
Doris Jean Millhouse, Mountville, Pa., by Nor-
man Musser at the Mountville Church of the
Brethren, March 13, 1954.
Hunsberger — Shantz. — M a u r i c e Hunsberger,
Biehn Church, New Hamburg, Ont., and Joanne
Elaine Shantz, Blenheim Church, New Dundee,
Ont., by Arnold Cressman at the Blenheim Men-
nonite Church, April 8, 1954.
Kindy — Neuhauser. — Virgil E. Kindy, Mid-
land congregation. Midland, Mich., and Vera
Neuhauser, Pigeon River congregation, Pigeon,
Mich., by Erie L. Kindy, April 3, 1954.
Lehman — Beard. — Robert B. Lehman, Cham-
bersburg, Pa., congregation, and Dorothy Minet-
ta Beard, Pond Bank congregation, Chambers-
burg, Pa., by Harvey E. Shank, March 27, 1954.
Moser — Zehr. — Lyle Moser and De Etta Zehr,
both of Croghan, N.Y., by Lloyd Boshart at
the Croghan Conservative A.M. Church. March
17. 1954.
Philleo — Dettra. — William Philleo, Chester,
Vt., and Barbara Dettra, Souderton, Pa., by
Omar A. Kurtz at the Finland Mennonite
Church, March 27, 1954.
Reber — Miller. — Leroy C. Reber and Phyllis
Miller, Daytonville congregation, Wellman,
Iowa, by P. J. Blosser, April 2, 1954.
Rupright — Kindy. — Murl N. Rupright, Wild-
wood congregation, Wildwood, Mich., and Esther
V. Kindy, Midland congregation, Midland, Mich.,
by Eric L. Kindy at the Midland Church, April
2', 1954.
Troyer — Coblentz. — Jonas A. Troyer and Fan-
nie Coblentz, both of Holmes Co., Ohio, Amish
Mennonite, by Rov J. Miller at the home of the
bride, March 25, 1954,
Weaver — Horning. — Clarence K. Weaver,
Weaverland congregation, Weaverland, Pa., and
Susan Irene Horning, Gehman congregation,
Adamstown, Pa., by Howard Z. Good at the
home of the bride, Denver, Pa., March 27, 1954.
Widrick — Roes. — Richard Widrick and Jane
Roes, both of Croghan, N.Y., at the Croghan
Conservative A.M. Church by Lloyd Boshart,
April 10, 1954.
ANNIVERSARIES
Snider. — Irvin A. and Lucinda (Schmitt) Sni-
der, Guernsey, Sask., were married at Kitchener,
Ont., April 10, 1904, and celebrated their golden
wedding anniversary April 10, 1954, at their
home. Open house was held from 1 :00 to 4 :30
p.m. and was attended by 100 relatives and
friends. Their four chifclren, au of whom live
in the district, and their fifteen grandchildren
were all present.
OBITUARIES
May the sustaining grace and comfort of our Lord
bless these who aTe bereaved.
Christner, Agnes Marie, daughter of Monroe
and Edna (Hershberger) Christner, was born
in Topeka, Ind., Sept. 16, 1933 ; passed away at
her home near Lagrange, Ind., April 5, 1954;
aged 20 y. 6 m. 20 d. She leaves her parents,
one sister (Esther), 5 brothers (Arnold, Ply-
mouth, Mich. ; Allen, Adrian, Gerald, and Larry,
at home), 4 grandparents, 7 uncles, 4 aunts,
and many other relatives and friends. Marie
entered the Lagrange County Hospital on Feb.
27, where she was a patient for 29 days. Eight
days before her death, she was taken to her
home. Death came as a result of broncho-
pneumonia. At the age of ten Marie accepted
Christ as her Saviour and became a member of
the Maple Grove Mennonite Church. Later the
family moved to their present home near Plato,
Lagrange, Ind., where she served faithfully.
Funeral services were held at the Plato Men-
nonite Church, April 8, in charge of Edwin
Yoder and Willis C. Troyer, with burial in the
Shore Mennonite Cemetery.
Histand, Ronald Eugene, infant son of Claude
H. and Arlene A. Histand, Perkasie, Pa., was
born prematurely, April 5, 1954, and lived only
two days. Burial was made in the- Blooming
Glen Mennonite Cemetery, April 8.
Hofstetter, Mary Ann, daughter of Christian
and Anna (Zuercher) Hofstetter, was born in
Bern, Switzerland, Nov. 4, 1871 ; died, after a
brief illness, April 8, 1954 ; aged 82 y. 5 m. 4 d.
At the age of nine, she with her family mi-
grated to this country, making their home in this
community. She became a member of the Men-
nonite Church in 1889. Her constant prayer
was that she would remain faithful to her Lord
and Master. Not only was she faithful to God,
but to many members of her family who needed
her, caring for others whose health was im-
paired, and assisting in those homes where she
was needed. For the past 20 years she resided
with her niece, Mrs. Levi Lehman, and her
family, where she was appreciated for her un-
selfish devotion. Her cheerfulness as she
worked and her many kindnesses will long live
in the hearts of those she loved. Her parents,
one sister, and 5 brothers preceded her in death.
Surviving her are 3 brothers (Peter, Salem,
Oreg. ; John C., Dalton, Ohio, and Simon, Kid-
ron, Ohio), and numerous nieces, nephews, and
friends. Funeral services were held April 11,
at the Kidron Mennonite Church, in charge of
Reuben Hofstetter. Allen Bixler, and Isaac
Zuercher. Burial was made in the church
cemetery.
Martin, Dean Ray, infant son of Clinton and
Esther (Davis) Martin, Stuarts Draft, Va., was
born Feb. 25, 1954; died March 25, 1954; aged
one month. Besides his parents he is survived
by his twin brother (Dale Lynn), an older
brother (Gary), and his grandparents (Mr. and
Mrs. John Martin, and Mr. and Mrs. George
Davis, Waynesboro, Va.). Graveside services
were held March 27 at the Springdale Church
cemetery, conducted by J. R. Driver.
406
GOSPEL HERALD
April 27, 1954
MJddleton, Mary L., was born April 11, 18(6;
died March 22, 1954, at Hynes Convalescent
Home, Ann Arbor St., Flint, Mich. ; aged (7 y.
11 m 11 d. She had been blind for the last
20-some years and suffered a stroke on Jan. A
1954. She accepted Christ and united with the
Flint Mennonite Church in 1949. She was the
mother of 4 sons and 2 daughters. She was a
sincere child of God and a real testimony to
those who visited her. Funeral services were
conducted at the Dodds-Dumonow Funeral
Home by Jesse L. Yoder. Interment was made
in the Flint Memorial Park.
Miller, Lamora, daughter of Valentine and
Polly (Miller) Ringler, was born in Lagrange
Go Ind , Aug. 5, 1873 ; passed away April 3,
1954- aged 80 y. 7 m. 28 d. She lived most of
her life in the Middlebury community, but went
from Goshen to the Froh Brothers Homestead,
Sturgis, Mich., where she spent the last four
months: At an early age she accepted Christ
as her Saviour and was a member of the 1 orks
Mennonite Church at her decease On Dec -0,
1890, she was united in marriage to Andrew J.
Miller, who preceded her in death March (,
1<)46 Surviving are 6 children (William u.,
Blissfield, Mich.; Anna— Mrs. Walter Burns
Homewood, 111. ; Edna-Mrs. Jack Minar and
Mrs Mary Wagner, both of Goshen, Ind.; Leo
E, Wells ton, Mich.'; and Albert, Bristol Ind.)
18 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, 4
brothers (George and James, Albuquerque, N.
Mex ; Olen, Quincy, Mich.; and Calvin Limon,
Colo, one sister (Mrs. Minnie Rhodes, Mexico
Ind ) and many friends. Funeral services were
neld April 6 at the Forks Mennonite Church in
charge of Earley Bontrager and Wilbur Yoder,
with burial in the Forest Grove Cemetery.
Miller, Robert Lamar, son of Charles H. and
Dorothy (Witmer) Miller, was born April 16,
1953- died Jan. 6. 1954, at the York Hospital;
aged 8 m. 21 d. Besides his parents he is sur-
vived by these brothers and sisters (G. Glenn,
Betty Anne, Marian, Dorothy Lou Paul and
Rhoda), his grandparents (Mr. and Mrs Christ
K Miller and Mr. and Mrs. Blam W. Witmer),
a number of aunts, uncles, and cousins Funer-
al services were held at the Manchester Mis-
sion Mt. Wolf, Pa., with Richard Danner and
Joseph Martin in charge. Burial was made m
the adjoining cemetery. .
Overholt, Ella, daughter of the late Louis and
Elizabeth Lite, was born near Logan, Mien.,
March 12, 1882; died at Pennoch Hospital,
Hastings, Mich., April 1, 1954; aged 72 y. 20 d.
On June 4, 1904, she was married to Amos
Kauffman, who preceded her m death h eb. 5,
1913 To this union were born 4 sons (1 .aui,
deceased; Norman, Clarksville Mich. ; Niles,
Goshen, Ind. ; and Glen, Alto, Mich and one
daughter (Ruth— Mrs. Harold Chnstophel,
Srksville, Mk-h.). On July 10, 1916, she was
married to John Overholt and to them was
born one son (Homer, Clarksville, Mich.). She
united with the Bowne Mennonite Church in
her youth and remained a faithful member all
her 'life -She was anemic and suffered Irom
other complications, which became more serious
the last several months. She was the last of a
family of 3 sons and 3 daughters. She leaves to
mourn her departure her husband 4 sons, one
daughter, one stepson (George, Alto Mich >.
one stepdaughter (Lily Emerich, Grand Rapids,
Mich ) 36 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren,
and a host of other relatives and friends. Funer-
al services were held April 4 at the Bowne
Mennonite Church with Daniel Zook. Ira S.
Johns, and T. E. Schrock officiating. Burial
was made in the adjoining cemetery
Peters, Emma, widow of D. J. Peters, de-
ceased, died on her way ^6 ITOm the Pond
Hank Mennonite Church. March 26, 1954. She
is survived by 5 daughters, whom she had bj
her first husband. William Hess Mrs. Charlie
Hock. Mrs. Harry Beard, Mrs. Clarence Rock,
and Mrs. John Coffee, all of Chambersburg I a.
:ll,d Mrs. Mary Rook, Baltimore, Md.), 30
grandchildren, and 33 great-grandchildren She
had been a member of the Mennonite Church
for about ten years and then of the Pentecostal
Church until her death. Funeral services were
conducted at the Pond Hank Mennonite Church.
March 29. by Harvey E. Shank and Theodore
Gaylord. Interment was made in the 1 ond Bans
Cemetery.
Schrock. Mary (Hirky). was born near Wor-
ton, 111., Sept. 19, 1862; passed away :il
the home of her granddaughter, Mrs. \Ua
Detweiler. Fisher. 111., March 24, 198 : BW-fl
91 v 6 m 5 3. She was bedfast for 18 months.
On Feb 19 1SS5, she was married to John
Schrock. Be preceded her In death in July,
1951 They were the parents of 2 Children JA1-
berl E.i and Fannie— Mrs. J. A. IleiscrV AlbWt
preceded her in death in February. 191 1. and
Fannie in December. 1950. Surviving are her
daughter-in-law (Mrs. Josephine Schrock. Eure-
ka 111.), son-in-law (J. A. Heiser, Fisher, 111.),
8 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and
one great-great-grandchild. She accepted Christ
in her youth and bore testimony of her love for
her Saviour. She was a member of the Last
Bend Mennonite Church. Funeral services were
held at the East Bend Church in charge of Ezra
Yordy. Burial was made in the adjoining ceme-
tcrv
Stauffer, Lydia, daughter of the late Aaron
and Magdalena (Snider) Reed, was born near
Wakarusa. Ind., Sept. 30, 1882 ; died at her
home in Goshen, Ind., April 6, 19a4 ; aged 71
y 6 m 6 d. Death was due to heart failure.
She was united in marriage to Ezra N. Stauffer
on Nov. 25, 1902, and in 1903 she and her hus-
band united with the Wisler Mennonite Church.
A number of years later they transferred their
membership to the Yellow Creek Mennonite
Brick Church. She is survived by her husband,
4 sons and 3 daughters (Nelson R.. Earl «...
Llovd J., and Elmer R., all of Goshen, Ind.;
Florence— Mrs. Clair Knepp, of Fish Lake.
Walkerton, Ind.; Mary and Clara, at home) , 11
grandchildren, a brother (Wilson S. Reed. Good-
ville Pa.), and a sister (Hannah— Mrs. David
L Martin, of Wakarusa). She was preceded in
death by her parents and oldest sister, lney
celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary on
Thanksgiving Day, 1952. This marks the first
death in this family after a period of over 51
vears. Services were held at the Yellow Creek
Mennonite Church in charge of Peter B. Wiebe,
assisted bv Kenneth Good, Morton, HI.
Turner, Bertie Secrist, was born July^U,
1873 near Criders, Va.; died April 6. 19o4:
aged 80 y. 8 m. 17 d. In 1893 she was married
to J Hop Turner, who was later ordained to
the ministry. He preceded her in death in 194o.
She was a faithful member of the Mennonite
Church. She is survived by 4 daughters and 4
sons. Services were conducted April 8 at • the
house by Ray MeDorman. pastor of the Method-
ist Church, and at Trissels Mennonite Church
near Broadway. Va., by John L. Stauffer and
Timothy Showalter.
ITEMS and COMMENTS
A Roman Catholic college president in
New York has prophesied that three addi-
tional dogmas concerning the Virgin Mary
eventually would be proclaimed by the Catho-
lic Church. He said that not unlikely in due
time Mary would be "proclaimed in a defini-
tion of doctrine as Co-Redemptrix of the hu-
man race; that next the dogma of Mediatrix
of all graces may be promulgated; and that
finally the definition of her queenship, as par-
ticipation with her Son in the power of rul-
ing the world, may be proclaimed." We have
long felt that Catholic practice was putting
Mary on a level with Christ; now it is said
openly that a dogma doing this is anticipated.
A bill directing the Postmaster General to is-
sue a special commemorative three-cent post-
age stamp to honor the Virgin Mary has been
introduced in the House of Representatives.
# * •
The first group of refugees and expellees
sponsored through American religious agen-
cies will not arrive in the United States until
at least midsummer. Scott McLeod, admin-
istrator of the Refugee Relief Act passed last
August, reported to Congress that his office
will have spent $4,600,000 by July 1 to clear
the first group of 15,000 applicants under the
law which is intended eventually to admit
more than 200,000 special non-quota immi-
grants. He asked Congress for $12,000,000
in the next fiscal year to investigate appli-
cants for the special visas. Delays in the pro-
gram were attributed by Mr. Mcleod to the
following: (1) Strict security regulations, (2)
Difficulty in finding American citizens who
will personally guarantee a job and housing
to a new arrival. (3) The legal requirement
that countries sending out immigrants must
agree to take them back if the U.S. later finds
them undesirable. (4) "Reluctant co-opera-
tion by American charitable agencies." Mr.
McLeod imputed to some agencies a desire
to see the law radically revised before they
will co-operate in helping to bring immi-
grants in under it.
• • *
Sixty-eight cents of every United States tax
dollar goes directly to national defense effort,
to military services, military programs, mili-
tary aid to allies, atomic energy program, or
the stock piling of critical resources. Ten
cents additional goes for such charges as in-
terest on the national debt and to support the
Veterans' Administration. "It is a reasonable
generalization to say, therefore," said the
Christian Science Monitor recendy, "that
seventy-eight cents of each tax dollar goes for
wars past, present, or future."
• • •
Vinoba Bhave's Land Gift Movement has
exceeded by 407,000 acres the goal of 2lA
million acres set for March. Bihar province
leads the country, with more than 1,800,000
acres donated. While distribution of the
donated land must perforce move slowly,
40,000 acres have been given out to 8,000
landless families in six different provinces.—
W.P.
• . » •
A synthetic rice has been developed which
holds great promise for the Japanese diet. If
manufacture can be cheapened, as is expected,
the discovery eventually should reduce the
cost of living, provided the public taste ac-
cepts it — as preliminary tests show it will.
The synthetic grain is not a substitute, but
an "extender," composed of differing com-
binations of wheat flour, powdered rice, and
potato starch. — W.P.
# * #
Mexico has been proudly demonstrating
the new products of a growing toy industry,
stressing the fact that war and military toys
are completely absent. There has been criti-
cism in the country's press over the emphasis
made on war playthings produced in the
United States and . other countries; for in-
stance, the detailed and warlike military tanks
imported into the United States from the
American Zone of West Germany.— WJP.
• # •
Business and governmental officials in
Syria, Iraq, Jordan, and Lebanon are discuss-
ing a new pipe line to carry oil from the
Kirkuk fields of Iraq to the Mediterranean
near Sidon, Lebanon. Before the Palestine
trouble, such a pipe line ran from Kirkuk to
the port of Haifa, now in Israel. But estab-
lishment of the state of Israel brought a halt
to the flow of oil through the line.
• • •
Another instance of the failure of colo-
nialism based upon force is revealed in the
report of a bipartisan delegation from the
British parliament to Kenya. The report
says the bitter fighting between the Mau
April 27, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
407
For every Mennonite home . . .
Mennonite Yearbook 1954
Annual source book of information about the Mennonite Church.
MENNONITE
; YEARBOOK
i- vnspii *J . St.
CM><o«<tMt ■ .■; - ta
A young encyclopedia of church knowl- day-school and summer Bible school sta-
edge. Closely packed with facts, facts, tistics, facts about each district conference,
more facts about Mennonites all over and so on and on.
the world. Church organization, church Every year the facts are brought up to
schools (do you know how many Chris- date. This inexpensive but valuable refer-
tian day schools are now in operation?), ence tool belongs in your home where you
missionaries and their addresses, the num- have quick, easy access to it. Your 1954
ber of Mennonites in each state, names and copy will contain the 1953 church sta-
addresses and telephone numbers of min- tistics.
isters of all branches of Mennonites. Sun- 50<£; $5.50 a doz.; $40.00 a hundred.
Send today for your copy
Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale, Pennsylvania
Mau's and the British army has been a
failure. The rebellion threatens to spread
throughout Africa. The delegation proposed
substituting political methods for military in
trying to work out some system of repre-
sentative government.
* . # •
That old wounds can slowly be healed is
indicated by the fact that West Germany is
importing 300,000 boxes of oranges from Is-
rael as a start in commercial relations. — W.P.
* * *
Billy Graham, it is reported, has turned
down a million-dollar-a-year contract to be-
come a radio and television entertainer for
the National Broadcasting Company.
* * #
Representative Alvin F. Bentley, the con-
gressman who was most severely injured
when Puerto Rican terrorists recently shot
into the House of Representatives, has a for-
giving spirit. As he lay in a critical condition
at the hospital a few hours after the shooting,
he said to a chaplain who was visiting him,
"Now I don't think those folks who did the
shooting knew what they were doing. Won't
you pray for them?"
* * #
A Jesuit priest in the Philippines estimates
that. about 15 per cent of the Catholics in that
country attend mass regularly. Not more
than one third of Catholics of school age
are formally taught the essentials of their
faith. An acute shortage of personnel requires
one priest to minister to 8,000 people.
* * *
There are three official languages in the
Philippines — Spanish, English, and Tagalog.
There are, however, about 80 other languages.
The Bible is available in eight of these lan-
guages, and the Gospels in five more. About
80 per cent of the literate people can read
and understand one of the eight languages.
Work is going forward to translate the Bible
into the lesser languages.
Warsaw's largest Lutheran Church has
been converted into a concert hall by Com-
munist authorities. The church, Holy Trini-
ty, was destroyed during the siege of Warsaw
in 1939, and rebuilt through government
subsidies and voluntary contributions from
Lutherans in Poland, the United States, and
other parts of the world. In 1950 the Polish
regime confiscated the nearly completed
building for secular purposes.
# * #
Canada's Minister of National Health and
Welfare, Paul Martin, recently made the
following statement in New York: "The
real significance of United States-Canadian
relations is that for a century and one third,
we have had peace in spite of differences;
friendship in spite of difficulties. An example
was Rouse's Point. This was the name given
to an American fort constructed about one
hundred years ago, and which was found —
to the great embarrassment of the United
States government — to have been built upon
Canadian soil as the result of a surveyor's
mistake. In some parts of the world this dis-
covery would have touched off an 'incident,'
and might have conceivably led to war, but
Canada simply moved its border a bit so that
your people would not have to bother tearing
down the fort. I don't know whether the
surveyor was fired as a 'subversive' for this
act of 'territorial expansion,' but in return,
your country has seen to it that there hasn't
been a loaded gun in the fort ever since."
# # #
Converts from Protestantism to the Roman
Catholic Church during the past ten years are
reported as something over 1,000,000. Con-
siderable publicity has been given to many
of these conversions. It is not widely known
that conversions also go the other way. An
article by Will Oursler in the April Christian
Herald reveals that in the past ten years
approximately 4,000,000 Roman Catholics
have been received into Protestant churches.
The study shows that Protestant pastors pro-
vide instruction periods for such converts, but
they do not actively proselytize Roman Catho-
lics.
# * #
No fewer than fifty-six countries and terri-
tories have invited literacy teams inside their
frontiers to teach reading and writing by the
simplified method developed by Frank Lau-
bach. The areas vary all the way from
Afghanistan and Malaya in Asia, to Nicara-
gua and Venezuela in Latin America, and
the Sudan and Sierra Leone in Africa. — W.P.
# # *
England has in the past been relatively
free from color bars. There are evidences,
however, of growing racial consciousness. In
Birmingham omnibus drivers and conductors
have told their employers that they will not
work side by side with colored men. Public
places have begun to refuse to serve Negro
customers, giving as a reason the attitude
of United States servicemen, who object
to the presence of Negroes.
# # #
James Beckerley, Director of the Atomic
Energy Commission's Classification Office,
recently told the Atomic Industrial Forum
that it is supposed that the Russians achieved
the atomic bomb sooner than we thought they
would, because Dr. Klaus Fuchs told them
all that he had learned when he was at Los
Alamos. "However," he said, "neither the
A-bomb nor the H-bomb was stolen from us
by spies, and espionage played a minor role
in the success of Soviet scientists in develop-
ing atomic energy for war."
# # #
Israel has received to date $95,000,000 in
goods and credits from West Germany under
terms of an agreement signed in 1952 for
restitution to Israel and Jewish victims of the
Nazi regime throughout the world. The
money in Israel is being used in vast industri-
al and agricultural development programs
408 GOSPEL HERALD
YOUR PUBLISHING HOUSE
t April 27, 1934
By A. J. Metzler, Publishing Agent
8. Tracts and the Way
Tract publication preceded the establishment of the Pub-
lishing House and was one of the direct occasions for its found-
ing. However, with the demand for and attention given to
other publishing projects, tracts at times received very little
attention. In fact, there were a few years in which none were
published.
During the past fifteen years the quantity, the appear-
ance, and possibly the quality, of our tracts have increased
beyond any other area of the House's publications. During this
period the number published and distributed each year has
grown gradually. In 1953 nearly 6,000,000 were sent out. Hun-
dreds of testimonies of appreciation, including reported con-
5 million
4 million
3 mi £l i on
2 million
t
1 m i 1 1 i on
/
/
— /
<0
Tract
/
/
/
t
t
/
/
✓ >
/
' Tr
r
e Wa j
19'
\6 A
7 48 49 50 51 52 53
Helping to distribute 6,000.000 tracts
versions are received from home and abroad. Many thousands
are given free so that each year this work is subsidized. For a
few years this amounted to as much as sLx thousand dollars.
The Way, a 4-page monthly, is a part of the tract work
and is supervised by the same editor and director. Both the
thousands who distribute, and the hundreds of thousands who
receive this little messenger monthly, are blessed by its min-
istry. Here, too, many thrilling testimonies of the results are
received. A monthly circulation of more than 300.000 means
nearly 4,000,000 a year. Thus the number of Ways and tracts
distributed annually has reached the stupendous sum of nearly
10,000,000 copies. What a challenge!
and irrigation.*, projects, according to the
New York Times.
# * •
Of the 170,000 Arabs who live in Israel,
about 100,000 are concentrated in Galilee.
Nazareth is largely an Arab town. About
40,000 of these Arabs are professing Chris-
tians.' Tsr&t f^ives the Arabs education, health
services, anil equal pay with Jewish workers.
Seven members of the parliament are Arabs.
About half of the Christians, however, have
had houses, lands, and churches confiscated.
• • •
A translation of the New Testament in
modern colloquial Japanese was published
in Tokyo on April 12. The new version is a
joint project of the American Bible Society,
the British and Foreign Bible Society, and
the Japan Bible Society. It was undertaken
more than three years ago by a commission
of six leading Japanese Christian scholars be-
cause of the vast changes in the Japanese
language that have taken place since the
war. The commission expects to complete
its Old Testament translation by Christmas so
as to make publication possible about April,
1955. A one-volume edition of the four Gos-
pels and Acts was issued last September.
• • •
The President of Colombia, while support-
ing freedom of conscience for the individual,
says it is essential to "control" non-Catho!ic
"propaganda" to preserve public order. The
President made clear in a public address the
government's intention to protect the Roman
Catholic religion. He thus supported the In-
terior Ministry's recent order forbidding non-
Catholics to proselytize or propagandize out-
side their places of worship.
• • *
A course in the principles of sociology is
being taught to inmates of the Kansas State
Penitentiary. This class is offered as a service
of the University of Kansas Extension Divi-
sion. Its purpose is to aid the readjustment
of persons to civilian life.
HDX3 Til 51
3AV NtfVlGOOM " I " ►
NI1*3X»¥« v %
AVVN1W3S "IVD11HIS 31INHNN3W
GOSPEL HER
'Jn the defence and confirmation of the gospel" '"How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace'
VOLUME XLVII.
.TUESDAY, MAY 4, 1954.
.NUMBER 18
Jesus Christ Is the Son of God
By John Driver
In thousands of courts throughout our
land judges carefully weigh the evidence
in the cases before them. Juries atten-
tively listen to the testimony of the wit-
nesses before submitting their verdicts.
Justice demands that decisions be based
upon unbiased testimony and clear evi-
dence.
Nearly two thousand years ago there
appeared in a relatively insignificant
corner of the vast Roman Empire a
young Galilean about whom strange
claims were being circulated. It was
claimed that He was the Son of God. In
the twenty centuries that have since then
passed the world has not been able to
rid itself of this claim. Instead of dying
out, as a false claim would, it not only
continued to spread but even gained
momentum. Although after about three
years of activity, Jesus was officially con-
demned as an impostor, yet the case has
refused to be forgotten. It keeps coming
back for a hearing. It continually de-
mands a verdict. Was Jesus the Son of
God?
In a court trial the defendant is judged
either guilty or innocent. He is either
condemned or acquitted. Likewise there
are only two categories into which Jesus
can be placed. Either He was what He
claimed to be, the Son of God, or else He
was an impostor. Regarding the claim of
Jesus there can be no middle ground.
Either He was right or He was wrong.
Reason tells us that He could not pos-
sibly have been merely a good man or a
great teacher. A good man could not
have represented himself as something
he wasn't and still remain good. A great
teacher certainly would not perpetuate
falsehood.
The question is before us: Was Jesus
the Son of God or was He an impostor?
The query which the high priest put to
the Jewish court of twenty centuries ago
demands of us an answer. "What think
ye?" We are the judges. We must decide.
Before reaching a verdict let us hear Je-
sus Himself, listen to the testimony of the
witnesses, and weigh the evidence.
What Jesus Says of Himself
Every man has a right to be heard.
Let's listen to what Jesus Himself has
to say regarding His Sonship. On four
occasions Jesus explicitly proclaimed
Himself to be the Son of God. To the
man born blind Jesus states that He is
the Son of God. At the feast of dedica-
tion in Jerusalem Jesus told the Jews
who had gathered around Him, "I am
the Son of God."1 Twice during His
trials before the Jewish court Jesus an-
swered affirmatively the question of
whether or not He was the Son of God.
Besides these direct claims to Sonship,
Jesus indirectly says that He is the Son
of God when He calls God His Father.
This He does 21 times in Matthew and
its parallels and more than 100 times in
the Gospel of John. While Jesus speaks
of Himself as the Son of God, He is con-
scious that His Sonship is a unique one.
To His disciples He speaks of "my Fa-
ther, and your Father."2 Though be-
lievers are sons of God, Jesus claims to
be the Son in a distinct sense. While we
are sons by adoption, Jesus claims to be
Son by His very nature.
The Testimony of the Witnesses
God Himself is the first to testify that
Jesus is His Son. As the time drew near
for Jesus to manifest Himself publicly to
the world, He went down to the Jordan
to be baptized by John. Immediately
following the rite the voice of God re-
sounded from the heavens, "This is my
beloved Son, in whom I am well
pleased."3 Two and one-half years later
God again bore witness to Jesus' Sonship.
Jesus, together with the three disciples
who made up the inner circle of fellow-
ship, was on the mount of the transfigur-
ation when from above again came the
voice of God, "This is my beloved Son,
in whom I am well pleased; hear ye
him."4
The second of the witnesses is Peter.
At a critical moment when many of His
followers were leaving Him in disillu-
sionment, Jesus turned to the Twelve
asking them if they, too, would leave
Him. Peter answered, "We believe and
are sure that thou art that Christ, the
Son of the living God."3 When, near the
close of His earthly ministry, Jesus asked
His disciples whom they thought He was,
Peter again answered, "Thou art the
Christ, the Son of the living God."6
Nathanael, the Israelite of genuine
character, says of Jesus, "Rabbi, thou art
the Son of God; thou art the King of
Israel."7
Martha, in an hour of deep sorrow
after the death of her brother, says this
of Jesus, "Yea, Lord: I believe that thou
art the Christ, the Son of God, which
should come into the world."8
All of the apostles, after seeing Jesus
walking upon the sea, witness to His di-
vinity in these words, "Of a truth thou
art the Son of God."9
Among the witnesses who testify to the
Sonship of Jesus are His enemies as well
as His friends. The demons who pos-
sessed the poor, tormented Gadarene
cried out, "What have I to do with thee,
Jesus, thou Son of the most high God?"10
On another occasion as Jesus healed the
multitudes the "unclean spirits, when
they saw him, fell down before him, and
cried, saying, Thou art the Son of
God."11 Even Satan himself recognized
Jesus' claim to Sonship when he said, "If
thou be the Son of God, command that
these stones be made bread."12
The Evidence of His Miracles and
Teachings
The Apostle John wrote at the con-
clusion of the evidence presented in his
Gospel, "And many other signs truly did
Jesus in the presence of his disciples,
which are not written in this book: but
these are written, that ye might believe
that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God;
and that believing ye might have life
through his name."13
Nicodemus recognized that Jesus' or-
igin must necessarily be divine, for he
Forgotten Son
By Edna M. Mertz
"For God so loved the world He gave,"
The sweet childish voice began—
"He gave His only forgotten Son"—
Misquoted little Diane.
Consider, O sinner friend, today,
The words of this little one;
God's only way to eternal life
Is through His "forgotten" Son!
When life like the ocean tide runs out,
It will only be scarce begun!
What you have done with the Christ
counts then,
God's only "forgotten" Son.
Fort Wayne, Ind. *
410
GOSPEL HERALD
May 4, 1954
said, "No man can do these miracles that
thou doest, except God be with him."14
The officers sent out by the Pharisees
and the chief priests to take Jesus cap-
tive returned empty-handed with the
simple explanation, "Never man spake
like this man."15
The miracles and teachings of Jesus
stand as incontrovertible evidence of the
divinity and power of Christ.
The Witness of History
The eternal reign of Jesus is further
evidence that Jesus is the divine Son of
God. History has a way of condemning
the false and vindicating the true. The
counsel of Gamaliel regarding the apos-
tles who were being tried before a Jewish
court was: "Refrain from these men, and
let them alone: for if this counsel or this
work be of men, it will come to nought:
but if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow
it; lest haply ye be found to fight against
God."10 There is no doubt as to the wis-
dom of such advice. As Gamaliel point-
ed out neither Theudas nor Judas of
Galilee had long endured. Since that
day scores of impostors have come and
gone. Empires and nations have risen
and fallen. Onfy the church of Christ
has stood the test of time. The church
not only continues to exist but to extend
her borders throughout the earth. The
very existence of the church is evidence
of the divinity of Christ.
Napoleon I, the French military gen-
ius, summed up the witness of history in
these words: "I know men, and I tell you
Jesus Christ was not a man. Superficial
minds see a resemblance between Christ
and the founders of empires and the gods
of other religions. That resemblance
does not exist. There is between Chris-
tianity and other religions the distance
of infinity. Everything in Christ aston-
ishes me. Here I see nothing human.
The nearer I approach, everything is
above me. Alexander, Caesar, Charle-
magne, and myself founded empires. But
on what did we rest the creations of our
genius? Upon force. Jesus Christ alone
founded His empire upon love, and at
this hour millions of men would die for
Him. Christ proved that He was the Son
of the Eternal."17
The Witness of Personal Experience
There are still other witnesses to be
summoned. These are the millions of
men and women and boys and girls who
believe and know that Jesus is the Son
of God. These witnesses can not all ex-
plain theologically why or how Jesus is
the Son of God. Their hearts have been
warmed by I lis love. They feel that He
is (he Son of God because of what He has
done to them and for them. With the
man born blind their unanimous testi-
mony is, "One thing I know, that, where-
as I was blind, now I see."18 These who
have experienced His power proclaim
that Jesus is the Son of God.
The Verdict
The evidence is before us. We have
heard Jesus' own claims. We have the
testimony of God Himself. The wit-
nesses, both friends and enemies alike,
have testified. The evidence of His
miraculous works and His marvelous
teachings is before us. The eternal, ever-
advancing kingdom of Christ is further
evidence. And finally we have heard the
unanimous witness of the millions, who
through the ages have experienced in
their own lives the fulfillment of Jesus'
promises.
"What think ye?" "Whom say ye that
I am?" The evidence has been presented
and the witnesses heard. What will the
verdict be?
There is but one conclusion possible.
The inevitable verdict is: Jesus was the
Son of God. "Christ was not a man aspir-
ing to be God, but God, condescending
to be a man."19
• • 9
The question of whether Jesus was the
Son of God is not merely an academic
one. If Jesus was the Son of God, and
beyond the slightest shadow of a doubt
He was, He deserves to be heard and re-
ceived and obeyed as such. Mere intel-
lectual assent to His Sonship is not
enough. Christ demands complete com-
mitment to Him. As the eternal Son of
God, He and He alone offers eternal sal-
vation. "Neither is there salvation in any
other: for there is none other name
under heaven given among men, where-
by we must be saved."20 "He that hath
the Son hath life; and he that hath not
the Son of God hath not life."21 Only
Jesus, the Son of God, offers pardon and
abundant life to the soul.
Jesus was the Son of God. May He
also be Saviour and Lord of our lives.
1 John 10:36.
2 John 20:17.
3 Matt. 3:17.
4 Matt. 17:5.
5 John 6:69.
6 Matt. 16:16.
7 John 1:49.
8 John 11:27.
9 Matt. 14:33.
10 Mark 5:7.
II Mark 3:11.
12 Matt. 4:3.
13 John 20:30, 31.
14 John 3:2.
15 lohn 7:46.
16 Acts 5:38. 39.
17 Life. Vol. II, p. 612.
18 lohn 9:25.
19 Vollmer, Tho Modern Student's Life of Christ,
Revoll, 1912, p. 324.
20 Acts 4:12.
21 I lohn 5:12.
La Plata, Puerto Rico.
Our Readers Say-
The editorial "Political Neutrality" appears
to be mainly a protesting against the fact that
we are emotional rather than rational creatures.
You would separate us from the comfortable
ideas, attachments, and associations which have
become part of our lives. As though there
are not already enough threats to one's planning
and security ! We have occasional lucid interval s
of sound, down-to-earth thinking, and weighing
of what seem to be facts, but it would be too
hard to apply the reason rule to every situation.
Do you recalibrate your scale of values, your
standards of conduct and service every year, or
every' five years ? Why should not standards of
say ten years ago be good for a lifetime?
It is so much easier to settle for localized, tra-
ditional, and in-group loyalties and have more
time for practical interests, than to periodically
examine the relevance of this or that tradition
and practice. Do not most Christians accept the
standards of their particular groups? It is of
course true that there needs to be an occasional
reinterpretation and reapplication of certain
values, but cannot one depend upon group judg-
ment for the initiating of such thinking and ac-
tion? . . .
In response to particularly the last paragraph
of your editorial a question seems in order. If
our Mennonite education, preaching, missions,
relief, voluntary service, alternate service, publi-
cation, and individual private devotion programs
are not adequate for catching up with, much less
overcoming "our little provincialisms of thought
and action . . . the cramped ideas and less-than-
Christian loyalties which keep us from the uni-
versal fellowship of the redeemed, sanctified
children of God," perhaps more concentration
on a simple, thoughtful prayer approach would
deserve the trying? An attack with elements
such as, "I earnestly desire a higher understand-
ing of Thy greatness. ... I want to realize
more of the wonder of Thy love. ... I need
greater love for and better understanding of the
Scriptures. ... I truly want to cultivate a way
of life in which every corner is every moment
dominated by Christian love. ... I need to get
acquainted with more of the power I attributed
to prayer or know the reason why. ... I want
to have a good look at, then leave behind what
the Editor calls 'little provincialisms, cramped
ideas and less-than-Christian loyalties'. . . .
With Thy gracious help I will be more alert
and willing to help answer my own prayers." —
Titus Lehman, Philadelphia, Pa.
IV. Water from Many Wells
By Nora Oswald
Not that I speak in respect of want: for
I have learned, in whatsoever state I am,
therewith to be content.— Phil. 4:11.
Genoa Tower is located several miles
east of Limon, Colorado. From this tow-
er, they tell us, one can see into seven
different states. Six states can be seen
from the Pinnacle, in Lee County, Vir-
ginia. The Pinnacle is a high point on
the boundary between Kentucky and Vir-
(Continued on page 427)
GOSPEL HERALD
ESTABLISHED 10OB AS SUCCE9SOR TO GOSPEL WITNESS lIBOSI AND HERALD OF TRUTH (1664)
PAUL ERB. EDITOR JOHN L. HORST, MILLARD C. LIND, CONSULTING EDITORS LEVI C HARTZLER. MISSIONS EDITOR
THE OOf PIL HERALD I* A HELIOIOUS WEEKLY PUBLISHED IN THE INTERESTS OF THE MENNONITE CHURCH BY THE MENNONITE PUBLICATION BOARD, SCOTTDALE, PA.
ENTERED AS SECOND CLASS MATTER IN 10OS AT THE POST OFFICE AT SCOTTDALE, PA., UNDER ACT OF MARCH 3. 107*. SUBSCRIPTION PRICEl SS.OO PER YEAR, THREE YEARS
IN ADVANCE, SS.OO, FIVE YEARS IN ADVANCE, (11. SO. SAMPLE COPIES SENT FREE ON REQUEST . SEND ALL MATERIAL FOR PUBLICATION TO O.OSPEL HERALD, SCOTTDALE, PA.
** PRINTED IN U.S.A.
May 4, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
411
EDITORIAL
Discipleship of Love
What is our word for our day? With
what word or phrase can we express the
Christian contribution which we can
make to our contemporary world? This
question was asked by one of our church
leaders in a recent committee meeting.
He attempted an answer to his own ques-
tion by suggesting the phrase, "disciple-
ship of love."
This idea is not new. Our Anabaptist
forefathers in those stirring Reformation
days raised up the standard of disciple-
ship for the reorienting of the Christian
faith. This standard had been pretty
well lost in the sacerdotalism and politi-
cal Christianity of the Middle Ages. It
was neglected by the leading reformers as
they raised again the standard of justifi-
cation by faith. The Anabaptists saw
that there could be as much nominal
Christian profession among Protestants
as there had been among Catholics.
Their distinctive contribution in their
day was an emphasis on following Christ
as Lord as well as accepting Him as Sav-
iour
The need for this emphasis has not
decreased. In our day millions still ex-
press their faith chiefly in forms and
sacraments. Others make Christianity
chiefly a thing of creeds and doctrinal
pronouncements. Fundamentalism puts
great stress on the "form of sound
words." The world needs Christian sym-
bolism and creeds and sound, Biblical
teaching. But it also sorely needs a dem-
onstration of what it means to follow
Christ. How can one live as a disciple of
Christ amid the sub-Christian standards
of modern society? How can the purity
and honesty and love and zeal of our
Saviour be relived in the twentieth cen-
tury by those who bear His name? To
answer that question, not so much in
words as in deeds, seems to be the special
call to us as a people. If we can show
forth the Christ-life, we will be perform-
ing a greatly needed service.
But it must be a discipleship of love.
There is reason why we should put spe-
cial emphasis on nonresistance and love.
For our world sorely needs this. The
apostles of hate are very active. Class
conflicts, racial tensions, military rival-
ries are stirring the feelings of multi-
tudes. War weapons of unimaginable
power have set the whole world in a
tremble of fear. And for this hour the
Christian Church as a whole has no ab-
solute word. A leading statesman who
has also been an active church man
speaks the language of retaliation. The
head of the Roman Catholics in his
Easter address pleads for the elimination
of chemical and nuclear weapons, but
makes room for self-defense. The larger
denominations may make solemn pro-
nouncements against war, but fail to take
an all-out position for nonparticipation.
Only a few of the smaller peace churches
are absolute in their official position, and
so far as turning that position into an
attitude toward military service is con-
cerned, the Mennonites carry the chief
burden. We must continue to preach a
love which cannot hate and kill.
But the negative emphasis is not
enough. We must demonstrate a posi-
tive love. We must sacrifice in order that
our goods may be used for the relief of
the world's needy. We must distribute
our personnel over the nation and the
earth to do the needed tasks which follow
war, disease, and famine. We must carry
the Gospel ol salvation and peace to
those who do not know it. We must
strive to erase the barriers between races
and classes. We must work for tolerance
and for the appreciation of people whose
views we do not share. We must refuse
participation in every expression of self-
ish nationalism as we recognize the inter-
national character of the church of
Christ. We must cultivate the irenic spir-
it in home and community and nation
and world. Our love must give a quality
to our lives as well as an outreach to our
service.
We have a word for our day. It is nec-
essary that we speak it. We must use ev-
ery opportunity to let our word be heard.
Governments must know where we stand,
and why. Other churches, also interde-
nominational organizations, must hear
our testimony. And we must do all in
our power to reach the masses who are
seeking for something real in Christian
truth. We have many opportunities
through our relief, voluntary service, and
I-W contacts. Our hospitals, homes, and
schools multiply our outlets. Our mis-
sions and congregational outposts pub-
lish forth the word. Our Publishing
House, through periodicals, books,
tracts, and educational materials, speaks
around the world. More than a score of
broadcasts have a potential audience of
many millions.
When someone asks you what Men-
nonites stand for, this word, "disciple-
ship of love," may give you a starting
place in your answer.— E.
Slothfulness
Slothfulness is roundly condemned by
the Scriptures in various places, notably
in Jesus' Parable of the Talents, where
the unfaithful servant was dismissed with
the momentous words, "Thou wicked
and slothful servant, . . ." and then con-
signed to outer darkness. The Proverbs
are also full of warnings against sloth-
fulness such as, "The desire of the sloth-
ful killeth him; for his hands refuse to
labour" (21:25).
In Proverbs we also have two striking
and instructive illustrations of warning
against the sin of slothfulness. The first
is found in Prov. 6:6-8: "Go to the ant,
thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be
wise: which having no guide, overseer,
or ruler, provideth her meat in the sum-
mer, and gathereth her food in the har-
vest." The second is an interesting and
helpful parable in Prov. 24:30-34: "I
went by the field of the slothful, and by
the vineyard of the man void of under-
standing; and, lo, it was all grown over
with thorns, and nettles had covered the
face thereof, and the stone wall thereof
was broken down. Then I saw, and con-
sidered it well: I looked upon it, and re-
ceived instruction. Yet a little sleep, a
little slumber, a little folding of the
hands to sleep: so shall thy poverty come
as one that travelleth; and thy want as an
armed man."
Note how Solomon considered this ob-
ject lesson carefully and drew helpful
lessons from it. He saw how a man en-
grossed in selfish ease, who "hugged him-
self in his sloth and carelessness," was
coming to poverty and want. Poverty at
first came gradually and in the disguise
of a traveler, but finally want and desti-
tution came like an armed man and a
robber and overcame him completely.
All of this is true in a natural sense,
for the sluggard will certainly come to
poverty, but the greatest lesson is a spirit-
412
GOSPEL HERALD
May 4, 1954
ual one. The spiritual sluggard who
neglects his Bible, who neglects to pray,
who neglects to attend Sunday school,
church services, and prayer meeting, who
neglects to testify for his Lord, is also in
a pitiable state. A state of spiritual desti-
tution has crept over him just as the
thorns and nettles overran the neglected
vineyard.
Like the traveler who casually comes
along the way and is entertained in your
household, the spiritually slothful man
quietly entertains the temptation to sleep
and lounge on Sunday morning instead
of attending divine services, he succumbs
to the tired feeling that keeps him away
from prayer meeting, he allows other
things to crowd out his devotional life,
and he permits material things to have
precedence over the spiritual. Thus he
becomes barren and unfruitful. Finally
all will to resist the devil is broken down,
like the protecting wall of the vineyard.
The traveler is superseded by' the armed
robber. The devil has robbed him of the
highest and best through his neglect of
the means of Christian grace.
Let us, like Solomon, be instructed by
this parable. Spiritual slothfulness, or
plain laziness, if yielded to, will finally
bring spiritual poverty and desolation.
But if we resist these onslaughts of the
devil and exercise ourselves in the Chris-
tian graces, joy, fruitfulness, and victory
will be ours.— H.
The Revelation of Jesus Christ
By J. L. Stauffkr
55. The Thousand Year Reign of Christ
with His Saints
Following the revelation of Jesus
Christ and His saints from the glory, and
His judgment upon the armies of the
nations, He then sits upon His throne of
glory and judges the noncombatants or
civil population of the nations. Matt.
25:81-46.
Satan who was thrust out of the heav-
ens and limited to the earth (Rev. 12) is
now taken by an angel and chained and
cast into the bottomless pit for 1,000
years. There lias been considerable argu-
ment about how a spirit-being could be
chained, but such discussion is pointless.
If (;<xl had '<>ld us the make-up of a
c hain to t > i 1 1< I a spirit-being, doubtless we
still would not have been able to under-
stand, because of our present limitation
of knowledge regarding a spirit-being.
Sufficient to know that the archdeceivei
of mankind will bo restrained and con-
fined in the bottomless pit for 1.000 years.
There were lorn angels bound in the
river Euphrates (Rev. 0:11) and they
were loosed and then they performed.
As they were bound and later loosed, so
Satan who has been loose through the
centuries, will be bound for 1,000 years
and then loosed.
There was a limitation placed upon
Satan through the death and resurrection
of our Lord. Heb. 2:14. There was also
a limitation placed upon demons so that
the apostles could cast them out as re-
corded in Matt. 12:29. Some Bible teach-
ers identify Rev. 20:1, 2 with Matt. 12:
29, but they are two different incidents,
one referring to the first coming of
Christ, and the other to the second com-
ing. The binding of the strong man in
Matt. 12:29 did not limit Satan's activity
in demon possession and other activities,
as many Scriptures in the New Testa-
ment reveal. The nations were never so
deceived as they have been during the
course of this age. The binding of Satan
in Rev. 20:1-3 prevents him from deceiv-
ing the nations for 1,000 years. If Matt.
12:29 is to be identified with Rev. 20:1-3,
then it would appear that Matt. 12:29
must have been a prophecy of which
Rev. 20:1-3 is the fulfillment. What is
predicted in Revelation did not take
place during the ministry of our Lord
and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Observe that the 1.000 years is a defi-
nite period of time. II Peter 3. where a
thousand years is as one of the Lord's
days, prepares us for this statement in
this chapter. This 1,000-year period is
the day of the Lord, that is scheduled for
the second coming of Christ. II Thess.
2:1-12; II Pet. 3:7-10; I Thess. 5:2. Note
The above oat in Hie flies of the Publishing
House \v:is used as a front ispiece of the Men-
nonite Yearbook for 1010. We b:ive no word
of whose picture It is and would appreciate
hearing from any of our readers who can Identi-
fy It. Thank you very much for any help you
can give. — Editors.
It Happened —
SEVENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO
(From the Herald of Truth, May, 1879)
Bishop Jacob Brubaker of Lancaster
County, Pa., died on the 16th of March,
at an advanced age.
Married. March 6th, . . . Joseph W.
Coffman [brother of J. S. Coffman and
ordained to the ministry in 1907] and
Sarah Heatwole.
The University of Notre Dame, at
South Bend, Ind., and said to be the
largest Catholic educational institution
in the United States, was burned on the
23rd of April.
that the period of 1,000 years is men-
tioned six times in this chapter and it is
to be fulfilled, finished, and to expire. It
is used in connection with the binding
and loosing of Satan, the time of the
resurrection of the wicked dead, and the
length of the reign of Christ on the
throne of David when He shall accom-
plish and fulfill Scriptural predictions
chat have awaited this event through the
centuries. The 1,000-year reign is but the
prelude of the reign for ever and ever
when the Son of Man will turn His king-
dom over to God who shall be all and
in all. I Cor. 15:28.
Rev. 20:4 tells us of those who shall
reign with Jesus Christ for 1.000 years.
First, we notice that there are the en-
throned ones— the overcoming saints of
Rev. 2 and 3 who are clothed with white
raiment and ate identified as the twenty-
four elders and are enthroned. They say
that they are redeemed from the earth
by the blood of Christ and that they are
going to reien on the earth. Thev are in
a position to know more about it than
we are, and so we will take them at their
word. To trace this group through to
Rev. 20:4, see the following references:
Rev. 3:4, 5, 18. 4:4; 10; 5:5, 6, 8-10, 11,
14; 7:11, 13; 11:16: 14:3: 19:4. In Rev.
20:1 they are on thrones and judgment
is given unto them. Has the Lord not
promised that saints shall be enthroned
after suffering, and that thev shall judge
the world and angels?
Second, we notice a group who had
been beheaded lor their "witness ot
[esus, and for the word of God." We
don't believe that a soul can be be-
headed, but we do believe a person can
be while in his body. The word soul is
used for the person. There were eight
souls (persons') s.ned bv water in I Pet.
3:20. Here without question it does not
refer to the "psyche" (soul), but to the
whole person, spirit, soul. body. Noah
and hi> family, as far as salvation was
(Continued on pa<J* 427)
May 4, 1 954
GOSPEL HERALD
413
The Holy Family on Their Annual
Passover Pilgrimage
Fifteen Minutes in Bible Lands
By Anis Charles Haddad
The early career of the Child born in
the underground stable at Bethlehem is
made known to us by a vivid picture or
two, full of significance. His recognition
in the Temple where He was carried, no
doubt in subdued and reverential joy,
with the young mother's humble offer-
ings of the doves, and the two venerable
figures of the aged saints "waiting for the
consolation of Israel," who gave the
greeting to the Child, who was the "Lord
Christ"; the flight to a place of safety in
order to save Him from the cruel Herod;
the anxious return to their home in Naz-
areth when the danger was over: these
are all told in a few words. Nazareth, in
its little amphitheater of low hills, was
the most tranquil home for the growing
life, not like Bethlehem with the as-
sociations of its royal race— but a humble
little town hid amid its trees, with little
prospect of any kind, apart from all high
roads and channels of communication
with the great world. That yearly pil-
grimage to Jerusalem would be an event,
a wonderful incident indeed, breaking
the homely level of every day, a thing to
be looked forward to for the whole year.
It was not till the son of Mary had at-
tained the age of twelve, the early ma-
turity of the East, that He joined the
jubilant throng, a great crisis in the life
of a boy and marking an era of his life.
In the little town of Galilee, too re-
mote to know any of the tales of distant
Bethlehem, there would be no special
circumstance to draw attention to the
carpenter's son. In the memory of His
mother every incident was dear. The di-
vine Child was silent in His slow growth
into man, and probably so obedient to
the laws of humanity which He had as-
sumed as to present no greater divinity
to the eyes of the world than that of spot-
less childhood and developing genius. It
is not till "the Lord came suddenly to
His Temple" that the veil is for a mo-
ment withdrawn.
It is our one clear glimpse into the his-
tory of the hidden years— the one fully
written section of the otherwise unwrit-
ten story. He is to be silent for eighteen
years more until His public ministry be-
gins.
* # #
Every man rich enough to spare time
and money on this journey to Jerusalem
was bound to make it. Thousands of the
Galileans went up to the Temple every
year. Still more every second or third
year. The bands setting out at one time,
marching by the same roads and keeping
close together for mutual help, formed
a long caravan. Every year the parents
of our Saviour went up to Jerusalem.
Very pleasant must their journey have
been. Very different was it from the
journeys we make at this present day.
One can gather a fresh impression of the
devout and disciplined piety which made
the atmosphere of His upbringing. If
this was Christ's own first visit to Jeru-
salem and the Temple, we can imagine
the eagerness and the gladness of His ap-
proach to these storied splendors.
No wide road led from Nazareth to
Jerusalem. The eighty miles of ground
which stretched between Nazareth and
the Holy City was only crossed by nar-
. . . modern man has by his very
genius created a new set of fears
of destruction much more real
than the fears of the savage. —
N.Y. Times.
row paths. The road today descends
from the mountains covered with fig,
olive, and vine. We see signs of ancient
cultivation running in bands round the
hills. Now up and down and always ris-
ing or falling in a series of double hair-
pins, the road goes on through the yel-
low hills. Every little hill carries on its
crest a village whose name is known to
millions of people, "little villages of the
Old Testament."
The road to Jerusalem for Him, as for
those who had gone before Him, was not
only the road to the capital city of His
race— always fascinating to a provincial-
it was the road that "led unto Thy holy
hill and to Thy tabernacle," and thus it
was paved with a romance in which his-
tory and religion mingled. The women
and old men rode asses and camels; the
men and young lads trudged by their
sides, and the little folks moved about
from one group to another, playing with
the dogs, gathering the fruits, and some-
times aettinsi lost! Here and there would
be a mule carrying someone too feeble to
walk the whole distance. Some such
group as that with which we are familiar
in the pictures of the Flight of the Holy
Family into Egypt would doubtless be
often seen in the long line of pilgrims.
Each village on the route would furnish
its little cluster of pilgrims, and as the
newcomers mingled with those who were
already in the pilgrim's band, pleasant
would be the greetings passing from one
to another. In the genial springtime, as
it was at that Passover season, the days
must have passed delightfully as the pil-
grims went along, noting the flowers
springing up at their feet, the trees clad
in their fragrant bloom, and the fields so
fresh with the verdure of the springing
corn.
Modern civilization, modern ways of
locomotion, modern religious customs
are scarcely so favorable for bringing the
mass of the dwellers in towns and vil-
lages into daily association with the
world of nature— for bringing them into
such association while their minds are
full of thoughts noble, tender, and lov-
ing which true devotion inspires. To the
early pilgrims who year by year bent
their steps toward the Holy City, their
journeys must have revealed much beau-
ty which those in their own land of cease-
less toil are too busy to give heed to now.
We can picture them to ourselves as they
wind through the valleys and at the same
time cross the brow of a projecting hill.
The way of the pilgrimage was made
glad with songs, with songs such as would
stir the young heart. We can hear their
voices raised in song, raised so that the
hills resound and the awakened echoes
bid us think that the mountains are
clapping their hands for joy.
The Gospel tells us that when Jesus
was twelve years old He was for the first
time taken by His parents on the pil-
grimage to Jerusalem. There is one thing
about His childhood which we read be-
tween the lines rather than in the actual
words. If His parents could go for a
whole day's journey without being anx-
ious about Him, His childhood must
have been one of remarkable freedom.
We may be sure that some mothers who
took their boys to Jerusalem would never
let them out of sight, not knowing into
what mischief they might fall. But here
apparently was perfect liberty because
there was perfect confidence.
The boyhood of our Lord was a real
boyhood. We may be sure that He would
take a boy's delight in the journey. It
was one which would enable Him to
open His eyes upon His Father's beauti-
ful world and to see beyond the blue
mountains which always seemed so mys-
terious in the distance as He looked upon
them from the Vale of Nazareth. He
would be interested in just those things
that a boy now would take delight in: in
the camping out by moonlight; the early
start as the sun first began to redden the
horizon; the psalms which at morning,
evening, and noonday were sung unto
the Lord Most High. The pilgrims grad-
ually toiled the rocky passes toward Zion,
carrying fronds of palm and branches of
myrtle in their hands, and singing their
hosannas as they moved impetuously
along the mountain road. We may be
sure, too, that Christ would be on the
lookout, with all a boy's eagerness, for
the first view of the distant towers of the
Holy City and would join in the tumul-
tuous song with which the pilgrims greet-
ed the glittering sight. He would enjoy
too the companionship of the other pil-
grim boys. His boyhood must have been
414
GOSPEL HERALD
May 4, 1934
a time of happy comradeship and many
friendships. Friendship must often have
claimed Him; otherwise anxiety would
have entered His mother's mind more
quickly. There were, as the story tells us,
many of His kinsfolk among the same
pilgrim band. He would pass from one
group to another, and be welcomed by
all whom He approached.
But when He came first to Jerusalem
and entered the historical sanctuary, the
scene of so many revelations, the first im-
pulse of His mission was awakened in the
young pilgrim. Was it a desire to hear
for Himself, according to His human
senses, what were the things taught and
what the trifling details discussed amid
all the problems of life and death, be-
tween heaven and earth, in that Sanc-
tuary which had been founded in order
that God might dwell among men! There
was the high priest in all his robes of
office; there were the others punctilious
over the minutest particulars of service;
and the scribes and doctors discussing
sacred numerals and symbols and how a
certain word appeared in the law and
the prophets. What would we not give
for a record of the questions He asked?
But the Evangelist has not thought it
necessary to tell us what questions the
Boy Jesus of Nazareth asked of these
pundits; nor how He lay down in a cham-
ber of the Temple favored by some gen-
tle priest whose heart burned within him
while he listened to the wonderful Child,
and rose again to pursue His inquiries
from morning to morning till the third
day brought back the anxious parents
who had Him in their charge.
How strange a scene! The puzzled doc-
tors, stopped in their unprofitable learn-
ing, putting impossible cases to each oth-
er by one, by two, by three, like the
schoolmen of later ages-pausing, lifting
their eyebrows, curving a hand round a
dull ear, to make out what the Boy was
asking, some startling penetrating ques-
tion-perhaps though of higher meaning,
not unlike those which even the merest
child of earth has the gift of asking, to
the confusion of many subtilities. It is a
scene of great beauty and one on whic h
the thoughts of Christian teachers and
Christian artists have reverently pon-
dered ever since it has been described on
the Gospel page.
When the solemn days at Jerusalem
were ended, (he company of pilgrims
started back Eor their homes. The first
day's journey was always a short one, per-
haps on account of the extra trouble in
unpitching their trnis aftei their pro-
longed stay in the Holy City. On this 0<
casion we read that the Child Jesus tai
ried behind in Jerusalem; and ill. 11 His
parents knew not of It, They supposed
He was still in the company, passing
from one cluster to another oi those who
claimed kinship with Him, and called
Him cousin and nephew. But as the)
drew nigh to the end of the da\ \s journey .
they found that lie was not anywhere in
the whole band. They went hack, there
fore, with hurrying Feet and anxious
hearts to the city they had left, and so
severed themselves from the pilgrim
band, which went on their northward
journey, nightly pitching their moving
tents a day's march nearer home. We all
know how Joseph and Mary sought the
Child Jesus-how they sought Him sor-
rowing, but found Him not till the third
day of their search.
* * *
Some writers have considered it incon-
ceivable that parents would not have
missed a child during a day's march.
However, the explanation is very sim-
ple. A "day's march in the East" is gen-
erally the distance covered in six hours
of slow travel. The departure of the
large caravans is carried out leisurely,
and the first stopping distance is, as a
rule, very short, because these large and
confused assemblies were often late in
starting.
What would be easier than that Mary
and Joseph should have missed Jesus in
the confusion of an Eastern departure?
How natural that, as the caravan wound
Christian character is not an in-
heritance; each individual must
build it for himself. — Exchange.
its way out of Jerusalem, His parents
should have assumed that He was with
them. Amidst the confusion of starting,
children and even grown-up people
easily get separated from their own cir-
cle, their absence being discovered only
when the tents are pitched in the quiet
of the first night. That Christ did not
then come back was a sign that He had
not left Jerusalem. Jesus was, 1 feel sure,
not the only boy who has been left be-
hind in Jerusalem during the hectic de-
parture from a festival.
But the story of our Lord's pilgrimage
as a boy with Joseph and Mary and their
kinsfolk and neighbors from Nazareth to
Jerusalem, the pilgrimage made in the
bright springtime, when all Nature was
praising the Lord with its harmonious
murm u rings, when the birds were carol-
ing in the bushes, and the trees were
lilting up joyously their blossom-laden
branches; the pilgrimage which was one
of prayer and song, when the upraised
voices must have made a melody which
would kindle the enthusiasm oi all the
young hearts who, lor the first time, were
pining in the happy throng, the story of
this pilgrimage is one on which our
thoughts may well rest, one which we
may well ponder over.
All life long we should be conscious
that we are but sojourners and pilgrims
upon earth. Here we have no continuing
i ii\. We seek one to come. We seek a
Heavenly Jerusalem— a Holy City-the
Abode of Humanity redeemed and made
divine and brought into everlasting
union with God. That city is being
reared up by divine hands on the Holy
Land of Humanity.
Old City, Jerusalem, Jordan.
They Glow in the Dark
By Mrs. Ralph Palmer
As my husband and I traveled over the
country's highways day after day in our
work of tract distribution we were con-
fronted with a multitude of signboards
advertising all manner of products. See-
ing certain items advertised over and
over again, north and south, east and
west, we began to realize the selling pow-
er of such signboards. They command
the attention of millions of motorists
passing by in never-ending streams.
Particularly effective were certain
signs which appeared to light up as we
approached in the darkness. In our day-
time travels our attention was largely
taken up with the scenery, making it
possible for us to partly ignore the sign-
boards. But when darkness shut out the
landscape from our view, our attention
was almost irresistibly drawn to these
signs as they stood out from the sur-
rounding darkness. And as we saw cei
tain signs over and over we began to real-
ize also the value of repetition.
"Say," Raiph remarked traveling down
the highway one morning before day-
light, "I'm beginning to see the value of
these road signs— especially those that
glow in the darkness. The first time I
saw that sign like the one just ahead of
us there, 1 paid little attention, but
after seeing the same one over and oyer
for the past two hours, I'm beginning
to think the product they advertise must
be pretty good."
'Well," I answered, "I'm not interest-
ed in those motor-driven outfits, but 1
must say I'm beginning to get right hun-
gry for some of those 'Wise' potato chips.
I've seen their advertisements shining
there in the darkness even lour 01 five
miles, for the last hundred miles. Let's
stop and get some the next chance we
get!"
'Why can't Christians put up signs
like that for the Lord?" he asked. "We've
been seeing just about all kinds of pro- 1
ducts advertised on these signboards, but
not a single word for the Lord. If this '
is an effective way to tell the public other |
things people want them to know, then
certainly it would be an effective wa\
to put God's messages before them. Let's
get about twelve signs made with these
bright letters and put them up on bus\
roads around home."
"Wouldn't that be more than we
need?" 1 asked. "It seems as if five or
six would be enough, one for each of thej
busier highways."
He answered: "Didn't you just nowj
say you are hungry for potato chips be I
cause you have been seeing them adver l
tised over and over? Wouldn't the samel
principle hold good with Gospel signs?]
Come to think of it— it seems to me wtl
ought to hav e about two do/en signs with
different wording for all those roadsj
around home. Let's get a good signl
painter to make us some right away."
May 4, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
415
A Prayer for This Week
Our Eternal Father, we bow before
Thee, humble in the knowledge of our
own insufficiency. Cleanse our hearts oi
the filth of selfishness. Purify our vision
that we may see Thee more truly and,
seeing, acclaim Thee more completely as
our Lord and Master.
Our hearts rise up in praise and
thanksgiving as we thrill to the ever-
inspiring pageant of awakening nature.
In this season of new life, grant us also
an awakening. Take our puny thoughts,
aims, desires, and possessions into Thy
redeeming hands and draw them togeth-
er into one strong purpose of Thine.
For in Thee, Lord, are all our power
and all our skill and all our blessings,
and only in Thee, Lord, can we fulfill
the purpose of our creation.
We thank Thee for the holy privilege
of calling Thee, "Father." Save us from
the sin of indifference to those around
us who have not claimed this privilege.
Direct the lives of Thy children into the
byways, if need be, that others may be
brought into the blessedness of Thy holy
presence.
Teach us to praise Thee more perfect-
ly and to serve Thee more effectively.
Use us, Father, as Thou wilt, for Thou
art our God, and we are Thy people.
Through Jesus Christ, our Saviour, we
pray. Amen.— Eunice Shellenberger.
Thus was born our plan for putting
up the Gospel road signs made with let-
ters of silver Scotchlite reflective sheet-
ing. The signs which we got to place
on our Tidewater highways proved to
be only a small beginning. Seeing how
well the messages showed up, Ralph de-
cided to attempt to get such signs placed
on well-traveled roads all over the coun-
try. The plan he took to accomplish this
was to have about 500 signs made and
offer to send one or more free to our
Mennonite congregations all over the
United States and Canada, with the un-
derstanding that they should erect and
care for the sign along well-traveled
roads.
The response was large enough that
soon it was necessary to make more signs.
At this writing we have sent out over
4,500 signs which have gone to most of
the states in the Union and some Cana-
dian provinces. We have about 700 more
being made at our home, bringing the
total number to over 5,000. The com-
bined weight of these signs was about
twelve tons.
At first the lettering was done by Bro.
Clyde Lamp, a sign painter of Malvern,
Pa. As a Christian man he was very much
interested in this manner of placing the
Gospel messages before the public. He
made about 3,000 signs for us altogether.
But we found we were able to make the
signs ourselves by cutting out and apply-
ing the Scotchlite letters. Although we
cannot give the signs a professional
touch as Bro. Lamp did, we have been
making them ourselves with the help of
interested neighbors. We have especially
appreciated the help of Bro. S. H. Brunk,
who has given many hours of his time
for this work. Also quite a lot of time
was donated by members of the Warwick
River congregation, men helping with
the painting and women taking part in
cutting out the Scotchlite letters.
When we began this project we fi-
nanced it from our own savings, but as
it expanded we were unable to furnish
enough money to keep it going. Dona-
tions for this purpose have come to us
from time to time and so we have been
able to carry it on through freewill of-
ferings.
The signs, size 2x3 feet, carry the
following messages: "Where Will You
Spend Eternity?" "Prepare to Meet Thy
God," "Now Is the Day of Salvation,"
"You Must Be Born Again," "Jesus Said,
1 Am the Way," "Christ Died for Our
Sins," "Repent! Judgment Is Coming,"
and others. Also there were 375 sets of
smaller size, each set containing four
signs with the following messages: "Eter-
nity Ahead!" "Repent Now," "Believe
the Gospel," "Jesus Will Save." More re-
cently we have made a number of smaller
size "Go to Church" signs to go with the
2x3 foot size.
Encouraging reports have come to us
now and then of people who have been
helped through these messages. I want
to briefly tell you of two of them. A cer-
tain man who had been a heavy drinker
accepted the Lord in a large church one
night. The minister asked him what
had brought him to make the decision,
as he had been known as a hard person
to reach. His reply was that every night
as he returned home from work he was
confronted with a Gospel sign glowing
in the darkness— "Now Is the Day of
Salvation." His first impulse was to tear
it down, but as he saw those words night
after night he was deeply convicted and
turned to Christ for salvation.
Another unsaved man was struck by
the question, "Where Will you Spend
Eternity?" as he drove down the high-
way one night. A little distance down
the road he was injured in an auto wreck
and when he regained consciousness he
found himself in a hospital. Those
words, "Where Will You Spent Eterni-
ty?" still rang in his mind. He called for
someone to give him spiritual help and
he too was saved.
While Ralph's main work is the dis-
tribution of Gospel tracts on city streets,
he has been giving part of his time the
past year to making and sending out
these signs. Anyone desiring one or more
of these 2x3 foot signs may have them
Prayer Requests —
(Requests for this column must be signed)
Pray for the summer Bible schools that
will be held in Europe during the
summer months. Pray for those who
are translating materials to be used in
the schools, for the teachers, and es-
pecially that the Word of God may
find root in the lives of the children
who attend these schools.
Pray that the door may not be closed to
the evangelical witness in Colombia.
A sister requests prayer that she might
be healed of a nervous condition as
she submits herself to the Lord.
Pray for a mother and son who are drift-
ing toward the Adventist faith.
Pray for the various evangelistic tent
campaigns to be held during the sum-
mer.
by writing Ralph Palmer, Denbigh, Va.,
giving name and parcel-post address of
the one who wants to receive them. We
will send the signs free as long as money
is available to purchase supplies for mak-
ing them.
Since the above article was written we
have made an additional lot of about
2,000 signs bearing the words, "Jesus
Saves." Now that the number of signs
has reached a total of about 7,000, weigh-
ing over 15 tons, we feel that the time
has come when we should give our full
time again to tract distribution. We
want to express our thanks to everyone
who accepted some of these signs and
placed them along highways, thus help-
ing to make it possible to get the mes-
sages before the public.
Although we are no longer making
signs, we still have some on hand which
will be sent to you on request as long
as the supply lasts.
Now that we are again engaged in full-
time tract distribution, we take this op-
portunity of thanking those who in the
past have supported the tract work with
their prayers and financial help. We
solicit your continued interest and help
in this work.
Denbigh, Va.
Back in 1900 the life expectancy of a
man was 48 years, of a woman, 51. To-
day the span has increased to 69 for men,
77 for women. This means a new age
group of some 12 million persons.
416
GOSPEL HERALD
OUR SCHOOLS
Philosophy of Eastern Mennonite
College
The philosophy of education of East-
ern Mennonite College is based on the
doctrines of the Word of God as they
are interpreted in the Articles of Faith
adopted by Virginia Mennonite Confer-
ence. The following statement is an at-
tempt to set forth the essence of this
philosophy.
Since we believe that the Bible is the
final and inerrant revelation of God to
man, we regard it authoritative as an ex-
pression of the principles from which we
draw our educational theory. We hold as
basic its declaration, "Thy Word Is
Truth." We respect the interpretation
of the church as a guide to creative think-
ing and satisfactory living. We test all
of man's thought and action by the Word
of God and appropriate what is true in
them for cultural and practical uses, be-
lieving that the true elements of the
arts and sciences are compatible with
Christianity. We recognize the necessity
tor open-mindedness and critical think-
ing but hold reason subservient to faith
in the Scriptures.
Our belief in the Bible as God's reve-
lation of Himself to man places God in
the center of our educational program.
We believe in Christ as the only Re-
deemer of man by the shedding of His
blood, and we accept Him as personal
Saviour and Lord. Therefore, we seek to
bring the student into a saving relation-
ship with Him.
Sound educational procedure requires
a proper view of man. We believe man
was created in the image of God but that
in his fall this image was broken and his
nature became depraved. We believe
that it is the work of Christian education
to help the student appropriate the
means of grace for the restoration of the
image of God in himself, and for the
forming of a new nature in Christ. We
endeavor to guide him into fullness ol
life and to a consecration of that life to
Christ because the Lordship of Christ
is the central factor in Christian learning
and living. Only in this condition can
he glorify God and realize his highest
potentialities for happiness and useful-
ness to his fellow men.
We believe that the highest expression
of social relationships is found in the
church as a Christian brotherhood. We
find our deepest devotion within the
fellowship of the saints and our greatest
challenge in the mission of the church.
We endeavor to train the student in
satisfactory group living in the home and
community and to instill in him a feeling
of responsibility for the welfare of others.
We believe that love should be the
basic element in all social relationships
to the extent that we repay evil with
idood and obey the command ol Christ.
"Therefore all things whatsoever \e
would that men should do to you, do ye
even so to them." We find our highest
social purpose in evangelism rather than
in programs of social reform and politi-
cal action.
We believe that the educational proc-
ess employs general laws of learning but
that the Holy Spirit is ready to aid in
all learning. Whereas the Holy Spirit
alone is capable of producing eternal life
and sustaining its growth, we rely upon
His guidance in the pursuit of all truth.
Education is more than the acquisition
of tacts. We seek to guide the student in
forming a thoroughly Christian view ot
life and in developing a wholesome per-
sonality to equip him for creative living
under the direction of the Spirit of God.
We believe that the educational experi-
ence should be happy and stimulating.
Both teacher and student should work
with a consciousness of calling from God.
The disciplines which emerge from a
true sense ot stewardship of life should
be accepted by both teacher and student
as credentials for future service and use-
fulness.
We believe that every teacher must be
adequately prepared academically and
spiritually. A Christian teacher is con-
vinced that education should be charac-
terized by solid scholarship and use of
the best methods in teaching and learn-
ing. He must be resourceful, and con-
tinuously growing in his profession. His
chief concern is that each student be
oiven opportunity to reach his maximum
development lor Christian service.
(This philosophy was adopted by the
Faculty and approved by the Board ol
Trustees.)
Church History
(Continued from last week)
A Sermon— Text, John 3:16-21
Jesus suffered many trials and tempta-
tions, and the most ignominious death
on the cross. It was there that He crushed
the serpent's head, and he bruised His
heel. It was there that lie gained the
victory and led captivity captive. It was
there that Satan was bound with the
great chain, SO that he has no power ovei
us li we cling to Jesus and Weep in the
middle of the way. Bunyan, in his Pil-
grim's Progress, says that one was travel-
ing t!v narrow way and he saw a lion a
short distance ahead. He was about to
turn around, when one on the other side
called him. urging him to press forward,
that the lion was tied, onlv keep in the
middle of the way. So it is as long as we
look to Jesus and'follow in His footsteps.
May ./, 1954
Satan has no power over us; but as soon
as we step aside, we fall into his clutches.
We read, "Resist the devil, and he will
Hee from you." We have that power
through the Holy Ghost to overcome the
enemy if we only look to Jesus. In a nat-
ural sense, when we are sick, we call for a
physician. It seems we want to cling to
life as long as possible. When we are sick
in spirit we should call on the Great
Phvsician- Jesus Christ. He will heal us
if we only believe, but He requires faith.
"For he that will come to God must be-
lieve that he is, and that he is a rewarder
ot them that diligently seek him. Do
we hunger and thirst alter righteousness?
It is spiritually as with the natural ap-
petite—it we hunger and thirst alter
righteousness, we shall be filled— satisfied
by the Word of God. But if we are not
hungry we want something specially pre-
pared tor us— something spicy. Naturally
if we are right hungry, we even trv to sat-
isfy ourselves with the crumbs. So spirit-
ually if we have a real desire, we shall be
filled. Now we are all come together
here lor a purpose. Did we come to
praise and glorify God. or did we just
come out of curiosity Let us all take
this to heart, and consider with what
purpose we go to the house of God.
When Christ was on His way to the
cross, He turned to the women and said.
"Weep not for me, but weep for your-
selves and your children." Something for
you, sisters-It is necessary that we weep
for our own sins, and spare no tears for
our children that they may be brought
up in the "nurture and admonition o!
the Lord," so that we may meet them
over there where God shall wipe away
all tears from our eyes. Let us then strive
lawfully that we ma\ obtain that crown
of righteousness, not for us alone, "but
lor all them also that love his appear-
ing."
Paul in his early days was a persecutor
ol the church. He obtained letters from
the chief rulers to go down to the citv ol
Damascus and bind as many as he could
find and bring them bound to Jerusalem.
Ami as he came near Damascus, sudden-
ly there appeared unto him a great lulu
from heaven. He lell to the earth and
heard a voice saying, "Saul, Saul, why
persecutes! thou me?" Saul said. "Who
an thou. Lord?" and "What wilt thou
have me to do?" The Lord said. "Arise
and go into the citv. ami it shall be told
thee what thou shah do." Saul rose up.
but could not see. He remained blind
for three days, and did neither eat nor
drink. There was at Damascus a certain
disciple named Ananias. To him the
Lord said in a v ision. " \nanias." He
answered. "Here am I." The Lord said.
"Arise and go into the street called
Straight, and inquire lor one Saul of Tar-
sus, 101 behold he praveth." And Ana-
nias went lus wa\ into the house, and
laid his hands on him saying, "Brothel
Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared
to thee bv the way. hath sent me that
thou mightest receive thy sight and he
May 4, 1934
filled with the Holy Spirit." Immediate-
ly he received his sight, arose, and was
baptized. He stayed with the disciples
several days. From that time he preached
Christ until his death. Well might he
say, "I have fought a good fight." He
looked for His appearing.
So, my friends, if we love His appear-
ing, we will accept Him into our hearts
and be filled with the Holy Spirit who
shall lead us in life that at the end of
life's journey we may say with the words
just quoted. But if we love not His ap-
pearing, if we do not accept Him, we are
none of His. Why not accept Him now?
My dear friends, the only place I can
GOSPEL HERALD
point you to is Jesus, the author and
finisher of our faith.
I shall not multiply words. It depends
not on the much speaking, but in our do-
ing the word of the Lord. When Jonah
was sent to preach to Nineveh, he told
them that in forty days the city should be
destroyed. It was a very short sermon,
but the king descended from his throne
and proclaimed a fast through the land.
They had a promise of forty days, but
not so with us. Only today, therefore it
is needful that we all come to repentance.
I hope we may all meet in heaven.
—Reprinted by request from Gospel
Herald, Feb. 2, 1922. .
CHURCH MUSIC
Blind Hymn Authors and
Composers
By Mildred Martin
Often we ask the question, "What is
sight?" For we realize that many of those
who are blind physically speaking have
a very keen spiritual sight and are able
to see things not visible to those who
have their full physical sight.
The contributions to the world by the
blind have been many and varied, but
without doubt the contribution they
have made to hymnology is one of the
richest and finest of any, although it is
the least known.
The Story of Fanny Crosby
When we speak of blind song writers,
we immediately think of Fanny Crosby,
who was born at Southeast, Putnam
County, New York, on March 24, 1820.
Miss Crosby was not born blind. When
she was six weeks old she lost her sight
because of an application that was ap-
plied too hot to her eyes.
When she was fifteen years old, she
entered the New York Institution for the
Blind and studied there for twelve years.
At the age of twenty-seven, she became
a teacher in the same school where she
had once been a pupil.
Her remarkable aptitude for poetry
was noticed by her teachers when she
was very young, but it was not until she
was forty-four years old that she began
to write hymns. This was six years after
her marriage to Alexander Van Alystyne,
a blind musician.
It is quite possible that it was William
B. Bradbury who started her on her
career as a hymn writer. Mr. Bradbury,
the "father of public school music," sug-
gested to Miss Crosby that she try her
hand at writing sacred songs. She tried
and succeeded. This avenue of expres-
sion proved to be a source of real bless-
ing, for it enabled her to pour out her
thoughts and feelings to enrich the lives
pf others.
She wrote over six thousand Gospel
songs and hymns, a number said to be
greater than those of any other writer
since the days of Wesley and Watts.
Among her best known songs are:
"Rescue the Perishing," "Blessed Assur-
ance," "Open the Gates of the Temple,"
"Close to Thee," and "Saved by Grace."
Those who knew Miss Crosby said that
she refused to be pitied and wanted to
take her place among men and women
who had sight and keep pace with them.
We must agree that she kept pace and
even more, for she gave to the world
more than many who have their sight.
Her favorite authors were Lowell,
Holmes, Longfellow, and Whittier, each
of which were well-known hymn-poem
writers.
"Safe in the Arms of Jesus" was writ-
ten April 30, 1868, at ' the request of
William Doane, author of "Ancient of
Days."
Mr. Doane called at Miss Crosby's
home one day and said, "I have exactly
forty minutes before my train leaves for
Cincinnati. Here is a melody. Can you
write the words for it now?"
Miss Crosby wrote the hymn-poem in
twenty minutes, and for seventy-five
years people have enjoyed it and have
been benefited by the hearing and sing-
ing of it.
"Saved by Grace" was written in less
than an hour at the request of L. H. Bige-
low. It was set to music by George Cole
Stebbins.
Death came to Miss Crosby on Febru-
ary 12, 1915. One of her biographers said
of her, "She swept triumphantly into the
'Land of Pure Delight' of which she had
so often and so beautifully sung."
Henry Smart's Contribution
Henry Smart, one of the foremost or-
ganists of England, lost his eyesight when
he was fifty-two years of age, nor was he
bitter and unduly sad over his affliction,
for he continued to compose and play.
The world is indebted to him for many
hymn-tunes. One of the tunes that is the
417
best loved of them all is "Regent
Square," which is found in nearly all
hymnals once, and often as many as four
times.
Mr. Smart was born in London in
1813. He studied law and practiced for
four years, then decided to devote his life
to music. He not alone was an organist
and composer of hymn-tunes, but was an
organ builder and composer of anthems,
cantatas, and oratorios.
His death occurred in 1879. The words
of Newton can well be applied to him:
"They serve God well who serve His
creatures."
George Mattheson
Rev. George Mattheson was born in
Glasgow, Scotland, in 1842. He had par-
tial vision until he was about fifteen
years of age.
He is best known and remembered for
his hymn-poem, "O Love That Will Not
Let Me Go," which he wrote in five min-
utes on June 6, 1882, at Iniellan. It is
used with two different hymn-tunes, one
composed by J. B. Herbert, and the oth-
er by Albert L. Pearce, while he was on
an island off the coast of Scotland.
William Walford
"Sweet Hour of Prayer" was written by
William Walford, a minister of England
who had a most remarkable memory. It
is said that he could repeat from memory
the Psalms, prophecies, some of the his-
torical books, and a major portion of the
New Testament. Mr. Walford did not
write this poem as a hymn-poem, but
when his friend, Rev. Thomas Salmon,
heard it, he asked for a copy of it and
brought it to the United States with him.
It was first published in the New York
Sun. William B. Bradbury, often spoken
of as the "father of public school music,"
composed the hymn-tune with which it
is used in 1859.
Other Blind Writers
The hymn-poem, "I Love Thy King-
dom, Lord," was written by Rev. Tim-
othy Dwight, a minister of the Congrega-
tional faith. For nearly forty years Mr.
Dwight was able to read for only a few
minutes at a time. Often there were pe-
riods when he could not use his eyes at
all and finally he lost his entire vision.
His life should inspire others, for in
spite of his partial and then complete
blindness, he became President of Yale.
His background was a very fine one, for
he was the son of the daughter of Jon-
athan Edwards.
It is interesting to know that at the
time he was President of Yale there were
only one hundred students, one profes-
sor, and three tutors. He wrote seven
volumes of sermons and theological es-
says, but is best remembered for the
above-mentioned hymn-poem.
John Milton, the English poet, became
blind at the age of forty-four. At an early
age he could read Latin, Italian, Hebrew,
and Greek, and thus had stored away in
his mind valuable treasures which stood
(Continued on page 428)
418
GOSPEL HERALD
May 4, 1954
FOR OUR SHUT-INS
"Thy Will Be Done"
By Lorie C. Gooding
It is easy enough when life is as fair
And as bright as the springtime sun
To praise the Lord in a joyous prayer,
And say, "Thy will be done."
But the soul that is trusting the Saviour aright
For life and death, is the one
Who can kneel in the midst of the perilous
night
And say, "Thy will be done."
Holmesville, Ohio.
"Not My Will— Thine Be Done"
By Sylvia Ratcliffe Lockwood
They stood together in a large hospital
at the bedside of their beloved-the frail
little old lady, and the slender, clean-cut
lad. Sadness was written in both faces as
they gazed down upon the patient suffer-
er, who at that moment was sleeping fit-
fully. There were tears in tke eyes of the
grandmother, and the boy was fighting
hard to keep them back in his own. Just
ladies cried— men didn't— and he was de-
termined to be a man. Wasn't he the
only man in the family now with Father
gone to be with Jesus, and Uncle Harry
in Africa? He must be brave because he
was all Grandmother had now. But it is
hard to be a man when your mother lies
before you so white and still— it would be
so much easier to throw one's self upon
the bed, close to those dear arms, and cry
out all one's fear and grief. But the nurse
had said that they must be very careful
not to disturb Mother-to let her sleep
as long as she could.
He stooped down to pick up his grand-
mother's handkerchief that had dropped,
unnoticed to the floor. The motion
aroused the one upon the bed, and her
eyes flickered open. A smile of recogni-
tion passed over the wan features, and a
weak voice greeted them— "Mother! Da-
vid!"—only those two words, but what a
world of love and longing was wrapped
up in them!
Instantly the lad was at her side, and
his lips were brushing her forehead as he
rrltirmured brokenly, "Mother!"
"Careful, David," his grandmother ad-
monished gently. "Remember what the
doctor told us. Mother mustn't be ex-
( iicd." Then taking the dear thin hand
in her own she too kissed the white fore-
head, as she asked tenderly, "How is it
today, Mary? Is the pain any better?"
"I'm afraid not. Mother. 1 > 1 1 1 His grace
is sufficient." was the sweet reply. "It
seems sometimes as if I can't be n it anv
longer, but He always gives me grace as
I need it. Only I'm growing so wearyl
If it were not for Davie and you, I could
almost ask God to call me Home."
"No, Mother! You must get well.
Grandma and I are asking God to make
you well and I'm sure He will," David
pleaded quickly.
"Yes, Mary, don't give up. David and
I need you so!" her mother said, as she
gently stroked her daughter's hand. "We
must go now, as Doctor Russel said we
must only stay a minute or two, and we
promised him we'd make our visit short.
Good night, dear, and God bless you. We
must go, but He will stay close by your
side."
"Yes, Mother— His Presence has meant
so much to me all the time, but especially
in the lonely night hours when I cannot
sleep, and the pain is almost too great to
bear. Good night, Mother— and good
night, Davie." She held the boyish form
close for a moment as he kissed her good-
by, and she felt a hot tear upon her
cheek. "Remember, Laddie, you're Moth-
er's man! Take good care of Grandma."
"I will, Mother— good night."
With a last backward look and a wave
of the hand they walked slowly down the
hall— the little old lady, and the tall,
slender boy.
One day followed another and ran
into weeks, and Mary Wells grew steadi-
ly worse. It became increasingly hard for
her son and mother to see her suffer as
she did. One night as they returned
home from the hospital, with the mem-
ory of her suffering very clear in both
their minds, David's grandmother turned
to him with determination written all
over her countenance.
"David," she said, gently but firmlv.
"we're being selfish— you and I. We are
going to change our prayers tonight. It's
going to be hard. Laddie, but it will be
best for Mother, and whatever is best for
Mother is what we want, isn't it?"
"Y— e— s," David was fearful of what
his grandmother meant— but Grand-
mother was right, of course— and he was
the man of the house; so he must be
brave. Grandmother was small, but he
knew from experience that her deter-
mination to do a thing meant that it
would be done, if it were at all possible.
"Right now we're going to kneel and
ask God to take Mother Home, out of
this suffering and sickness," Grandmoth-
er continued, and, suiting action to
words, she dropped to her knees. Duti
fully David followed her example, and,
while the tears flowed freelv. thev both
implored God to take their loved one
Home to Himself where she would know
RO more suffering or sadness.
Still one dav gave place to another,
and Cod seemingly was not answering
their prayer, Marx Wells still suffered
on in her hospital room— still kept sweet
and patient in the midst of all her suffer-
ing, because as she so often affirmed, her
Lord was ever near in comforting power.
There came another night when David
and his grandmother said "good-night,"
and left their dear one again to return to
their lonely home. As the key turned in |
the lock of the tiny cottage his grand-
mother said abruptly, "David, I've been
an old fool! First we ask God to take
away Mother's pain and restore her to
health— but He doesn't do it! Then I say I
we will ask Him to take her Home out
of her pain and suffering— neither does
He do that! Now we're going to pray as
we should have prayed in the first place
—not that our will in Mother's life should
be accomplished, but that God's will
might be done, and that He might be
glorified through it all."
Again they knelt together, and this
time they commended their loved one
into God's care and keeping, asking only
that His will be done and glory brought
to His own dear name. And God's will
was done. Mrs. Wells began to mend
from that hour on, and it was only a few-
weeks till she was home again. How
they all rejoiced as she sat in the big
chair by the front window, with David at
her feet and Grandmother hovering over
them both. David must tell her again of
their prayers, and how God said "No!"
until they prayed that His will alone be
done, but how quickly He had given
them their hearts' desire when that de-
sire was centered in His will. His moth-
er's eyes shone as she repeated softlv,
"Thy will— not mine— be done. May it
always be thus, Lord, in all our lives."—
Young People's Delight.
Addresses of Shut-ins
Mrs. Christ K. Miller— b. May 13, 1891
Route 1
Lancaster, Pa.
EXPRESSIONS OF APPRECIATION
Wo wish to express our thanks and appre-
ciation to Bro. and Sister Sutter and the other
kind friends who visited us, prayed and sane
for us, and helped in many other ways durinc
the illness of my husband. He has been bedfa^r
for eight months now, and one blessed day.
while Bro. and Sister Sutter were visiting him.
he asked for prayer, and. praise God. He par-
doned his sins. We ask God's blessing upon all
of you who have been so kind to us and we ask
that you continue to remember us in prayer.
—Ada Ben field, Portland. Ore*.
* • •
We wish to express our deepest appreciation
for the many prayers offered in our behalf, and
the many kind deeds, letters, and cards of sym-
pathy at the time she was in the hospital and
after the death of our darling Rose Ann. — Mr.
Bud Mrs. Norman N. Eberly and children.
* * *
"O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good :
for his mercy endureth for ever" (Ps. 107:1V
"God, who is rich in mercy, wherewith he loved
us" (Eph. -:11 he praised for His benefits to us.
With appreciation to the Lord, and to the
many friends whose tokens of interest and
prayers wo have received, and to those whose
thoughts and prayers have ascended to God from
the bunds of our Great nigh Priest who offers
to God the incense of the prayers of all the
saints. I. with my family, extend most hearty
thanks. May God bless you as He has blessed
us. I returned from the hospital on Saturday,
April 17.— S. F. Poffman, Vineland. Ont
May 4, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
419
TO BE NEAR TO GOD
TALES OF HIGH ROMANCE
Faith Is a Romance
Sunday, May 9
Matt. 22:1-14 — Invitation to Romance
All the world loves a lover and most folks
do not pass up a wedding invitation. But
here were some so devoid of natural affection
that the happiness of another means nothing
to them.
It is not likely that these who gladly heard
the call to go out over highway and byway,
"both bad and good," were wearing their
wedding garments. But now all have gar-
ments—all but one. He had not enough re-
spect for his host to exchange the filthy rags
of the beggar for the proffered bath and clean
suit. It is this fellow who differentiates this
story from the one in Luke 14. It is he who
is the point of this story.
Friend, you're invited to the King's wed-
ding supper. Have enough respect for your
Host to let Him clean you up.
"Come into my heart, Lord Jesus."
Monday, May 10
Luke 15:11-24 — True and False Romance
For every good gift Satan has a substitute.
For the high jewel of Christian love, he has
his gaudy tinsel. The young chap in today's
story seems to have spurned yesterday's invi-
tation for today's temptation. Satan has
lured one more young soul with the bubble of
false romance.
But when Satan thinks he has finished
with this soul, the call goes out over the high-
way again. And another soul gets a bath and
a new robe. How incomparably better is the
enriching love of home and Father than the
debauching love of harlotry!
Lord, grant me to differentiate between the
glitter and the gold.
Tuesday, May 11
! Luke 15:25-32 — The Unromantic Heart
Here is a man who is good. By his own
confession he had never done a great wrong.
And since he could say it in his father's pres-
ence, it was probably true. He was good
1 all right — but good for nothing.
This fellow failed to get a ticket to the
supper, and so he pouted, out in the newly
j emptied calf stall, while family and servants
rejoiced. What was this ticket he lacked?
i Read what it says on the back. "By this shall
all men know that ye are my disciples, if
ye love one another." No ticket? No supper!
Lord, give the romantic heart.
Wednesday, May 12
) Luke 10:29-37 — Love in Action
Have you ever noticed that the loving
j heart has small trouble in discovering an
' object for its affection? The priest's and
\ Levite's sins were not primarily those of
< being too busy to be decent. The Samaritan
1 farmer's virtue was not that he had a surplus
of leisure. Even a busy schedule will bend
enough to help the fallen, when prompted
by a heart of love.
You've noticed too, of course, that a love-
prompted deed always leaves a trail of holy
perfume in its wake — like two pence paid
to an innkeeper for tomorrow's comfort.
Lord, help me to be a neighbor today.
Thursday, May 13
Matt. 21:28-30 — Love and Sentiment
Much that passes for love is mere senti-
ment. Love is the beautiful word of Canticles
2. It is also the anguish, the searching, the
terror of dark streets, the tender nursing of
Canticles 3.
Here are two brothers — one polite and
polished, one rough-spoken and honest. We
don't know why the first son said, "I will
not." Maybe he couldn't. Maybe he just
hadn't the inclination. But we do know why
the second said, "I go, sir." He was one who
took the road of immediate ease.
That neither one's love is judged by words,
but by works, is what Jesus would suggest
here.
Lord, strip us of sentiment; give us true
charity.
Friday, May 14
Luke 18:10-14 — Romance of Accepted Love
What this publican did is not lightly done.
Sunday School Lesson for May 16
(I Kings 21)
(Let one member of the class keep up the
time line of kings suggested in May 9 lesson.)
Same king, same prophet in another dra-
matic event. Who?
Omri, the previous king (see time line),
had made Samaria the government head-
quarters. Ahab and Jezebel had their royal
residence there, but they also had a summer
palace in Jezreel. There is laid the scene
of today's lesson.
But Ahab's lust for land was not satisfied.
He wanted some adjoining land, probably
for a lovely summer garden. Material pos-
sessions meant much to the king. Possession
of much is no guarantee against covetous-
ness. Ahab offered his neighbor big money
for his vineyard, and he expected Naboth to
yield. Perhaps Ahab, like many wealthy
people, like many despotic people, didn't
think a subject had any rights.
Naboth, however, was tied by love to his
bit of land which his fathers had cultivated
for many years, and also by obedience to the
law of God. He did have some rights too.
He refused the king his request.
What effect did this refusal have on the
Much soul-searching took place before re-
luctant feet carried the longing heart up those
temple steps. And once he found himself
alone before his God, all the long apologies
he may have prepared, melted away. A soul
stood naked before his God. And what his
fearful heart had scarcely dared to hope for,
he now dared to ask for boldly — love, mercy.
Was ever blushing maiden more thrilled to
hear pledges of lasting devotion than was this
man to learn that there was love even for
him?
"The greatness of a man is best deter-
mined ... by what he feels and does at the
confessional when he faces his sins alone be-
fore God. If he is great here, he is great
everywhere" (S. C. Yoder).
Lord, I accept your love; accept my grati-
tude.
Saturday, May 15
Matt. 25:1-13 — Romance ol Hope
The joy of the wedding seems to have
had a special attraction for our Lord. Was
it perhaps that in the love, and the joy, and
the good will of this occasion, He felt most
at home? The church as the bride adorned
is the exultant hope of the New Testament.
And that is not strange.
Was the sin of the foolish girls that they
had worked too hard the day before? Was it
not rather the sin of lacking love and ex-
pectancy? No young man would care to
spend a lifetime with a young lady who
could fall asleep at the wedding altar. Our
Lord cannot spend eternity with those who
have no sense of excitement at the thought
of His soon return.
Lord, trim my lamp of hope.
—Carl Beck.
king? See the weak man sulk in his selfish-
ness, not willing to be thwarted but not
strong enough to withstand a subject. Many
people who can't have what their unregulated
desires demand become very miserable. Any
sin may follow such covetousness and selfish-
ness. Trace the succession of sins that fol-
lowed. See that such a trail is very common
and very likely.
A strong wicked character in the person of
Jezebel comes into the drama. She knows
no restraint. Then follow deceit, treachery,
graft, perjury, theft, murder. Her wicked
scheme was unjustified, contemptible, and in-
excusable. How dangerous are riches and
ease! "Covetousness has for its mother un-
lawful desire, for its daughter injustice, and
for its friend violence" (Arab Proverb).
When one law of God is defied, more defi-
ance will easily follow. We see covetousness
is no small sin as some would count it.
Ahab forgot to reckon on God. When he
was ready to possess his great desire, Elijah
appeared, even in the vineyard. Ahab's words
show that the vineyard did not give him
peace and happiness. He was under condem-
nation. Cod could not let such sin go un-
punished. He had directed Elijah to find
(Continued on page 428)
Covetousness Punished
420
GOSPEL HERALD
May 4> '954
FIELD
Items (o appear in this column lor any issue of the
following Tuesday must reach Scortdale by Wednes-
day morning.
Eight persons were baptized and five re-
ceived by letter at the College Church, Go-
shen, Ind., on April 4.
The First Mennonite, the Sterling Ave-
nue Mennonite, and the Mennonite Brethren
Church, all in Kitchener, Ont., combined
services for a program rendered by the
Grace Chorale, from the Grace Bible Insti-
tute, Omaha, Nebr., recently.
A very helpful series of meetings was held
in the West Liberty, Ohio, community over
• the Easter season as the three churches —
South Union, Bethel, and Oak Grove — co-
operated in seasonal services on the theme,
"Christ the Center." Ministers of the three
congregations were the speakers.
The congregation at Schellsburg, Pa., co-
operated with the Brethren in Christ con-
gregation at near-by Spring Hope in a Good
Friday service.
A twelve-week teacher training course is
being held at the Stahl Church, near Holl-
sopple, Pa., with Bro. Sanford G. Shetler as
teacher.
The congregation at Neffsville, Pa., hopes,
as the Lord opens the way, to establish an
outpost in eastern Maryland. The H. Hershey
Balmer family is already located at R. 2,
Chestertown, Md. Other couples are needed
who can give a spiritual witness. There is
an immediate opening, with modern home
Table of Contents
409 — Jesus Christ Is the Son of God
Forgotten Son (Poem)
410 — Our Readers Say
IV. Water from Many Wells
411 — Discipleship of Love
Slothfulness
412 — The Revelation of lesus Christ
It Happened
413 — The Holy Family on Their Annual Passover
Pilgrimage
414 — They Glow in the Dark
415 — A Prayer for This Week
Prayer Reguests
416 — Philosophy of Eastern Mennonite College
417 — Blind Hymn Authors and Composers
418— "Thy Will Be Done" (Poem)
"Not My Will— Thine Be Done"
Peace of Mind
419 — To Bo Near to God
Sunday School Lesson for May 16
420— Field Notes
Calendar
421 — Mission News
Your Treasuror Reports
422 — He Must Increase and I Must Decrease
423 — The Bible Institute in Argentina
424— You Can Moet This Need
The Biggost Mission Field in Argentina
God's Protection in Kenya
425 — At Fort Wayne State School
The Mennonite Hour
Who Is the Mission Board
426— MRSC Woekly Notes
MCC Weekly Notes
Women's Activities
427 — From Our Churches
429 — Marriage!
Births
Obituaries
430— The Book Shelf
Items and Comments
432 — Your Publishing House
NOTES
furnished, on a dairy farm. There are farms
for lease or sale.
Bro. Monroe Hostetter, father of B. Charles
Hostetter who is pastor of the Mennonite
Hour, was instantly killed in an automobile
accident near Middletown, Pa., on April 27.
A group of deaf people with some hearing
friends, of Mellinger Church, near Lancaster,
Pa., attended services at the Marion Church,
near Chambersburg, Pa., on April 11. Serv-
ices for the deaf were conducted by Bro.
Israel Rohrer.
According to the summer schedule of work
at the Publishing House the daily hours are
increased so that the plant will not be in
operation on Saturdays. However, the book
store is open and visitors will be welcome to
visit the plant. Our patrons are encouraged
to send in orders the early part of the week
so as to avoid delays in mailing over the
week end.
The sixth annual meeting of Mennonite
Hospitals was held at the GrofTdale, Pa.,
Church Thursday, April 29.
The new auditorium of the Iowa Mennon-
ite School, near Kalona, was used for the
first time Thursday evening, April 15, when
a program of sacred music was given by
school choral groups.
Communion services were held at the C.A.
Mennonite Church at Norfolk, Va., April
11, in charge of Bro. Ivan J. Miller, Grants-
ville, Md.
The colonization group at Blountstown,
Fla., was recently organized as a congrega-
tion and received into the C.A. Mennonite
Conference through the Conference Mission
Board. Communion services were held in
charge of Bro. Alvin Swartz, Talbert, Ky.,
and baptismal services by Bro. Roman Miller,
Hartville, Ohio. Bro. Raymond Byler, form-
erly of Pigeon, Mich., is pastor in charge.
The membership is thirty plus.
Communion services were held at the Syca-
more Grove Church, Garden City, Mo., April
18, with Brethren Earl Buckwalter and Men-
no Troyer, both of Kansas, in charge.
Wanted — 40 or 50 used songbooks in pre-
sentable condition by the mission station in
Cass Lake, Minn. Anyone having such books,
please contact Mark Landes, pastor, Mennon-
ite Mission, Cass Lake, Minn.
Central Church, Elida, Ohio, had as speak-
er on (rood Friday, Howard Charles, Goshen,
Ind. On April 18, the Motet Singers from
Goshen rendered the program.
Announcements
Christian Life and Nonconformity Con-
ference of the Upper District of Franconia
Conference at Haycock Church, Quarker-
town. Pa., May 8, 9.
All-day meeting at Good's Church. Eliza-
bethtown, Pa., on Ascension Day, M.i\ 27,
with Jacob Rittcnhouse, Luisdale, Pa., as
speaker.
All-day Sunday-school meeting at the Old
Road Meetinghouse, Gap, Pa., on Ascension
Day, May 27. This will be the fiftieth anni-
versary of these meetings.
Bible meeting at the Shirksville Church,
Fredericksburg, Pa., on the evening of May
8 and all day May 9. Speakers: Enos F.
Hartzler, Marshallville, Ohio, and Truman
Brunk, Denbigh. Va.
The Thirty-fifth Annual Sunday-School
meeting at Stony Brook, York Co.. Pa.. Sat-
urday evening. May 15, and all day Sunday
following. Speakers: Earl Mosemann. Plain-
field, Pa., Walter Keener. Mt. loy. Pa., Isaiah
Alderfer. Harleysville, Pa., and Roy M.
Geigley, Gettysburg, Pa.
Church Music program at the New Hol-
land, Pa., Church May 7-9. This meeting is
sponsored by the Mennonite Bible School
Board of Lancaster Conference, A hearty
invitation is extended to ordained brethren,
choristers, and others who are interested in
developing music talents, and to all the
brotherhood.
(Continued on page 428)
Calendar
Conference on Christian Community Relations. E.M.C..
Harrisonburg, Va., May 6-8.
Annual meeting Gull States Regional Conlerence.
Gulfhaven congregation. Gullport. Miss.. May 7-9.
Home Sunday. May 9.
Ohio Mennonite and Eastern A.M. Joint Conlerence.
Walnut Creek Church in Holmes Co.. Ohio. May
25-27. 1954. .
Indiana-Michigan annual meetings at Howard-Miami
Church. Kokomo. Ind. Mission BoaTd, June 1;
Conference June 2, 3.
North Central Mennonite Conlerence and associated
meetings. June 7-11 at Lake Region Church.
Detroit Lakes. Minn.
Annual meeting of Ontario A.M. Conlerence. June
9-10, at East Zona A.M. Church. Ontario (near
Tavistock). .
Annual meeting Mennonite Board of Missions ana
Charities. Western Mennonite School. Salem.
Oreg.. June 17-20.
Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Youth Fellowship. Go-
shen College Union Auditorium. Goshen. Ind..
June 25-27.
1954 Schedule for Laurelville; Writers' Conference.
June 26 to July 2; Family Week. July 3-9; Boys'
Camp (ages 9-13). July 10-16; Girl's Camp (ages
9-13), July 17-23; Junior High (ages 13-15), July
24-30; Junior High (ages 13-15). July 31 to Aug. 6:
Young People's Institute. Aug. 7-13; MYT Work-
shop and Annual meeting, Aug. 14-20; Church
Music Conlerence. Aug. 21-27; Missionary Bible
Conference, Aug. 28 to Sept. 2.
Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp: Pre-camp train-
ing— June 28-July 2; Week-end Bible Conference
on Stewardship — July 3, 4, Milo KauHman, Hess
ton. Kans.; Junior Boys' — July 5-10 (ages 9-12);
Junior Girls — July 12-17 (ages 9-12); Junior High
—July 19-24 (ages 13-15); First Family— July 26-
31; Youth Retreat— Aug. 2-7 (age* 16 and above):
Second Family — Aug. 9-14; Orientation Camp
for prospective I-W Men — August 21-28. Program
sponsored by MRSC. Week-end Bible Conference
and Annual Meeting of the Rocky Mountain Men-
nonite Camp Association — Sept. 5. 6.
Peace Sunday, July 4, 1954.
Annual meeting Mission Board of Southwestern Penn-
sylvania Conference. Otelia Church. Mt. Union.
Pa.. July 9, 10.
Illinois Junior Camp. July 12-17. and Junior High
Camp. July 19-24. Camp Emmaus. Mt. Morris. 111.
Virginia Conlerence and related meetings. Spring-
dale Church. Waynesboro. Va„ July 27-30.
Annual Ohio MYF convention. Ohio Mennonite Camp
Ground. Kidron. Ohio. July 30 to Aug. 1.
Annual meeting Southwestern Pa. Conference. Mar-
tinsburg. Pa.. Ana- 1-4.
Illinois State MYF Retreat. New Salem Stale Park.
August 5-8.
Annual meeting Iowa-Nebraska Conference, West
Union, Parnell. Iowa. Aug. 10-13.
Annual meeting South Central Conference. Assembly
of God campground, near Eldon. Mo.. Aug. 17-20.
Annual meetina Illinois Conference, East Bend.
Fisher. 111., Aug. 24-26.
Fall meeting. Commission for Christian Education.
Laurelville Mennonite Camp, Laurelville. Pa..
Sept. 27. 28.
Study Conlerence of Child Evangelism. Laurelville
Mennonite Camp. Sept. 29. 30.
Fall meeting. General Council of Mennonite General
Conference. Laurelville Mennonite Camp. Oct.
1. 2.
Annual moetina of the Mennonite Board of Education,
Kalona-Wellman. Iowa area; Oct. 14-16. 1954.
May 4, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
421
Go, Preach
MISSIONS
Give, Pray
The General Board Headquarters for Mission.. Relief, and Service: 1711 Prairie Street, Elkhart. Indiana. Telephone. Elkhart 2-2786.
Mission News
The Milton Vogt family plans to leave
Bombay, India, for furlough on May 15. Pray
that God will grant them health and a safe
journey home.
Dr. and Mrs. John Grasse have been denied
a residence visa by the Indian government.
This means that they will not be going to
India as missionaries in September as previ-
ously planned.
Sister Caroline Plank, a missionary-teacher
serving under the Eastern Mission Board
in Italian Somaliland, has resigned from her
service there. On March 29 she left the mis-
sion for service under the Board of Missions
of the Methodist Church in Penang, Malaya.
Sister Goldie Hummel, missionary to India,
left Bombay on April 28 for furlough alone
since Sister Lena Graber was unable to get
her "no objection to return" permit in time
to leave with her.
Bro. and Sister David Shank, Brussels,
Belgium, will spend three weeks at the Home
of Hope in Ohain during May while the
directress. Mile. Revelard, takes a much-
needed rest.
Twenty-five children enrolled in the Chil-
dren's Camp conducted by the David Shanks
at the Belgium Gospel Mission Campgrounds
beginning on April 20. Three of the older
children from the Home of Hope in Ohain
participated. This is the beginning of work
among the children in the area of the Foyer
Fraternal, the Brussels mission headquarters.
Our Belgium workers are using the films
"God of Creation" and "Dust of Destiny" to
make contacts in a number of towns close to
Brussels. Following the showing of the
films several evenings will be given to
evangelistic meetings. The schedule follows:
April 22, 23 — Rixensart, southeast of Brus-
sels; May 2, 3 — Ruysbroek, southwest of
Brussels in a Flemish-speaking area; and
May 5 — Braine-le-Chateau. The Shanks hope
to establish a permanent work in Ruysbroek
and carry on personal work and cottage meet-
ings in the other two towns.
A 25 cubic foot Amana Freezer valued at
$700.00 was recently given to the Froh Bros.
Homestead, Sturgis, Mich., by the Lizzie
Taylor estate. Mrs. Taylor was a guest at
the Home for five weeks and died there on
Feb. 10, 1954.
A planning Committee is drawing up plans
for the remodeling of the Salunga, Pa.,
church property which was given to the East-
ern Mission Board several months ago. This
remodeled property will be used as the head-
quarters of the Eastern Mission Board. The
transfer from the present headquarters at
Intercourse to Salunga is now scheduled for
about July 1, 1955.
The Mennonite Home Mission, Chicago,
was host to the All Mennonite Fellowship
for Chicago on Monday evening, April 26.
A review of the All Mennonite World Wit-
ness was presented at 4:30 p.m. Following
the fellowship supper, Bro. Archie Graber,
missionary on furlough from the Belgian
Congo under the Congo Inland Mission,
spoke on "Mennonite Mission Work in
Africa."
Bro. Emanuel Swartzendruber, Pigeon,
Mich., brought the Easter Sunday evening
message at the Ninth St. Mennonite Church,
Saginaw, Mich., on April 18 and conducted
special services each evening during the week
following.
Bro. LeRoy Bechler, Saginaw, Mich., spent
April 22-25 at the Albany Mennonite Church,
Albany, Oreg., in a Missionary-Bible Confer-
ence.
Change in address: The Don Rebers are
moving to Hokkaido from Tokyo, Japan, to
open the fourth witnessing point in our mis-
sion area. Their address will be Hombetsu
machi, Naka gawa gun, Tokachi kuni, Hok-
kaido, Japan.
La Biblia Abierta (The Open Bible) is the
new name chosen for our Spanish language
radio program conducted by Bro. Lester T.
Hershey and known as La Hora del Calvario
(The Calvary Hour). This broadcast has
recently come under the sponsorship of the
Radio Evangelism Committee of the General
Mission Board. The new name has been
chosen in order to avoid confusion regarding
the sponsorship of the broadcast since The
Calvary Hour, Orrville, Ohio, has been sub-
sidizing the Spanish broadcast since 1950.
Sponsorships for various stations over
which La Biblia Abierta broadcast is being
heard are available to interested persons and
groups who would like to have a part in this
Gospel witness. Write the Elkhart office or
Bro. Lester T. Hershey, Fisher, 111. The
Hersheys will be returning to Puerto Rico
following furlough about Aug. 1.
Bro. J. D. Graber, Elkhart, Ind, will preach
the missionary sermon on May 30 at Hesston
College and Bible School, Hesston, Kans,
during the commencement season activities.
Bro. and Sister J. Weldon Martin, Mathis,
Texas, presented the need for a new church
building at Mathis to the Virginia churches,
April 21 to May 2. Bro. and Sister Martin are
from Virginia. They will be speaking at
Hartville, Wooster, and Millersburg, Ohio,
May 8, 9.
Sister Lois Lauver and son, John, returned
to Puerto Rico on May 3 to the other mem-
bers of their family in Cayey. Sister Lauver
came home several weeks ago when her
father, who has since passed away, became
seriously ill.
Two Gospel teams of workers who have
served at Mennonite Youth Village, White
Pigeon, Mich., are giving programs in the
following northern Indiana churches during
Your Treasurer Reports
For each foreign mission field there is a
general mission fund set up to which funds
are allocated for that field. In addition, in
each field there are special accounts to cover
specific projects and designated contributions.
At present the Mennonite Board of Missions
and Charities is sponsoring mission work in
the following foreign fields:
India, Central Provinces
India, Bihar
Argentina, Central Provinces
Argentine Chaco
Japan
Puerto Rico
London
Belgium
France
Alaska
Israel
In addition to the above, workers are now
appointed for two additional fields which will
be open during the coming year. These
fields are:
Uruguay
Brazil
For each of the above foreign fields there
is a general field fund into which all contri-
butions are placed designated for these areas
of mission work. In case contributions are
designated for a particular project on these
fields, such funds are then placed in designat-
ed accounts. At present all of the general
field accounts are in need of funds and con-
tributions will be needed to carry on the mis-
sion work for the coming year.
As indicated above, there are some special
projects in each field for which designated
contributions are received. Although it is im-
possible to list all of the projects, the follow-
ing are some of the present needs in the
foreign mission program:
Support of Children's Home in Belgium
Purchase of Center in London
Hospital Building in Puerto Rico
Transportation Equipment for Puerto Rico
Mission Homes for Japan
Most of the above projects are now under
way but for none of them have the total funds
needed been received. From time to time in-
formation appears in the Missions Sections
of the Gospel Herald regarding these devel-
opments, and we trust that we will be re-
ceiving continued financial support to make
possible the realization of these special pro-
jects as well as continued support of the gen-
eral field accounts.
H. Ernest Bennett, Treasurer
Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities
Elkhart, Indiana.
May: May 2, Holdeman, Wakarusa; May 9,
North Main St., Nappanee; May 16, Emma,
Topeka; and May 23, Prairie St., Elkhart.
(Continued on page 428)
422
GOSPEL HERALD
Afay 4, 1934
"He Must Increase and I Must Decrease"
By J. Dpi bert Erb
Notes on the 1954 Argentine Church
Conference
These words of John the Baptist refer to
the fact that the importance of Jesus Christ
was to increase and the importance of John
to decrease. Jesus, the fulfillment of the work
of John, was to take up the task of heralding
the truth that John had done up until that
time. His importance was to be much more
than that of John's. Yet John did not drop
everything all at once. He continued in a less
significant way to point men to Christ, even
until the end of his life. John, the human
forerunner, decreased while Jesus, the Eternal
One, increased.
This relation between John the Baptist
and Jesus Christ has many parallels with the
relation between a mission and a young
national church body. First, the mission goes
out preaching sin, repentance, and confession,
followed by the baptism of its converts. These
are later organized into local church groups.
With time the church grows and its im-
portance increases until it equals and sur-
passes that of the mission organization which
gave it birth. The purpose of the mission is
to establish the church of Christ. Once the
church is established, the mission must take
the attitude of John the Baptist. "He [the
young church] must increase and I must
decrease." The ideal is not that the mission
pull out all at once as it has had to do in
China, but it must gradually decrease and
turn over to its national brethren the respon-
sibilities and tasks it has had. The mission
is only a temporal organization; the church
is eternal.
It is this situation, the turning over of
responsibilities and tasks, which earmarked
the various meetings held in Trenque Lau-
quen, Argentina, January 26-February 3,
1054. Three separate organizations had their
meetings, the Pastors' and Workers' Confer-
ence, the semiannual Convention, and the
Mission Council. The first, up until now,
has been the official Argentina church body
composed of full-time national workers
plus the missionaries. The second is a con-
ference organized to hold com-entions of a
spiritual nature for the benefit of the whole
church. The last is the field mission organi-
zation.
January 26 — Pastors' and Workers' Meeting
After hearing the various reports, Bro.
Darino, the chairman of the constitution
study committee, introduced the proposed
constitution for the Argentine Mennonite
Church. After being read in its entirety by
the secretary, Bro. Suarez. each article was
taken up separately to be discussed, accepted,
amended, or rejected.
January 27 —
Discussion on the constitution continued.
Some amendments were made but in prin-
ciple it stayed as drawn up by the committee.
Organizationally there are two main bodies.
The Executive Committee is composed of
seven members. Only the president, vice-
president, and secretary must be ordained
pastors. The treasurer and additional mem-
bers can be laymen. This body takes care of
all administrative items including the plan-
ning for the annual church conference. It
will work toward obtaining the power-of-
attorney so that the organization can also
hold property.
The other body is the Directors' Council.
The church is to be divided into zones with
a director in charge of each zone. These are
the spiritual leaders of the church and are
elected by the conference for a term of three
years. They are to organize and co-operate
in the work of their respective zones. As a
council they are in charge of placing workers
and approving candidates for lay pastors as
well as for ordination. After some discussion
the majority voted to use the title "zone direc-
tor" instead of "bishop." Since the zone
directors are not bishops in the Biblical sense
of the term (our present-day ordained pastors
are really bishops according to Biblical stand-
ards), and since their duties and limited
term in office are not in accordance with past
practice, it was seen fit to drop the term
"bishop" in order to avoid confusion, mis
understanding, and contradiction.
Representation in this new conference or-
ganization will be greatly increased. Besides
all pastors and full-time approved workers,
each congregation will have the right to send
its lay delegate, who will have voice and
vote. The larger congregations will probably
have the right to send two delegates, although
the number of lay delegates can never exceed
the number of pastors and workers. They
must increase and the mission with its sup-
ported workers must decrease.
The complete constitution has now been
approved according to the minor changes that
were made. It will be semiofficially adopted.
That is, the spirit and functioning of the
constitution will be put into effect. Legally
it can not be adopted until the final draft
is made and the legal details are worked out.
What a day this was for the Mennonite
Church in Argentina !
January 28 —
The new division of the church into six
zones was presented and approved. Later
the candidates for zone directors were pre-
sented and approved. This year there will
be two nationals and four missionaries. Be-
fore, the bishops were all missionaries. Some-
day the national leadership will increase and
there will be more national zone directors
than missionaries. The church must increase
and the mission must decrease.
The elections are now over. Agustin
Darino is the new president, stepping into
the place of our aging Bro. Luayza. Jorge
Quiroga, a layman, was elected treasurer of
the new church organization. There are only-
three missionaries on this administrative ex-
ecutive committee. On all the committees
there is a mixture of missionaries and Argen-
tines united to carry out their tasks as repre-
sentatives, of the Argentine Mennonite
Church.
January 29 — Convention
Bro. Amos Swartzentruber preached a soul-
searching and soul-inspiring convention ser-
mon. He preached on the "marching church."
All the talks of the convention were related
to evangelism, for the theme of the conven-
tion was "An Evangelistic Church." Bro.
Lawrence Brunk's talk pointed out the many
ways in which the young people can use
their organization and their talents to evan-
Foung ptODlC tinging &rOUnd the organ after the evening session at the
Young People's Retreat. Feb. 34-M«rch 5. 1»*4.
The theme of the lit;, j IrgMtUM t hmch conference was "Kvanselisiii."
Sessions were held at the Trenque l.auuuen Campgrounds.
May 4, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
423
gelize. If we all would do the things Bro.
Brunk suggested, things would happen!
This evening the delegate from the Chaco
(sent by the Nam Cum Church, not by the
mission) gave his testimony. Lumps came
to one's throat as this Argentine Indian ex-
pressed his feeling of unity and oneness with
the whole group. In Christ we are all
brothers. Race or language does not make
any difference.
January 30 —
This evening's meeting was an open discus-
sion on methods of evangelism, past and
present. Of all methods proved efficient,
the old stand-by, personal evangelism, seemed
to win the most votes. In the afternoon Bro.
Frank Byler gave a talk on "Personal Work"
and by the time the evening session was over,
we were about all convinced that it is the
method that should be most used and one
that we can all use. We even voted to adopt
the following motto for our church for this
year: "Each one bring another." Then al-
most every one present pledged himself to
fulfill the motto. Of course, we want to bring
sinners to the feet of lesus, but even if we
can bring them to our services where they
can hear the preaching of the Word, we will
consider that the carrying out of our motto.
If we could be as enthusiastic all year as we
were tonight, I believe the Argentine Church
would really increase.
January 31 —
This afternoon we were again made to
think of the beauty of the unity of the Chris-
tian brotherhood as we all gathered around
the communion table. Toba Indian, North
American, German-Russian, and Argentine,
all partaking of the body and blood of
Christ. We are all of the same body, each
with his specific task following the head,
which is Christ.
After the communion service we gathered
for the dedication of the new house built
by the J. W. Shank family in memory of
Mrs. Emma Shank, who died while on the
field. It is the newest and nicest-looking
building on the campgrounds. It has a bed-
room, study, and prayer room. Mr. Strucchi,
the delegate from the Trenque Lauquen
Church, was the builder.
This evening we went in to the Trenque
Lauquen Church for the service. Bro. Nelson
Litwiller preached a consecration sermon
and there were several responses. Before the
sermon a mixed chorus sang several numbers.
Although they had very little practice, it
proved to be a real treat, especially to those
of us who once sang in a cappella choruses
back in the States.
February 1-3 — Mission Council
We rested up most of the day, meeting
this afternoon to hear the reports. This eve-
ning we had a hymn sing in English.
February 2 —
Today was a day of discussion and a day
in which the mission organization decreased
a little bit. The work of the missionary was
analyzed. Some expressed the desire to see
more missionaries doing frontier work.
Others mentioned the need of strengthening
the churches already established. The dif-
ferences between the missionaries and Ar-
gentine pastors' salaries were analyzed.
The Historical Committee, organized to
gather historical material for possible publica-
tion, will no longer be a mission organization.
The national church will now appoint its
historical committee as one of its new areas
of activity.
Another big responsibility that will be
shared with the Argentine brethren for the
first time is the preparing of the budget for
all funds that are received from the Board in
North America. Some items will be ad-
ministered by the church treasurer. Thus, the
executive committee of the Argentine Church
will have a voice in and will be aware of all
funds received in Argentina from the outside.
A session of the 1954 Annual Convention in the
tahernacle at the Trenque Lauquen Camp-
grounds. Agustin Karino speaking.
February 3 —
Two of the remaining mission institutions
were considered today. The orphanage will
slowly diminish its number of charges. The
Argentine Church does not wish to take
on this institution and the mission, for vari-
ous reasons, has seen fit to discontinue it
when the present children can be taken care
of. The campgrounds in Trenque Lauquen
will probably be a charge of the Argentine
Church soon, but as yet they do not feel
ready to take it over. The mission has started
various improvements which they will finish
first.
The elections were finished in short order
this year. There wasn't much more than the
executive committee to elect. It is responsible
for all property and the few other items
which are still the missions' charge. Follow-
ing the elections a motion was made that
there be no Mission Council in 1955. There
is little reason left for an official business
meeting of the missionaries. There will still
be missionary fellowship meetings, but all
official business can be done by the executive
committee. The missionary will work, by
and large, as part of the Argentine Church.
So ended three separate meetings. Two
met for the last time. The mission will con-
tinue to be active for many years, but the
need of an official business meeting has de-
creased. The new annual convention will be
a combination of the Pastors' and Workers'
Conference and the old semiannual Con-
vention. There will be only one annual meet-
ing: the Annual Convention of the Argentine
Mennonite Church. There will be problems
to be faced and details to be worked out,
but the importance of the new convention
will continue to increase. It must increase
and we must decrease.
Buenos Aires, Argentina.
The Bible Institute in Argentina
By B. Frank Byler
During the past two years our own Bible
Institute has not been functioning in Bragado
for various reasons, shortage of teachers and
students being the main ones. Our young
people who wanted to study have been
going to an interdenominational school in
Buenos Aires. During the year, however,
many of us felt a growing conviction that
we must have our ovrn school if we are going
to train our workers to be Mennonites and if
they are to fit into our plan for a strong
indigenous church.
We were encouraged this year when five
young people decided to begin studies in
Bible School, and two who had studied before
also decided to study again this year. Two
of these had to drop out during the year
because of poor health, but five of them
continued throughout the year. Four of
them are planning to study again in 1954.
On interviewing them, we found that they
also favor a Mennonite school; so taking that
along with our own convictions, we chose
Bro. John Koppenhaver as director of the
school that shall reopen in Bragado in 1954.
The four students who are planning to con-
tinue studying next year are all doing practical
work this summer. Three of them are work-
ing in congregations under the direction of
the pastors, the local congregations being re-
sponsible for giving them board and room
as well as an allowance that will help them
to buy clothes and other personal items
needed for next year's school work. The
other one is working in the same way, but
the congregation being very small, our church
conference is helping to pay his allowance.
The students are Aladino Scorza, who is
working with Bro. Lawrence Brunk in
Pehuajo and Carlos Casares; Myrta Romano,
who is working with the lay pastors in Bra-
gado, which is her home congregation;
Heriberto Palomeque, who is working with
Bro. Agustin Darino in Arrecifes; and Juan
Carlos Acosta, who is working with me here
in Trenque Lauquen.
We are praying that there will be a class of
first-year students also in the Bible School
this year, and we feel confident there will
be, since some people are now expressing
interest even though school will not open
for three months yet. We especially hope to
be able to be of benefit to our lay brethren
who are serving as pastors in Bragado, by of-
fering them courses that will be helpful in
their ministry.
We wish to solicit your prayers in behalf
of our Bible School as it reopens in April,
and also in behalf of Bro. John Koppenhaver,
the students, and the teachers.
Trenque Lauquen, Argentina.
424
GOSPEL HERALD
May 4, 1954
You Can Meet This Need
By Mrs. Pali. O. King
A few weeks ago one of the young people
here at Bethel said to me, "It really makes
a person happy to share with others, doesn't
it?" The fervor with which she said it con-
vinced me that she had found real happiness
in sharing. I know that she had been giving
of her hard-earned money to others and to
the church so that this was no idle statement.
Many of you reading these words have
learned that true happiness is yours when
you share that which you have. You have
shared the glorious Gospel with those in
your community by witnessing to others with
your life and by your spoken word. You have
been used of God to help spread this Gospel
in foreign lands and on the home field by
giving your material wealth and by your
prayers sent to the throne of grace. You, too,
have found that it makes a person happy to
share with others the blessings God has given
you. But have you fully taken your oppor-
tunities to share in the work of Christ as He
would have you do?
The needs in the work of the church are
many. You can see and hear about some
of them that are made known to you. Some
of these needs are not known and therefore
receive little attention. It is for that reason
that I am writing this article. I would like
to call to your attention an urgent need here
at Bethel.
The work at Bethel will soon be ten years
old and never during that time has there
been any church-owned means of transporta-
tion, a car or station wagon that could be
used only for the mission church. Many
children, young people, and adults have been
taken to different camps, conferences, and
meetings of our churches but have needed
to ask some good brother to drive them with
his car or several cars.
The work is progressing so that we need a
mission car. It is needed to carry on the mis-
sion business. It is also needed by groups
that go to summer camps, sewing circle meet-
ings, and conferences of our church. Young
people and adults brought into the fellow-
ship of the Mennonite Church need to visit
our Mennonite churches and feel a part of
the total brotherhood. These people from
different backgrounds find the example of
a visit to an established Mennonite church
more profitable than many words.
One new member of Bethel, who raised the
question as to why we don't use musical
instruments in our church, was given the
opportunity to visit some of our churches and
worship with them. She returned convinced
that "we don't need pianos to worship God."
She had seen and experienced our Mennonite
congregational worship of a cappclla singing.
Other illustrations could be given such as
the youth group that spend an evening in
recreation every other Monday night. A gym-
nasium is used and a car making several
trips, takes the group there with seven or
eight in each trip. An hour is spent in
different games and then the boys will go
MISSIONS SECTION
swimming while the girls meet for a Bible
study and prayer meeting. The next meeting
two weeks later will find the groups chang-
ing and the boys meeting for the Bible study.
Interested individuals have already con-
tributed $400 to a fund to buy some church-
owned automobile or station wagon. This
is a giving opportunity for your MYF or
Sunday-school class so that a Sunday-school
teacher at Bethel may take his class to a park,
or that a youth leader may take a group of
teen-agers to a Mennonite youth meeting,
or that an additional load of children too
far from the church can be brought to Bethel
Sunday School. You can help meet this need.
You, too, can find joy in sharing in the work
of Christ and His church at Bethel.
Send you contributions clearly marked
through the regular channels or to Paul O.
King, Apt. 658, 1212 W. Roosevelt, Chicago
7, 111.
Chicago, 111.
The Biggest Mission Field in
Argentina
By Mrs. Amos Swartzentrubf.r
The city of Buenos Aires and its suburbs
continue to be a mission field open to the
Mennonite Church. We would do well to
enter and take possession of this field as
rapidly as possible rather than lose time in
discussing the dangers that might confront
us or hinder us in our testimony for Him.
Open doors and hungry hearts challenge
us. "Seedtime" has been precious during the
year. We give all praise to Him who so
graciously supplies the patience to prepare
the soil. And with words of love He con-
tinues to remind us that the seed will grow
without fail when planted through tears and
prayers. After all, does not "seedtime" deter-
mine the harvest?
Dona Carola proved to us that she was
sincere when she came early one Sunday
morning saying, "I want to be converted."
Her faith in God and her continued interest
during the last six months proved this. Im-
mediately we took advantage of the invitation
to her home to impart spiritual food to her.
On one occasion her sister joined us and it
seemed that the Lord put His seal of approval
upon our little gathering when she, too, mani-
fested a desire to make her peace with God.
She is much poorer than her sister Carola and
no doubt for this reason she was prompted
to pray, "Lord, Thou knowest that I do not
want diamonds (jewelry) nor gold (money).
I only want Thy peace in my heart and in
mv home." Her biggest cross is her uncon-
verted and very sinful husband.
One trip to Dona Carola's home requires
between two and three hours on the bus
but the blessings received outweigh all in-
conveniences. We consider it a real victory
that we were able to have a cottage meeting
with both unconverted husbands present. Re-
cently Dona Carola's husband had a serious
accident causing a broken leg and other
injuries. We are praying that this sad ex-
perience may help him to sec his need of
knowing the True Friend.
The Lord was good in allowing me to
witness the "home-going" of one of His
saints. Dona Rosa's faith had stood the tests
throughout the years. I am convinced that
she had what many professing Christians
lack. She was too far removed to attend our
services, the church of her choice. She never
became a member of another evangelical
group close to her home because they de-
manded rebaptism by immersion. Her own
children departed from the faith. Dona Rosa
until the day of her death reminded one of
an evergreen tree "planted by the rivers of
water."
Dona Rosa's last plea to us was that we
would point her children and their families
to the One who has meant everything to her
for the last 25 years. Her children are not
contrary, but they are ignorant of the Way.
Is this not true of multitudes around us that
need our help? We are the Lord's only in-
struments here on earth.
Humbly we pray that He will help us to
realize that these multitudes will be eternally
lost unless we take advantage of the open
doors and feed hungry hearts placed before
us. How we do want to be worthy of the
charge that He has given us!
Buenos Aires, Argentina.
God's Protection in Kenya
Yes, the Mau Mau are still with us. We
go on much as usual but get in before dark,
and occasionally are alerted to be ready to
move in the night by a siren and bell and
many of us have alarm horns on our houses.
At present there are a large number right in
our forest but they haven't been found. Last
evening they shot at the police station near
by but did no damage. But how our hearts
bleed for our Kikuyu Christians. Only today
a telegram came saying the father of Mrs.
De Young's house girl was killed. He leaves
a wife with eight children.
Many are driven from their homes and
their gardens. Some came the other day and
said, "We are in the middle of all we have
left." They had nothing but the clothes they
were wearing. Many former places of train-
ing are closed to them because they are
Kikuyu and no one trusts a Kikuyu. The
police beat them to get them to confess to
having taken the Mau Mau oath, and their
own people beat and kill them to get them to
take the oath. They cannot even leave their
district without a pass signed by two officers.
This takes from a week to two weeks. But
they arc happy in spite of all of it.
One woman was rudely awakened here
and they told her that they had come to kill
her or to take all she had. She could have
her choice. In church the next Sunday she
told this story.
"Satan told me to hide under the bed and
I started. Then the Lord said, 'Why arc you
afraid? Am not I your God?' So I came out
and sat on the bed and talked to them about
the Lord Jesus, and that He loved them.
They said, 'Why do you talk to us about
Jcsu-- We are servants of Satan.' But they
were kept off by some power that they could
May 4, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
425
not explain. When they were about to go
away I said, 'The Lord Jesus loves you and I
forgive you for breaking my lamp and my
door and disturbing my sleep. Go in peace!' "
When another man was called in the night
they told him they were going to shoot him
and he said, "Go ahead, they are waiting for
me in heaven." When they raised the gun
and said, "What are you going to do now?"
he said again, "Go ahead, they are waiting for
for me in heaven." Then they tied a rope
around his neck and drew it up and asked
the same question and he gave the same an-
swer. He displayed the welts the next day
where they drew up the rope and hung it
from the ceiling and asked the same question
again, to which he gave the same reply.
They left him without further harm, saying,
"What can you do with a fool like that?"
What faith! What a faithful God! What
a wonderful challenge to trust our wonderful
God!— Bertha Lynn letter, Africa Inland
Mission.
The privilege of I-W service is a means
of witnessing for the church and our Lord.
There are many instances during work when
one can definitely leave a witness for the
right. What a privilege it is to show to
these boys in everyday situations that Jesus
is no respector of persons! He loves us each
and all the same. — Jesse Krehbiel.
Via Office for Relief and Service, Elkhart,
Ind.
I-W
ORK
ORSHIP
ITNESS
At the Fort Wayne State School
The State School in Fort Wayne, Indiana,
cares for the feeble-minded persons from
about 42 counties of Indiana. There are ap-
proximately 2,200 patients, which is about
two or three hundred beyond normal capaci-
ty. These patients, six years of age or older,
live in eleven cottages and on the two farms
and the hospital.
Thirty-three I-W men fill positions in the
storeroom, as carpenters, plumbers, farm-
ers, and attendants. The majority of the
men are attendants, caring for the patients
(all boys) in the cottages and seeing that
certain ones get to school, to gym, and to
work on time. Classes are one hour long,
with much variation in the boys who attend;
so there are boys coming from and going
to classes each hour. We must walk with
them to the school, which is two blocks away,
and bring back those who have finished class.
The biggest part of my work is to keep
those boys who aren't in class occupied and
busy with something. They may play games,
work on puzzles, read, look at picture books
and magazines, or something similiar. There
isn't much variety in the things that they may
do and they often get resdess. Every other
day there is gym, which helps immensely.
There are also group recreational activities —
ball games, parties, and films on week ends
and evenings.
We all work five-and-one-half to eight-hour
days, which leaves plenty of time for group
activities, hobbies, and recreation. We have
a I-W "hour of blessing" each Tuesday eve-
ning in the First Mennonite Church. At the
present time Bro. Rudy Borntrager is leading
us in a study of the four Gospels. The eve-
ning shift keeps some of the men from
attending these meetings, but the rest of us
have experienced an enrichment of our Chris-
tian experiences through these studies.
jam*
The
Mennonite
Hour
B. Charles Hostetter and Mixed Octet in
Central Pennsylvania
May 7—8:00 p.m.
Springs Church, Springs
May 8—7:30 p.m.
Mattawana Church, Mattawana
May 9 — Sun. a.m.
Otelia Church, Mt. Union
May 9—2:30 p.m.
Martinsburg Church, Martinsburg
May 9—7:30 p.m.
Pinto Church, Pinto, Md.
Boston Scoffer Still Listening
The other day B. Charles Hostetter re-
ceived another letter from the man in Boston
who formerly made fun of an eternal punish-
ment for sinners. About one month ago we
asked you to remember him in prayer.
The tone of the recent letter has changed
considerably — "I appreciate hearing you sing
my favorite song, 'Dear Lord and Father of
Mankind' . . ." We can thank God that he
is still listening and that his attitude seems
to be changing. Continue to pray for him.
For a complete list of the prayer requests
write to The Mennonite Hour, Box 22, Har-
risonburg, Va. A monthly Prayer Calendar
will then be sent regularly to you.
May— "A Five Sunday Month"
Are you familiar with this radio lingo? If
you are not, let's have a little conference to-
gether.
If you will check the 1954 calendar you
will find that eight months of the year have
four Sundays each month and four months
have five Sundays each month. The five
Sunday months are January, May, August,
and October.
The five Sunday months have a two-fold
significance. First of all during the month
of May The Mennonite Hour will go out
over the air an extra Sunday — an additional
opportunity for many to hear the good news
of salvation.
Secondly, with this opportunity comes an
additional financial responsibility. Many of
you are faithfully supporting the work. How-
ever, we are waiting to hear from many more
of you telling us of your interest. Address
all correspondence to: The Mennonite Hour,
Box 22, Harrisonburg, Va. May God bless
you as we labor togetber in presenting "The
Living Christ for a Dying World."
Missions Editorial
Who Is the Mission Board?
The General Mission Board is not a mis-
sionary society. A missionary society is a self-
perpetuating organization of mission-minded
persons who have joined forces to carry on
mission work but who have no organic re-
lation to any church. They seek support for
their program where they can get it and are
not restricted by denominational lines. They
are not responsible to any church group for
the way they carry on their work.
The General Mission Board is not the staff
at the Elkhart headquarters. The revised by-
laws of the Board as adopted last June pro-
vide for an executive committee composed of
non-staff members. The executive secretary,
the treasurer, and the administrative secre-
taries are not members of the executive com-
mittee and do not pass on their own pro-
grams. All members of the executive com-
mittee are elected by the Board and are not
appointive officers. The staff members at
Elkhart are servants of the Board and of the
church. The secretary, treasurer, and the
administrative secretaries are appointed an-
nually, immediately following Board meet-
ing, by the newly elected executive and per-
sonnel committees.
The General Mission Board is the church
at work in missions, relief, and service. It
is a democratic organization composed of 22
members elected by district conferences, 17
district mission board chairmen (also elected
by their districts), four General Conference
appointees, two members each elected by the
Publication Board and the Board of Educa-
tion, eight members at large, four members
ex-officio (appointive officers), and one life
member.
District Mission Boards like the General
Board are also the church at work in their
district. They are composed of members
elected by the congregations in their district
who in turn elect the members on the Gen-
eral Board.
The organizational structure for carrying
on mission work in our church — local con-
gregation, district mission board, and General
Board — is simple and effective when each one
takes its place in the church. Any danger
toward bureaucracy which might appear in
the staff or the executive committee of the
General Board can be quickly taken care of
by the members of the Board. The organiza-
tion is built from the ground up and not
from the top down.
The General Board will hold its forty-
eighth annual meeting in Oregon, June 17-20.
Forty-eight years ago we had only one for-
(Continued on page 428)
MISSIONS SECTION
426
GOSPEL HERALD
May 4, 1954
Relief and Service News
MRSC Weekly Notes
Summer Service
Have you asked the Lord about your plans
for the summer? Perhaps He would have
you serve Him in the summer service pro-
gram. Young folks and older ones who have
no responsibilities to hinder such service are
still needed to complete the units for this
summer.
Bible schools in some rural areas are a vital
means of extension into totally unchurched
regions. Sometimes this outreach with the
Gospel is hindered by a lack of volunteers
to serve as teachers. There will be service
units at Akers, La.; Culp, Ark.; Minot, N.
Dak., and Menagha, Minn.; Gay, Mich., and
Mt. Union, Pa. All of these are rural missions
that will need Bible school teachers this
summer.
Serving in homes for the aged is a practical
and vital means of service. There is oppor-
tunity for a practical nurse to serve in the
Home for the Aged, Eureka, 111., for a short
time during the summer.
There are openings yet for a cook and
laundress on the staff which will serve at
Mennonite Youth Village, White Pigeon,
Mich. This is a youth camp for children and
young people from various mission stations.
The service is both challenging and reward-
ing as one assists in the work of influencing
young folks in the right way.
If you are interested in or know of some-
one who could well fill any of the above
service opportunities, please contact Mark
Lehman, Summer Service Director, 1711
Prairie St., Elkhart, Ind.
During the Station Director's Conference
on May 6 and 7, the following subjects con-
cerning summer service will be discussed:
The history, scope, and aims of Voluntary
Service; ways in which summer service per-
sonnel are used; understanding and using the
volunteer; developing wholesome unit life,
unit administration; and maintaining a true
spirit of Voluntary Service. There will be
three open discussion periods during the con-
ference which will be valuable in presenting
various problems and finding solutions under
tin- guidance of the Holy Spirit.
I-W Services
As a part of their extension work in the
city, the Indianapolis, Ind., I-W group is
planning lo conduct two summer Bible
sc hools. Details of the work are yet in the
planning. Pray that this work may prove
to be a vital outreach with the Gospel. Also,
the nu n of this unit arc planning a study of
Youth and Nonresistancc by Stanley Shcnk
during their weekly meetings.
Weekly services for the unit in the Phila-
delphia State 1 [ospital, Philadelphia, Pa., are
conducted by die various pastors of the men
in the unit.
MISSIONS SECTION
MCC Weekly Notes
I-W Service Leads to Establishment of
Hospital Chaplaincy
A new development in the I-W program
and possibly the most creative one yet to come
out of the civilian work program for con-
scientious objectors is the establishment of a
Protestant hospital chaplaincy in Denver.
This new ministry is in its infancy but sup-
ported financially by the Denver I-W men
and aided by referrals from these men. It
has great possibilities as a service for Christ
and the church. The chaplain is Glenn B.
Martin, who has had experience in such work
at the Mennonite Hospital and Sanitarium,
La Junta, Colo., and who has been a city
mission superintendent and pastor.
The work of a chaplain is that of a min-
ister in a hospital. The function of the hos-
pital chaplain is to present God, Christ, and
love to the patient and to assist him in gain-
ing peace of mind, confidence, and security.
The chaplain promotes faith and trust in
God and in the hospital staff and doctor, and
helps the patient understand his feelings.
This ministry capitalizes on the services
of I-W men and is an effective tie-in and
outreach of their work. It is an opportunity
to minister beyond the physical needs of the
patients. The Denver men have elected repre-(
sentatives in the 10 hospitals in which I-W's
are employed to aid Chaplain Martin in his
ministry. These "contact" men refer patients
to Chaplain Martin.
Chaplain Martin and E. M. Yost, pastor of
the Denver Mennonite Church, are working
with the Denver Council of Churches in get-
ting this program underway. Following the
proposal of the chaplaincy, the Council set
up a committee on hospital ministry made up
of two social workers, several doctors, and
about six ministers including Chaplain Mar-
tin and Brother Yost. This is a general ad-
visory and study committee for a hospital
ministry in Denver.
Fifth PAX Man en route to Korea
A fifth PAX man is on his way to Korea.
He is Woodrow Ramseyer of Baden, Ont..
who was scheduled to sail from Los Angeles
April 28.
Plans are for two more PAX men to sail
lor Korea early this fall to complete a unit
of seven men in that country. Five of these
men will be working in a community de-
velopment program under United Nations
Korean Reconstruction Agency. Two of
them will be working at the MCC vocational
school for orphan boys in Kyong San.
Worker Returns from Europe
Curtis Janzen of Henderson, Nebr., re-
turned from Europe April 21 where he had
served for the past 21/: years. During the first
part of his service he was a member of the
Mennonite Voluntary Service caravan and
since December, 1952, he was engaged in the
administration of the PAX program.
Released April 23, 1954
MCC Information Service
Akron, Pa.
Women's Activities
Florence Shantz, Field Secretary, spent
several days in the office at 1711 Prairie
Street, Elkhart, Ind., early in April. Having
assumed her position on April 1, Sister
Shantz is actively engaged in studying the
various avenues of women's work in the
Mennonite Church with the hope that all
can be organized into one united group for
more efficient service in the Lord's harvest
field.
• • •
Four hundred women and girls of the
Iowa-Nebraska district met on Friday, March
19, in the Conservative Fairview Church,
Kalona, Iowa, for their regular spring meet-
ing.
After orders had been given out to the local
circles for work to be done for the mission
stations, a program was presented which
afforded new inspiration and encouragement.
Roger Hochstettler, who has served three
years in PAX service, told of this work; Ruth
Fisher spoke of her work in helping to es-
tablish the orphanage work in Formosa;
Mrs. William Lauver gave a report of the
work in Davenport, Iowa; Mrs. Virgil Bren-
neman reviewed the activities of the work in
Iowa City and also offered words of encour-
agement to the many women who find their
time consumed by home duties. However,
Mrs. Brenneman said that too many of us
are like the ostrich; we bury ourselves in the
sand and forget to come up for air (the
blessings received from reading His Word
and from prayer sessions). Mrs. Alvin
Gascho, secretary-treasurer for the district,
also gave a message concerning the work of
the organization.
• • »
The thirty-sixth annual meeting of the
Ohio Women and Girls' Missionary Society
was held at the Central Church, Archbold,
Ohio, April 24, 1954. The Ohio sisters built
their program around the theme, "Broaden-
ing Our Horizons."
• * •
Sheets to be used for bandages, and school
supplies for Jordan were the projects for the
Yellow Creek circle, Goshen, Ind., for their
March meeting.
• * •
Have you been following the mission and
voluntary service work at Mathis, Texas?
Have you been supporting the work with
your prayers and pocketbook? Lela Sutter,
R.N'., writes:
"Much of my time since I have been in
Mathis has been spent trying to wake up the
community to its needs and responsibility.
I have had a good many conferences with
local, county, and state health authorities. I
do spend time working in a private hospital
too; this money that I earn is then turned
over to buy furniture and equipment for the
Maternity Home.
"As I mentioned before, we all help with
the mission program, teaching Sunday-school
classes, taking children's program, participat-
ing in MYF, in young people's meetings,
crafts classes, and in midweek prayer meet-
ing. All in all we are kept busy. We do not
mind as long as we have the necessary things
May 4, 1954
we need to do our work well. It is because
we do not have those things that we fre-
quently become discouraged. . . ."
* * *
"For God to See" was the theme chosen
by our sisters of Southwestern Pennsylvania
for their annual district meeting which was
held at the Mattawana Mennonite Church,
May 1, 1954. In the afternoon Betty Kolb,
Springs, Pa., led a panel discussion on "Co-
operation Among Women's Groups." Or-
pha Troyer of the General Committee and
Mrs. Jonathan Yoder, missionary on furlough
from India, were guest speakers on the pro-
gram. , ,. •
Gifts for the mission workers of the district
were on display.
* # *
When ordering your Prayer Guides, please
remember the I-W boys in your district. Send
all orders to WMSCO, Scottdale, Pa. The
price per copy prepaid is 25^.— Mrs. C. L.
Shank.
From Our Churches
HESSTON, KANSAS
(Pennsylvania Congregation)
Greetings in the name of Christ Jesus:
Our group of believers here has been strength-
ened and blessed much in this year ot 190-1.
Early in February we began a complete renova-
tion of the interior of our sanctuary, including
classrooms, -which are also our sewing circle
rooms. Everybody had a mind to work, and so
the work was accomplished even to redecorating
the basement primary room. A public speaking
system was installed. This also accommodates
the mothers' room. A window was added be-
tween the mothers" room and the auditorium,
which is much appreciated by the mothers ot
little ones. t
On March 21 we had a dedication service to
praise and glorify our Lord for making this
renovation possible. The speakers on the dedica-
tion program, which was given in the afternoon
after a basket dinner, were as follows: O. O.
Hershberger, Devotion; Lloyd Rodgers, -lhe
People Had a Mind to Work"— a report of
building committee; O. W. Miller, "Every One
Willingly Offered a Freewill Offering unto
the Lord" — report of treasurer ; R. M. Weaver,
"Remember the Former Things of Old"— review
of former dedications ; M. A. Yoder, Dedication
Sermon ; Earl Buckwalter, Litany of Dedication
and prayer. Chorister — Marvin Schrock. The
Pennsylvania Ladies' Chorus sang "The Lord
Is My Shepherd." Chairman — Earl Buckwalter.
An evangelistic sermon was given by Bru.
Earl Buckwalter at a Sunday morning service
a few weeks before the dedication. A response
by three of our young people was very gratify-
ing. Nearly all the young people of our church
are active in Christian service. We praise God
for His great blessings and desire that others
will pray for us, that a continual witness may
go forth from this place.
F. Rose Buckwalter.
WINTON, CALIFORNIA
(Sharon Congregation)
Dear Readers :
Greetings in the name of our risen Lord ! Our
hearts rejoice at this season as we think of the
great price that was paid for our redemption.
Our revival meetings, with Stanley Shenk
from West Liberty, Ohio, in charge, began
March 24 and continued through April 4. Bro.
Sbenk's wife and children accompanied him and
we were very happy to have them. There were
no visible results during these meetings, but we
know that hearts were encouraged and lifted up
as a result of the inspiring messages from God's
Word.
We were privileged to have Bro. C. F. Ders-
tine stop with us in March. Bro. Milo Stutz-
GOSPEL HERALD
man. Alberta, Canada, was here also and
preached for us on April 11. On Monday night
\pril l9 he showed some slides of his recent
trip to Europe and the Holy Laud. We praise
God for these men and others who spend their
time and energy going about encouraging saints
and warning sinners to flee from the • wrath to
come " May we each be encouraged to the point
where we will more faithfully serve our Master
in any capacity He chooses and in any Place.
Our annual Singspiration will be held with
the congregation at Los Angeles on May 1, -i.
Please pray for these services.
L. Kauffman.
ZURICH, ONTARIO
(Zurich Congregation)
Dear Herald Readers: ■ .
Greetings in Jesus' name, the sinless One who
took all our sins upon Himself so that we might
have life everlasting. The suffering and agony
of Christ on the cross was brought to us anew
on Sundav afternoon, April 11, by our bishop,
Rov S. Koch, when we had our spring com-
munion service, and also on Good Friday by
our pastor, Albert Martin, and then the glorious
triumph was proclaimed on Easter Sunday by
our pastor. In the evening we worshiped with
our neighboring A.M. Church in an inspiring
Easter song service led by Bro. Alfred Ropp and
in a challenging message given by Bro. Wiltred
Schlegel of Ailsa Craig.
We began our new year by redecorating the
church auditorium. Most of the work was done
bv the members with the help of the local deco-
rator Church services were held in the after-
noon at the A.M. Church for several weeks.
We enjoyed the visiting groups and speakers
during the past few months Bro. Thomas Mar-
tin, mission worker at Copper Cliff, Ont.,
preached for us on Jan. 31. On Feb 7 studen s
from Ontario Mennonite Bible School and Bible
Institute of Kitchener gave us an evening pro-
gram Henry Gregory Adams, a converted form-
er monk of Toronto, was with us the week end
of March 14, telling of his experiences as a
priest and monk, and his work now as founder
and general director of Evangelical Mission ot
converted former monks and priests. Also on
the afternoon of March 14 the Rockway Men-
nonite Chorus of Kitchener presented a pro-
gram of songs and choruses. The Mennonite
Revival Singers of Ohio were with U6 the eve-
ning of April 12. .
We had a series of revival meetings trom
March 27 to April 4 with Bro. Urie Bender of
Baden, Out., as evangelist. There was one first-
t ime decision, and we had a spiritual feast where
many were challenged to better and nobler living.
Our church chorister, Bro. Alfred Ropp, wife
and family are leaving us to answer a call to
mission work in the city of London, Ont. We
pray God's blessings upon them.
The annual Mennonite Conference of Ontario
is to be held here the first week in June. We
extend a welcome to all who can to come and
worship with us.
Mrs. Elam W. Shantz.
THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST
(Continued)
concerned, were saved before they en-
tered the ark, but their bodies were saved
through the ark.
These persons (souls) in Rev. 20:4
who were beheaded are now resurrected.
This group is first mentioned in Rev.
6:9-11 and they are identified by their
white robes. They were told that others
of their brethren would be martyred and
the whole martyred group is found
clothed with white robes in Rev. 7:9-17.
This great multitude is present at the
marriage of the Lamb. Rev. 19:6, 7.
Third, we notice a group in Rev. 20:4
described as those "which had not wor-
shipped the beast, neither his image,
neither had received his mark upon their
foreheads, or in their hands." The beast
followers were branded in Rev. 13:15-17,
and death is promised upon those who
refuse to accept the brand. This group
427
is encouraged in their stand by the angel
warning the earth-dwellers that they are
doomed to the lake of fire if they worship
the beast or accept his mark. Rev. 14:9-
11. Then there is a voice that pronounces
a blessing upon the holy martyrs who re-
fuse the worship of the beast and die in
the Lord as a result. This third group
is present at the marriage of the Lamb
and they also reign with Christ. Rev.
19:1; 20:4.
The First Resurrection
There has been considerable discus-
sion regarding the first resurrection.
Some think it refers to regeneration, but
admit that the second resurrection is a
bodily one. It is interesting to note that
the "rest of the dead lived not again
until the thousand years were finished."
As it reads, the same things take place in
both instances. If living means regenera-
tion, then the living of the rest of the
dead would seem to mean the same
thing. Then you would have the teach-
ing that there could be no regenerations
for 1,000 years and those who interpret
and apply the 1,000 years to the present
age, know of no such time or condition.
People are still being regenerated.
When the 1,000 years are finished,
Satan will be loosed again. He will go
out to test those born upon the earth
during the 1,000 years and will succeed
in deceiving many of them. The saints
of God wdl have gathered together and
the Satan-led multitudes will gather to-
gether as he had gathered together the
armies of the nations at the close of this
present age. At the close of the 1,000
years, these Satanic motivated soldiers
will meet their doom in a supernatural
way the same as they will at the close
of this present age before the reigning
of our Lord with the saints. At the close
of the 1,000 years, God is still on the
throne in heaven and Jesus Christ is
still King of kings and Lord of lords.
Thus we are brought to the end of
another age which started out with peo-
ple in professed subjection to God, but
human nature is still depraved and when
Satan is loosed, it is soon manifested in
open opposition and rebellion against
Christ and His reigning saints as well
as against the earthly saints who accept
the Lord Jesus Christ. Thus it is being
demonstrated that man from Adam
down is still at enmity to God by nature.
Only the acceptance of the grace of God
and the regeneration of the individual
will cure this human depravity.
IV WATER FROM MANY WELLS
(Continued)
ginia. It overlooks Cumberland Gap,
formerly a gateway to the West.
From your own little tower, by your
kitchen sink, at your desk, typewriter, or
milk stool, behind the steering wheel,
what states can you see? Can you see the
states of joy, love, peace, long-suffering,
428
GOSPEL HERALD
May 4, 19^
gentleness, faith, service, forgiveness,
thankfulness, and co-operation?
No matter what tower of respect Paul
was on or in what dungeon of want, he
could always see the state of content-
ment.
Hesston, Kans.
SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON (Continued)
Ahab and pronounce His doom on the king.
We can see Ahab trembling all over. He
had been warned repeatedly and so God's
avenging Naboth's death could not have been
sudden or unexpected to him. Surely it did
not appear unjustifiable. Ahab repented and
God showed mercy and loving-kindness. God
hates sin but loves the sinner. How wonder-
ful that Ahab met grace! This grace can
always be found when sought.
— Alta Mae Erb.
Lesson based on "International Sunday School Les-
sons: the International Bible Lessons for Christian
Teaching," copyrighted 1951 by the Division of Chris-
tian Education National Council of the Churches of
Christ in the U.S.A.
CHURCH MUSIC (Continued)
him in good stead when he became blind,
tor he could draw from this storehouse
of memory.
He is best known and remembered for
his works, "Paradise Lost," "Paradise Re-
gained," and "Hymn on the Nativity."
When we speak of blind authors and
composers, we must not fail to speak of
Mrs. C. H. (Clara) Morris, who was born
in Pennsville, Ohio. It is said that Mrs.
Morris ranks next to Fanny Crosby as a
hymn and Gospel song writer, for she
wrote between thirteen and fifteen hun-
dred compositions, many of which have
been rearranged very effectively as an-
thems.
Some people think that hymn-writing
is something that is very easy, but they
are wrong. Tennyson said, "To write a
good hymn is the most difficult thing in
the world."-The Friend.
MISSIONS EDITORIAL (Continued)
cign mission and several home missions and
institutions. The present program looks large
compared to that of 1906. God has blessed
the work of our hands through our co-opera-
tive efforts.
May we be prone to pray, rather than
criticize. May we remember that we are the
General Board the next time the needs of
the world are presented to us, and may wc
be prepared to give counsel to our elected
and appointed representatives and support
the program outlined for us. Since wc can-
not all be at Board meeting, our elected
representatives will do business for us. Let
us pray for them. — L. C. Hartzler.
MISSION NEWS (Continued)
Bro. Lester T. Hershey, missionary on
furlough from Puerto Rico and pastor of our
Spanish broadcast, La Biblia Abierta, will
participate in The Calvary Hour Radio Rally
at the Souderton, Pa., High School on May
8. The Calvary Hour subsidized Bro. Her-
shey's broadcast from 1950 until April 1,
1954.
Bro. Luke Birky, La Plata, Puerto Rico,
gave an illustrated talk concerning the medi-
cal program in Puerto Rico at Goshen Col-
lege, Goshen, fnd., on Saturday evening,
May 1. On Sunday evening, May 2, he spoke
at the Olive Mennonite Church, Elkhart,
Ind. He will speak at the North Main St.
Mennonite Church, Nappanee, on May 4
and the North Goshen Mennonite Church,
Goshen, on May 5.
The Executive Committee of the General
Mission Board will meet at the Elkhart head-
quarters on May 10.
Bro. and Sister Jesse Martin, returning
from Israel, sailed from England last Friday
and will be landing in Quebec, Canada, this
Saturday, May 8. Bro. Martin will be report-
ing to the Executive Committee of the Gen-
eral Board on May 10 and to the Israel Evan-
gelism Committee meeting in Lancaster, Pa.,
on May 18.
FIELD NOTES (Continued)
Herald-aires Male Chorus, Akron, Pa., at
North Lima, Ohio, Sunday evening, May 9.
Bro. A. J. Metzler, Scottdale, Pa., at the
Beech Church, Louisville, Ohio, Saturday
evening, May 8, and three sessions, May 9,
in a Christian workers' conference.
Bro. and Sister Paul Erb, Scottdale, Pa., at
Calvary Church, Pinckney, Mich., for a home
conference on May 9, 10.
Meeting of all women of the Historic Peace
Churches at First Mennonite Church, Kitch-
ener, Ont., May 3, 2:30 p.m., with Martha
Ropp, MCC worker from Java, as speaker.
Evangelistic Meetings
Kenneth Good, Morton, 111., at Hartville,
Ohio, May 15-21. I. Mark Ross, Hesston,
Kans., at Manadier, near Grantsville, Md.,
April 23 to May 2. C. F. Derstine, Kitchener,
Ont., at Preston, Ont., for dedication and
evangelistic services, May 16-23. Kenneth
Good, Morton, 111., at West Sterling, 111., May
2-6. Urie Bender, Baden, Ont., at Thomas
Church, Hollsopple, Pa., April 23 to May
2. Raymond L. Kramer, Meadville, Pa., at
DUlonvale, Ohio, May 9-16. George R
Brunk, Greencastle, Pa., beginning May 9
and continuing 3 weeks; Harrisonburg, Va.,
June 9-27; Kitchener, Ont., July 7-25; Arch-
bold, Ohio, Aug. 4-22; Milford, Nebr., Sept.
1-19; Wilmington, Del., Sept. 29 to Oct. 17;
Fentress, Va., Oct. 27 to Nov. 14.
To go to law is for two persons to kindle
a fire at their own cost to warm others, and
singe themselves to cinders. — Selected.
I Am the Way— the Truth—
the Life
By Edna Beiler
I AM THE WAY. Dear Christ of God,
Thy footsteps hallowed all earth's sod.
Bewildered, lost we cry today —
Reveal Thyself, O certain Way!
I AM THE TRUTH. Sham chokes our
breath —
Vain tinsel hiding dearth and death.
Cleanse us, Thou Christ, and fill anew
With Thine own Breath, forever true,
I AM THE LIFE. Here where decay
Taints us from birth — O living Yea,
Transform this brief mortality
And quicken for eternity.
Hear us, O Thou compassionate One!
Take our brief hair's breadth in the sun
(With all its hurry and heartbreak)
Perform a rniracle — for Thy sake.
Come and control our anguished strife,
O Way — O Truth — O glorious Life!
Reading, Pa-
Grandfather of TV Speaks Out
Dr. Lee DeForest, often called the fa-
ther of radio because of his invention of
the three-element vacuum tube, admit-
ted that his "grandchild, television" is
running wild.
"I'm sorry to say that this medium, for
which I had such high hopes a few years
ago, seems to me already to have become
more of an influence for bad than for
good," Dr. DeForest asserted when he
stopped over in Chicago.
"Television, which could be so uplift-
ing and enlightening, is being used de-
gradingly," said Dr. DeForest. "In Los
Angeles, where I Live, there are 80 or 90
murders a week broadcast on television
programs, mostly movies. This is alarm-
ing, wicked, and must not be tolerated.
It can have only a vicious effect on chil-
dren."
"Sponsors must reform and raise their
intellectual levels. And I honestly be-
lieve they could do it if they would act
together, without losing a single viewer."
Mr. DeForest said the most worth-
while programs in TV were the discus-
sions and special events. He said that
television had been a disappointment in
its handling of good music.
"All you can hear is boogie woogie
and jazz," he emphasized. "To hear
symphonic music I've got to turn to rec-
ords and phonograph."
Mr. DeForest reported that television
is having an adverse effect on reading
of books and magazines: "The pulp pub-
lishers, fortunately, are suffering the
most. Followers of cheap fiction have
just shifted over to watching the tele-
vision thrillers."-T/i<- Baptist Examiner.
An external piety without an internal
spiritual experience is doomed to failure.
— Erland Waltner.
May 4, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
429
MARRIAGES
May the blessings of God be upon the homes
established by the marriages here listed. A year's
subscription to the GOSPEL HERALD is given to those
whose address is supplied by the ofiiciating minister.
Bontrager — Martin. — Maynard Bo n t r a Re r,
Emma congregation, Topeka, IncL, and Mary
Martin. Olive congregation, Elkhart, Ind., by
J. C. Wenger at the Olive Church, April IS,
^Garber — Reesor. — Leonard W. Garber, Berea
congregation. Alma. Out., and Doris E. Reesor,
Cedar Grove congregation, Markham, Ont., by
John F. Garber, father of the bridegroom, at
the Cedar Grove Church, April 17. 1954.
Heatwole — Riser. — Willard Joseph Heatwole,
Bank Mennonite Church, Dayton, Va., and Mel-
ba Frances Riser. Springdale Mennonite Church.
Waynesboro. Va., by Daniel W. Lehman at the
Springdale Church, April 17, 1954.
Hoehstetler — Byer. — Moses Hochstetler, Bare-
ville. Pa., and Helen Eileen Byer. Wideman
Mennonite congregation, Markham, Ont., by Roy
S. Roch at the Wideman Church. April 3. 1954.
Martin — Dettweiler. — Ervin Martin. Flora-
dale. Ont., congregation, and Beatrice Dettwei-
ler. Breslau, Ont., congregation, by Oscar Burk-
holder. assisted by Rufus Jutzi, at the home of
the bride near Hespeler, Ont., April 10. 1954.
Miller — Gingerich. — Marvin Miller and Beulah
Gingerich, both of the Lower Deer Creek con-
gregation, Ralona. Iowa, by J. Y. Swartzendru-
ber at the Lower Deer Creek Church, April 3,
1054.
BIRTHS
"Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord" (Ps. 127:3a).
Bartlett, William and Ada (Ford). Toronto,
Ont.. third child, second son, Rarl George, Feb.
18. 1954. . ,
Birkey. Ralph and Mary (Schrock). Brimley.
Mich., fourth daughter, Arlene Joyce, March 8,
1954
Bontrager, Marion and Charlotte (Miller),
Goshen, Ind., first child. .Tolene Kay. April 14,
1954
Brackbill. Maurice (1. and Rhoda (Shertzer),
Millersville. Pa., fifth child, third son. Robert
Lamar, March 27, 1054.
Buckwalter. Nathan and Elizabeth Mlriffith).
Atglen, Pa., fourth child, second son. Richard
Lee. March 14. 1954.
Clemens. Paul R. and Rathryn (Landis).
Worcester, Pa., first child, Mary Louise, April
7. 1954.
Cressman, Clayton and Pauline (Fretz).
Kitchener, Ont., second child, first daughter,
Guendolyn Fave, April 12. 1954.
Delp, Alvin D. and Ada (Moyer), Souderton,
Pa., second son. La Verne, Feb. 3, 1954.
Doescher. Gerald and Norma Jean (Nitzsehe).
Bancroft, Nebr., first child, Ricky Lee, April
11. 1954.
Drawbond, Emmett W. and Tillie (Miller I.
Fortuna, N. Dak., first child, Phillip William.
April 8, 1954.
Gingerich, Chester and Barbra (Rauffman).
Middlebury, Ind.. third child, third son, Larry
Dean, April 7, 1954.
Grasse, Mr. and Mrs. Alvin. Ralona. Iowa,
first child, Carolyn June. April 12. 1054.
Gregory, William and Ila (Gregory I. Filer.
Idaho, third child, first son, David Dean, April
8. 1054.
Hartzler. Ralph W. and Virginia (Yoderl.
Orrville. Ohio, third son, Daniel Mark. Jan. 24.
1054.
Hofer. Sam and Sue (Hoferl. Stirling. Alta.,
first child, June Sara. April 18. 1051.
Hostetler. Dorwin and Lois (Miller). Sturgis.
Mich., first child. Lynette Lois. Feb. 12. 1954.
Kenagy. Earl and Lillian (Schrock), Wood-
burn. Oreg.. third daughter, Janelle Lorraine,
April 12. 1054.
Martin, Richard and June (Houserl. Sandy
Hook. Conn., first child, Richard Bruce, March
11. 1054.
Mellinger. Albert 11. and Elsie (Newcomer),
Strasburg, Pa., first child, Robert N., April 13.
1054.
Nafziger Merle and Norma (Birkey), Minier,
111., second son, Gregg Allan, April 8. 1954.
Ramer, J. Ralph and Laura (Ring), Malvern,
Pa., first child, John Ralph, April 12, 1954.
Schwartzentruber, Elmer and Magdalene
(Wagler). Baden, Ont., fourth daughter, Carol
Joy. born Nov. 26, 1950 ; adopted April 2, 1954.
Sensenig, John R. and Anna M. (Weaver),
Lititz, Pa„ sixth child, fourth son, David Lee,
Feb. 16. 1954. v „. , .
Smoker, Reuben and Esther (Blank), Bird in
Hand, Pa., second child, first son, James Edwin,
April 14, 1954. ^t
Troyer, James and L. Irene (Overholt), North
Liberty, Ind., a son, Delmar Devon, March 9,
1954.
Troyer, Raymond J. and Betty (Miller), Go-
shen, Ind., second son, Jon Randall, April 15,
1954.
Ulrich. Raymond and Verda (Zoss), Roanoke,
111., fifth child, third son, Robert Ray, April 6,
1954.
Vance, Rermitt and Eloise (Chngerman),
Artemas, Pa., second son, Weldon, April 18,
1954.
WHlouer, Stanley and Mildred (Delp), Sou-
derton, Pa., first child, Diane, April 1, 1954.
Wittrig, Howard and Elva (Good). Hopedale,
111., fifth child, third son, Jay Rodney, April 8,
1954.
Yoder. David D. and Edith (Longacre), Snow
Hill, Md.. fourth child, third daughter, Janet
Ruth, March 31, 1954.
OBITUARIES
May the sustaining grace and comfort of our Lord
bless these who are bereaved.
Brubaker. Sophia Frances, daughter of the
late Jacob and Margaret (Heatwole) Showalter,
was born Nov. 29, 1877, in Augusta Co., Va. ;
passed away at her home near Mt. Crawford,
Va., March' 13, 1954; aged 76 y. 3 m. 13 d.
Death came suddenly, due to a heart attack,
although she had been in failing health for some
time. She had been able to attend church and
her seat was seldom vacant. On Jan. 16, 1908,
she was united in marriage to William S. Bru-
baker. who preceded her in death on July 27,
1037. She leaves to mourn her departure the
following children : Jacob D., Margaret L. — Mrs.
Boyd Shank, Mary F.. Anna R.. and Daniel A.,
all of Harrisonburg, Va. ; also 12 grandchildren.
An infant son (James W.) and an infant grand-
son also preceded her. The following brothers
and sisters survive: Mrs. David Swope, Annie
Showalter. and Mrs. Samuel Weaver, all of
Dayton, Va. ; Henry, Denver, Colo.; Daniel and
Peter, Harrisonburg, Va. One brother (Menno)
preceded her. Funeral services were conducted
at the Pike Mennonite Church by S. H. Rhodes,
assisted by Aldine Brenneman and D. W. Leh-
man, with burial in the adjoining cemetery.
Detwiler. Emma, daughter of John and Bar-
bara (Plank) Detwiler, was born Sept. 15, 1868,
near Mingo, Ohio ; died March 14, 1954 ; aged
85 y. 6 m. She became a member of the Men-
nonite Church in her early youth, and was a
charter member of the Bethel Mennonite Church
in West Liberty. She lived a life of service for
others from the time she was but a young girl.
She lived the greater part of her life in Belle-
fontaine. Ohio, spending her later years in the
home of her brother (Clarence) and for the last
year and a half at the Solomnson Rest Home in
West Liberty where she passed to her eternal
reward. She appreciated greatly the Christian
care she received at both her brother's home
and at the rest home. She is survived by 2
brothers. (Edward, Wellman, Iowa, and Clar-
ence, Bellefontaine, Ohio). Funeral services
were conducted at the Troyer and Lynn Funeral
Home, West Liberty, Ohio, by Nelson Ranagy.
Interment was made in the Alexander Cemetery
near Degraff. Ohio.
Eberly. Rose Ann. daughter of Norman N. and
Ruth (Landis) Eberly, New Holland, Pa„ was
born Feb. 8. 1950 ; died in Lancaster General
Hospital, March 28. 1954; aged 4 y. 1 m. 20 d.
Death was caused by a fractured skull received
in an accident on her father's farm on March
24. She never regained consciousness after the
accident. Besides her parents she is survived
by these brothers and sister (Leon, Paul. Glenn,
Marian, and Joyce, all at home), and her grand-
father (Harry M. Landis). Funeral services
were held on April 1 at the Groffdale Mennonite
Church. Interment was made in the adjoining
cemetery.
Hathaway, Lawrence Dale, son of Oliver and
Ruby (Greaser) Hathaway, was born Sept. 23,
1951, near Palmyra, Mo.; passed away March
23, 1954, at Barnes Hospital, St. Louis, Mo.;
aged 2 y. 6 m. His death was caused by a
brain tumor. Lawrence Dale was sick only a
short time. He underwent surgery ten days after
his first complaint of a headache, and died as
the doctor was putting in the last stitches, just
after the doctor had remarked that the opera-
tion was a success. He leaves to mourn his
early departure his parents, 2 half brothers
(Howard and James), grandparents, and many
other relatives and friends. Funeral services
were held at the Pea Ridge Mennonite Church,
March 26, with Daniel Rauffman in charge, as-
sisted by Harold Rreider, Ira Buckwalter, and
Harry Buckwalter. Burial was made in the
adjoining cemetery.
Miller, Annie Mabel, daughter of John B. and
Catherine (Yoder) Miller, was born in Johnson
Co., Iowa, Aug. 30, 1880; died at her home near
Wellman, Iowa, Feb. 8, 1954 ; aged 73 y. 5 m.
8 d. In youth she accepted Christ as her Sav-
iour, and was a charter member of the Upper
Deer Creek C.A. Mennonite Church at the time
of her death. On Nov. 27, 1904, she was united
in marriage to David D. Miller. To this union
3 children were born (Bertha — Mrs. Ora Swart-
zendruber, Parnell, Iowa; Emily, at home; and
Ivan J., Wellman, Iowa). Besides the children,
she leaves 9 grandchildren, 2 brothers (Eli A.
Miller, Colorado Springs; and Ura A. Miller,
Lone Tree, Iowa), and 2 sisters (Naomi — wife
of the late Pre. David Miller, Wellman, Iowa;
and Helena — Mrs. Menno Swartzendruber, Li-
mon, Colo.). Her husband preceded her in
death on Feb. 10, 1949, also one sister (Esther
— Mrs. Chris Hershberger) and one brother
(Uriah). Her health had been failing for some
time, and the last three weeks she was con-
fined to her bed, and then peacefully passed
away. Funeral services were held at Upper
Deer Creek Church near Wellman, Iowa, Feb.
10, in charge of Albert S. Miller, Morris E.
Swartzendruber, and John Y. Swartzendruber.
Reesor, Thomas, was born March 18, 1867 ;
passed away March 20, 1954 ; aged 87 y. 2 d. He
was married to Adeline Grove, who died in 1943.
To this union were born 4 daughters and one
son (Amos, of Scarboro Township; Martha,
deceased ; Esther — -Mrs. Aaron Weber, Elmira,
Ont.; Elizabeth — Mrs. Allen Wideman, of
Stouffville; and Annie — Mrs. Isaac Bober, of
Maple), 13 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchil-
dren. He belonged to the Markham Mennonite
Church and was ordained to the ministry in
1916. He was leader in founding the relief or-
ganization, and showed a keen interest in the
same until old age prevented. Funeral services
were held March 22 at the Reesor Church. Min-
isters who took part in the services were Fred
Nighswander, Abraham Smith, and Cecil Reesor.
Visiting ministers who took part in the services
were Paul Hoover, Goshen, Ind. ; Amsey Martin,
Wallenstein, Ont. ; Moses Horst, Rittman, Ohio ;
and Banks Horning, Denver Pa. Burial was
made in the adjoining cemetery.
Slonecker, Peter J., son of the late Daniel J.
and Mary (Rrabill) Slonecker, was born in
Stark Co'., Ohio, Nov. 20, 1874; died April 7,
1954 ; aged 79 y. 4 m. 18 d. His parents moved
to Logan Co., Ohio, when he was a small child
and he remained in the community all his life.
He was married to Ratie Roth, Dec. 12, 1899,
and they celebrated their fiftieth anniversary on
Dec. 12, 1949. To this union were born 4 chil-
dren (Mary — Mrs. Archie Headings, West Lib-
erty, Ohio ; Margaret — Mrs. Boyd Yoder, Lester,
and Carl, all of Bellefontaine, Ohio). Besides
his wife and 4 children, he is survived by 13
grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and one
brother (Dave Slonecker, of Bellefontaine). One
grandson preceded him in death. He always en-
joyed good health until June, 1952, when_ he
underwent surgery. His health gradually failed
and his daughter, Mary, and her husband came
to stay with him and her mother during his
failing days. He was a faithful member of the
South Union Mennonite Church from his youth.
Funeral services were held at the South Union
Mennonite Church conducted by Paul Roth, Ma-
sontown, Pa., nephew of the family, and Wayne
North. Burial was made in the adjoining ceme-
tery.
Troyer, Noah E., born into the home of Elias
D. and Susannah (Oswald) Troyer near Berlin,
Ohio, May 5, 1879, was the fifth of a family
of nine children (Peter, Lydia, Elizabeth, Mar-
tha, Amanda, Eli, Sana, and Menno). At the
age of three, the family moved to Michigan,
later going to Arthur, 111., McPherson Co.,
Rans., back to Illinois, and finally to Cham-
430
GOSPEL HERALD
May 4, /05./
paign Co., Ohio, in 1895. in which community
be resided since, exeept for four years given in
service to the ehnrch as superintendent of the
Mennonite Mission at Canton, Ohio.
On Feb. 2N. 1007. be was married to Eva Mae
Allgyer, eldest daughter of Bro. S. E. Allgyer.
To this union 3 children were born fLouella —
Mrs L. J. Martin, Goshen, ln<\. ; Mark Raymond
and Samuel Earl. West Liberty. Ohio). His
wife preceded him in death on Sept. 4. 1949,
also a sister and a brother. Besides hhs 3 chil-
dren he is survived by 2 brothers (Peter A.,
who 18 presently at Sarasota. Fla.. and Menno
I, Elida (thiol. I sinters (Mrs. .1. F. Kanagy
and Mrs.' Eli I). Yoder, West Liberty, Ohio;
Mrs J I. Byler, Shipshewana, Ind.: and Mrs.
Samuel Witnier. Goshen, Ind. I, 10 grandchildren.
25 nieces and nephews, and 54 grandnieces and
nephews. As a young man of 10 he felt the need
of a personal Saviour, yielded his life to the
Lord, and joined the Oak Grove Mennonite
Church. From that time he continued a life of
unselfish devotion to his Master and his church,
accepting increasing responsibilities as part of
his service. He served as chorister. Sunday-
school teacher and superintendent. He was or-
dained to the ministry April 28, 1919. and as
bishop April 21, 1940. From 1919 to 1923 he
was superintendent of the Canton Mennonite
Mission. With this experience in the mission.
hi> felt the need of doing additional evangelistic
work and devoted as much of his time toward
that end as he could spare from his other duties.
Pew are the communities of Ohio, Indiana.
Illinois, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and
Ontario that have not felt the impact of his
soul-stirring messages. He also became active
in the conference-wide administrative work of
the church. He was president and member for
some years of the Executive Committee of the
Ohio and Eastern A.M. Conference and a mem-
ber of the Ohio Mission Board. The burden of
his heart was that the church would remain
faithful and true. He never wanted to be a
burden to his church or community, and so
Combined farming with his ministerial duties,
retiring from the farm in 1944 and from the
ministry in 1952. His humility of spirit, his
willingness to accept the hard things of life,
whatever God asked him to endure, and his great
patience and devotion to others were especially
noteworthy during the nine years of unselfish
care of his wife (luring her illness and passing.
Gradually failing in health after a life of
hard work and unselfish devotion, his last years
were spent quietly in rest and meditation at the
home of Grandfather Allgyer, his sister Eliza-
beth, and for a short time with his son Raymond.
When his failing faculties required more care,
he went first to the Mennonite Home for the
Aged near Rittman, Ohio, and then to the Koll-
meier Rest Home in Findlay to spend his re-
maining days. lie had been a resident at the
latter home only since the Christmas holidays,
lie had been ill from a complication of diseases
which became critical the last three days. He
quietly passed from this life on Feb. 4. 1951;
aged 74 y. 8 m. 30 d. He could say with the
Apostle Paul, "I have fought a good fight, I
have finished my course. I have kept the faith:
henceforth there is laid nt> for me a crown of
righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous
judge, shall give me at that day." Many will
miss his wise counsel, his kindly concern for
their welfare, his deep humility, his constant
devotion, and his unfailing patience.
Wcnger, Sarali Frances (Sallie), daughter of
Abraham R. and Sarah (Ilartman) Wcngcr, was
bom Oct. 27, 1S7N, near Harrisonburg Va.:
died March 14, 1954, at her birthplace; aged 75
y. 4 m. 15 d. "Miss Sallie," 11s she was affec-
tionately known by both old and young, pos-
sessed 11 kind and gentle Christian personality.
She was a lifelong member id' the Mennonite
Church, She is survived by one sister (Mrs.
Rachel Kilburn. of Harrisonburg! and a num-
ber of nieces and nephews. Two sisters (Mrs.
Rebecca Barnharl and Miss Elizabeth Wenger)
and 2 brothers (Isaac B, and Clement IV) pre
Ceded her in death. Funeral sen ices were held
March 1ft at Weaver's Church with Harold
Eshlemnn in charge, assisted by Aldine Bren
neliian and Daniel Lehman.
Voder. Ella M.. daughter of Mr and Mrs Wii
Hum Tangeinan, Taltnage, Nebr., was born June
27. lsx:i; passed away March 11, 1051, nt the
Municipal Hospital, Wadsworlh, Ohio; aged 70
y. 8 m. 12 d. On Feb. 4, 1908, she was united
in marriage to Alpha B. Yoder. They lived in
Talmage for 21 years and then moved to W'esi
Liberty. Ohio, where they lived for 27 years.
At an early age she became a member of the
German Evangelical Church, later transferring
hor membership to the Oak Grove Mennonite
Church, West Liberty, Ohio, where she was 11
happy, faithful member. A little more than a
year ago. as her health was fast failing, she
and her husband decided to enter the Horn* at
Rittman. Ohio, where they were happy and con-
tent. Two weeks before her death she entered
the Municipal Hospital, where slip peacefully
fell asleep due to a malignant condition. She
leaves her husband, one brother (Elmer Tange-
nian. Lander. Wyo. 1, and many nephews, nieces,
and friends. Funeral services were conducted
at the Crown Hill Church near Rittman. Ohio,
by Nelson Kanagy, assisted by \Ym. G. Det-
weiler. Interment was made in the adj lining
cemetery.
THE BOOK SHELF
Books reviewed in these columns mav be ordered
from the Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale. Pa.
People's Padre, by Emmett McLoughlin;
Beacon Press; 1954; 288 pp.; $3.95.
When C. S. Lewis' Screwtape Letters ap-
peared, a New York Times reviewer ob-
served, "Somewhere in the inferno there must
be considerable annoyance." When Emmett
McLoughlin's People's Padre was published
April 7, it is safe to assume that somewhere
in the hierarchical inferno there was "con-
siderable annoyance."
Emmett McLoughlin left the priesthood of
the Roman Catholic Church. His disillusion-
ment with "A Corrupt Tree," the tactics of
the hierarchy leading up to the renunciation
of his vows, and its dogged plaguing of his
tracks since are sobering revelations.
McLoughlin brings us face to face with
the intense power of the hierarchy and its un-
told influence not only in the lives of indi-
viduals but also the state. This book is
necessary reading if we are to gain an insight
into the inner workings of the Roman hier-
archy, its selfishness, its greed, its superstition,
its servitude to carnal lusts, its lies, its deceit,
its insatiable appetite for power, its ability
to ignore morality to gain its ends, and its
hold over individuals through "calculated
ignorance" (p. 239).
People's Padre is written not to sate the
appetites of the morbidly curious as certain
types of anti-Rome literature; rather, it ap-
pears to be a sincere account of what hap-
pened in Phoenix, Arizona.
We will not agree with the author on many
counts. We would not condone his marriage
to a divorcee. We would not follow him in
the use of the law. We would not approve
lodges and secret societies. We would not
agree with some of his theological tenets. We
would not share his enthusiasm for labor
unionism. However, these points of disagree-
ment cannot overshadow the main value of
the book for us. We must know how the
Roman church works. We must know the
techniques of the hierarchy if for no other
reason than to guard against similar tactics
in our own brotherhood. We must know the
ultimate goals of the Roman church. We
must know the threat of the Roman church
to our own spiritual future — wc must recog-
nize that the future of evangelical Christi-
anity is as distastroUS under Rome as under
Moscow. And we must know of the major
defection from the Roman church by priests
anil people, contrary to subtle Romanist prop
aganda. — Paul M. Lederach,
ITEMS and COMMENTS
Major Mexico City daily newspapers, for
the first time in the history of the Republic,
featured in their pages meetings of evan- ;
gelical churches during the evangelistic cam-
paign led by Hyman Appleman. Appleman
will return to Mexico in 1955 for campaigns
in principal cities of that country. He is also
considering invitations from Honduras, San
Salvador, Peru, and Argentina.
* * #
Otto Dibeltus. head of the Evangelical
Church in Germany, has reported that anti-
religious pressure again has become clearly
discernible in Communist-controlled East
Germany. He says that "school children have
been put under pressure, clergymen and re-
ligious services are under government super-
vision, and difficulties have arisen in the
issuance of permits for religious meetings."
* * *
The United States Post Office Department
will not issue a stamp in honor of the Marian
Year or the Second Assembly of the World
Council of Churches. Assistant Postmaster
General Albert J. Robertson made known this
decision in a formal letter to Glenn L. Archer,
executive director of Protestants and Other
Americans United for Separation of Church
and State. Mr. Robertson's letter was in reply
to one addressed to Postmaster General by
Dr. Archer, who contended that such postage
stamps would violate the principle of church-
state separation. Mr. Robertson said the Post
Office Department "is not considering the
issuance of such stamps at this time and it is
extremely unlikely that either of them will
be issued in the future."
» • •
Charges by a Protestant editor that 77 per
cent of all FBI agents are Roman Catholics
were branded "false and unfounded" by FBI
Director J. Edgar Hoover. He issued the de-
nial in a letter to Dr. Donald Grey Barnhouse
of Philadelphia, editor of Eternity Magazine,
who made the charges in the March issue of
his publication.
ft 'ft ft
Frank Laubach. literacy specialist, will
spend next December and January in West
Pakistan, where he and his team of experts
will set a new literacy program in motion
for the Sinds of that area. For the first time
literature is being prepared in the Sind
language. Literacy programs have also been
provided to West Pakistan areas where Pun-
jabi and Urdu are spoken. It is estimated
that the Laubach method and materials have
been made available for some 60,000.000
people who have learned to read in 250
languages and dialects.
• • •
At the end of four weeks of meetings in
London, the Billy Graham crusade reported
a total attendance at the arena of almost
■100,000. In addition to these were the ad-
ditional thousands who were reached by
special meetings during the day. During
these four weeks 8,880 persons recorded de-
May ./, '9.5-/
GOSPEL HERALD
431
Where Are the Mennonites?
What Are Mennonite Beliefs?
MENNONITE
YEARBOOK
Here's a valuable index to oft-wish-
ed-for and never-handy facts about
Mennonites and Mennonite institu-
tions. Ministers, churches, missions,
schools, committees, officials— you can
find them all in this small, neat, in-
expensive directory.
Refer to the Mennonite Yearbook
when you write to a missionary; you'll
find the address quickly, and right
there are some additional facts about
the mission station. Use it when you
travel: addresses of Mennonite in-
stitutions and their personnel are a
useful guide. Use it for informational
talks: it fists all other branches of Mennonites, their
memberships, pastors, and addresses-world-wide.
Keep in a handy, reachable place for ready reference.
Only 5(ty a copy; $5.50 a dozen; $40.00 a hundred.
An interpretation of theology truly Biblical and Men-
nonite—a combination never before seen in the history
of our church. When often the Biblical view of inspira-
tion is forfeited, our church is fortu-
nate to have an author dedicated to
this principle. The author, John C.
Wenger, writes in the preface, ". . .
men need more than philosophy: they
must have the eternal verities of divine
revelation. Man needs the "Word of
God which will more surely and safely
carry him,' as Plato stated . . . ."
A valuable, interesting part of this
book is the appendix. It lists six state-
ments made in the Mennonite Church
from 1632 to 1951, on faith; catech-
ism; peace, war, and military service;
Christian faith and commitment; in-
dustrial relations; and a statement of concerns on Chris-
tian community relations. $4.00
Address the Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale, Pennsylvania
cisions to live for Christ. To take care of
the crowds which cannot get into the arena,
hookups have been made, carrying the serv-
ice to various theaters and auditoriums in
London and even in distant cities. On April 3
Graham spoke in a great open-air meeting in
Trafalgar Square. He addressed the students
of Imperial College of London University in
Albert Hall, where 3,500 students, the largest
student religious service in memory, assem-
bled to hear him.
# * *
For the eleventh successive year the Amer-
ican Bible Society is promoting a world-
wide Bible reading program from Thanks-
giving to Christmas. The theme for 1954
is "Faith for Our Day."
# * *
The historic Church of the Annunciation
in Nazareth is to be completely rebuilt on its
present site. Dating back to 1730 the pres-
ent church was erected by the French govern-
ment on what is traditionally believed to be
the original site of the House of the Holy
Family. This church is administered by the
Franciscan order.
* * *
Children too poor for school in Korea
have been organized into Bible clubs, where
they have lessons in reading, writing, and
arithmetic, as well as Bible study. The classes
meet three hours a day, five days a week.
The American Bible Society is supplying the
schools with an illustrated Gospel, which is
being used as the central textbook.
* * #
World Neighbors, Inc., an organization
which aids backward nations by teaching
them to help themselves, hopes to start 35
new foreign aid projects by the end of 1955.
World Neighbors now operates 6 projects
in India, Egypt, and the Philippines. Its
workers aim at improvement in native agri-
culture, literacy, hygiene and sanitation, mid-
wifery, child health, nutrition, and various
crafts. Specialists first train natives in a
given area. The natives then help train
others.
At the request of thousands of persons, the
Post Office Department has issued a regular
stamp with a religious sentiment, the first
time that has been done in the United States.
The new 8^ Statue of Liberty stamp carries
the inscription of "In God We Trust" arched
over the symbolic torchbearer which stands
at the entrance of New York harbor. The
red, white, and blue stamp will be the first
in a series of ordinary stamps that will
eventually replace the series established
in 1938. The religious motto will be a re-
minder of the spiritual foundation upon
which any government rests. Christians
should make it a matter of prayer that the
country might indeed live up to that motto.
A survey sponsored by the Catholic Digest,
national monthly, contradicts the claim of
the Christian Herald magazine that some
4,000,000 Roman Catholics in the United
States have been converted to Protestantism in
the last ten years. The survey reported by
the Catholics was conducted by a Chicago
marketing and public opinion research firm.
It showed that only 1,434,000 Catholics had
turned Protestant in the 20 years before the
study. It also showed that 1,896,000 Protes-
tants had become Catholics in the same peri-
od. The survey revealed a constant shifting
back and forth among Protestant bodies also.
It also showed that 16,500,000 persons had
stopped practicing any religion. These were
persons who claimed no religious affiliation
at the time of the survey, but who reported
they had once been active church members.
Of these, 12,926,000 had been Protestants,
2,529,000 had been Catholics, and 462,000
had been Jews.
# # #
The Chicago Tribune has suggested editori-
ally that just as a basketball player has to
withdraw from the game after five personal
fouls, so only five divorces should be permit-
ted to any one person. That any proposal
at all should be made indicates a recog-
nition that something ought to be done. The
nature of the proposal suggests how frivol-
ously we have come to think of marriage.
# # *
Prime Minister Nehru of India reacted
strongly against the U.S. Arms deal with
Pakistan, it has been said, for various rea-
sons: his fear of increased military power
of Pakistan, his alarm over Kashmir, his
fear of involvement in a world war. These
factors may have been in his mind, but the
positive rather than the negative phases of his
thinking have received little or no publi-
city. The fact is that Nehru, before the
(Continued on next page)
432 GOSPEL HERALD
YOUR PUBLISHING HOUSE
May j, ipy
By A. J. Metzler, Publishing Agent
Production Manager and Foremen
9. Printing
The House has always maintained a plant to take care
of most of its own printing. In a few instances work requiring
special equipment or handling was taken elsewhere where
it could be produced more economically. This was true of our
binding at one time and may again become expedient. Song
books have at times been printed and bound elsewhere. Be-
cause of the large demands for summer Bible school books,
these have mostly been printed in Pittsburgh on a large rotary
offset press. It is a question as to what extent a publisher
is justified in maintaining complete printing and binding
facilities for all his requirements, especially as those require-
ments continue to increase.
House printing falls into the following general classes:
(1) books and booklets; (2) periodicals; (3) Sunday-school
materials; (4) summer Bible school materials; (5) promotion-
al, advertising, and other smaller items.
More and more we have needed to restrict our printing
and binding services to our own requirements. This is due
in part to our own growing demands, in part to possible jeop-
ardizing our rating as a nonprofit, tax-free enterprise, and to
other reasons. However, we do continue to serve conferences,
boards, committees, and institutions, particularly printing items
under classes 2 and 5 above. It is only due to very exceptional
circumstances that we print anything for an individual or of a
nonreligious nature.
In addition to various smaller pieces of equipment, the
major items purchased have been a power-lift truck for double
stacking skids of paper and plate-making equipment for the
present and anticipated offset department. It is quite clear
that a larger proportion of our printing could be produced
more economically by the offset process.
The securing and training of qualified workers is always
a major task in developing the printing plant. Considerable
emphasis has been placed upon training. This has been
done: (a) by attendance at technical schools, (b) by classes
at the House (c) by training on the job, and, (d) by giving
workers experience in various departments.
Beginning during the past year we are using the services
of Printing Industry of America. This is a progressive trade
association whose services are quite extensive. Much practical
help is being secured from this source. This includes counsel,
technical advice, production figures, and costs from the trade
for comparison purposes, information on equipment and proc-
esses, etc.
For the present, both Building Maintenance and the
Traffic Department are under the supervision of the Printing
Division. Building Maintenance includes all building repairs
and the janitor services of five people. The Traffic Depart-
ment handles all incoming and outgoing mail, materials, and
supplies, and oversees the dispatch service which delivers
and picks up mail and other items at about 40 points through-
out the offices and plant frequently each day.
Sewing Machines in the Bhideri/
arms arrangement, had worked out a pro-
ject for a "peace area" in Asia with parts
of Africa added to exert constructive world
leadership and serve as an inspiring example.
He saw this "destroyed."— W.P.
• • •
The increase in consumption of liquor
at Washington last year over the previous
year was 96 thousand gallons. The national
capital drinks more liquor than milk.
• • •
E. Stanley Jones has challenged a statement
by the Prime Minister of India that Chris
tian missionaries in that country shoul
not try to convert Indians. "Conversion is
indispensable in the East as well as in the
West," said Jones. "If you try to forbid con-
version, then I will write finis across your
democracy." Jones made a clear distinction
between conversion, which he defined as "a
Fundamental inner change accompanied by
.i corresponding outward change," and pros-
elytizing, w hich he called "a mere change of
group label degrading both the religion and
the person involved in it." The following day
a leading Indian newspaper commented edi-
torially that "while India has from the
earliest times discouraged proselytizing, she
has believed in conversion as the sole means
of salvation, the true end of human life."
HDX3 "Hi £l 0f\:
NI1N3VIUVM V %
GOSPEL HE
'% the defence and confirmation of the gospel" "How beautiful are the feet of them
VOLUME XLVII •
TUESDAY, MAY 11, 1954
el of peace'
NUMBER 19
The Holy Spirit Works Righteousness
By Earl Buckwalter
Jesus speaks of the Holy Spirit with
the personal pronoun "He," a divine be-
ing who represents God in the realm ol
human beings and their activities. He is
a working Spirit. He must work if He is
to represent God, because God works
and doesn't sleep. Jesus said, "My Father
worketh hitherto, and I work." He is
called the Comforter, the Spirit of truth,
guiding erring man into truth; the Spirit
of wisdom, taking the things of God and
showing them unto believers. He is the
sanctifier or purifier of believers, and
comes to us in the name of Christ.
What He does for the believer is al-
ways in accordance with the inherent ho-
liness and righteousness of God. What
the believer says or does when guided or
prompted by the Spirit will likewise be
in harmony with the holy nature of God.
There has always been so much spurious
and off-color working of spirits in the
world, that we are warned in I John 4:1
not to believe every spirit, but to try
the spirits whether they are of God. Do
they work in harmony with the Word of
God? Do they manifest the Spirit of
Christ? Jesus rebuked His disciples for
manifesting a very decided un-Christlike
attitude and said they didn't know what
spirit they were of. What we experience
in our own lives and what we attribute
to the Holy Spirit must obviously bear
the test of being in harmony with the
holiness of God and the teaching of
Scripture. The Holy Spirit never works
unrighteousness or deception. Failure to
exercise the precaution of testing the
spirits has swept many people off their
feet, and has left both them and their
faith dangling in mid-air, in uncertainty
and doubt.
The teachings of Jesus in John, chap-
ters 14-17, are conclusive that the Holy
Spirit works righteousness in the hearts
and in the lives of believers.
The New Testament, especially the
Book of Acts, gives the practical working
of the Holy Spirit in individuals and in
the collective body of believers. It also
gives examples of the working of spirits
in believers that are hardly in accord
with the divine, but manifest very much
of the human.
The Holy Spirit works righteousness
in convicting men of sin. He will reprove
the world of sin. John 16:8. This is in
harmony with the character ol God who
wills that all men should be saved. I
Tim. 2:4. And the goodness of God leads
men to repentance (Rom. 2:4) that they
might escape the judgment of God
against sin.
Peter, preaching on the Day of Pen-
tecost, brought men face to face with
their sin, unbelief and rejection of
Christ, the greatest sin that men can
commit against a holy God. The one
experience in life that can be the door to
happiness and peace of soul is the con-
sciousness of sin that compels men to
cry, "What must I do?" This can be a
soul-tearing-apart experience which no
one cares to go through the second time.
The Philippian jailer was not mincing
meaningless words, when with a sword,
ready to commit suicide and trembling
with fear, he implored Paul and Silas,
"Sirs, -what must I do to be saved?" He
was desperate and needed help and
didn't wait long to get it. Within the
hour, he and all his house were saved
and baptized. His fear was for both soul
and body. Not everyone goes through
such a terrifying experience. God prom-
ised in Ezek. 36:27 and reiterated his
promise through other Old Testament
prophets, "I will put my spirit within
you, and cause you to walk in my sta-
tutes, and ye shall keep my judgments,
and do them." Before the Holy Spirit
can work righteousness through a man,
that man must first face his sins before
God and forsake them.
The spirit of wisdom, understanding,
counsel, might, knowledge, and fear of
God, which Isaiah prophesied (Isa. 11:2)
should rest upon Christ, rests also upon
the followers of Christ in varying degrees
of manifestation, as believers are willing
to appropriate or receive by faith the
power of the Holy Spirit. We dare not
forget that Jesus said we should receive
power after that the Holy Spirit is come
upon us. Acts 1:8.
The history of the beginning of the
New Testament Church sets the pattern
of the Spirit's working righteousness in
believers individually and collectively. A
holy quality of brotherhood character-
ized the early believers. They "were of
one heart and of one soul." We call this
the unity of brotherhood, a definite work
of righteousness. The believers carried
their unity of spirit into their possessions
and had all things common. We call the
latter an unworkable practice because of
the limitations of human nature. At the
other extreme of practice, the accumula-
tion of possessions with the too often un-
necessary display of wealth, does not
promote the righteousness of oneness of
spirit. It more often is a wedge of cool-
ness between brethren.
The Holy Spirit gave wisdom to deal
with problems which came into existence
when believers were added to the church
in large numbers. Multiplication ol
church members always makes problems,
but such increase also gives added per-
sonnel to work at the problems. It is re-
freshing to read how the early church
leaders tackled their problems. When
they needed more men, they called the
whole multitude of believers together
and took counsel. They stated the prob-
lem and suggested a solution. Their plan
pleased the multitude which chose seven
men full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom.
We call these seven men the first deacons.
We don't read that these men served
tables. The circumstance that called for
the choosing of deacons may have been
tense, but it did not produce quarreling.
The Holy Spirit is not a party to church
quarrels.
The Holy Spirit works righteousness
through men who pray and fast and who
cultivate a sensitive ear to the spiritual.
Fasting means more than the common
connotation, doing without food. It
means to deny ourselves of fleshly, or
even aesthetic pleasures, that we might
the better concentrate our minds on the
spiritual. The Spirit wanted Paul and
Silas to preach the Gospel at other places
beyond Jerusalem. He called these two
men, and also spoke to the church to do
something about it. The church commis-
sioned the men and sent them away. Acts
13:4 says, "They, being sent forth by the
Holy Ghost, departed . . ." Self-appoint-
Spiritual Strength
By Ruth King Duerksen
Be Spirit-filled,
And frayed patience
Will become mended and strong,
Nor will it break
Under the strain,
No matter if the day wears long.
Hesston, Kans.
•134
ed preachers somehow pass up this Scrip-
ture. They overlook the fact that God
works in an orderly manner through His
people in calling men to particular tasks.
When the Holy Spirit is allowed to work
in an orderly manner in the church, men
are strengthened by their mutual con-
fidence and are given the added assur-
ance that God is doing the calling. When
the going is rough, men need the assur-
ance" that the call came from God
through the church, and was not a mere
passing impression that caused them to
act hastily and not too wisely. Happy
the senders and happy the sent ones
when God can work righteousness
through both.
The Holy Spirit works righteousness
when Spirit-filled men are divided on
interpretation of doctrine, and the ap-
plication ol doctrine to practice. Acts 15.
It is commendable for men to have ear-
nest zeal lor true doctrine, but zeal not
according to knowledge can work havoc-
in any church. Facing facts with a level
head and making decisions with matur-
ity of judgment are necessary even in
spiritual matters. Strong words are used
concerning the first Jerusalem confer-
ence: disputation, dissension, deter-
mined, command, and ye must. Such
words when used between brethren do
not savor of the Holy Spirit but of the
spirit of man. Paul says we are to be
fervent in spirit, which means warmth
with earnestness. But nowhere does the
Spirit give license to be hot in temper-
contending for the faith. We never
"prove our doctrine orthodox, by apos-
tolic blows and knocks."
Two men stand out in the Jerusalem
conference for their Spirit-inspired de-
cisions: Peter, who had gone through
some humbling experiences under the
hand of God, and who had witnessed con-
versions and baptisms of the Spirit in
out-of-the-way places and in unconven-
tional circumstances; and James, whom
God had blessed with keen discernment
and spiritual wisdom. These men in-
stilled confidence by their opening re-
marks: "Men and brethren," recognizing
first that they were talking not to chil-
dren but to men capable of the power of
mature judgment, and second, appealing
lor decision on the basis of being
brethren. The council was divided on
i lie question at hand, but the "resolu-
tion" which James framed under the
inspiration of the Spirit was both sane
and sensible. It recognized all the facts
in the case, both concerning the working
of God among the Jews and the Gentiles,
and also the human limitations of man.
It met the approval of the council and
GOSPEL HERALD
was honored by God. The confession of
authority, "It seemed good to the Holy
Ghost, and to us," carries a sobering re-
sponsibility in any church when crucial
decisions are made. Such working of the
Spirit establishes faith in the church and
confidence between believers. The "reso-
lution" caused rejoicing where it was
read and when it was repeated and ex-
plained by word of mouth. Studying the
background of this "resolution" should
teach us that it ill becomes us as brethren
to flaunt our so-called liberties in each
other's faces, whether in the same church
or separated geographically.
The Holy Spirit works righteousness
in melting away self-righteous or denom-
inational prejudices. Chapters 10 and 11
of Acts give the process by which God
in a unique way led Peter, a dyed-in-the
wool religious zealot, to the place where
he confessed that "God is no respecter
May n, 1954
"To get by" is not a triumph
but a tragedy. As a matter of
fact, one never really "gets by"
with anything. Character invar-
iably surfers and reputation will
in time conform to character. —
Chas. W. Koller.
Our Readers Say-
The statement in "Our Readers Say" column
suggesting that our appointed missionaries trust
the Lord even in light of low funds set me to
thinking. Can we spend our earnings on our-
selves and say to the missionaries, "You trust
the Lord for your needs" ? Don't the rest of us
need to trust Him too? The poor widow did,
for she "put in more than all of them ; for they
all contributed out of their abundance, but she
out of her poverty put in all the living that she
had." I dare say the missionaries will not soon
run short of opportunities for the Lord to supply
their needs even if funds are available for ad-
vancement— Mary F. Shenk, Harrisonburg, V a.
ot persons." To obey God, Peter had to
go to the house of an outsider (Cornel-
ius, the centurion) where he preached
Christ. Before he could finish his sermon
or even give an altar call, the Holy Spirit
fell on all the hearers, to the astonish-
ment of the workers who came along
with him.
When the Holy Spirit can break
through the crust of our exclusiveness
and close our mouths to argumentation
over trivial matters, we stand ready also
to be astonished at what God will do.
The Holy Spirit produces the fruit of
righteousness in the character of believ-
ers. When God's divine power starts
working in a believer, the new heart be-
gins the production of fruit— good fruit,
pleasant to the taste of the producer and
agreeable to his fellows. Paul mentions
nine flavors in Gal. 5:22-lovc\ joy,
peace, long-suffering, gentleness, good-
ness, faith, meekness, and self-control.
When a so-called Christian tastes like a
crab apple, an unripe persimmon, or a
"naughty fig," one can be sure that he is
not part of the true vine Jesus talks
about in John 15. Paid savs further in
Gal. 5:25, "If we live in the Spirit, let us
also walk in the Spirit." Our bodies sur-
rendered to God and our minds renewed
by the Spirit of God will prove the wdl
of God in our conduct. Rom. 12:1, 2.
It should be obvious to all, that the
behavior pattern of an individual is
governed either by the Holy Spirit or by-
many other spirits, both human and Sa-
tanic. What we are and what we do are
the criteria by which the world judges
Christianity. The measure of the Spirit
of Christ working righteousness in us
will be the measure of our peace and
happiness, and of our usefulness in God's
kingdom on earth.
Hesston, Kans.
V. Water from Many Wells
By Nora Osw ald
/ must ivork the works of him that sent
me, while it is day: the night cometh,
when no man can work.— John 9:4.
While traveling through eastern Colo-
rado we came to a sign which read, "Last
Chance." That filling station town.
"Last Chance," was the last chance for
motorists to buy gasoline until they
reached Denver, the mile high city. It
was a warning, therefore, that they pur-
chase enough gasoline and oil to take
them to that faraway city,
There are many possibilities of last
chances in our lives every day. It may
be a last chance to go to church, to con-
fess our sins, to help a neighbor, to honor
father ami mother, to speak a kind word,
to sing a cheerful note, or to invite a
sinner to Christ.
Let us all avail ourselves of life's op
portunities while we can. so that we shall
never have to regret neglecting a last
chance.
Hesston. Kans.
GOSPEL HERALD
ESTABLISHED 1»Oa AS IUCCCUOR TO GOSPEL WITNESS HJOSI AND HERALD OF TRUTH (1864)
PAUL KRB. EDITOR JOHN L. HORST. MILLARD C. LIND. CONSULTING EDITORS LEVI C HARTZLER. MISSIONS EO.TOR
THE OO.P.L HERALD A RELIU.OU. W..KU rU.U.H.O IN THE INTEREST. Or THE M.NNONIT. CHURCH SV THE MENNONITE PU.LICATION .CARD. .COTTOAL. PA
INTKRID A. ..COND-CL TTIR IN AT THE POST OPP.C. AT .COTTOAL.. PA.. UNO. ACT OP -ARCH E, ,.7.. .US.CRIPTION PRICE, OO PER YEAR,
|N ADVANCE, .. OO. FIVE YEARS I N ADVANCE. ... .« SAMPLE COP.E. SENT PRE. ON REQUEST. SEND ALL MATER. AL POR PU.L.CAT.ON TO OO.PEL HERALD. SCOTTDALE. PA.
/*" PRINTED IN U.S.A.
May ii, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
435
EDITORIAL
Mother's Day and
Home Sunday
The second Sunday in May, now al-
most universally recognized and ob-
served as Mother's Day, brings to mind
many thoughts of motherhood and
home. It invariably makes us think of
the noble characteristics of Christian
motherhood.
Probably the foremost of these is love.
Mother love has a tenderness and spon-
taneitv that is distinctive. Memory re-
calls the loving ministrations of mother
in our childhood days, and then we also
note the same manifestations of mother
love in the Christian mothers of today.
So great and lofty is the love of a true
mother that when the Prophet Isaiah
wanted to tell of the care and comfort
which God bestows upon His people he
said: "As one whom his mother comfort-
eth, so will I comfort you" (Isa. 66:13).
Another outstanding characteristic of
Christian motherhood is self-sacrifice.
The Christian mother gives unselfishly
and unstintingly of herself in performing
the functions and duties of motherhood.
She endures physical suffering and she
toils unceasingly in her capacity of a
mother. Her duties not only call for busy
days but often for sleepless nights. But
her sacrifices are rendered freely and un-
grudgingly.
Another of the noble characteristics of
Christian motherhood is prayer. From
the days of Hannah on through the
Christian era godly mothers have been
known for their prayers for and with
their children. Many are the testimonies
of sons and daughters of how their moth-
ers' prayers have followed them through
life.
As we think these lofty thoughts about
our mothers our own life is enriched and
we are inspired to follow in their godly
footsteps. That is one of the values of
the observance of Mother's Day.
Of recent years our church has added
to Mother's Day the additional and more
inclusive title, "Home Sunday." Our
Sunday-school lesson for that day car-
ries with it in parenthesis this title. The
young people's Bible meeting also rec-
ognizes the day in the following subject:
"Youth Lives for Christ in the Home."
This idea of Home Sunday originated
with the Commission for Christian Edu-
cation, and it has added to this the plan
for home emphasis to continue from
Mother's Day, May 9, through Father's
Day, June 20. Suggestions for the ob-
servance of Mother's Day and this whole
period are found in the May number of
the "Herald Teacher" and in the middle
spread of the "Handbook for Christian
Workers" just released to the churches
and Sunday schools by the Commission
for Christian Education.
Mother's Day and Home Sunday and
this period for home emphasis which it
inaugurates can be very helpful if we
observe them in ways that are appropri-
ate, constructive, and Scriptural. If they
cause us to remember the values of home,
help us to give due respect to others in
the home, inspire us to give appropriate
expressions of love and kindness in the
home, and lead us to follow in the foot-
steps of our godly fathers and mothers,
then Mother's Day and all that has come
through it will be meaningful, and very
much worth while. But, above all, we
need to remember to worship and praise
God who provided for us all the blessings
of mother and home.— H.
The Important Questions
"Our minister," a layman is reported
to have said, "can answer more questions
that nobody is asking than any minister
we have ever had."
One suspects that a lot of ministers
and teachers and parents are doing the
ridiculous thing of answering unasked
questions. Valuable pulpit time is wasted
in restating the obvious and in reassert-
ing the irrelevant. With great serious-
ness we deliver pronouncements on mat-
ters in which there is mighty little inter-
est. With great conscientiousness we give
opinions on questions that nobody who
hears us cares about.
It is true that people are not asking
some questions that they ought to ask.
They have needs, real needs, of which
they have not become aware; there are
live issues to which they have not been
awakened. A leader ought to give teach-
ing which stimulates thinking and ques-
tioning.
But it is still true that we can waste a
lot of time and opportunity in giving
teaching for which there is no felt need.
It is our business to study the situations
in which our people are, and then supply
the principles and the guidance and the
encouragement which they need in those
situations. There is no use in talking
about things that are ages and leagues
away. Our teaching of the Bible must
relate the eternal Word to the present
moment.
If we answer present questions we will
need to tackle some difficult issues. Liv-
ing in our age poses many problems. It
is easier to dodge them all by talking
about abstract things that are far away.
But such teaching is neither honest nor
helpful. We must help our people with
the decisions they need to make every
day. How does one determine what is
right in this day of shifting, uncertain
standards? How does one apply Chris-
tian principles in a capitalistic society?
How can one show Christian love in an
atomic age? What responsibility should
the Christian assume for community
righteousness? What does God require
of us in evangelistic living? How does
one achieve peace and purpose in a hur-
ried, frustrated work? How does one
get rid of guilt? How can one be sure of
salvation?
There are the specific questions about
family relationships, sex, and vocation;
there are the intellectual questions which
arise in the harmonizing of Christian
faith and human learning; there are the
basic questions about the meaning and
the goal of life. Every person has some
of these questions: bold, pertinent, insis-
tent questions which trouble one unceas-
ingly until he can find the answer. The
growth of counseling service and the in-
creasing interest in religious books and
magazine articles show something of the
spiritual and moral hunger in our world
today. The questions people ask in our
churches and in other meetings whenev-
er they have a chance show that there are
a multitude of queries in the minds of
our people.
Parents have a responsibility to dis-
cuss frankly with their children the
questions which trouble them. Teachers
and counselors must meet their people
on the ground of their need. Preachers
must not shy away from the pressing
problems, even though they may get one
on to controversial ground. The Gospel
436
GOSPEL HERALD
May km, 1954
has answers for every human problem
and we must help our people to find
them.
The same responsibility lies upon the
religious press. Our books and publica-
tions must honestly and rourageoush
tackle current issues. Editors are obliged
to 1)0 prophets, bringing the printed
word to bear upon the question 'before
the house.' Unprofitable wrangling must
be avoided; but sometimes in our at-
tempt to avoid controversy we become
inane and irrelevant, and therefore un-
helpful.
"What is the word of the Lord?" asked
many a person or old. People are still
asking that question. We must be as
forthright and honest as were God's men
of old in speaking the truth that people
need, and want.— E.
The Revelation of Jesus Christ
By J. L. Stauffer
56. The Great White Throne Judgment.
Rev. 20:1 r-i
The description of the great white
throne judgment chronologically follows
the close of the 1,000-year reign or Christ
and His saints.
The wicked who rebel against Christ
after Satan is loosed are burned up at
the close of the 1,000 years. When evil
ripens and matures there is no remed v
but judgment. The Scriptures furnish
us with abundant evidence to confirm
this statement. The flood in the days of
Noah furnishes us with the first illustra-
tion. The burning up of Sodom and Go-
morrah is another illustration. The con
sinning of the 250 princes with Are who
conspired with Korah and company
against Moses would be a third illustra-
tion.
There are those Bible students who
seek to identify the judgment predicted
in Matt. 25:31-46 with the great white
throne judgment lound here, bui there
is scarcely a single comparison, except
the fact of judgment. These portions ol
Scripture are really contrasts. All we
know about judgment i^ found in Cod's
Word, just as we find an) other subject
Of divine revelation. Since judgment is
also involved in Rev. 1!): 1 1-2.1, the (om
parisons and contrasts will be shown in
these three port ions. Rev. 19:11-21 takes
place as the Lord and the saints are re-
vealed ironi heaven and meet with the
armies that are cm amped about )ei US3
lem. Malt. 25:31 16 then follows as soon
as the Son of Man is seated on I lis throne
of glory. Rev. 20:11-15 follows the I.00Q.
year reign.
Rev. 19:11-21
Subject: Judgment upon the armies of
the nations.
Time: When heaven is opened for Jesus
Christ and saints to come to earth.
Place: On the earth.
Subjects: Armies of the nations under
the beast and false prophet.
Judge: Jesus Christ as King of kings and
Lord of lords, the general of the armies
from heaven.
Books: None are mentioned.
Result: Armies destroyed and their bod-
ies left for the fowls of heaven. Beast
and false prophet are cast alive into
the lake of fire.
Resurrection: None mentioned. It is a
judgment upon living soldiers.
Matt. 25:31-46
Subject: Judgment of noncombatants
and population of nations.
Time: When the Son of Man shall come
in His glory. Verse 31.
Place: On earth. Then shall He sit upon
the throne of His glory. Verse 31.
Subjects: Living nations. Sheep, goats.
and brethren. Verses 32, 40.
Judge: Son of Man. King, Lord. Verse
31, 34, 37, 40, 44.
Books: No books mentioned.
Result: Goats go into everlasting punish-
ment alive. Sheep go into eternal life.
Verse 46.
Resurrection: Living nations. No resur-
rection mentioned.
Rev. 20:11-1 5
Subject: Judgment of the dead after the
thousand years are ended.
Time: After the thousand years are ex-
pired. Verse 7.
Place: Before the great white throne af-
ter heaven and earth have Hed away—
evidently in space. Verse 1 1.
Subjects: Dead, small, and great. Verse
12.
Judge: God. Verse 12.
Books: Books are opened, also book ol
life. Verse 12.
Result: Dead were judged out of the
books. Those not in the book of life
were cast into the lake of fire. Verse 13.
Resurrection: Resurrection of all t he-
dead, small and great, from sea, death,
and hell.
A careful comparison of the facts ;is re
vealed in the Word of God makes it clear
1 hat only the judgment upon armies ami
the citizenship of nations have anything
in common. These two constitute a com-
parison. The judgment ol Rev. 20:11 15
is all contrast when compared with the
oiliei two. May the I.oul help us to make
a distinction where there is difference.
Life is given to the- believer; life not
only in him and for him personally, but
lite through him lor others; life in its
abundance, as an overflowing fountain;
springing up in time, but Rowing on for
eternity.-W. S. Bishop.
It Happened —
TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO
(From Gospel Herald, April 25, 1929)
Bro. Archie Kauffman was ordained to
the ministry at the Spring Valley Church
near Kenmare, N. Dak., on Sunday,
April 14.
Married. Bro. Richard Danner of
Hanover, Pa., and Sister Annie Ness of
York, Pa.
Doctrines of the Bible. The second
edition of this useful book has just been
printed.
(From Gospel Herald, May 2, 1929)
Songs of Cheer for Children, our new
songbook for the Primary and Junior
departments of the Sunday school, is now
off the press.
(From Gospel Herald, May 9, 1929)
The Twenty-third Annual Meeting of
the Mennonite Board of Missions and
Charities will be held at the Sycamore
Grove Church near Garden City, Mo..
May 19-21, 1929.
Changes constantly take place in our
missionary ranks. In February Bro. and
Sister E. E. Miller and two children left
for their first furlough . . . after nearly
seven years on the field. In July Dr. and
Mrs. C. D. Esch and children left on their
second furlough after seven and a half
years of service. In December Sister
Man Wenger returned from furlough
. . . with her came Bro. S. Jay and Sister
Ida Hostetler and two children as new
missionaries.
A Prayer
By 1 OKIE C. Gooding
Give me a vision. Lord,
That I may see
Millions without Thy Word.
Crying for Thee.
Give me a burden. Lord.
So I shall pray
For those who never heard
Thou art the Way.
Give me a labor, Lord,
Give me a task.
Something to do for Thee.
This much I ask.
Holmesville. Ohio.
May ii, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
437
Spare and Share All
By D. D
In II Cor. 12:15 the apostle writes to
the Corinthians, "I will very gladly
spend and be spent for you . . . ." He was
not fleecing the Corinthians for what he
could get from them. He was not trying
to put across an emotional appeal to
make a haul. In fact, Paul was easy on
their purses. He recognized the wisdom
of parents laying up for their children,
but he did more. He spent both his
treasures and himself for their souls— not
considering their homes, their clothes,
their luxuries, nor their comforts in the
deal. He went to the depths of their
real needs; Christ supplied these needs
and the apostle spent himself to get the
supply and the needy together.
Attitudes galore abound in various
people, attitudes such as disgust, fear, an-
ger, grief, and joy, but few have the
yearning, as did the apostle, to spare for
people and share with them all one is
and has. Paul labored for their good,
and not for their good will. He worked
and preached, knowing that there was
something more important than purse
strings, which the Corinthians (even as
some people today) seemed to have tied
tightly about their person. He knew that
God could supply his needs by glory's
riches, directly, if need be. He knew too
that the Corinthians were desperately in
need for supplies from heaven, and that
he (Paul) had the responsibility of pre-
senting these supplies for them, which,
with his indomitable spirit within,
would not cease to work until all of Paul
and Paul's were spent, and he could
rightfully say, "The time of my depar-
ture is at hand. I have fought a good
fight, . . . there is laid up for me a crown
. . . which the Lord, . . . shall give me."
This article is not tor the purpose of
getting people to see their responsibility
toward providing for Paul's (or others')
needs. That need existed then, and does
now, but today, ministerial support is
often discussed more than ministerial re-
sponsibility and soul-need are. Only
when we spend and are spent are we
worth anything to God 01 man. Only
when we yearn with the Apostle Paul to
see folks helped with eternal values, can
we so work, and only then are we worthy
of "ministerial support."
Getting to Give
This truth is best expressed in the life
of our Saviour Himself. He took upon
Him flesh; He suffered in the flesh. He
was tempted in every way as we are; He
knows our needs in temptation. His
body received lifeblood and gave that
lifeblood for us. The bounties of heaven
and earth were given Him, and He gave
them all for us. "Jesus is all the world
to me," but He had to give Himself, for
that world. Indeed, "one grows by shar-
ing." The world goes forward physically,
mentally, socially, and spiritually, where
You Have and Are
, Miller
there are those who see the value of
making that possible by giving, even to
their lives. It is said that every tie in the
railroad across the Isthmus of Panama
stands for one life sacrificed to make the
railroad possible. Again, we are told that
the Sea of Galilee has beautiful water,
blessing the plant and animal life about
it, because it has an outlet; while the
Dead Sea, which has no outlet, but holds
all it can get, has water (the same water)
that cannot be used by animals nor
plants, and presents an unlivable con-
dition to all life near by. Folks, it is one
thing to sing, "I've surrendered all," and
quite another thing to actually practice
it; to have others see that we have actual-
ly laid it down at Jesus' feet and said,
"Lord, here it is; take it and use it and
When the laie J. P. Morgan was
asked what he considered the best
bank collateral, he replied, "Char-
acter."
me." The difterence between selfishness
and unselfishness is always simply either
sharing what we have and are, or keeping
both. Getting is a worldly business. Get-
ting and giving is regular for the Chris-
tian. Our attitude must be: ready to
give all. Our practice must be: Give all,
as God requires it.
There is an abundance of unused tal-
ent in the Mennonite Church because
God never had a chance at it. There
are millions of dollars in the Mennonite
Church that should have been, but never
have been offered lor God's service,
which is possibly one reason why our
Mission Board earlier reported a deficit
of $32,000. The apostle would say, "Let's
all give as the Lord gives to us," and the
Lord will give more. Sharing makes
rich. The person who has nothing to
give spiritually, does not have enough
to live spiritually and will finally die of
malnutrition. When Moses was willing
to die lor his people, he brought rich
blessings to his own life. Brother, we
may say we are willing to spend and be
spent with Paul, but when the actual
practice of that comes most church folks
will be doing differently than they now
are.
"I gave my life for thee; what hast
thou given for me?" are beautiful words
to sing, and the question there should
send its piercing words home to each
one of us, reminding us that we have
done very, very little for Him. Let's not
compare His doing for us with our doing
for Him. He did what no one else could
do, nor is asked to do. However, He does
ask us for the life that He gave us, as
well as the life and services of that life.
Selfishness and pride, which are natural
tendencies in each of us, are foundation
reasons why people refuse to let God
have their lives. Only God's grace can
master them. Selfishness says, "What I
have is mine." Pride says, "I worked
for what I have; I'm entitled to it." God
says, "The earth is the Lord's, and the
fulness thereof." Remember, the good
that God gave you will never be appre-
ciated by others unless you share it with
them. Here am I, Lord. Now what?
ALL for God!
Getting to Keep
It has been said that man speaks
11,000,000 words per year, and 5,000,000
of them are "I," "me," and "mine." In-
deed, that is very I-ish-ness. According to
that, isn't it true that either we have the
system of our grammar a bit wrong, or
we consider the various use of the pro-
noun in the first person quite important?
The Bible says, "The nations are as a
drop of a bucket" (Isa. 40:15), and each
of us is less than a pin-point part of the
whole; so what is there to be proud of?
What of earth is there that is worth
spending a whole lifetime for, when we
neglect our duties toward God? I recog-
nize that we need some things of earth,
but they are a means to an end, and not
the end itself.
Jesus said, "Seek ye first the kingdom
of God, . . . and all these things shall be
added unto you." The Bible further
says, "Lay not up for yourselves treas-
ures upon earth, . . . but lay up for your-
selves treasures in heaven." The world
appraises a man thus: "Mr.
was a very successful man; he died leav-
ing an estate of $3,755,000." Though he
let the poor suffer about him, though he
made unfair business deals with widows,
though he foreclosed mortgages and took
property at much below par value, he
was a "successful businessman" —he in-
creased in goods and kept them all;
everybody understood that when he has
it, "it is his. " Someday, however, God
will require his soul of him and will give
the property to someone else.
Just recently a friend introduced me
to a man about whom my friend said,
"He's still got the first nickel he ever
earned." The statement possibly exag-
gerated the real facts, but there are peo-
ple who are getting and existing "for
keeps." They live to "get all they can
and can all they get." They are selfish;
they are in the way of any program that
would bless man and make all happy. (If
the folks who live to "keep all" and the
folks who live to "spend all" would aver-
age their spending practices, they could
bless both themselves and others.) I have
often wondered how truthful we are
when we so enthusiastically sing, "Lord,
I care not for riches, neither silver nor
gold." Those words bring to us the
powerful message of a total love for God,
but to sing them in church, then practice
the opposite in our business, is unfair
and untrue both to God and man.
438
GOSPEL HERALD
May ii, 1954
The Mennonite Church today, pos-
sibly, has more wealth than ever in its
western continent history. That need
not be a bad sign, but it certainly may
not be a good sign. Remember, it is very
hard for material prosperity and heaven-
ly spirituality to travel together long,
and both do well. Past church history,
from Acts to now, tells us much. Man
has capacity for only so much. He can-
not faithfully serve the world and God at
the same time; he cannot go two ways at
once; he cannot serve two masters with a
similar love for both.
Jesus told Peter something that is still
good for us to hear in Luke 22:31: "Si-
mon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired
to have you, that he may sift you as
wheat." Satan is also after all of God's
people today. Peter's certainty caused
him to say to Jesus, "Lord, I am ready
to go with thee, both into prison, and to
death." Just a little later he was squan-
dering his body and mind denying his
Lord. We are glad that not long after-
ward Peter spent and was spent for
man's good. Paul said, "I will very glad-
ly spend and be spent ... I love you."
The godly efforts of the church will nev-
er be perfect, but if we all rise together
and say and do with Paul, there will be
a marvelous force working and making
a telling impact against the evil age in
which we live, and making way for the
Gospel of Love.
Berlin, Ohio.
What "Habit" Are You Adorned
with?
By Katherine Bevis
The word "habit" orginally meant a
garment. In the English language we
speak of a "riding habit," that garment
worn while horseback riding; and the
French people use the word "habit"
when they speak of dress.
Thus it is easy for us to see why this
word is used to describe the "dress 01
garment of the spirit."
One thing that we desire to know
about ourselves is, "What makes us tick?"
Since we are different from a machine, it
is impossible to take the human person-
ality apart, piece by piece, and discover
its intricate operations.
However, there are certain things that
cause us to do what we do. Our actions
are the result of a desire prompting us to
engage in a given pattern of conduct.
Before there can be a desire, there must
be an interest created which causes a
course of action to be appealing. This
interest, in turn, stems out of motivation.
In the final analysis we do what we are
motivated to do, motivated to do
through habit.
There are good habits and bad habits,
and the most important issue confront-
ing each of us is to make a go of forming
those habits in life that are good.
Habits, good or bad, are formed and
become permanent through repetition.
Both mind and body are involved in
habit. Habit weaves itself into our very
being, into every fiber of it.
Someone has said that up to the age of
ten we are acquiring those habits which
are called manners; between ten and
twenty, the habits which belong to per-
sonal character; between twenty and
thirty, those which belong to professional
character, and after thirty it is difficult
to alter the pattern because the habits
are so thoroughly formed. Habit has
been likened unto a twig. At first it is
easily bent, but as the days go by and
then the years, this "twig" becomes the
"trunk of a tree," and super strength is
needed to "break" that habit which has
reached maturity.
Man has been denned as a "bundle of
habits."
It was the Duke of Wellington who,
when a friend remarked that "habit is
second nature," exclaimed, "Second na-
ture! It is ten times nature." He had
been used to training men so that they
responded at the word of command to
face the enemy and death, instead of
obeying the instinct of nature to flee
away.
Good habits must be cultivated and
protected with the greatest of care and
consistency if one would know the value
of wholesome growth, for then there will
be no room for the bad habits to grow.
The first safeguard for protecting these
good habits is Bible reading and prayer.
The psalmist said, "Thy word have I hid
in mine heart, that I might not sin
against thee" (Psalm 119:11).
Paul tells us, "Study to shew thyself
approved unto God, a workman that
needeth not to be ashamed, rightly divid-
ing the word of truth" (II Tim. 2:15).
David says in Psalm 55:16, 17, "As for
me, I will call upon God; and the Lord
shall save me. Evening, and morning,
and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud:
and he shall hear my voice."
Bad habits are formed merely by fail-
ing to form good ones. They are like
weeds which grow spontaneously wher-
ever the soil is not properly cultivated
and sown to good seed. The reading of
God's Word and a time set aside for
prayer and meditation will keep these
"weeds" out of our garden of life.
Someone has said, "Our character is
but the stamp on our souls of the free
choices of good and evil we have made
through life." "Sow a Thought, and you
reap an Act; Sow an Act, and you reap a
Habit; Sow a Habit, and you reap a
Character; Sow a Character, and you
reap a Destiny."
Let us be careful of the "habit with
which we adorn our spirit!"
Houston, Texas.
A church which concentrates on its
own existence is doomed from the start.
-Pastoral letter of Episcopal Bishops.
What Was Her Lingering Illness?
By S. H. Brunk
We were not so much shocked with
her obituary notice. But we have often
wondered why there has not been a
greater concern and a more earnest
searching after the probable causes of
her lingering sickness before she passed
away. However, this does seem to be a
quite wide mortal weakness; not to give
the necessary concern about matters un-
til it is too late.
Yes, Miss Prayer Meeting is dead, and
what a loss! But let's not waste our time
or energy weeping and wailing over her
death. Rather let us try by the help of
God to learn the cause tor the lingering
illness of her many brothers and sisters.
Their nearly universal sickness almost
makes one feel that he must be on the
porches surrounding the pool of Siloam,
waiting and waiting for the descent of
an angel. Now one more is dead.
Just what is a prayer meeting? Is it a
meeting for prayer, or prayer for a meet-
ing? May there be something wanting
in the very purpose of our prayer meet-
ing? Is it only to glorify God, be a help
to our fellow men, and be a help and
blessing to us? Just what is it that is
lacking in our regular prayer meetings
that removes their drawing power and
their thrill of attendance to the body
of consecrated Christians? A few causes
for nonattendance were mentioned in
the Feb. 16 issue, announcing the tragic
death of prayer meeting. However, let
us look at the probable causes for weak-
ness of those yet surviving. True enough,
we all feel the effect to a greater or lesser
degree of the mad rush of man against
time. We do a hard day's work, and want
to rest at night, are just too tired to go
to prayer meeting. The telephone, auto,
radio, and other things have broken up
our hunger for social contact which we
had back in old Charlie's days. In going
we have lost our desire to go.
Cold, powerless prayers and unan-
swered too. Would we expect many sick
persons to continue regularly visiting,
their doctor if they received no more'
help than many get at our weekly prayer >
meetings? Why is there not more con- J
cern for the correcting of this pitiful |
condition?
Let us agree that a congregation has1
an attendance of about three hundred at!
their Sunday services and about fifty at.
their midweek prayer meetings. How,
many more than fifty in that congrega-j
tion do their ministers, or Sunday-school,
superintendents, or YPBM leaders eveii
ask to lead in prayers of the Sunday serv-j
ices? If a large group in this congrega )
tion must feel that leadership count.1
them unable, unwilling, unsafe, unfit, or
what have you, to ask them to lead ir
prayer, how can such be expected tc;
come to prayer meeting and take ort
themselves to lead in prayers?
How much unity, affection, and sym
pathy are manifest at our regular prayei
May ii, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
439
A Prayer for This Week
Dear Lord, I thank Thee for calm
moments;
for the quietness of the soul;
for the strength in me that surges from
Thee;
for Thy oneness that has broken the
aloneness of my being;
for Thy magnetic love that even now
draws me to Thee.
Still nearer to Thee, Lord, would I be.
Remove the dusty veil so heavy before
my eyes;
allow me to see all of life these days
through Thy eternal eyes.
This I ask in the name of Him who
pleads for me
at Thy majestic throne, my Saviour.
Amen.
—Theodore Wentland.
meetings? I have always felt that the
effect of united prayer is limited to the
extent of our oneness. Until there is a
oneness that the attendants can feel, and
others can see, there can be little use in
assembling for prayer; unless we should
wish to earnestly pray for such a condi-
tion. Otherwise, we may more correctly
call our closet our prayer-meeting place.
I feel that if there could be a oneness of
mind and heart, there might be a shak-
ing at our prayer meetings today. Is it
not yet true that one with God is a ma-
jority? And if the love of God is lacking
in our hearts, to this extent the whole
congregation constitutes a minority.
In conclusion, let the love of God be
evident without dissimulation. Mind not
high things. Let each esteem others bet-
ter than themselves. And pray for that
grace of God in our hearts and lives to
make prayer meetings attractive to oth-
ers. Let us teach that it is the Christian's
privilege, rather than his duty, to take
part in prayer meetings, and see if there
is not a marked difference.
Denbigh, Va.
SMALL THINGS
By Lorie C. Gooding
The smallest things are surest Birds will sing
Through any battle's sound, in any spring.
Small things are most enduring. Grass will
grow
With strength and vigor after any snow.
Small things are dearest. Where's the heart
but knowg
A love for violet, pansy, or sweet rose?
Small things are bravest Though our faith
be small
We face the world, and overcome it all.
Holmesville, Ohio.
The White and Doughy Man
By Ford Berg
In the book This Is India Santha Ra-
ma tells of the Nagas, who live on the
Himalaya Mountains and who have the
story that God fashioned man out of a
kind of bread, placed him into the oven,
and baked him.
But God did not wait long enough.
He was in a hurry and quickly removed
him from the oven. When He pulled out
the man he was white and doughy— the
first white man.
Then God tried again. But this time
God waited too long, and the man He
pulled out was burned black. He be-
came the first Negro.
When God tried the third time, He
succeeded in making the perfect golden-
brown Indian.
In reflecting on this, we may say the
Indians are filled with touchy pride, can-
niness, and assertiveness. But how often
have the white people assumed they are
God's choice people?
The truth is simply that God is no
respecter of persons. "The soul that sin-
neth, it shall die." "For all have sinned,
and come short of the glory of God."
The Gospel is for all people. And that
is the great leveler.
Scottdale, Pa.
Should We Grow Tobacco?
What would Jesus do in our places?
By Charles A. Marrero
Not too long ago I went to my father
and tried to teach him the way of salva-
tion. He agreed that everything is true
and right, but will he give himself to the
Lord? That I cannot say. Then we
went and talked to my uncle who is liv-
ing with us. He is not a Christian. He
disagrees about anybody talking against
smoking or drinking. My lather caught
us in our conversation (as we were talk-
ing about the cigarettes and the bad
habits) and asked me, "My son, don't
you remember when we were working
lor certain farmers in the town of M ?
You know that they are Christians and
Mennonites and they grow tobacco."
Then my mind went back two years
ago when I used to cut tobacco. I re-
membered how I used to put grease in
my hands. I remembered the long rows
of tobacco and the clips of the tobacco
shears. I also remember working for
seventy-five cents an hour. Then I didn't
care about tobacco, or souls, or anything.
For I was not a Christian as yet. All I
cared for was my money (money which
is the god of many men, even of many
so-called Christians).
Think about how many Mennonite
preachers go preaching against tobacco
and smoking habits but think, too, about
how many Mennonite farmers are grow-
ing tobacco in great amounts every sum-
mer. Do you think, my friends, that it is
Prayer Requests —
(Requests for this column must be signed)
Pray for the summer Bible schools that
will be held in Europe during the
summer months. Pray for those who
are translating materials to be used in
the schools, for the teachers, and es-
pecially that the Word of God may
find root in the lives of the children
who attend these schools.
Pray that the door may not be closed to
the evangelical witness in Colombia.
Pray for the various evangelistic tent
campaigns to be held during the sum-
mer.
Pray for a brother and sister, parents of
two children. The father is seriously
ill in a Michigan hospital.
Pray for the annual meeting of the Men-
nonite Board of Missions and Char-
ities to be held in June near Salem,
Oreg.
Pray that needed personnel may be
found for the Voluntary Service Units
for the summer.
a good testimony for our church? Do
you think it is what Jesus would do? If
anyone who is reading this article raises
tobacco, may I ask you this question?
Did you get on your knees and ask the
Lord if you may continue growing to-
bacco? Is this what He has for you to
do? Would Jesus grow tobacco if He
would be in your place? If you didn't
get on your knees yet, go ahead and do it.
Pray about it. Every year millions of
cigarettes of all kinds are distributed in
America and all over the world. Imagine
how many kinds of vending machines are
distributing cigarettes. When many a
person goes to the store, the first thing
he does is take a quarter and put it in
the vendor and get a pack of cigarettes,
when his family may be needing that
money for food. And the same time he is
still smoking cigarette after cigarette.
Are you sure when you go to church
Sunday morning and sing, "I Would Be
True," or "Am I a Soldier of the Cross?"
that you mean it? Are you sure you will
do as the Golden Rule commands?
Remember, too, that every year many
people die because of tuberculosis and
cancer, without hope. And a cigarette
may have started everything, and they
became chained to the habit. And just
because you helped to raise this tobacco!
Just ask yourself, "Should I raise to-
bacco?" Should I help to corrupt this
world instead of helping to save a soul
for Christ? Will you, my friend, take
up your cross and follow?
GOSPEL HERALD
May n, 1954
Death of Dr. Thomas Lambie
By Ernest W. Lehman
We were shocked to hear the news of
the sudden passing away on April 14 of
Dr. Thomas Lambie, well-known medi-
cal missionary in the Middle East.
Dr. and Mrs. Lambie went on Wednes-
day to Jerusalem and were invited by
Mr. and Mrs. Mattar to have tea at their
Garden Tomb home (they replace Mr.
and Mrs. May as caretakers at the Gar-
den Tomb). The Lambies came to the
Mattar home at about 4:30 in the after-
noon and had tea. Our worker, Philip
Rittgers, was with them too. While there,
Mr. Mattar and Dr. Lambie began talk-
ing about the Easter sunrise service to be
held on Sunday morning, and Dr. Lam-
bie said he was going to speak on the sub-
ject of the various appearances of the
Risen Lord. Then he asked Mr. Mattar,
"Do you know all the times when Jesus
appeared after His resurrection?" He
proceeded to name them as he counted
them on his fingers one by one. He
reached number seven, then paused and
uttered some unusual sound. Mrs. Lam-
bie thought he had done this to amuse
or attract one of the Mattar children, but
soon they all realized that Dr. Lambie
had fainted away. By the time a doctor
could be summoned, he had passed away
from the heart attack which he had suf-
fered.
The funeral services were held at St.
George's Cathedral at 3:00 p.m., April
15, with Rev. Donaldson and Rev.
Hamilton (Donaldson's assistant) officiat-
ing, and at 4:30 p.m. at the Bible Pres-
byterian Mission Church, Baraka Chap-
el, in Bethlehem. The services were sim-
ple and very fitting, with a selection of
Scriptures on the theme of the resurrec-
tion followed by prayer, and singing of a
favorite hymn of Dr. Lambie:
Jesus, the very thot of Thee
With sweetness fills my breast;
But sweeter far Thy face to see,
And in Thy presence rest.
Burial took place in the olive grove
just adjacent to the church. The church
is located just south of the Beit Jala road
intersection, on the* west side of the
street.
The obituary stated that Dr. Lambie
was 69 years old when he died at 5:00
p.m., April 14. He had spent 46 years in
medical missionary work here in the
Middle East. He had written five books,
and completed twenty chapters on a
sixth one. The obituary ended fittingly
with II Sam. 3:38: "Know ye not thai
there is a prince and a great man fallen
this day . . . ?" We shall not forget the
deeply spiritual life of Dr. Lambie, and
his tireless work and witness here will
live long in the hearts of many.
Jericho, Jordan.
OUR SCHOOLS
To know the will of God we must first
of all be set apart from the world for
Him.— Pierre Widmer.
HESSTON COLLEGE NEWS
Vincent Krabill, chairman of the Music-
Lecture committee, has announced two num-
bers of the 1954-55 Hess Hall Series. The
Denton Civic Boys Choir will appear on No-
vember 26 as one of the high lights of the
second annual Thanksgiving Alumni Home-
coming week end. Francis R. Line will pre-
sent an illustrated lecture, "Seven Wonders
of the West," on December 10. Mr. Line
brought his famous "Columbia River Coun-
try" lecture as part of the 1951-52 Hess Hall
Series.
A YPCA Gospel Team traveled to the deep
south during Easter Vacation. The itinerary
included programs in English at Hydro,
Okla.; Perry ton and Premont, Texas. The
major portion of their tour included Spanish
programs at Mennonite and Mennonite
Brethren missions along the Mexican border.
The teams also conducted chapel programs
at the Rio Grande Bible Institute, Edinburg,
Texas, and Jabbok Bible Institute, Thomas,
Okla.
Team personnel included Mary Eleanor
Bender, faculty sponsor; Fern Bontrager,
Dave Buschert, Virgil Miller, and Miguel
Solivan, Puerto Rican Bible Student at Bethel
College.
The Varsity Chorale of Hesston College is
preparing a number of hymns for tape re-
cording. These, along with some numbers
from their regular repertoire, will be used by
Clarence Horst in his gospel radio broadcast
from Mountain Home, Ark.
The Post-Commencement Gospel Team
traveled to Nebraska for week-end services
in several Nebraska congregations. They gave
a program at Shickley on Friday, April 23.
On Sunday, April 25, they appeared at the
Milford Mennonite Church in the morning
and at the East Fairvievv Mennonite Church
in the evening. Members of the team are
Velda Miller, Elkhart, Ind.; Joyce Gingerich,
Chappell, Nebr.; Don White, Peabody, Kans.;
Peter Hartman, Goshen, Ind.; and Merle L.
Bender, sponsor and speaker. Ann Kreider
replaced Velda Miller, who was ill, for the
Nebraska trip. The team had charge of the
entire evening worship service at the Penn-
sylvania Mennonite Church, Sunday, May 2.
The theme of the Faculty Fall Conference
is "The Visions, Principles, and Policies of
the Founders of Hesston College (especially
those of J. D. Charles.)" The conference will
be at Camp Wood, near Elmdale, Kans., Au-
gust 30, 31, and September 1.
107 names appear on the Scholarship List
for the second six weeks.
Room reservations for next year totaled 66
as of April 23.
Missions Week on the Hesston College
campus was observed April 26-30. Chapels
included:
Monday — John Friescn
"The Challenge of Foreign Missions"
Tuesday — President Roth
"Hesston College and Missions"
Wednesday — Elam Hollinger
"The Challenge of Radio Evangelism"
Thursday— Elam Hollinger
'The Challenge of Rural Missions"
Friday — Sanford King
'The Challenge of City Missions"
Paul Marvin Yoder served as song leader.
Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Haines, returned
missionaries from Colombia, South America,
had charge of a mission service in Chapel
Hall on April 30. The program centered
around an excellent set of slides depicting the
difficult work in Colombia, South America.
Five reproductions of famous paintings
were placed in tne Student Lounge yesterday,
April 28. These paintings are the work of
George Brauge, George Grosz, Rufino Toma-
yo, Grant Wood, and Paul Gaugin. Bill
Garrett spoke briefly about each painter and
his work at the regular faculty meeting
Wednesday, April 28. These paintings are a
gift of the 1952 and 1954 Winter Bible
Terms.
Our Duty to Israel
If the Jew has given to us a blessing, it is
our duty to give him a blessing. It is our
duty to give to him this message of fight and
life which has come to us.
First of all, we need to pray. We are mak-
ing a serious mistake in seeking to do the
work which we think ought to be done in-
stead of letting God do His work through us.
Do we pray that Israel may be converted, and
do we pray believing?
In the second place, we need patience. We
are so anxious to see this work done quickly,
but the Lord has waited nineteen centuries
and more. If you and I were half so patient
in doing the work of our Lord as He is daily
with us, we would accomplish a great deal
more.
There are thousands of Jews who do not
know exactly where they stand. They need
friends, not adroit attacking. Do not force
your religion upon them. Let us be patient
and win them. I never knew a Jewish mission
that did not have a struggle, but I tell you
the struggle is worth while. Let us he loving
and patient and persistent and courteous, and
thus let us win them to the Saviour.— John
Timothy Stone.
The dividing line between the Christian
and the worldling is where the choice is
made between walking after the Spirit and
walking after the flesh.— Doctrines of the
Bible.
May ii, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
TEACHING THE WORD
Christian Training Is Important
By Cecil J. Brown
A few years ago a wealthy Florida man
took his wife and children and started
on a trip in the family plane. Flying over
Kentucky, he became confused in his di-
rections and was unable to locate an
airport where he intended to refuel. In
desperation he cut off the motor and
swooped down low over a service station
to call to the attendant to point out di-
rections. His efforts to start the motor
again were futile, and as the plane fell
he said, "I'm sorry I did it." One of the
children lived to tell the story.
A great many fatal blunders in life
bring sorrow, but sorrow does not cor-
rect the blunders. In many areas of life
there are no second chances.
Life Cannot Be Unraveled
A woman started to crochet a sweater.
After she had worked on it a while, she
held it up for inspection and discovered
that in the last part of her work she had
made the stitches entirely too tight. It
had to be unraveled and done over again.
However, when it comes to life, mistakes
are a much more serious thing because
life cannot be unraveled and done over
again.
Because of this fact we would do well
to consider the wisdom of Solomon's in-
junction to remember God in the days of
youth. (See Eccl. 12:1.) It is our job to
help our children and youth get ac-
quainted with God and His plans for
life.
The training given a child determines
his entire future. God's Word says.
"Train up a child in the way he should
go: and when he is old, he will not de-
part from it" (Prov. 22:6).
This is true in nearly every realm of
life. It is not merely the statement of
a religious fanatic. Early training has
great influence upon a person's life. If
it is good, it helps. If it is bad, it harms.
Vast numbers of sons follow their fa-
ther's profession as doctors, lawyers, mer-
chants, politicians, or ministers. J. Edgar
Hoover says, "A boy who goes to Sunday
school will not go to jail." A right start
will keep him out of trouble.
The Children Who Succeed
Roger Babson says, "I do not know of
one single, man who has done anything
really great who was not a praying man
or the son of a praying father or moth-
er." Perhaps the young people who are
blessed by being surrounded by the best
Christian influence are ministers' chil-
dren.
Yes, a Christian experience is the
greatest assurance of success. We are
impressed with the words of Solomon,
"Remember now thy Creator in the days
of thy youth." Remember Christ, be-
cause He is the real key to success.
Going in the Wrong Direction
When sin once comes into a life, it is
hard to break away from it. One of the
sorrows of pastoral work is to see young
people refuse to live for Christ and go
on in their sins. The pastor knows the
inevitable results of sin: "The wages of
sin is death."
Many young people plan to become
Christians but they put off salvation. In
postponing salvation they are already
building a barrier against it. They are
going in the wrong direction.
A man asked a little boy how far it was
to a certain town. The saucy little fel-
low replied, "Well, mister, if you go that
way, it is about 24,999 miles. If you go
this way, it is only about a mile." The
direction one goes has a great bearing
on when and how he arrives at his in-
tended destination. The longer a person
goes in the direction of worldly things,
the further he gets from God and the
less likely it is that he will ever get back
to God.
The Age When Conversion Occurs
Carefully prepared statistics show that
the vast majority of those who are now
Christians were converted between the
ages of twelve and twenty-five. More
people are converted between twelve and
sixteen than at any other age. This
points up the fact that every year after
sixteen there is less possibility that a
person will be converted.
Bishop Practorus of the Evangelical
Church made a survey of his denomina-
tion and checked it against several other
such surveys. Here are the facts about
conversion: 95 out of every 100 are con-
verted before they are twenty-five years
of age. Only 5 out of 100 become Chris-
tians after they are twenty-four, 1 in
1,000 after they are thirty, and 1 in
10,000 after they are fifty. Conversions
after sixty are extremely rare.
Ministers have found this to be true,
and that is why they try so hard to lead
young people to Christ. It is not that
God cannot save when men get older but
that men will not seek salvation then.
Why It Is Hard for Adults to Find God
There are a number of reasons why
it is harder for an adult than a youth to
find God: (1) His conscience has become
hardened until he no longer feels the
guilt of sin; (2) he has told himself so of-
ten that he doesn't need God that he
finally begins to believe it himself; (3)
the devil has him so tied up in the ways
of sin that he can hardly break loose
from it; (4) he has strayed so far from
441
the right way that it seems impossible
for him to find his way back. He is lost
indeed.
The greatest blunder adults can make
is to let young people pass from the days
of youth into manhood and womanhood
without bringing them to accept the
Christian way of life. Every day a person
lives, he grows more like the master he
is serving. Either he is being lifted up
from this old world of sin by Christ, or
he is being dragged deeper into sin by
the devil.
Four Young Men
Four young men sat on the back seat
in a little church during a revival. They
were close friends. Their interests were
much the same. When the invitation to
accept Christ was given, one of the four
went forward. The others refused to go.
God saved the one, and his Master called
him to full-time Christian service. The
master of the other three kept dragging
them down.
Three years later the one who yielded
his life to Christ was in college preparing
for the ministry. The other three were
in prison serving time for burglary.
What a blunder they made that night
when as young men they refused to let
God come into their lives!
It is good for all of us to recognize the
importance of Christian education and
training of youth and to co-operate to
give our children the proper foundation
for life. We will thus save ourselves un-
told heartache. We will save our chil-
dren sorrow and suffering. We will also
be helping to build a better world. ,
Christian training is important! Let
us take it seriously and prepare to do a
better job of it— The Gospel Trumpet.
Pray for Me
By a Missionary
Please pray for me, my friend, I need your
prayers,
For there are burdens pressing hard, and many
cares.
Pray, too, that Christ mil make of me
The missionary I ought to be.
Do pray for me, my friend, at morning hour,
That I may not be overborne by Satan's power.
That mid the whirl and maze of things,
My soul may drink of hidden springs.
And pray for me, my friend, when night comes
on;
God's stars look down upon us both,
Apart — Alone.
Will you, dear friend, before you sleep,
Pray Him, my soul with yours to keep?
Cease not to pray for me,
Though sundered far,
Come, meet me at the mercy seat
From where you are.
Nor time nor distance can divide
Our hearts that in His love abide,
Thus praying each for each,
That will come true.
Of which our Lord and Master spoke,
"If two of you . . . ."
— Missionary Banner,
442
GOSPEL HERALD
May ii, 1954
FAMILY CIRCLE
A Mother Speaks
Do you know that your soul is of my soul
such part
That you seem to be fiber and core of my
heart?
None other can pain me as you, dear, can do,
None other can please me or praise me as you.
Remember the world will be quick with its
blame
If shadow or stain ever darken your name.
"Like mother, like son," is a saying so true
The world will judge largely the "mother"
by you.
Be yours then the task, if task it shall be,
To force the proud world to do homage to
me.
Be sure it will say, when its verdict you've
won,
"She reaped as she sowed. Lo! this is her
son.
—Selected.
A Little Mother
By Leo Lillian Wise
Speaking as an elder mother to one
with her first-born and giving a free in-
terpretation to a certain German poem,
I am moved to exclaim: "I look at you
and the quick tears sting my eyelids!"
For there is such a lovely look upon your
face— something of awed wonder, that
although the gates of death yawned hun-
grily for you, somehow by the grace of
God you were permitted to live and en-
joy this small creature with your be-
loved, this small creature who is flesh
and blood of the two of you.
And as you sit with the child at your
breast softly caressing the lovely little
fuzzy head with one gentle hand, I know
you are dreaming high dreams and hopes
for this child. Yetl you catch your breath
in a sudden premonitory gasp, and hold
the precious little warm body more close-
ly. Are you seeing the shadow of a tower-
ing cross? For after all it is that mothers
are fated to take so much of punishment,
not only by way of long hours to toil and
labor, out heartaches when a mother
longs to shield her child from disap-
pointments and failures.
I know that you are moved to swift
pity as you look at the child of a dear
friend, a child deficient perhaps mentally
or physically. Compassion makes you
long to tone down the glow of pride in
your own, and desirous to say the right
word and not the wrong one. You will
find it hard, but if your compassion is
broad enough, I'm sure you will meet the
need graciously.
You will find the first few years so very
precious that I pray you may enjoy them
to the fullest, the few years when your
little one has his whole world bounded
by you and his father. This is the time
when his every need is anticipated and
met by you, when he is so very dependent
upon you and does not know that there
are worlds beyond!
There will come the time when you
must stifle a sigh because the toddler
momentarily deems himself independent
of your care and strides manfully on a
few steps. But never fear, for many times
he will come hastening back to the haven
of safety in his mother's arms, only to go
just a little farther upon his next excur-
sion into the marvelous land awaiting
his lusty curiosity. May it be that as long
as you live in earthly realms he may have
the knowledge that you are waiting with
your love and comprehension of his de-
sires.
School days will fly by, and you beset
by many problems, for it is a time to help
the growing youngster live with other
folks and play a game fairly. Still in the
stress of trying days you may find your-
self guilty of giving way to impatient
word or action, that in later days you
will be humiliated by haunting memo-
ries. May you be big enough to say:
"Little one, I beg your pardon; Mother
did not mean to do wrong!"
There will be times when it seems to
you that you are a buffer for your child.
Things go wrong, for someone has said
a harsh word, or given an unjust criti-
cism, and it will seem to you that you
long above all else to save your child
from hurt. But you can not do that, nor
can you save him from the consequences
of his own acts. But you can keep on
believing in him.
You will need a saving grace of humor,
for after all it is a bit disconcerting when
you have taught your child to make his
or her own decisions, to find that his
thinking process differs so sharply from
your own. I know that.
But the way will be a delightsome way-
filled with exquisite mosaic pictures. It
will be made up of little acts of endear-
ment, little touches of sudden temper,
soft confiding gestures, and the lovelv
airs of grace. For the unfolding of a
child's life is akin to that of the opening
of a rare flower.
However, along with the sunshine of
life will come the shadows. You will
bend over his bed with anxious fear grip-
ping your heart, for sudden squalls of
illness will sweep upon you and then
with equal rapidity will come recovery
making the shadowy hours seem like
mist.
And all the time, though you may not
see it, the shadow of the cross is near.
What tli at cross may be is not given you
in advance to know— disappointments,
accidents, failures, even death's angel as
an unbidden guest. But suppose the an-
gel does come and summon your darling?
After the searing blast of numbing pain
has dulled a bit, may you look back into
your store of memories and see the loveli-
ness that life has held. Sometimes we
think that the grave holds only the sym-
bol of buried hopes, and then find that
the loving Father God Himself makes
that grave to blossom into something
very dear and precious, blessing the
paths of men.
"O little mother, I look at you with
quick tears stinging my eyelids, and pray
that God may keep you safe in His love!"
—Gospel Messenger.
EXPRESSIONS OF APPRECIATION
I wish to express my sincere thanks and ap-
preciation to all my friends who so kindly re-
membered me with visits, cards, flowers, gifts,
and above all, for prayers offered in my behalf
during my hospitalization and since my return
home. — Virgie E. Forry. Hanover, Pa.
* * »
Recently you placed my wife'6 name (Helen
Evans) with the list of shut-ins. She wishes to
express her sincere thanks for the very generous
and heart-warming response of 60 cards and
letters which she received. — Thomas G. Evans.
Hamburg, Pa.
* • •
I wish to express my sincere thanks and ap-
preciation to all who so kindly remembered me
with cards, letters, gifts, flowers, and visits
during my 17 days at the Quakertown Hospital
and since my return home. May the Lord richly
bless you all. — Mrs. Norman Godshall. Quaker-
town, Pa.
* * *
I would like to tell all people what God has
done for me during my stay in St. Joseph's
Hospital and while convalescing at home. He
has spared my life; He has shown what kind
neighbors and friends can do ; He has shown
me that relatives are a part of me, and He has
shown me what people can do through prayer.
For all this I praise God. I want to thank you
all for the kind deeds and many gifts. And He
also permitted me to hear the singers on that
glorious Easter dawn. Thank you. — John P>.
Seitz. Rohrerstown. Pa.
I am deeply grateful to each of you who so
kindly remembered me during my eight weeks of
illness while in the hospital and at home. I
waut to specially thank you for your prayers,
which I know have been the means of my re-
covery. May God richly bless you. — Anna H.
Harnish. Lancaster. Pa.
SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON (Continued)
convictions are wanted by God today. He
needs prophets who will not compromise
even if the great majority are against them.
If we know God well and know His will, it
is not too hard to stand for the right.
— Aha Mae Erb.
Lesson based on "International Sunday School Les-
sons: the International Bible Lessons for Christian
Teaching." copyrighted 19S1 by the Division of Chris-
tian Education National Council of the Churches of
Christ in the U.S.A.
. . . Nearly 18 per cent of the popula-
tion of the United States falls into the
handicapped category— in actual figures
more than 26,000,000 people.
May ii, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
443
TO BE NEAR TO GOD
SONGS OF HIGH FAITH
Faith Is a Song
Sunday, May 16
Head Joel 2:1-17 (RSV) — Song of Doom
Massive clouds of grasshoppers,
hissing, churning, chewing, scorching,
rolling in over the fruitful valley,
are awe-full.
In every Son-of-Israel's heart
lay a doom like molten lead —
a doom voiced by Joel.
In doom Faith is born:
Until Paul knew himself
a covetous, doomed sinner,
there was no Damascus experience;
Until I know Romans 1 and 2,
there is no Romans 3.
Father, I'm a sinner, doomed, undone;
"Yet even now" I come.
Monday, May 17
Read Job 42:2-6 (RSV) — Song of Confession
I came home from the discussion and said,
"Lord, I talked too much;
I affirmed that of which I'm not sure
to defend some pet opinion —
not to be on the offensive for you."
I lay in Calvary's dust, and saw
Love enthroned on beam and nail.
With Isaiah I said,
"Woe is me, for I am lost."
With Jeremiah I said,
"Ah, Lord God, I know not how to speak,
for I am only a youth."
"Therefore I despise myself
and repent in dust and ashes."
Give gentle, healing Faith.
Tuesday, May 18
Read Eccl. 11:9— 12:7— Call to Faith
(If you have S. C. Yoder's "Poetry of the
Old Testament," read this selection from
there to catch its poetic cadence (p. 372).
"Some more convenient day,"
sneered Felix, to keep from sobbing;
"Almost you persuade me, Paul,"
derisively smiled Agrippa, gathering up
his judgment robe.
The day of Faith is now:
God speaks in doom
and smitten conscience —
but not forever.
Dear God, I've waited long — too long;
I accept Faith — today.
Wednesday, May 19
Read Psalm 23 (RSV) — Song of Trust
So long I'd wandered, in fear,
the thorn-edged way;
I didn't know
the shepherd's kindly staff,
the paths of righteousness,
the gentle streams of peace.
But now in humble trust,
the healing oil of gladness on my head,
I walk by His safe side.
"Saviour, like a shepherd lead us,
Muck we need Thy tender care."
Thursday, May 20
Read Prov. 3:1-35 — Song of Practical Faith
Sweet is the Faith,
sweet the trust.
But nudged by gentle staff,
I must go forth to others' need,
where paths are rough.
Give wisdom, Lord,
the practical path to tread —
Wisdom born of Faith, of Evil shunned;
then shall I walk safely,
my feet unstumbling go;
good works, before ordained,
my footsteps know.
Friday, May 21
Read I Chron. 16:8-36 — Song of Praise
We who are of Faith
today God's Israel are;
Is it not fit we too
should sing His mighty deeds,
should spread salvation's song?
Where praise is weak,
Faith dies:
A strong body must walk, and do,
and sing health's song;
In a dead body
there is no song.
O Lord, we would
"Tell of [Thy] salvation from day to day.
Declare [Thy] glory among the nations,
[Thy] marvelous works among the peo-
ples."
Saturday, May 22
Read Isa. 60:1-22 — Song of Hope
We are entered into Isaiah's hope
and yet not entered;
It is the boast of hope,
that hope is never reached.
When at the rainbow's feet I stand,
the rainbow has moved on;
and yet I know
that where the rainbow was, I am;
that where the rainbow is, I too can be.
Isaiah's hope
gladdens still tomorrow's day:
Today darkness covers
Asia, Africa, the Americas;
Gross darkness covers
Russians, Chinese, Americans.
Yet know, O Church,
Your light is come,
and will come yet;
In faith arise —
and shine.
"O everlasting Light!
Shine graciously within."
—Carl Beck.
Micaiah Withstands False Prophets
Sunday School Lesson for May 23
(I Kings 22:1-40)
One prophet dares to stand against 400
prophets? How can he have such courage?
Think you it was easy? Who is the one?
Who the 400? Which one gave his prophecy
first? Why did the kings ask for direction
when they had already decided what they
would do? What kind of answer did they
want? Is it not like man to ask advice of
those who will not restrain him?
Why did Ahab want to go to battle? He
had peace for three years with Syria. Per-
haps he was greedy for more or loved war or
was ambitious as a king. Why did Ahab in-
vite Jehoshaphat to go to battle with him?
Who was Jehoshaphat? (This would be a
good point at which to review the history of
the two nations. See the time line some class
member has made. Plan was suggested in
May 2 lesson. Use a map, too, to show the
locations of the two kingdoms and Syria.)
Since the southern kingdom, Jehoshaphat's
kingdom, still maintained the worship of
Jehovah, Jehoshaphat was more concerned in
knowing the Lord's will than Ahab was.
Micaiah was called. Micaiah was a true
prophet. See a fine man, a moral hero.
What circumstances made it difficult for
Micaiah to give a true word of the Lord?
The false prophets had already given a pleas-
ing answer. And they were many. One of
these prophets, Zedekiah, had already incited
the kings, Ahab at least, with his "horns of
iron." The 400 prophesied in the name of
the Lord. It is difficult to withstand those
who profess to be God's mouthpieces. Mica-
iah was almost threatened by the messenger
to answer as the 400 had.
How could Micaiah be fearless and give
the word of the Lord? We must believe that
he knew the Lord and was deeply convicted
in his heart of the message God would have
him say. His faith in God was strong. His
love for God was pure. What a graphic an-
swer the Lord gave Micaiah ! Let one mem-
ber of the class read this vision. The prophet
not only prophesied the death of Ahab but
also told the truth about the false prophets.
Incensed Zedekiah smote Micaiah on the
cheek and sneered at him. Ahab ordered
him imprisoned and there he probably died
if Ahab's command was fulfilled. This was
a penalty for telling the truth, but in his
heart the true prophet had a great reward of
peace, faith, and honor. Who ever was
happy with a lie!
What was the end of Ahab's folly? Read
the story of the battle. Read the prophecy of
Elijah in 21:19. The man of convictions and
courage is always needed. It is hard to stand
for the right and easy to stand for the wrong.
There may be as many odds as 400 against
one. Men and women of strong faith and
(Continued on page 442)
444
GOSPEL HERALD
May ii, 1954
FIELD NOTES
Items to appear in this column for any issue of the
following Tuesday must reach Scottdale by Wednes-
day morning.
Change of Address. — Bro. Mahlon L. Blos-
ser, minister in the Middle District of Vir-
ginia Conference, from Dale Enterprise to
Star Route, Harrisonburg, Va. The Dale En-
terprise post office has been discontinued.
Bro. Blosser is also treasurer of the Virginia
Board of Missions and Charities.
The Johnstown Christian Day School Cho-
rus gave three programs on Sunday, May 2,
at the following places in Ohio: Bethel,
Wadsworth; Pleasant Hill, Smithville; and
Orrville. Bro. Sanford Shetler as director,
and Bro. Royal Bauer, of the faculty, accom-
panied the group which is promoting the
Christian Day School movement.
A Conference-wide meeting of Christian
worker groups of Lancaster Conference met
at the Mount Joy Church on Sunday, May 2.
Ordination. — Bro. John Drescher was or-
dained to the ministry at the Crown Hill
Church, Rittman, Ohio, Sunday afternoon,
May 2.
Eleven persons were received into church
fellowship at the Nampa, Idaho, Church, on
Sunday morning, April 25; nine were bap-
tized and two received by confession, one a
Table of Contents
433 — The Holy Spirit Works Righteousness
Spiritual Strength (Poem)
434 — Our Readers Say
V. Water from Many Wells
435 — Mothers' Day and Home Sunday
The Important Questions
436 — The Revelation of Jesus Christ
It Happened
A Prayer (Poem)
437 — Spare and Share All you Have and Are
438— What "Habit" Are You Adorned With?
What Was Her Lingering Illness?
439 — A Prayer for This Week
Small Things (Poem)
The White and Doughy Man
Should We Grow Tobacco?
Prayer Roguests
440 — Death of Dr. Thomas Lambie
Hesston College News
441 — Christian Teaching Is Important
Pray for Me (Poem)
442 — A Mother Speaks (Poem)
A Little Mother
Expressions of Appreciation
443 — To Be Near to God
Sunday School Lesson for May 23
444— Field Notes
Calendar
445 — Mission News
Your Treasurer Reports
446 — A Morning at Nazareth
447 — Child Wolfare Shown as a Missionary
Opportunity
New Believers In Bihar
From Beggars to Princes
448 — How I Became a Christian
449 — All the Tithes and Offerings
The Mennonlte Hour
Did You Say "No"?
450— MRSC Weokly Notes
MCC Weokly Notes
Women's Activities
451 — From Our Churches
Challonqos from Serving In a Mental Hospital
453 — Marriages
Births
Obituaries
454— The Book Shelf
455 — Items and Comments
456 — Your Publishing House
young man from Holland. Communion was
observed in the evening.
A Gospel team from Western Mennonite
School gave a program at the Seventh St.
Church, Upland, Calif., on April 18.
A Home Conference with sessions morn-
ing, afternoon, and evening, was conducted
at the Protection, Kans., Church by Bro.
Maurice Yoder, Hesston, Kans., on Sunday,
April 25.
The Jubilaires Male Quartet, composed of
brethren in I-W service at the Mont Alto
Sanatorium, South Mountain, Pa., sang at the
annual conference of Church of the Brethren
young people held in the Brethren Church,
Uptown, Pa., on Saturday evening, April 24.
A Youth Meeting was held at the Deep
Run, Pa., Church on Saturday evening, May
8, with Bro. Frank Horst, Calico Rock, Ark.,
as guest speaker.
Anyone interested in County Health Nurs-
ing should contact Bro. Clarence A. Horst,
Mountain Home, Ark., who has been ap-
proached on the matter of securing a Men-
nonite nurse to fill such a position for Baxter
County, Ark., where most of our Mennonite
centers are located.
The annual Mission Board Meeting of
Franconia Conference was held at the Sou-
derton, Pa., Church May 3, 4. Bro. John R.
Mumaw, Harrisonburg, Va., was among the
speakers.
Approximately 150 people attended a meet-
ing at the Mennonite Church at Bridgewater
Corners, Vt., when a Gospel team from East-
ern Mennonite College gave a program on
April 14.
A group of about fifty young people from
the Strasburg, Pa., Church gave a program
at Philhaven Hospital, Lebanon, Pa., on East-
er Sunday morning.
Bro. Leidy Hunsicker, well known through-
out the church as a song leader, passed to his
eternal home on Sunday, May 2. Our con-
dolences are extended to the bereft family.
Sister Katie Kreiter, mother of Bro. Clay-
ton F. Yake, YCC editor, died on May 1.
The funeral was held on Wednesday after-
noon, May 5, at Lititz, Pa. May the Lord
comfort those who are bereaved.
The Stark County, Ohio, Hymn Sing was
held at the Canton Church Sunday evening.
April 25. Besides Canton, the Beech and
Hartville congregations join in this time of
singing.
MYF ANNUAL MEETING AND WORKSHOP
Youth leaders, sponsors, and pastors, as well as
young people of the church, should plan to attend
MYF Annual Meetlnq and Workshop, Auaust 14-20.
In the Informal atmosphere of Laurelvllle Camp-
ground there will be ample time to harvest many
qood ideas for local youtn activities; there will be
time to evaluate past work and to plan for the
luturo; time for Christian fellowship and relaxation.
The theme. "All of Life for Christ." will challenge
everyone.
Included in tho personnel are 1. D. Graber. Paul
M. Lederach, I. Mark Stauffer. Millard Lind. and
A. T. Metzlor. as well as members of the General
Council.
Bro. Weldon Martin, Mathis, Texas,
brought the morning message at the War-
wick River Church, Denbigh, Va., May 2,
when he also told about the work in Texas.
The Commission for Christian Education
met in its spring session at the St. Jacobs,
Ont., Church, Friday and Saturday, April 30
and May 1. Major consideration was given
to means of making the work of the Com-
mission more effective and planning for a
Conference on Christian Nurture and Child
Evangelization to be held at Laurelville
Camp, Sept. 29, 30.
Appointments in Ontario churches were
filled by Commission personnel at the fol-
lowing churches on Sunday morning, May 2:
Preston, J. R. Mumaw; Hawkesville, Paul M.
Lederach; Baden, A. J. Metzler; Cedar Grove,
Noah Good; Wideman, Richard Detweiler;
Floradale, Millard Lind; Millbank, J. J. Hos-
tetler; Geiger, Gideon Yoder; East Zorra,
C. F. Yake.
(Continued on page 452)
Calendar
Ohio Mennonite and Eastern AM. Joint Conference.
Walnut Creek Church in Holmes Co.. Ohjo. May
25-27 1954.
Indiana-Michigan annual meetings at Howard-Miami
Church. Kokomo. Ind. Mission Board, June 1;
Conference June 2, 3.
North Central Mennonite Conference and associated
meetings, June 7-11 crt Lake Region Church.
Detroit Lakes, Minn.
Annual meeting of Ontario A.M. Conference. June
9-10, at East Zona A.M. Church. Ontario (near
Tavistock). . . . .
Annual meeting Mennonite Board of Missions ana-
Charities, Western Mennonite School. Salem.
Oreg., June 17-20.
Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Youth Fellowship, Go-
shen College Union Auditorium, Goshen, Ind..
June 25-27. . . ,
1954 Schedule for Laurelvllle; Writers Conference.
June 26 to July 2; FamUy Week, July 3-9; Boys
Camp (ages 9-13), July 10-16; Girl's Camp (ages
9-13), July 17-23; Junior High (ages 13-15). July
24-30; Junior High (ages 13-15), July 31 to Aug. 6;
Young People's Institute, Aug. 7-13; MYF Work-
shop and Annual meeting. Aug. 14-20; Church
Music Conference, Aug. 21-27; Missionary Bible
Conference. Aug. 28 to Sept. 2.
Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp: PTe-camp train-
ing—June 28-July 2; Week-end Bible Conference
on Stewardship — July 3, 4, Milo Kauifman. Hess-
ton. Kans.; Junior Boys'— July 5-10 (ages 9-12);
Junior Girls— July 12-17 (ages 9-12); Junior High
—July 19-24 (ages 13-15); First Family— July 26-
31; Youth Retreat — Aug. 2-7 (ages 16 and above);
Second Family— Aug. 9-14; Orientation Camp
for prospective I-W Men— August 21-28. Program
sponsored by MRSC. Week-end Bible Conference
and Annual Meeting of the Rocky Mountain Men-
nonite Camp Association — Sept. 5. 6.
Peace Sunday. July 4, 1954.
Annual meeting Mission Board of Southwestern Penn-
sylvania Conference. Otelia Church. Mt. Union.
Pa.. July 9. 10. , . , __.
Illinois Junior Camp, July 12-17. and Junior High
Camp. July 19-24, Camp Emmaus. Mt. Morris. 111.
Virginia Conference and related meetlnqs. Spring-
dale Church, Waynesboro. Va.. July 27-30.
Annual Ohio MYF convention, Ohio Mennonite Camp
Ground, Kidron, Ohio. July 30 to Aug. 1.
Annual meeting Southwestern Pa. Conference. Mar-
tinsburg. Pa.. Aug. 1-4.
Illinois State MYF Retreat, New Salem State Park.
August 5-8.
Annual meeting Iowa-Nebraska Conference. West
Union. Pomell, Iowa. Aug. 10-13.
Annual meeting South Central Conference. Assembly
of God campground, near Eldon. Mo.. Aug. 17-20.
Annual meeting Illinois Conference. East Bend.
Fisher, 111., Aug. 24-26.
Fall meeting. Commission for Christian Education,
Laurelvllle Mennonite Camp. Laurelvllle. Pa..
Sept. 27. 28.
Study Conference of Child Evangelism. Laurelville
Mennonite Camp. Sept. 29. 30.
Fall meeting. General Council of Mennonite General
Conference. LaurelvUle Mennonite Camp, Oct.
1. 2.
Annual meeting of the Mennonite Board of Education,
Kalona-Wellman. Iowa area; Oct. 14-16. 1954.
May ii, 1954
gospel Gerald
445
Go, Preach
MISSIONS
Give, Pray
The General Board Headquarters for Missions, Relief, and Service: 1711 Prairie Street, Elkhart, Indiana. Telephone, Elkhart 2-2786.
Mission News
Bro. Juan Ramirez of the Mexican Men-
nonite Church, Chicago, 111., is assisting with
the work at Mathis, Texas, while Bro. and
Sister J. Weldon Martin are contacting
churches in Virginia and Ohio in behalf of
the new church building at Mathis. The
Mexican Church in Chicago is paying Bro.
Ramirez' transportation to Mathis and return.
Mrs. George Beare, Upland, Calif., former
missionary to India, submitted to surgery on
April 30.
Two persons were received by water bap-
tism into the church at Mathis, Texas, on
Easter Sunday morning; Lucia Flores Mo-
lina, a middle-aged mother, and Samuel
Hernandez, a boy of twelve.
A Father and Son fellowship meal was
held at the Seventh St. Mennonite Church,
Reading, Pa., on Friday evening, April 23.
Bro. Paul Angstadt spoke to the group.
The Gospel Team from the Gladstone
Mennonite Church, Cleveland, Ohio, which
made a brief pre-Easter tour to western Ohio,
Michigan, Chicago, 111., and northern Indi-
ana, gave the Easter Sunday evening program
in their home church.
A choral group from Rockway Mennonite
School, Kitchener, Ont., gave the program for
the Young People's Fellowship at the Morn-
ingside Mennonite Church, Toronto, Ont.,
on Friday evening, May 7.
Bro. Lester T. Hershey, missionary on fur-
lough from Puerto Rico, will conduct special
services at the Mexican Mennonite Church,
Chicago, 111., May 23-30. Bro. Hershey served
as pastor of the Chicago congregation before
going to Puerto Rico as a missionary. Bro.
Hershey spoke to the Clayton Kratz Fellow-
ship in eastern Pennsylvania on April 26.
A former Sunday-school pupil and a 73-
year-old man were received into the Peoria,
111., Mennonite Church by water baptism on
Sunday, April 25.
Bro. Mario Snyder, pastor of the Mexican
Mennonite Church, Chicago, 111., accom-
panied by several members from his congre-
gation, gave a program at the Waldo Men-
nonite Church, Flanagan, 111., on Wednes-
day evening, April 28. ,
Bro. and Sister Simeon Hurst, missionaries
on furlough from Tanganyika, Africa, spoke
at the Morningside Mennonite Church, To-
ronto, Ont., on Sunday morning, May 2.
Bro. Myron Augsburger, Harrisonburg,
Va., will be guest speaker at a Youth Rally
conducted by the St. Anne Ave. Mennonite
Church, New York City, May 15, 16.
The "Christ for You" tent campaign spon-
sored by the St. Anne Ave. Mennonite
Church, New York City, is now being
planned for Aug. 8-29. Pray for this evan-
gelistic effort.
Sister Lena Graber, missionary to India,
can be addressed at Children's Lodge, Lan-
dour, P.O., Mussoorie, U.P., India, until July
1. Since she was unable to secure a "no ob-
jection to return" permit, she will not return
for furlough now, but spend several months
in advanced Hindi language study.
Friends of our missionaries in India should
be advised that high duty on small parcels,
sometimes as much as 125%, and strict reg-
ulations regarding import licenses to receive
larger shipments make any shipments to our
missionaries in India inadvisable. Personal
gifts in cash for birthday and Christmas pres-
ents can be sent through the Treasurer's
Office, Mennonite Board of Missions and
Charities, Elkhart, Ind.
Bro. H. Ernest Bennett, Elkhart, Ind.,
chairman of the Committee on Hospitals and
Homes of the General Mission Board, spoke
on "The Challenge of the Medical and Nurs-
ing Program of the Mennonite Church" at a
meeting sponsored by the Northwestern Ohio
Mennonite Nurses Association and held at
the Central Mennonite Church, Archbold,
Ohio, on Sunday evening, May 2.
Bro. S. M. King, Goshen, Ind., missionary
on furlough from India, spoke at the Penn-
sylvania Mennonite Church, Hesston, Kans.,
on Sunday morning, April 25, and at the
Hesston College Mennonite Church in the
evening.
Bro. Luke Birky, La Plata, Puerto Rico,
will speak at the Sharon Mennonite Church,
Plain City, Ohio, regarding the medical mis-
sion program in Puerto Rico on May 11. Bro.
Birky spoke at the Forks Mennonite Church,
Middlebury, Ind., on May 6 and in the West
Liberty, Ohio, churches, May 8, 9.
Bro. Elvin Snyder, La Plata, Puerto Rico,
conducted evangelistic meetings for three
nights each in Coamo and Coamo Arriba dur-
ing the first week in May and began a series
of evangelistic meetings in the La Plata plaza
which is to continue until May 16. Pray for
these meetings.
At the annual Missionary Council Meeting
held at La Plata, Puerto Rico, April 22, 23,
plans were discussed for the establishment
of a Bible Training Institute to prepare work-
ers for the church in Puerto Rico. Pray that
God will direct in this important phase of
building a church in Puerto Rico.
A special feature of Passion Week Serv-
ices at La Plata, Puerto Rico, was the pres-
entation of the crucifixion and resurrection
story by the young people of the community
under the direction of Bro. and Sister Bill
Swartzendruber. The chorus provided theme
music including a rendition of the Hallelujah
Chorus from Handel's Messiah.
An Easter Sunrise Service was held on the
lawn of Bro. and Sister Wilbur Nachtigall,
Palo Hincado, Puerto Rico, to which mem-
bers of the Palo Hincado and La Cuchilla
congregations were invited. The Nachtigalls
live on top of a mountain with a beautiful
Your Treasurer Reports
When Bro. J. D. Graber was in Japan re-
cently, it was generally agreed by the mis-
sionary group there that a part of the total
witness in Japan would call for a Center in
Tokyo. In line with this thinking, Bro. and
Sister McCammon have been appointed as
business agents for Japan and are to assume
responsibility for the Tokyo Center. This
will serve as the place through which all
financial and business transactions between
the home office and the field are carried on.
In addition, this Center will become a place
of witness and evangelism through the con-
tacting of people in the particular commu-
nity where it is located and through maintain-
ing contacts with students and other individ-
uals who are found in Tokyo.
Recently word was received from Bro. and
Sister McCammon that they had located a
building which suited almost perfectly for
this Center. On the basis of Executive Com-
mittee action they have now been authorized
to proceed with the purchase of this building
to be used for the Center. The total cost of
this building was $9,000.00 and appears to
be an exceptionally good buy in light of
prices in Tokyo. Since this building had to
be purchased immediately in order to obtain
it, we have advanced funds from the Elkhart
office to cover the purchase even though
there were not sufficient funds available in
the Japan account. I would now like to ap-
peal to the constituency to again remember
definitely the work in Japan and to send con-
tributions for this part of the mission work.
Funds may be designated for the Tokyo Cen-
ter Building or they may be sent for the
Japan Mission Fund.
It is most urgent that we continue an active
witness in Japan while the door is wide open.
We praise God for the many in Japan who
have already responded to the Gospel, and
we trust that through the efforts of our staff
of workers in Tokyo and Hokkaido that
many more can yet be given the Gospel be-
fore something may happen which will make
it difficult to continue an active and aggres-
sive mission program in Japan.
H. Ernest Bennett, Treasurer
Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities
Elkhart, Indiana.
view toward the Caribbean Sea, an ideal place
for an Easter Sunrise service.
The present staff of the "Missionary Guide"
was appointed for the coming year. The staff
includes Harold Zehr, editor; Arthur Naf-
ziger, circulation manager; Joanne Som-
mers, office editor.
(Continued on page 452)
446
GOSPEL HERALD
May ft, 1934
A Morning at Nazareth
By Anna Maf. Graybii.i.
Bedside tables outside Haile Marian Mammo
Memorial Hospital. Nazareth. Ethiopia.
Come with me and let us take a view to-
gether of the activities during the morning
hours on the Nazareth Mennonite Mission
grounds in Ethiopia. At the break of dawn
we enter the green double gates on the south
side of the level, dry compound. Yes, there
is hardly a green blade of grass on the earth
since it is the dry season. Dust encircles us
and puts a brown layer on our white faces.
Other people laden with beautifully colored
enamelware dishes filled with food for pa-
tients are coming with us. They are moving
hastily, reminding us of the women who hur-
ried to our Master's tomb very early in the
morning.
The zabanyas or night watchmen have al-
ready filled the water barrels and lighted the
fires under them for the laundry workers.
We hear the 6:30 rising bell and soon see
seventeen-year-old students coming out of
the dormitory. A few dashes of water from
the spigot above a large barrel freshen them
for the day. At 7:1 5 the 35 student boys are
ready for breakfast and find their places in
the dining hall.
The workers who live off the compound
know that it is time to start for work when
the second bell sounds at 7:30. The bell, we
note, is a large iron hung from a thorn tree
limb. A long piece of iron hangs beside it.
Beating against the flat piece brings the de-
sired results.
At 7:45 girls and women, young men and
older men, meet in the chapel for devotions.
This morning Krtama, a believer, is reading
1 Cot. 13 and telling how important love is
in getting along with others and how God
gives us true love so that we can love all
mankind as we should. After prayer each
Student and worker finds his place of work.
Desta works evenings and has decided to
wash his clothes this morning. We see him
scrubbing diligently and working in the ce-
ment tubs attached to the outside of the
dormitory. He places his clothes on the
bushes to dry.
MISSIONS SECTION
In the laundry three young men are be-
ginning their morning washing. Brown na-
tive soap is cut in small pieces and put into
the washing machine, an inheritance from
MRSC, which has indeed been a blessing.
Kabada happily greets us at his hospital
kitchen door. He had begun work hours
earlier. He manages the buying and prepar-
ing of food plus washing of dishes for the
students and hospital patients. Although this
is quite a task, one soon sees that he is de-
pendable and dees very well making tasty
foods. Muniash is busy making the injura,
a large, thin pancake-like bread about 18
inches in diameter. On the stove two large
kettles of water are being prepared for morn-
ing tea served to all workers at 10:15.
Ah, there is an interesting scene outside the
hospital. Gonna is threshing the beans grown
on the compound. They were pulled out by
the stalks and put on one huge pile. Two
oxen are now threshing them by going
around in circles, trampling on them. Near
the garden chaff is being separated from the
teff grain. This worker holds his container
up high and slowly pours its contents to the
ground. The wind blows the chaff away and
the teff is then ready for use in making in-
juras.
A truckload of wood cut in pieces about
five feet long was brought yesterday. Today
it is being cut by hand behind the potato
house.
The servants in the American homes are
making bread, washing, cleaning, boiling wa-
ter, and cooking. In the Wenger house Sara
Jane is having school with her three oldest
children. In the Big House the Gingrichs are
studying language. Eunice Byler is working
in the office getting ready for pay day for all
employees, her baby in the coach beside her.
What do we hear now? It sounds as
though someone is sawing. Yes, someone is.
Entering the shop we see fifteen boys busilv
engaged with woodwork. In one corner of
the room stands a nicely finished bookcase.
There are also four beds made of wood with
metal stripping as springs. We dare not miss
the twenty-five hospital bedside tables also
made by these skilled boys.
While Dr. Eshleman makes his rounds to
see the forty bed patients, including ten new-
born babies, patients are gathering in the re-
ception room for the clinic. Each who at-
tended clinic before presents his little card
with a Scripture verse and his number on it.
Upon presenting this at the desk he is given
his clinic sheet. When the room is well filled
with patients sitting on the benches, a Chris-
tian dresser enters to have .1 devotional period
with them and tell them about Christ. Man}
sit with open ears while a number appear un-
interested.
Just what kind of persons does one see
here? There may be seven or eight nationali-
ties present at one time, namely, Dutch peo-
ple from the plantation at Wonji, Indians,
SomaliS) Italians, Americans, G alias, Am
haras, or Greeks. Each man has his own
tongue. Most, however, are Amharas, al-
though we have quite a few Gallas also.
One Amhara woman has brought her baby
on her back. She is most attractive with her
net shash which covers a beautiful head of
thick, bushy, black hair. Her dress is of pink
satin with pleats well ironed all around the
waist. Her skirt hangs to her ankles and her
sleeves are long and tight at the wrist. A
shama is draped around her shoulders and
hangs over her arms and back.
A Galla woman beside her is also carry-
ing her baby on her back. This woman's
hair is braided in many braids. It looks
something like French braids only ever so
much finer. The braids are no farther than
one-half inch apart. It must have taken hours
to have had this done. Butter was stuck on
top of it to help to manage it and to keep it
in place. Her clothes have also had butter
smeared over them to help preserve them.
They are cotton and have become quite thick
and dark but undoubtedly will not wear
through for some time.
As the patient leaves the reception room
he is seen by the doctor or a native boy for
diagnosis. The first has a bad tooth. In a
short time he has received an injection and
had the tooth removed. The next man has
trachoma of long standing. He is told that
he should have daily treatment for his eyes
and at the end of a week's treatment the
doctor will operate on them to keep him
from going blind. The eye lashes have al-
ready begun to scratch the eyeball; so this
must be eliminated soon. A very sick woman
with malaria, a most common disease here,
has been laid on the garry in the hall. She
is sent to the hospital side where she is ad-
mitted and made comfortable by one of the
girl dressers. A dear little baby is brought to
the doctor.. The child is suffering with sca-
bies and filth. She is sent to the baby's room
where she receives her first soap bath and is
then treated. Now she looks like a new
child.
Desta
May ii, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
447
I
Balay outside dormitory at Nazareth Dresser
Bible School; banana tree in background.
At 10:30 the nineteen dresser Bible school
students who had been helping in the hos-
pital during the morning hours gather in
their classroom for their daily Bible class
taught by Chester Wenger. During this time
the hospital and clinic work continues. At
twelve o'clock Balay, a radiant youth of last
year's Dresser Bible School, is seen with Bible
in hand on his way to the wards where he
visits each patient individually. We indeed
rejoice with him when he tells us of souls
having accepted Christ into their hearts.
The morning's work is finished by one
o'clock. The doors are closed and all but two
workers leave the hospital. Yes, we have
seen much and we again lift our hearts in
praise to our Lord for giving us this open
door with its many opportunities to serve
God and man.
Nazareth, Ethiopia.
Child Welfare Shown as a
Missionary Opportunity
"The West Liberty Mennonite Children's
Home" was the theme of the 186th Quarter-
ly Mission Meeting of the West Liberty,
Ohio, Mennonite churches, held at the Bethel
Church, February 28, 1954. Paul Detweiler,
Home maintenance man, was moderator of
the meeting; Ethel Mumaw, girls' matron,
was chorister. Children from the Home had
memorized Scripture and songs for the after-
noon devotions; Tom Lehman, farmer, led
the evening devotions, and a trio of work-
ers from the Home — Erna Saltzman, Lena
Gerber, and Ethel Mumaw — brought special
music.
John L. Yoder, chairman of the local Board
of Directors for many years, gave the "key-
note speech," emphasizing the importance of
"Child Welfare in the Mission Program of
the Church." "In the last 50 years," he said,
"1,400 children have been under Christian
influence in this home. Two hundred work-
ers have cared for them. Living with the
children day and night provides far more
chance to make a lasting impression upon
them than Sunday school and city mission
work can do, where they are contacted for
only a few hours a week."
Mrs. Paul Diller gave an informative talk
on "A Day at the Home," and Mrs. D. F.
Leichty, member of the Board of Directors,
and Philip Yoder, farm supervisor, presented
some specific needs. Loren King, former su-
perintendent, and Paul Diller, present super-
intendent, told of the opportunities and chal-
lenges of the work.
A human interest feature of the program
was a paper read by Mrs. Joe Greider on
"Our Other Children." She spoke of her
family's experiences in making Home chil-
dren welcome in their home. This was fol-
lowed by a number of testimonies from for-
mer residents of the Home. The speakers
ranged in age from 15 to about 60. The fol-
lowing are quotations from these testimonies:
"How grateful I am that we were placed
in this religious environment where we
learned to know the Lord."
"I feel it must have been the Lord's will
for us to live there, for it was through the
Mennonite Home that we came to know Je-
sus Christ and accept Him as our Saviour."
"Sometimes I felt I had to work too hard;
then I had a chance to go back to my father,
and I remember this verse came into my
mind; I would rather 'suffer affliction with
the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures
of sin.' I am glad I stayed."
"We learned to work."
"It was not all work — we had lots of fun."
"We learned to pray — in private and in
public."
"The Home is a springboard to help needy
children into better lives — better homes."
"After we had families of our own, we ap-
preciated more what was done for us at the
Home."
"Religion will Christianize a person, both
physically and spiritually."
"Most important of all was the way God
worked through the workers to help us."
"Eternity alone will reveal what the Home
has accomplished."
"If, in all these years that you have given
your time and money, just one soul is saved,
it is worth while."
A number of these people had come quite
a distance to speak on this program. They
seemed genuinely glad for an opportunity to
give their testimony, and were a real inspira-
tion to the community and to the present
workers at the Home.
We here in the community take the Home,
the workers, and the children too much for
granted. This program made us realize what
a wonderful, fruitful, Christian enterprise we
have here on the hill in the West Liberty
Children's Home.
West Liberty, Ohio.
Praying stops sinning, and sinning stops
praying.
New Believers in Bihar
By Esther Vogt
We rejoice that Harun, Hannah, Chain,
and Nathneil have found the Lord and were
baptized March 15.
We had been praying for these Mundas
for a long time and the preacher living near
them was often instructing them. One time
the baby girl was sick with stomach trouble.
We prayed for her and she was soon better.
Then again these men said they had been
warned by their neighbors that the evil spirits
would bring a terrible calamity on them. We
prayed that they might know the One who
is more powerful than any evil spirit and
could protect them from all calamities. We
toured in their village and found that the
Holy Spirit opened up their hearts in a won-
derful way. They are happy in their trust in
the One who is stronger than Bhuts (evil
spirits).
We are also happy that two more who
were absent at the time are also ready to be
baptized. Some of their closest neighbors
also have faith in our medicine and in our
prayers, but still do not know our Christ.
Perhaps these new Christians can bring their
neighbors also to know Him.
Bihar, India.
From Beggars to Princes
By Roy Kreider
The weekly number of new beggars on the
streets of Jerusalem is slowly increasing, and
the old faithfuls are still in their chosen do-
main. Some of them are reading the Torah
(the law), squatting on the sidewalk rocking
back and forth as they read audibly. Before
them, the generous drop their pennies. Others
dressed in drab bundles of black and brown
rags move among the crowd, hand out-
stretched, with a whimpering or moaning
voice such as one would hear as the soul bids
its parting farewell to the body. Then there
are those with patched or bandaged eyes, and
others who with the glassy stare of senseless
eyes know only darkness. Most of these sit
with grimy feet protruding from their ragged
garments, extending them to the sympathies
of passers-by. A few of these newer ones
seem to be trained to beg as a profession.
Musicians, mostly violinists, take up positions
in front of cinemas and play classical melo-
dies. Even women in oriental make-up sit
and collect from proverbially charitable citi-
zens. In one city the man with blood-stained
bandages around his feet sits in the best
place at the bus station and receives his toll
from practically every passer-by.
There are the beggars who beg and there
are the princes who give. The one evidently
has something to give and the other evidendy
has nothing. The one obviously becomes
none the poorer and the other none the richer.
The beggar pronounces a beggarly blessing
upon his generous bestower and wishes to be
a prince like him. Yet strangely enough both
MISSIONS SECTION
448
GOSPEL HERALD
May ii, 1954
beggar and prince are alike beggars them-
selves— beggars of soul at the feet of the
Prince. Beggars for they know not what.
Some too beggarly to care. Beggars squat-
ting on the dunghill and filth of sin, ignorant
of the provision to be a joint heir with the
Prince. Beggars whimpering and moaning
in their appetite for earthly things, unable to
sing the Song of the Redeemed. Beggars
evidencing the grime of a long life in sin.
and unaware of the Fountain opened for sin
and uncleanness. Beggars blind by a catarac-
tic veil of unbelief through which the glori-
ous light of Christ has not penetrated.
Their spiritual destitution and poverty of
soul tug at the sympathies of the spiritual
man. They appeal for giving — giving by in-
tercessory prayer; giving by a yielded life
through which the power of the Prince can
lift them up so as to dwell in the heavenlies.
"The Lord . . . maketh rich .... He
raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and
lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to
set them among princes, and to make them
inherit the throne of glory" (I Sam. 2:7, 8).
Jerusalem, Tsrael.
How I Became a Christian
By K. Jiwani.ai.
(The author is a teacher in the Christian Academy,
Dhamtari, M.P., India.)
It is said that men get several good op-
portunities in life, but there is no opportuni-
ty like the opportunity of witnessing for the
Lord. It is an opportunity which revives the
speaker and enlightens the hearers. It really
gives me pleasure to speak a few words for
the One who saved me. If God had not
opened a way for me to receive the Gospel, I
would never have known the saving grace
of Christ, because I was brought up in such
a situation that I could not have come in con-
tact with Christian society.
I was brought up in a village far away
from Christian influence. I had never heard
about Christianity or seen a Christian before
I came to study in a mission school. Even
when I think about the possibility of my
coming to a mission school, I find the hand
of God in it.
In the village named Khundini where I
was born, there is no primary school. Be-
cause my parents were concerned about how
to give me an education, they hired a teacher
who taught me at home. But the real prob-
lem was about appearing in the Covernmcnt
examination. Private students are not al-
lowed to sit for examination in the primary
schools. After heavy correspondence my fa-
ther got permission to take me to a certain
school on the day of examination and 1 ap
pcared for the examination and passed suc-
cessfully.
When I went to Garjan Memorial School,
twelve miles away, seeking admission, I was
admitted in spite ot the Eact that 1 was very
late. The same dav in the Bible period the
teacher taught about John the Baptist. That
MISSIONS SECTION
was the hardest subject for me that day. I
told my grandfather that I would prefer not
to study there because they teach the Bible.
He said that there are many good things in
the Bible and that I must learn them. These
incidents led me to feel that it was He who
opened doors for me.
When I look back at my past life, I find a
religious inclination from my childhood.
When I was just a boy of nine or ten I wor-
shiped Sarasvate, the Hindu god of knowl-
edge. I made an image with my own hands
and worshiped it with the other boys of the
neighborhood. Every morning and evening
we would dance before the image and pay
our homage to it. Then I remember to have
decided once, with two other boys, to go to
the forest and worship God. My teachers at
home had told us that God can be seen by
children if they worship Him in the jungle.
I took part for a number of years in a reli-
gious drama and acted the part of Ram, one
of the Hindu gods. These things led me to
feel that I was in search of truth with the
result that the truth was revealed to me in
Jesus Christ.
I have told how I tried to find reality in the
Hindu religion. Now I shall give a short
account of my conversion. I joined the mis-
sion middle school at the age of thirteen and
for two or three years I studied about Chris-
tianity, not for the sake of knowledge about
Christianity but to find points to criticize it.
During this period I had many discussions
with boys and teachers. My main argument
was based upon showing mercy to small
creatures such as hens, fish, and the like.
Meanwhile my father arranged for me to
enter religious ceremony. He wanted me to
become a disciple of a known sadhu among
the Hindus. My grandfather also used to
make disciples, but it was thought better for
me to follow someone who was not a mem-
ber of the family. We three brothers became
disciples of the sadhu. I being the youngest
served him the most, with the result that I
was liked the most by him. As he performed
the ceremony he spoke some things in my
ears, but I could not follow a single word.
According to the teaching given me by the
sadhu and by my parents I did not believe in
God. There is no God but the guru (teach-
er) and to him must be given reverence and
adoration.
With this kind of background, I continued
to study in the mission school. I thought 1
was instructed enough to face all kinds of
people to discuss religion. At the same time
I was studying the Bible and securing good
marks which embarrassed the Christian boys,
I was doing it to find some follies in the re-
ligion itself. I would ask any kind of ques-
tions and would not be satisfied with the
answers. I did not believe in simple faith in
God. One must believe in God after ra
tionalization, was my opinion.
It was Mr. E. Pcrshadi who could meet
my need rationally. Although I thought I
was very good in argument, I was aware of
the fact that 1 lacked something in spite of
my good logic. On the other hand, my Chris-
tian teachers and friends kept up good spirits
and led good lives. I knew they were sin
conscious and not argument-conscious. That
made it clear to me that Christians were
fighting against the devil and not just talk-
ing. In every meeting I attended I heard
them speaking about sin and deliverance
from it. Then I became sure that one must
fight against sin if he wants to enter into
heaven. So I determined to do that while at
the same time remaining a Hindu. I went
to one of the Hindu temples and lived there
for four days, but I did not find any spirit-
uality there. The so-called saindy people who
lived there in the temple did not lead pure
and happy lives. They were not on good
terms among themselves. It discouraged me
very much.
In this way my hunger and thirst for the
knowledge of truth grew every day. I could
judge for myself what should be the standard
of true religion and which I did not find in
Hinduism. A religion is not just meant to
belong to, but it has something to do with
the inside of man. This thing I had begun
to realize in Christianity, but I had no per-
sonal experience of my own which could
ascertain the fact for me.
God. seeing the struggle of my heart,
opened a way for me and revealed Himself
to me. In those days prayer meetings used
to be held for the Christian boys under the
leadership of the principal of the school and
one of the lady teachers. One day I hap-
pened to attend that meeting. There I found
those boys crying aloud for the forgiveness
of their sins. After the meeting they testified
to the fact that their sins were forgiven then
and there. The more I attended the meet-
ings the more I felt the need of my soul. I
saw those boys, who along with myself had
done many evil deeds, gready changed.
Then I prayed in the name of Hindu gods,
such as Ram, Krishna, and Kabir, to remove
my sins. I did not get any reply. I was just
the same afterward. I then resolved to pray
in the name of Jesus asking if He could give
me freedom from sin. I do not remember the
kind of prayer I offered, but I know one
thing, that no sooner had I prayed in His
name than the assurance of forgiveness came
into my heart. I was happy because the work
was done. I then read the Bible and strength-
ened my faith in the Lord.
From the time I followed my Saviour there
have been pitfalls in my spiritual life. Some-
times I engaged myself in the affairs of this
world so that I seemed to have lost spiritual
strength. I again prayed for revival and re-
newing of my spiritual life and He did it
immediately. 1 know He is so kind to me
that He has led me thus far. He opened
ways lor me. He revealed Himself to me, and
kept me under His care. He still forgives
my shortcomings and keeps me. In fact, I
did not find Him but He found me. The
following are the words of Scripture which
had timely effect on me: Matt. 1 1 :2S 30: 10
!6 16:23-27; Mark 10:4S; John 3:3; 6:30;
11:25$ 20:21; Acts 4:12.
Dhamtari. M.P., India.
A Dead Church — A famous artist was onct
asked to paint a dead church. He painted s
beautiful sanctuary full of people with cob
webs over the offering plates.
May ix, 1934
GOSPEL HERALD
449
All the Tithes and Offerings
By Myrtle Smeltzer
We have a son who is working in a PAX
unit in Germany, helping build homes for
refugees. When he went to Germany last
August the young men in the unit at Back-
nang expected soon to begin work on a
church for the Mennonites of that area. After
the plans were drawn up for a church suf-
ficiently large, it was decided that a church
of that size could not possibly be financed by
the people who were to use it. When the
plans had been cut down in length the gov-
ernment would not approve them because the
building would have been too nearly square.
Some of the refugees were hoping very much
to have a church by Christmas, but it has
not even been begun at the present time for
lack of funds.
Here is part of a letter we received in
December: "The man who was to draw the
plans evidendy refused to rescale them to a
smaller size. I, for one, thought it was too
bad they were making the church smaller.
The main reason for making it smaller was
lack of finances. To make the building the
size it should be and the size originally
planned, they would have to resort to the
Mennonite churches of America, as the Ger-
man Mennonites here cannot raise that
amount of money. Even if it is made smaller,
some money will have to come from America.
"Some of the German people have been
staying away from services because there is
not enough room for everyone. In my opinion
that does not create a hunger and thirst for
righteousness. Pray that God will open the
way for work to be started soon to fill this
need. A minister has been found and will
be coming soon to take over the leadership
of the congregation. A council of seven men
was chosen to help shepherd the flock. This
is nothing but an answer to prayer. We thank
God for it."
At the present rate of exchange, a dollar
given for this work would be worth one
and a half dollars in Germany. One of the
boys who had given nine months at Back-
nang and has now gone to Greece to serve
two more years, was given an offering by his
home congregation. He wrote home asking
permission to give one hundred dollars for
the proposed church, keeping only about
thirty dollars for himself.
We are helping build homes for these
people, thus taking them out of the refugee
camps. Why should we not now help them
build a church so that their spiritual needs
may be cared for? Much money is being
spent remodeling churches in America. I do
not say this is not as it should be, but let us
also help others to have churches where they
can gather for worship and fellowship. I
am not suggesting that anyone give to this
cause rather than to some other, but am sug-
gesting that many of us could give more. Re-
member that Jesus said, "Lay not up for your-
selves treasures upon earth."
And have you been reading the reports
< by our Mission Board Treasurer in each issue
of the Herald? Does it look good to you to
-: see so frequently that funds are not sufficient
for the work our Mission Board has already
undertaken or hopes to undertake? Just be-
fore Jesus was received into glory He said,
"Go ye into all the world." Many of us who
cannot go could do more to help others go.
How pleased the members of our Mission
Board would be and how they would thank
God if they would have to look for places
to use all the "tithes and offerings," rather
than fear some work might have to be discon-
tinued for lack of funds!
Elkhart, Ind.
The
Mennonite
Hour
Sympathy
The Mennonite Hour Staff extends sym-
pathy to the Hostetter family because of the
sudden death of the father of B. Charles Hos-
tetter. Death came as a result of an automo-
bile accident on April 27.
Daylight Saving Time
If you couldn't find The Mennonite Hour
program recently on WRVA, Richmond;
WBZ, Boston; or WOWO, Fort Wayne, per-
haps you failed to consider the advent of Day-
light Saving Time. WRVA broadcasts on
standard time; WBZ and WOWO broadcast
on Daylight Saving Time. If your commu-
nity is on Standard Time and you wish to
hear either WBZ or WOWO listen one hour
earlier. If your community is on Daylight
Saving Time and you wish to hear WRVA
then listen one hour later.
KDKA Pittsburgh Listeners
Beginning May 2 The Mennonite Hour
program was changed from 3:00 p.m. to 1:15
p.m. Sunday. Many listeners did not prefer
the former time so it is hoped the 1:15 re-
lease will be much more satisfactory. KDKA
is found at 1020 on the dial. This broadcast
can be heard in Western Pennsylvania, East-
ern Ohio, Maryland, and parts of Virginia
and West Virginia.
WHRV Ann Arbor Discontinued
May 9 was the last Mennonite Hour broad-
cast on WHRV, Ann Arbor, Mich. If you
formerly listened to this release you can hear
the broadcast from WOWO, Fort Wayne at
10:00 p.m. (Eastern Daylight Saving Time),
1190 on the dial or from WBZ, Boston, at
10:30 p.m., 1030 on the dial.
Bible Conference in Lancaster
B. Charles Hostetter will be present for
Bible Conferences at the following two
churches: Saturday evening and Sunday
morning, May 15, 16 at the Brick (Willow
Street) Mennonite Church, Lancaster, Pa.;
Sunday afternoon and evening, May 16, at
the Strasburg Mennonite Church, Strasburg,
Pa.
Missions Editorial
Did You Say "No"?
Suppose the disciples had said "No" when
Jesus asked them to go forth two by two to
heal and preach. They were meeting a need
in their day which Jesus empowered them
to meet.
For thirty years now the witness of sum-
mer Bible schools has been growing. It has
become an effective way to teach the Bible
and to bring boys and girls and young people
to Christ. We use it in our local congrega-
tions, mission outposts, rural missions, and
city missions.
Ten years ago summer voluntary service
was born. It has developed into an effective
method of recruiting personnel for the sum-
mer Bible school program in missions. Dis-
trict conferences are developing their own
summer service program to assist in the sum-
mer Bible school effort in their district mis-
sions.
The Mennonite Publishing House and the
Mennonite Commission for Christian Educa-
tion have developed a summer Bible school
curriculum which ranks among the best.
More non-Mennonite children are now using
these materials than Mennonite. We praise
God for this additional witness through the
materials used outside our own circles.
Summer Bible school superintendents and
voluntary service directors are now soliciting
personnel for the summer program. Many of
you have no doubt been asked to teach sum-
mer Bible school in your own church or its
mission outpost. Did you say, "No"?
Others have heard the call to enter sum-
mer service or to assist in a city or rural mis-
sion during the Bible school. Will you take a
job instead so that you can purchase some-
thing for yourself? Or have you made plans
to take a trip? Who will teach those boys
and girls who need your leadership if you
don't? Sure, we could not teach all who are
untaught even if every one of us taught Bible
school, but that does not excuse us if we
shirk our duty for selfish reasons.
Some of us already have important tasks
to do which we cannot leave, or we are train-
ing or earning to train for future service. But
too many of us continue to say "No" when
asked to help in this significant part of the
church's teaching and witnessing program.
It is not too late to do something about it.
Volunteer now to your local pastor, summer
Bible school superintendent, or mission out-
post director. Contact your district VS direc-
tor, the MRSC Summer Service Director, or
the MCC Voluntary Service Director im-
mediately. May you allow no selfish interests
to keep you from the service to which God is
calling you this summer. — L. C. Hartzler.
450
GOSPEL HERALD
May ii, 1934
Relief and Service News
MRSC Weekly Notes
Serving through the Mennonite Project,
La Plata, Puerto Rico
The proposed new hospital for Puerto Rico
is estimated to cost about $337,000; two-thirds
of this amount will be provided by the gov-
ernment and the remaining $115,000 will be
raised in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Organi-
zation of the fund raising campaign in Puerto
Rico is getting under way satisfactorily with
the wife of the governor as chairman. An
Endorsing Committee of 26 members, prom-
inent business men of Puerto Rico, has been
chosen to assist in carrying out the cam-
paign. C. L. Graber, Goshen, Ind., and Wil-
liam A. Derstine, Sellersville, Pa., spent some
time on the Island working with John Leh-
man, project director, to get the organiza-
tion under way.
The following statistics for the year 1953
will give an idea of the service given by the
present small 30-bed hospital: "patients hos-
pitalized, 1063; patient days, 7662; major op-
erations, 109; minor operations, 361; deliver-
ies, 205; X rays over an 8-month period, 777.
The La Plata Clinic had a total of 10,437 out-
patient visits; 2,719 new cases; and 9,374 re-
turn visits for the year 1953. Several weeks
ago a guagua driver accepted Christ while in
the hospital. 'To make Christ known' is our
ultimate aim in hospital work. Only by do-
ing this can our hospital meet the most ur-
gent need of Puerto Rico." — from Rio La
Plata, April, 1954.
If you have not already given your con-
tribution to the new hospital for Puerto Rico,
do so now by sending it to the Treasurer,
Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities,
1711 Prairie St., Elkhart, Ind., and designat-
ing it for the hospital.
The Mennonite Project at La Plata also
includes a demonstration farm program to
assist the Puerto Rican farmers to raise more
and better produce. The growing broiler
project now consists of approximately 1,200
broilers at one time and an average of 800
chicks are received bi-weekly from the Moyer
Hatchery in Quakertown, Pa. At present the
community is buying 250-300 chicks per week
and the demand is increasing rapidly. A
large feed company has begun to mix its
feeds on the Island which will be a great ad-
vantage, as feeds will now be much cheaper
and fresher. The dairy, which keeps 12 cows
regularly, is another part of the farm project.
They have a Grade A license for selling the
milk.
In the last issue of Rio La Plata, the VS
news sheet, there appeared a sobering article
entitled "Guilty?" It gave the story of three
homeless boys sleeping under a canvas on the
street. Two of the boys were killed when a
truck driver going to work in the early morn-
ing ran over the canvas. A few days later the
wife of the governor had an article in the
MISSIONS SECTION
local paper asking, "Why? Who is to blame?"
In answer to these questions she imagines
that many will say "We can't do any more.
We are doing all we can." But she answers
firmly, "The Child Welfare ... the churches,
you . . . and I . . . must do more than we can!
We are all to blame for this unfortunate ac-
cident." But to the governor's wife this was
no accident. "It is the symptom of a disease
called indifference." The article closes by
saying, "Then she . . . holds up certain peo-
ple as models of self-sacrifice, Christian love,
and redemptive suffering. . . ." Among those
are the Mennonites. Our workers are giving
a vital witness in Puerto Rico.
I-W Services
The nineteen-voice male chorus of the
Newtown, Conn., I-W unit directed by Da-
vid Brunk, Harrisonburg, Va., gave a pro-
gram at Middletown, Conn., on April 22.
The Lantern, a pastoral release going out
to all Mennonite I-W men every two weeks,
will be sent to any other interested persons at
the price of $1.00 per year. This is a change
in a former announcement when it was of-
fered for $2.00 per year. Those interested in
receiving this publication should send their
request and subscription fee to the Editor,
The Lantern, 1711 Prairie St., Elkhart, Ind.
Some pastors have expressed interest in
having young men who will soon be entering
I-W service receive The Lantern. We will be
glad to mail The Lantern to such if the pas-
tors will send their young men's names and
addresses to the Editor, The Lantern at the
above address.
Released April 30, 1954
Office for Relief and Service
Elkhart, Ind.
MCC Weekly Notes
March, April Relief Shipments Total 282
Tons
Relief materials consisting principally of
food, clothing, shoes, and soap weighing ap-
proximately 282 tons and valued at $232,546
were shipped to Austria, France, Germany,
Greece, Jordan, and Korea during March and
April.
These totals include all shipments made
from the MCC offices in Akron, Pa., Water-
loo, Ont., and Reedley, Calif., during this pe-
riod. There has been an unusual amount of
MCC shipping in recent months.
These shipments totaling 564,160 pounds
are possible through the continued generous
contributions of Mennonites and Brethren in
Christ in the United States and Canada. Each
item has attached to it the label, "In the
name of Christ," and is given as an expres-
sion of Christ's compassion and love.
The food consists of flour, butter, cereal,
and canned goods, mostly beef. In addition to
clothing and bedding, other materials include
school supplies, seed potatoes, Christmas
cards, and garden tools.
The following is breakdown of shipments
to the various countries according to pounds:
Austria, 134,5903; France, 31,838; Germany,
299,273; Greece, 8,853; Jordan, 20,602; and
Korea, 69,0035.
Released April 30, 1954
MCC Information Service
Akron, Pa.
Women's Activities
"They Caught a Vision" was the theme of
the Illinois district sewing circle meeting held
at Sterling, 111., April 24. The following guest
speakers represented their own fields of serv-
ice: Mrs. Jonathan Yoder, India; Mrs. Floyd
Sieber, Argentina; and Mrs. Virgil Brenne-
man, Iowa City, Iowa.
Recently the Illinois district sent funds to
Prairie View Hospital to be used in decorat-
ing a four-bed ward. This included floor and
ceiling tile, wall paint, a door, baseboard, and
light fixture.
• • •
In its column "Our Thanks to . . ." of the
Mennonite Hospital News, the March issue
contains a long list of gifts donated to the
hospital. Some of the gifts are: bassinet
spreads, small draperies, drawsheets, isola-
tion gowns, hot water bottle covers, patients'
gowns, cash, dish towels, receiving blankets,
pillowcases, rag rugs, pot holders, hand tow-
els, washcloths, diapers, nursery gowns, and
bands.
• • •
It is always good to see literature orders
balanced, having the same order for Prayer
Guides and Sewing Circle Monthlies, This
indicates a live interest in the work of the
organization, in the work of the church, and
sincere love for Christ in whose name wc
serve.
Should your circle not have caught the
vision for a fully rounded program, why not
have a meeting with your officers and ar-
range to- have our literature in every home?
You will find this a paying proposition both
spiritually and financially. People respond ac-
cording to the measure that they are in-
formed. Show faith in your people, that their
faith may increase.
• * •
W hile in Florida a few weeks ago, your
literature secretary spoke to an appreciative
audience at the Bay Shore Mennonite Church
on "Forward Moves in Women's Work in
the Mennonite Church." Items discussed
were the office of the Field Secretary; reasons
for inviting all women's groups to work
through the general organization of their
church; the desirability of a change in name
for the organization; and the importance of
having each sister contribute according to her
ability to the work of her church.
• • •
If you have not already done so, now is the
tunc to take advantage of special sales for
selecting items for the Goodwill Christmas
Bundles you and your children are planning
to send soon to your nearest MCC station.
W hat a joy it must be for our relief workers
to hand out Christmas bundles to the hosts
of innocent, needy children, and again how
painful it must be to have to refuse some of
these simply because some of us in our com-
May it, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
451
fortable surroundings failed to respond in
time! Let us be among the faithful each day
of our lives, that our joy may be full in Him.
# * *
Let us pray for the Annual Women's Meet-
ing which is to be held June 18, 19, at
Sheridan, Oreg., that God's holy will may be
done in all things. Pray for the speakers, for
the officers, for all who have special responsi-
bilities.— Mrs. C. L. Shank.
From Our Churches
AKERS, LOUISIANA
(Akers Congregation)
Dear Fellow Laborers :
There aren't enough laborers for the white
harvest fields of the south. ". . . pray ye there-
fore . . . ."
We praise the Lord for His continued mercies
to us, and trust that we may become fit vessels
for His rich blessings.
We have reasons to praise the Lord. We are
happy for the new spiritual life manifest in
some of our young people. We are also grateful
for the evidence of the Spirit's convicting pres-
ence with those who have lost out spiritually,
and we trust that they may again seek and find
Christ precious to their souls. Those of you
who are definite prayer warriors take courage,
for we know God is dealing with these people.
Our future plans include Regional Conference
at Gulfhaven Church, in Gulfport, Miss., May
7-9; summer Bible school at Akers, June 14-25;
and following our Bible school, the service unit
will work with Bro. Henry Tregle among the
colored people for four weeks of Bible school and
visitation.
We want to voice our appreciation for the
Mennonite Hour which we enjoy each Sunday
afternoon. We also enjoy Bro. Edward Miller's
broadcast each Saturday from Mississippi.
May the Lord richly bless you and lay on your
hearts the burden of prayer.
George and Ruby Reno.
CANTON, KANSAS
(Spring Valley Congregation)
Dear Gospel Herald Readers:
Bro. Harry Diener, Hutchinson, Kans., was
with us on March 14 for counsel meeting serv-
ices.
We had our semiannual Sunday-school and
church election on March 21 with the following
officers elected : Sunday-school supt., John
Wenger ; assistant supt., Jesse Diener ; primary
supt., Wilma Diener ; assistant supt., Ethel
Loucks ; Sunday-school chorister, Mrs. Clyde
Jantz ; church chorister, Charlie Loucks ; secre-
tary-treasurer, Lonnie Loucks ; librarian, Rachel
Diener ; correspondent, Rachel Sommerfeld.
We had communion services on March 28,
when Bro. J. G. Hartzler, West Liberty congre-
gation, was here. This Christian fellowship
means much to us.
The Collegiate Chorale of Hesston College
and Bible School, under the direction of J. P.
Duerksen, presented a program of sacred music
on April 4. A fellowship luncheon was served
to the chorus and friends.
On April 11 the Pilgrim Quartet from Goshen,
Ind., gave a program of singing, testimony, and
a talk. We are deeply grateful when others
come to our church to give programs.
Services were held on Good Friday evening.
May God's blessings be with you.
Rachel Sommerfeld.
VESTABURG, MICHIGAN
(Zion Congregation)
Greetings in the name of Christ our Saviour.
We earnestly watch for His return.
The Good Friday meeting of the Bowne,
White Cloud, Pleasantview, and Zion congre-
gations was held at Pleasantview.
We were happy to have with us on Easter
morning a Gospel team of three foreign students
and Bro. and Sister John Oyer, Goshen College.
Their messages reminded us again that we are
only pilgrims and strangers here. After the
service we all enjoyed a fellowship dinner at the
home of our minister, Erie Bontrager.
Bro. and Sister H. James Martin were with
us April 3. Sister Martin talked to the children
and Bro. Martin brought us a message.
Other speakers of the recent past were the
brethren Clarence Yoder, Midland ; Floyd Bon-
trager, Clare ; and Royal Buskirk, Brutus, Mich.
At the present time we are trying to landscape
the church lawn.
Pray for us in the work here at Vestaburg.
Mrs. Neil Buskirk.
WOODBINE. MARYLAND
(Goshen Congregation)
We greet all Christians in the name of Jesus,
the One that made it possible for us to become
sons and daughters of God.
The Lord has blessed us so that we were able
to establish two outposts the first Sunday in
May one year ago. One is at Dawsonville, a
church made available to us by the old school
Baptist Church. The work is growing with the
highest attendance 117, average about 80. Bro.
Clarence Piefer is superintendent. Six families
from Hagerstown are serving as teachers.
Work started at Gaithersburg the same Sun-
day. Highest attendance was 60. Glenn Sell
and Maurice Horst are superintendents of the
Sunday school. We have been holding services
in an old bank building in the afternoon but
hope to have it in the morning from now on.
We are in need of workers to serve and live
here on the field. The harvest truly is great with
reapers few. We pray that the Lord will lay it
on some hearts to help with His work at this
place.
We had Bible school at Goshen in the morning
and Gaithersburg in the evening last summer
with good attendance at both places.
The high light of the year was in September
when Bro. Wilmer Hunseeker was ordained to
the ministry for Goshen and outposts.
Our revival meetings were held in November
by Bro. Stoner Krady. Meetings were held at
Gaithersburg on April 11-18 by John Martin,
Bareville. Pa. Three mothers and one young
man accepted Christ. We give God the glory.
Our work has been blessed at Goshen. Sunday-
school attendance average was over one hundred.
The devil also has been busy. Four of our young
girls have gone back into sin. Some of them still
attend services. Our prayer is that they may
see their mistake and will reclaim the Lord
for their own.
We observed communion on April 11. The
evening before one sister was baptized. One
young married man is under instruction now.
Bishop Lloy Kniss was with us for these serv-
ices.
Our fifth anniversary meeting is again history.
It was held April 24, 25 with the brethren Amos
Weaver and Harold Hunseeker as the main
speakers.
Our senior pastor, Bro. Menno Sell, is holding
revivals at the Columbia, Pa., Mission.
Our first anniversary was held at the Dawson-
ville outpost on May 2 with Christian Frank
and Lester Hoover as main speakers. Bro.
Hoover will continue through the week with
revival meetings.
Bro. Edgar Horst, Hagerstown, Md., is our
superintendent at Goshen. We have thirteen
teachers here, with seven from the Hagerstown
area.
We have two great needs — one is workers and
the other is for prayers going up to the throne
of grace in our behalf.
John and Esther Peachey.
Challenges from Serving in a
Mental Hospital
By a I-W Man
Next Sunday notice how empty the
young men's section of your church is.
Notice the gap that appears in the class-
es after high school age and in the young
married classes. Some of these young
people are in Voluntary Service, some
are away at school, and some are in I-W
Service. It is this latter group with which
this article is concerned. The young men
are not the only ones away from home.
Many of us are married and our wives
are with us and often working in the
same places with us.
The mental hospitals we work in are
large institutions— homes for several
thousand people who the rest of us have
decided are not capable of living "out-
side." We work an eight-hour shift with
one day in seven off. Our fellow employ-
ees are usually non-Christian and can
see no reason for the consideration CO's
receive. Some fellow employees are other
I-W's from other religious groups— Am-
ish, Brethren, Church of Christ, Quaker,
and many others. While we differ in
many beliefs and ideals, yet our love and
faith in the same Christ draw us together
and give us a common cause.
I-W service in a mental hospital pre-
sents many challenges and brings new
situations into our lives. Living a Christ-
like life is one of the main challenges we
must face. We are here because we are
Christians, and we must be prepared to
face each challenge as Christ would.
Christ taught us to be kind, loving, and
understanding. He said people will know
us by our works. Patients soon learn the
difference between a I-W attendant and
a non-Christian attendant. Attitudes,
words, and deeds spell the difference.
We find a challenge, too, among our
fellow employees. They notice that we
live a different life. Few of us smoke,
we don't drink; neither do we swear as
that does not go with the Christian life.
These are outward signs easily read and
understood. We hope that through see-
ing Christlike lives these people will be
led to Him. Often fellow employees may
treat us in a manner that is not pleasant.
By practicing a Christian spirit these
same employees later become our friends.
The treatment of patients is another
challenge. We are here for the express
purpose of watching and caring for these
mentally disturbed people. These peo-
ple have come to be a real part of our
daily lives. We have found that the little
"extras" that one does for them are paid
back by the happiness it brings to them.
To see Christ in our work presents
another challenge. Often it is tiresome
to be at the same place week after week
and do the same work day after day,
especially when we see other jobs we
would like better. Most of us don't plan
to make caring for the mentally ill our
life work, and, therefore, our main in-
terest isn't here. Seeing Christ in our
work is then difficult. We are working
with a class of people that society largely
bypasses. Our work isn't glamorous or
exciting and, as often as not, it isn't very
clean either. Though we wear white
shirts to work, we are far from working
in the "white collar class." But we are
doing this for Christ, and we have His
promise that if we do it unto the least of
these we do it unto Him.
Another challenge which comes our
way is perhaps more selfish, the chal-
lenge of our own lives. This is the first
time away from home for most of us. We
are out on our own resources and are our
own bosses— during off hours, at least.
452
GOSPEL HERALD
May ii, ipsj
We are earning money and looking for
ways to spend or save it. At home we had
our parents to advise and guide us. We
naturally went to church on Sundays.
Here Sunday is like any other day. We
are among a group of other fellows, and
when not at work there is little to do—
unless we make worth-while things to do.
It is a real challenge to keep up a de-
votional life and to go to church some-
where. This challenge extends into so-
cial and recreational areas to find things
to do that are wholesome and uplifting
and also interesting.
We I-W's ask an interest in your
prayers. We leel that we in ourselves
aren't strong enough to do the job that
faces us, and that only through Christ
can we serve more effectively. We realize
that we aren't in the situation of our
older brothers when they were in CPS.
We don't make the sacrifices they made
and yet this is a real experience for us
and will be a part of our lives we will
always remember. We hope and pray
that our witness and testimony will be
to the honor and glory of God.— Via
Office for Relief and Service, Elkhart,
Ind.
FIELD NOTES (Continued)
Christian Education Conferences were held
at the following Ontario churches on Satur-
day evening, May 1, and Sunday afternoon
and evening, May 2: Elmira and St. Jacobs;
Wideman, Steinman, and Mapleview. Since
these meetings followed the meeting of the
Commission for Christian Education, person-
nel from this group served on the programs,
which dealt with the following themes: "The
Effective Sunday School Teacher," "Effec-
tive Christian Life and Service," and "Effec-
tive Evangelism."
Eight new members were added to the fel-
lowship of the church at Wooster, Ohio,
seven by baptism, and one by letter, in the
service on Sunday morning, May 2. In the
evening communion services were held. The
total membership is now 130.
The Wooster, Ohio, congregation is plan-
ning to complete its new church building so
as to be able to dedicate it on Fall Mission-
ary Day.
Bro. Paul Swarr, who has been assisting in
the pastoral work at St. Jacobs, Ont., preached
his farewell sermon there on Sunday morn-
ing, May 2. He left on May 3 for his home
in East Petersburg, Pa., and expects to take
up his new duties as an area director for I-W
men in the Eastern States.
Announcements
"The Home God Meant Lives Economical-
ly," will be the topic for the Lititz, Pa., young
people's Bible meeting May 16. Raymond
Charles will be the speaker.
A special centennial program will be held
.ii the Maple Grove Church, Topeka, Ind.,
Sunday afternoon, May 16.
Dedication services for the new Preston
Mennonite Church, Preston, Ont., will be
held Sunday afternoon, May 16. The dedica-
tion message will be given by C. F. Derstine.
Howard L. Good, pastor, will have charge
of the dedication services. The new church
building replaces the former Hagey Church,
twice destroyed by fire, and marks 112 years
of continued service.
Workers' meeting at Mountain View, near
Buffalo, Ark., on Saturday, May 15, forenoon
and afternoon, for all workers in the Arkan-
sas stations.
Graduation exercises at the Mountain View
School, Ark., Thursday evening, May 27,
when two will graduate from the eighth
grade.
Mission meeting at Reiff's Church, on As-
cension Day, May 27, with Stanley Beidler,
Quakertown, Pa., and Russel S. Zeager,
Elizabethtown, Pa., as speakers.
Twenty-fourth quarterly Bible meeting at
Manchester Mission, York, Pa., Saturday eve-
ning, May 22, and all day Sunday following.
Speakers: John E. Lapp, Lansdale, Pa., and
Donald E. Lauver, Oakland Mills, Pa.
Visiting Speakers
April 18. Truman Brunk, Denbigh, Va.,
and J. Ward Shank, Broadway, Va., at Son-
nenberg Church, Apple Creek, Ohio.
April 25. Wilbur Hostetler, Dhamtari,
M.P., at Plato, Ind. Milo Stutzman, King-
man, Alta., at Fairview, Albany, Oreg. Allen
Erb, Lebanon, Oreg., at Filer, Idaho.
May 2. Ernest G. Gehman, Harrisonburg,
Va., at Strasburg, Pa., morning and evening.
Henry Ginder, Brethren in Christ minister,
at Landisville, Pa., Church, speaking on his
trip to Japan. Glen Yoder, supt. Children's
Home, Kansas City, Kans., at Protection,
Kans.
May 9. Bro. and Sister Millard Lind, Scott-
dale, Pa., at Johnstown, Pa., in messages on
the home. Bro. and Sister Paul Erb, Scott-
dale, Pa., at Calvary Church, Pinckney, Mich.,
in a home conference.
Evangelistic Meetings
Myron Augsburger, Harrisonburg, Va., in
city-wide tent campaign, Hannibal, Mo., July
11-25. C F. Derstine, Kitchener, Ont., at the
new church at Preston, Ont., May 16-23.
Nelson Kauffman, Hannibal, Mo., at East
Goshen, Ind., May 2-9, ending with a home
conference. Richard Martin, Elida, Ohio, at
Pinto, Md., beginning May 2.
Meetings conducted by George R. Brunk,
Denbigh, Va., at Scottdale, Pa., April 19-25,
resulted in about twenty confessions in ac-
ceptance of Christ and reconsecration. Bro.
Brunk also spoke three times to the Publish-
ing House workers.
MISSION NEWS (Continued)
Passion week speakers at Rabanal, Puerto
Rico, included the brethren Esteban Rivera,
Fidel Santiago, Samuel Rolon, and John
Driver from the La Plata congregation.
Bro. Wilbur Nachtigall, Palo Hincado,
Puerto Rico, reports renewed interest shown
by local residents in the La Cuchilla area, par-
ticularly among the children of former Chris-
tians who attended the church there when it
was a Baptist chapel. Pray for the Nachtigalls
in their witness at La Cuchilla.
All congregations and mission stations in
Puerto Rico participated in a Good Friday
service at La Plata centered around the theme
"The Seven Sayings of Christ on the Cross."
Groups were present from Coamo, Pulguillas,
Coamo Arriba, La Cuchilla, Palo Hincado,
Uzabon, Salto, Cayey, Guavate, Rabanal, and
about 50 persons from the Baptist congrega-
tion at Maton Arriba. Bro. Elvin Snyder
spoke and the choruses from the Pulguillas
and La Plata congregations and La Hora del
Calvario quartet provided special music.
Officers elected at the 37th Annual Meet-
ing of the Illinois Mennonite Mission Board
for a two-year term are president, Ralph Im-
hoff, Metamora Mennonite Church; field
worker, Chris Graber, Roanoke Mennonite
Church. John L. Harnish was elected to
serve as colporteur for the unexpired term of
one year. He was also appointed to be direc-
tor of Wayside Herald for the coming year.
Robert Harnish was reappointed as pastor
at Highway Village for the coming year.
Are We Insane ?
"Americans are insane," said a European
of us recendy. Before we show too much
resentment at that remark, we should study
ourselves just a bit. Dr. Oliver R. Bryant, of
Los Angeles, recently said: "Tobacco today
kills more people than hard liquor. Tobacco,
especially in the form of cigarettes, causes
70 per cent of all deaths in coronary heart
disease and its associated heart and circula-
tory ailments." This statement is from a
physician who concedes that he himself is a
smoker. He adds, "Seventy-eight per cent
of all deaths among doctors are due to cor-
onary heart disease and a similar per cent
of all doctors are heavy smokers."
If this is true, and other physicians con-
cur, then we are an insane people, for only
the insane deliberately plot and assist in the
taking of their own lives.
"In seven cases out of ten, sudden death
among prominent businessmen across the
nation is caused by heart disease due to to-
bacco," s-ays Dr. Bryant. How Dr. Bryant
ever got that statement into a daily news-
paper is the riddle. It is certain that he will
not be the idol of the American Tobacco
Company or Lucky Strike after this! — The
Methodist Challenge, June 1953.
Employer — "These recommendations from
your minister and Sunday-school teacher are
very fine. But we don't work on Sundays.
Haven't you a reference from somebody who
sees you on weekdays'" — Canton Church
Bulletin.
Think of your own faults the first part of
the night when you are awake and the faults
of others the latter part of the night when
you are asleep. — Selected.
May IX, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
453
MARRIAGES
May the blessings of God be upon the homes
established by the marriages here listed. A year s
subscription to the GOSPEL HERALD is given to those
whose address is supplied by the officiating minister.
Beiler — Brubaker. — Raymond S. Beiler, Con-
estoga, Pa.. Mennouite Church, and Eva B.
Brubaker, Church of the Brethren, by Ralph E.
Ebersole, Jan. 2, 1954.
Bellar— Oswald.— John Bellar and Deloris
Oswald, both members of the Plum Creek con-
gregation, Beemer, Nebr., by Sam Oswald, uncle
of the bride, at the Plum Creek Mennonite
Church, Feb. 14, 1954.
Cressman — Schniucker. — Irvin Cressman.
Biehn congregation. New Hamburg, Ont, and
Elaine Schmucker. Bancroft congregation,
Toledo, Ohio, by Freeman Asehliman, assisted by
Curtis Cressman, at the Bancroft Mennonite
Church. April 4, 1954.
Martin — Weaver. — Harold W. Martin. Mari-
etta, Pa., and Bertha M. Weaver, Mechanics-
burg, Pa., by W. M. Strong, assisted by Amos
Souder, Jr., at the Slate Hill Mennonite Church,
March 13, 1954. _
Miller — Good. — Floyd Miller, Westover, Md.,
congregation, and Eunice Good, Vincent congre-
gation, Spring City, Pa., by Matthew Kolb, as-
sisted by Norman Bechtel, at the Vincent
Church, April 17, 1954.
Rattier — Martin. — James M. Ramer and Mar-
garet Martin, both of the Yellow Creek congre-
gation, Goshen, Ind., by William Ramer. father
of the groom, at the bride's home. Sept. 6, 1953.
Bice — Miller. — Detweiler — Alderfer. — Howard
Rice. Perkasie, Pa., and Anna Miller. Dublin,
Pa., Deep Run congregation.
Durrell Detweiler and Miriam Alderfer, both
of Perkasie, Pa., Deep Run congregation. This
was a double wedding by Erwin K. Nace at
the Deep Run meetinghouse, April 17, 1954.
Swartzentruber — Miller. — Norman E. Swartz-
entruber. Riverside congregation. Turner, Mich.,
and Ruth Marie Miller, West Clinton congre-
gation, Pettisville, Ohio, by Raymond Richer,
assisted by Noah Swartzentruber, father of the
groom, at the West Clinton Church, April 18,
1954.
BIRTHS
Martin, Herbert and Lucille (Mitten), Colum-
biana, Ohio, fourth child, third daughter, Lu-
cinda Mae, April 25, 1954.
Miller, Raymond and Orpha (Murray),
Rochester, N.Y., first child, Robert Lee, April
19. 1954. t „,,_.„
Miller, Mr. and Mrs. J. Robert, Manheim, Pa.,
first child. Robert Lynn, Feb. 16, 1954.
Oswald, Sam, Jr., and Dorothy (Erb), West
Point, Nebr., second child, first son, David Lynn,
April 21, 1954. , .
Peachey, LeRoy L. and Lois (Hostetler),
Belleville, Pa., third child, second son. Dean
Edwin, April 22, 1954. v „
Petersheim, Oliver and Ethel (Diller). Green-
castle, Pa., fifth child, third son, Laverne, April
21, 1954.
" Rheinheimer, Maynard and Mildred (Al-
brecht). Pigeon, Mich., first child, Terry Lynn,
April 23, 1954. ,. v
Rufenacht. Willard and Waneta (Fielitz),
Archbold, Ohio, third child, Richard Dean,
April 23, 1954. 4 „
Selzer, Merle and Lois (Nitzsche), Canton,
Kans., third child, first daughter, Karen Eileen,
April 25, 1954. „ v
Shenk. Clarence M. and Marian (Root), Lan-
caster, Pa., second child, first son, John Clar-
ence, April 20. 1954.
Shenk, Samuel S. and Katherine (Showalter),
Broadway, Va., fourth child, second daughter,
Emily Kay, Nov. 13, 1953.
Showalter, Oliver and Frances (Miller), L111-
ville. Va., sixth child, third daughter, Elizabeth
Ann, April 22, 1954.
Weaver, Martin H. and Ruth (Gehman),
Ephrata, Pa., fourth child, first son, Martin G,
April 14, 1954. . „.
Yoder. Elmer A. and Velma (Yoder). River-
side, Iowa, second child, first son, Myron Keith,
April 7, 1954.
Zehr, Marvin D. and Florence (Eigsti), Man-
son, Iowa, second daughter. Julia Faye, April
14. 1954.
Ziegler, Kenneth W. and Ruby (Nice), Den-
bigh, Va., second child, first son, Stephen
Michael, March 22, 1954.
OBITUARIES
May the sustaining grace and comfort of our Lord
bless these who are bereaved.
"Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord" (Ps. 127:3a).
Benedict, Clyde E. and Verdna J. (Hershey),
Philadelphia. Pa., first child, Marlin Eugene,
April 12, 1954.
Bontrager. Eli and Ruth (Yoder). Milford,
Del., seventh child, fourth son, Philip Edwin,
April 5, 1954.
Brenneman. Willard and Ruth (Marner),
Wellman, Iowa, fourth child, second daughter,
Karol Lynne, April 19, 1954.
Diller, Jacob R. and Naomi R. (Martin),
Hagerstown, Md., third child, second daughter,
Lorraine Ellen, April 5. 1954.
Gingerich, Beryl J. and Marion (Jantzi),
Lowville, N.Y., fourth child, third daughter,
Barbara Ann, April 15, 1954.
Graybill, Melvin M. and Dorothy (Brubaker).
Palmyra, Pa., third child, second son. Dale
R.. April 20. 1954.
Graybill, Wilbur and Lucy (Byler). Mifflin-
town, Pa., twin sons, Wilbur Dale and Wilmer
Dean, Feb. 5. 1954.
Grove, Martin B. and Iva (Showalter), Han-
over, Pa., a son, Lester Harvey, March 25, 1954.
Herr. Paul M. and Esther (Hauck). Quarry-
ville. Pa., fifth child, third daughter, Esther
Kathleen, April 18. 1954.
Hoover, George and Rachel (Good). Kutz-
town. Pa., third child, second daughter, Beverly
G.. April 21, 1954.
King, Clifford E. and Mona Bebe (Yoder),
Fort Worth, Texas, third child, first son, Robert
Claire. April 8, 1954.
Landvater. Robert and Kathleen (Wenger).
Mount Joy, Pa., first child, Donna Lou. Jan. 22,
1954.
Mack, Andrew, Jr., and Ruth (Halteman),
Yerkes, Pa., fourth -child, third son, Paul H.,
April 9. 1954.
Bontrager, Mary Magdalene, oldest daughter
of Amos and Elizabeth (Grove) Weaver, was
born Oct. 11, 1915, near Kinross, Iowa; was
called to rest at the Halstead Clinic, April 21,
1954; aged 38 y. 6 m. 10 d. She had been
afflicted five years previously with chronic ulcer-
ative coliti6. She had a second major operation
from which she never recovered. She leaves to
mourn her departure her husband (David A.
Bontrager), 2 daughters (Twila Fern, aged 12;
Bonnie Jean, aged 5), 2 sons (Orval Lee, aged
11; Duane Dee, aged 9), her parents, 5 sisters
(Esther— Mrs. Leroy E. Schrock, Glen Flora,
Wis.; Goldie— Mrs. Melvin Miller, Ft. Seybert,
W. Va. ; Virginia, Goshen, Ind. ; and Velma —
Mrs. Dean Yoder, Wellman, Iowa), and one
brother (Vernon, Kalona, Iowa). She was pre-
ceded in death by 2 brothers (Floyd and Mel-
vin).
She united with the Liberty Mennonite
Church, South English, Iowa, at the age of
seven. Her faithful service at home and her
activity in the home church prepared her for
her call to serve at the Hutchinson Mission.
She married David Bontrager on Nov. 10, 1940.
Funeral services were held at, the Yoder Men-
nonite Church, April 25, conducted by Harry A.
Diener, Andrew Bontrager, Edward Yutzy, and
John E. Wenger.
Hochstetler, Ruth Leona, daughter of Joseph
and Elizabeth (Dettweiler) Tyson, was born
March 8, 1899, in Elkhart Co., Ind. : died April
21, 1954 ; aged 55 y. 1 m. 13 d. In her youth
she accepted Christ as her Saviour and united
with the Yellow Creek Mennonite Church
where she remained a faithful member until
death. On Nov. 3, 1923, she was united in
marriage to Levi G. Hochstetler. To this union
were born 4 daughters and 2 sons (Gladys,
Westville, Ind. ; Ernest, Syracuse, Ind. ; Lois —
Mrs. Lloyd Miller, and Fern — Mrs. Maynard
Begly. both of Goshen, Ind. ; and Faye and
Otis, at home). Surviving besides her husband
and 6 children are 4 grandchildren, her mother,
one sister (Mrs. William Goetz, of Goshen), and
2 brothers (Levi, Elkhart, Ind., and Elmer,
Wakarusa, Ind.). Three grandchildren, her
father, and one brother preceded her in
death. Funeral services were held at the
Yellow Creek Mennonite Church with Roy S.
Koch and Peter Wiebe in charge. Interment
was made in the adjoining cemetery.
Hochstetler, Samuel D., son of the late Pre.
David and Magdalena Hochstetler, was born in
Elkhart Co., Ind., Aug. 25, 1872 ; died Feb. 17,
1954, on the same farm where he was born ;
aged 81 y. 5 m. 23 d. He was united in mar-
riage to Magdalena Troyer on March 26, 1893.
She preceded him in death in 1947. He leaves
to mourn his departure 2 sons, 5 daughters, 2
foster sons, and one foster daughter (Elmer, of
Goshen ; Sarah— Mrs. Henry Miller, Middlebury,
Ind. ; Mary — Mrs. Manasseh Bontreger, Calico
Rock, Ark.' ; Elam, of the home place ; Fannie —
Mrs. Fred Otto, of Goshen; Lucy, a patient
at the mental hospital, Logansport, Ind. ;
gusie — Mrs. Andrew Miller, Millersburg, Ind.;
Blair Ringler, Portland, Oreg. ; Walter Hein-
rich and Almeda — Mrs. Daniel Kauffman, both
of Goshen, Ind.), 24 grandchildren, 13 foster
grandchildren, 6 stepgrandchildren, 14 great-
grandchildren, 12 foster great-grandchildren, and
3 brothers (Joseph, Kokomo, Ind. ; Daniel,
Canby, Oreg.; and Amos, Nappanee, Ind.). He
was preceded in death by 4 small sons, 2 grand-
sons, one granddaughter, his parents, 5 brothers,
and 3 sisters. He died of a weak heart and
obstruction of the bowels. He was bedfast for
about five months but suffered little pain except
for the last eleven hours of his life. He was
ordained to the ministry on Nov. 3, 1902, and
to the office of bishop on Nov. 23, 1923. Funeral
services were held at the home on Feb. 20, con-
ducted by Rudy Kauffman and Christ Miller
in German, and Ira S. Johns in English, assisted
by Perry Nislev, Harry Stutzman, Henry Miller,
and Albert Graber. Interment was made in
the Nisley Cemetery.
Leatherman, John S.. son of the late Jacob
L and Elizabeth (Swartz) Leatherman, was
born Dec. 12, 1872, at Pipersville, Pa. He
was married to Ellen M. Landes of Pipersville.
After marriage he and his wife united with the
Deep Run Mennonite Church. To this union
9 children were born ; one was stillborn, Howard
died in infancy, and Jacob, who was pastor of
the Providence Mennonite Church, passed away
in December. 1953. Six are still living to mourn
his departure (Elizabeth, Abner, Paul, and
Lydia— Mrs. Milton C. Keeler, all of Perkasie,
Pa.: Sara— Mrs. Russel M. Moyer, Telford,
Pa.; and Elsie — Mrs. Curtis K. Freed, Souder-
ton. Pa.). He was a truck farmer most of his
life, and attended the Blooming Glen Mennonite
Church very regularly over the years, where he
taught Sunday-school classes as long as he was
well. He retired about seven years ago and
spent the last years at the home of his daughter
and son-in-law (Mr. and Mrs. Curtis K. Freed).
He passed away March 18, 1954; aged 81 y.
3 m 6 d. Services were held at the Blooming
Glen Mennonite Church on March 22. Joseph L.
Gross preached the sermon, assisted by David
Derstine and Menno Souder. Burial was made
in the adjoining cemetery.
Lehman, John P., son of Peter J. and Eliza-
beth (Kipfer) Lehman, was born Feb. 1, 1871,
near Kidron, Ohio ; died at the home of his son
(Mr. and Mrs. Simon J. Lehman) on April 22,
1954, from a heart attack ; aged 83 y. 2 m. 21 d.
He accepted Christ as his Saviour and joined
the Mennonite Church in his youth. He re-
mained faithful to his religious beliefs until
the end of life. He was a lover of music and
enjoyed singing. He composed a song entitled,
"Saviour, Lead Me All the Way." He married
Mary Zuercher on Dee. 14, 1893. They were
occupied in farming in this community all their
lives. In 1935 thev sold their farm and moved
to Kidron. On March 25, 1942, his companion
preceded him in death. Surviving are 5 sons
(Aaron, Apple Creek, Ohio; Simon, David, and
Martin, of Kidron ; and Weldon, Wooster, Ohio),
19 grandchildren. 15 great-grandchildren, one
brother (David P., of Apple Creek). 2 sisters
(Anna Zuercher, Harrisonburg, Va., and
Sarah — Mrs. Simon W. Sommer, Millersburg,
Ohio), also a large number of other relatives
and friends. Funeral services were held April
24 at the Kidron Mennonite Church with Reuben
Hofstetter, Isaac Zuercher, and Allen Bixler
officiating. Burial was made in the adjoining
cemetery.
Roth, Lvdia, daughter of Joseph L. and
Catherine (Zehr) Roth, was born near Baden,
Ont, Sept. 29, 1883 ; passed away at St. Mary's
Hospital, Kitchener, Ont., March 16, 1954 ; aged
70 y. 5 m. 15 d. She accepted Christ as her
Saviour in her youth and united with the Maple
View A.M. Church, Wellesley, Ont.. and later
454
GOSPEL HERALD
May ii, 1954
when she moved to different communities, she
transferred her membership to the Croghan
A.M. Church, Croghan, N.Y., and to the
Steinman A.M. Church. Baden, Ont. She
also served in the A.M. Children's Home in
Maryland for some time. She was in ill health
the last five years. Surviving are four brothers
(Christian, Joseph, Benjamin, all of Wellesley,
Ont.; and Samuel, Waterloo, Ont.) and 6 sisters
(Mary — Mrs. Abraham Steinman, New Ham-
burg, Ont.; Katie — Mrs. Jo6eph B. Leis, Elrose,
Sask. ; Salome — Mrs. Emanuel Roth, New Ham-
burg, Ont. ; Madeline — Mrs. William Kropf,
Kitchener, Ont.; Sarah and Edna, Waterloo,
Ont.). Funeral services were held at the Stein-
man A.M. Church. Baden, Ont, in charge of
Elmer Sehwartzentruber, assisted by Peter Naf-
ziger. Burial was made in the adjoining ceme-
tery.
Rushly, Chris W., son of the late Chris and
Anna (Klopfenstein) Rushly, was born July 2.
1808, at Alsace Lorraine, France. At the age
of 14 he, with his mother and sister (Emma),
came to the United States, settling south of
Holden, Mo. In hie youth he accepted Christ
as his personal Saviour and became a member
of the Mennonite Church, in which faith he
remained until his death.
On May 12, 1907, he was united in marriage
with Susie Raber. This home was blessed with
3 sons (Rolla Alfred, Lawrence Ervin, and
Ralph Daniel). With hie family he moved near
Garden City, Mo., in 1916.
Recently he was stricken with pneumonia but
was soon able to resume his duties. On March
30 he submitted to surgery from which he never
recovered. He was called home on April 4, 1954 ;
aged 85 y. 9 m. 2 d. Besides hie parents, one
sister preceded him in death. He is survived by
his companion of nearly fifty years, his 3 sons,
and 6 grandchildren, all of the same community,
a sister (Mrs. Emma Klopfenstein), and a niece
and nephew, all of Downey, Calif., and many
other relatives and friends.
The funeral was held at the Sycamore Grove
Mennonite Church near Garden City, Mo., on
April 7. Frank Raber preached the sermon,
assisted by S. S. Hershberger and John A.
Kauffman. Interment was made in the Clearfork
Cemetery.
Snyder. Linda Carol, was born Dec. 16, 1953.
in Peoria, 111. ; departed this life April 21, 1954.
at Proctor Hospital, following a brief illness of
pneumonia ; aged 4 m. 5 d. She was enrolled
on the Ann Street Mennonite Church Cradle
Roll. She leaves to mourn her departure, her
parente (Robert R. and Shirley Huffman
Snyder), 2 sisters (Barbara Jean and Sharon
Sue), a brother (Jess Russell), all at home; her
grandparents (Mr. and Mrs. Jess Snyder, and
Mrs. Emma Bouchez. all of Peoria), besides
many other relatives and friends. Funeral
services were conducted at the Ann Street Men-
nonite Church in charge of the pastor. J. J.
TTosfcHer. with interment in the Swan Lnko
Memory Garden.
Winder. Charles, was born in Wales July 23.
1807: passed away at the Kitchener-Waterloo
Hospital April 22.' 1954; aged 80 y. 3 m. He
was married to Emmaline Shirk in 1904. He
is survived by his wife, one son (Harvey, of
Orillia), 2 daughters (Berthn. of Orillia ; and
Tda — Mrs. Colin Saunders, of Toronto), and one
cnindcbild. He was a faithful member of the
First Mennonite Church since his reception on
July 30. 1933, when he transferred his member-
ship from the Frb Street congregation in Water-
loo. Funeral services were held in the Rafz-
Kechfel Funeral Parlor. April 24, with J. H
Hess officiating. Interment was made in the
First Mennonite Cemetery. Kitchener.
Voder. .laenb It., oldest son of Jerry and Eliza-
beth (Christner) Yoder. was born in Elkhart
Co.. Tnd „ Aug. 23. 1877; died at the TIalstoad
Hospital of cancer. Anril 29. 1954; aged 70 v.
7 m, 28 d. On Feb. 10. 1904. he was united in
nuirriige to Anna Miller. Thev were blessed
with 7 children (Edwin. Polly— Mrs. Wm. E.
Bontrager, Lizzie — Mrs. Orie Trover. Susie —
ATrs. Paul Schrock, Moses. Sarah, and Rachel —
Mrs. Maurice Bontrager! . Surviving are his
wife. Tobie (her son bv a former marriage V t'"»
7 children. 30 grandchildren. 12 great-gran''
children. one brother (Davidt. 2 sisters
(Fannie and Susie), and many other rel\-
tives and friends. As a young man he
became 8 Christian and united with the
Amish Mennonite Church, and lived f:i'thful
to the Lord until denth. ne was one of the
charter members of the Yoder Mennonite Church
and showed an active interest in Christian serv-
ice all his life. In 1892 he, with his parents,
located near Yoder, Kans. At the time of their
marriage, they moved to an adjoining farm on
which they lived ever since, for over 50 years.
Funerai services were held at the Yoder Men-
nonite Church, April 24, in charge of Harry A.
Diener, assisted by John E. Wenger. Interment
was made in the adjoining cemetery.
THE BOOK SHELF
Books reviewed in these columns may be ordered
from the Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale, Pa.
A Sober Faith, Religion, and Alcoholics
Anonymous, by G. Aiken Taylor; Macmil-
Ian; 1953; 108 pp.; $2.00.
Here is a thought-provoking, well-written
book that ought to be read by every Chris-
tian worker. Not that everyone works with
the alcoholics. In fact, that had better be left
up to Alcoholics Anonymous. But every
Christian worker uses religious methods in
dealing with people and this is how AA
(Alcoholics Anonymous) manages to be so
successful.
It is a known fact that AA is successful
where the medical profession and the church
have failed. Here a minister took the trouble
to find out what AA has got that the church
hasn't got. He finds that they have a great
deal in practice that the church has in theory.
The alcoholic has a feeling of lostness that
is actual despair. He believes in a greater
Power. He makes an unconditional sur-
render of his entire will and entire life. He
makes confession, undergoes a complete
change of life that amounts to sanctification,
he forgives and asks forgiveness, makes resti-
tution, lives in humility, renews his dedica-
tion continuously through meditation and
prayer, and gives himself in service and fel-
lowship to others who are in the same
desperate situation. This sounds like the
church as it ought to be.
But it is not a church at all. There is no
creed and virtually no organization. One
is simply asked to place his life in the care
of God "as he understands Him." God may
be referred to as "The Boss Upstairs" or
"Electricity," amid a volley of profanity.
The author concludes that our God must be
very lenient — at first, at least — to be effective-
ly approached in this manner. How such
methods can be effective — and the fact can-
not b» doubted — is the problem for discussion
in this book.
It is always dangerous to take extreme,
pathological material, and try to make uni-
versal principles out of them. To construct
a theology on the basis of what happens to
men in extreme despair and apply it to all
men may be a fallacy. Accordingly, we need
to be wary in accepting the extreme crisis
theologv, or better stated, despair theology,
with its implications that there is no freedom
of choice— and hence no moral responsibility
— that appears to be the fact in the case of
the-;e alcoholics.
It is undoubtedly true that Satan has com-
pletely fettered and bound these unfortunates
so that they are completely helpless and only
the grace of God can intervene. It does not
follow that the way to be saved is to go into
the ocean beyond our depth and have the
Life Guard come in when we are limply
going down for the last time. It docs follow
that those who are thus saved have had an
experience they are not likely to forget, and
a testimony which, if shared with others
with similar experiences, is convincing and
sustaining. In a sense, of course, all mankind
is shackled. But most men are neither en-
tirely free nor entirely bound. There is a
limited freedom, and therefore a responsi-
bility.
The author believes that one reason the
AA shuns churches is because of the bungling
though well-meaning attempts of zealous
church workers, amateurs and professionals,
who have gone out to help them at times
when they did not feel the need. AA refuses
to help a man who does not himself ask for
help. This is not because they would not
like to. Experience has shown that it drives
men away to run after them. Rescue mission-
aries may well ponder whether many of their
attempts are defeating their purpose. The
author believes that one reason the church is
so powerless is that there are many within
her ranks that have been brought in under
pressure who do not really want to be in,
who have not had a personal awakening of
their own, but who go through the proper
motions and say the proper things because
it is the respectable thing to do. Food for
thought here.
There is good comment on the value of
confession, and its manner. It may well be
an honest statement of one's condition (ob-
jectivication is the $15 psychiatric term) to
those who are in position to understand, in
this case those who have had the same ex-
perience. There is good comment, too, on
the completeness of commitment, and its
daily or hourly renewal, so that it is not a
statement of determination, but rather one
of continual dependence on God. Meditation
and prayer are spontaneous, not conventional
or stylized. Keeping an inventory in writing
is a healthy spiritual exercise. "Step-Twelve
activity," helping each other, is seen to be
more than a fellowship. It is necessary to the
survival of the helper. In these and other
wavs the author learned from AA the prin-
ciples of effective Christian living and wit-
nessing.
For there is more of the shackling effects
of sin working in our lives than we care to
admit. The chronic alcoholic is but the end-
point on the road on which all of us travel,
more or less. It does us good to be reminded
where the tendencies to sin lead us, and to
say. "There, but for the grace of God, go I."
The book deserves a wide and serious read-
ing.— H. Clair Amstutz.
Ix>ve "doth not behave itself unseemly."
Politeness has been defined as love in trifles.
Courtesy is said to be love in little things.
And the one secret of politeness is to love.
Love cannot behavr itself unseemly.
May 11, 1934
GOSPEL HERALD
455
Especially for young folk-
but a treat for anyone
mm
0
foals
■ of Fir'
Mm
[
Coals of Fire
Elizabeth Bauman
A collection of true short stories from many
periods in history about people who
lived Christ's "love your enemies." Each story
prefaced with a simple, applicable Scripture
quote. Fresh, two-color illustrations for each
story by artist Allan Eitzen.
Does nonresistance work? Read this book!
$1.95
Printed for YOUR convenience—
for every Mennonite home
Mennonite Yearbook 1954
edited by Ellrose Zook
H
[AVE you ordered your copy of The Men-
nonite Yearbook for 1954? If you haven't,
you're missing a valuable source book that can help you keep aware
of who, what, where, and when in the Mennonite Church.
Order right away! Then when you need it, you have it!
Only 50<t a copy; $5.50 a doz.; $40 a hundred.
Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale, Pennsylvania
ITEMS and COMMENTS
The color line has been erased in minis-
terial organizations in Norfolk and Newport
News, Virginia.
* * #
Southern Baptist bookstores, 47 in num-
ber, did a gross business of almost 8 million
dollars in 1953.
* # »
Legal executions are on the decrease in
the United States. Fifty-eight persons were
put to death by the State and 4 by the Fed-
eral Government in 1953, a total of 62 civil
executions. This compared with 83 in 1952
and 105 in 1951. From 1930 until 1950 there
was not a single year when the number of
executions was less than 100. Sometimes
they reached almost 200. Less encouraging
is the fact that in the last 25 years more
than 56 per cent of the persons executed
have been Negroes or members of other color-
ed races. The population in this country
of colored people is only one eighth of
the total population.
* * #
The Confessional Church of Germany lost
about 60 per cent of its buildings in the
Rhineland in World War II. Since then it
has built or rebuilt more than 1,200 churches,
parsonages, parish houses, etc., nearly as
many as it lost, at a total cost of about 19
million dollars. Of this expense sixty per-
cent has been borne by the local churches
themselves. — W.P.
* * »
The Fellowship of Reconciliation has sent
to the people of Japan a public letter of regret
for the calamities associated with the ex-
plosion of the H-bomb in the Pacific. A special
letter was sent to the 23 members of the
crew upon whom radioactive ash fell. The Fel-
lowship expresses its opposition to American
effort to secure the rearmament of Japan.
The letter says, "We are urging them
without waiting for other nations to agree
to renounce the suicidal and diabolical means
of war which can but corrupt and negate
any good ends men and governments may
seek to serve. We shall plead especially with
our fellow Christians and the churches of
our own and other lands to heed in this
day of terror the prophetic Word, 'not by
might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith
the Lord.' The sobering impact of the de-
velopment dramatized by the recent nuclear
weapon tests has, we are convinced, dis-
posed many people in our land to turn anew
to God for wisdom to discern and cour-
age and faith to pursue a new way."
* # *
While the Supreme Court considers the
segregation issue in public schools, the color
line in Southern colleges is making an or-
derly retreat. Already over 2,000 Negro stu-
dents are enrolled in colleges and universities
in seventeen Southern states and in the Dis-
trict of Columbia. . . . The transition has
been made in a mannerly way without dis-
order and tension, even in cases where Ne-
groes eat in the student cafeterias, attend
athletic events, and, to a lesser degree, social
functions. — Worldover Press.
* # *
When twelve families were burned out of
house and home at Kasugade, Japan, MCC
workers helped them to a new supply of
bedding. Three dailies, one the third largest
circulation in the world, carried news items.
"Where West meets East" is how they de-
scribed it.
# * *
Growing terr*rization of Christians by
roving bands of Moslem fanatics has been
reported from Southern Celebes. Christians
have been murdered and mistreated, churches
have been forcibly converted into mosques,
and thousands of Bibles have been burned
or torn into strips for cigarette papers. At
one place 6,500 Christians were forced by
roving bands to accept Islam under threat of
death. Celebes and its neighboring island of
Amboina are the major centers of Christian
concentration in Indonesia. Both were the
scenes of mass conversions in the latter part
of the nineteenth century, and their people
have remained firmly Christian.
# # *
A proposed city ordinance banning the
sale of groceries and meats on Sundays in
Pueblo, Colo., was defeated in a special mu-
nicipal referendum. The Pueblo Grocers
Alliance had urged a favorable vote, declar-
ing that "Sunday is a holy day . . . Sunday is
a family day."
(Continued on next page)
456 GOSPEL HERALD
YOUR PUBLISHING HOUSE
May *951
By A. J. Metzler, Publishing Agent
Mail orders receiving attention
10. Sales
The total sales of $1,173,172 are up $61,446 over the
previous year and are made up as follows:
Six book stores $ 436,086
Mail order and wholesale 221,017
Uniform S. S. helps 143,044
Graded S. S. helps 24,981
Tracts 28,069°
Sunday-school papers 82,502
Five periodicals 78,999
Printing and Binding 174,982
0 Also included in printing and binding.
The work of selling requires the services of 44 people.
About half of our total floor space is needed for sales service.
A growing proportion of our retail sales is over the counter in
our stores as compared to mail order sales.
$600,000
500,000
400,000
300,000
200,000
100,000
Egg Book Sales
j I Manufacturing Sales
1945 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53
The Sales Division operates through the following five
departments. Mail order, the six Publishing House stores,
trade (wholesale), advertising, and circulation.
Most of our catalogs go to our own brotherhood, and
therefore the major portion of mail order sales comes from
members of the Mennonite Church.
Our six stores offer the opportunity of serving many people
beyond our fellowship. In most of the stores substantially
more than half of the sales are to non-Mennonites.
The wholesale service has been developing gradually,
although the number of regular accounts is not large. The
summer Bible school books have been by far the most popular
in this service. Otherwise, not many of our productions have
had a very wide appeal to the general religious book trade.
More attention is being given to advertising. The three
chief media are our own publications, other religious maga-
zines, and direct mail.
Worldover Press reports that in East Pakis-
tan there has been strong disapproval of the
Pakistan-United States arms agreement. Sev-
eral enormous public gatherings have con-
demned the pact, one of them drawing nearly
50,000 people.
• • •
A Roman Catholic archbishop has or-
dered eighty parochial schools in the arch-
diocese of San Antonio, Texas, to open their
doors to any Catholic child regardless of
color, race, or poverty.
• • •
The United States Commissioner of Educa-
tion has defended the private schools of the
country against the charge that they are un-
democratic and un-American. He feels that
by their very existence they contribute to the
American tradition of freedom of belief.
"Cultivation of a habitual awareness of God
and . . . teaching the history and bases of re-
ligion are inaliepable rights which the non-
public schools may exercise in their attempts
to make God-centered rather than self-cen-
tered youth."
• • •
The International Affairs Commission of
the National Christian Council of Japan has
adopted a resolution calling for the use of
atomic power "exclusively for peaceful meas-
ures."
PAX men, a team of farm experts from
the Mennonite and Brethren in Christ de-
nominations of the United States, have found
that many Greek wheat farmers plant too
thickly for good results and have showed
how better crops could come from better
fertilization and the use of tractors. They
have demonstrated that savings on seed could
pay for a tractor to be used by an entire farm
com m u n ity . — WP
H D X 3
' L'VN f W3S
111 £l 01/V0IH0
"JAV NMV1Q00I H9*
1V3HSIS 31 > N0MN3M
GOSPEL HE
"3n the defence and confirmation of the gospel" "Wow beautiful are the feet
VOLUME XLVII .
.TUESDAY, MAY 18, 1954.
Jesus Was Both Human and Divine
By Robert J. Baker
The title of this article is a seeming
paradox. How could it be true? How
could any man be both human and yet
divine? God is divine. We have no trou-
ble fathoming that truth. His divinity
is attested by His attributes of omnis-
cience and omnipotence. Our Christian
experience confirms such facts. God to
us is all knowing. He has searched out
our secret sin. He knoweth our frame,
He remembers that we are dust. His
concern is for each of us. His love seeks
out each individual upon this earth. He
knoweth the sparrow's fall. Our God is
omniscient. That omniscience helps to
prove His divinity. As God's servants
we are also conscious of His power. The
countless prayers of Christendom arise
to Him and are answered at a seeming
Hick of the finger. He rules the world,
kingdoms rise and fall at His nod, and
all powers are ordained of God. Yes, we
can easily recognize the divinity of God.
And we can well recognize ourselves
las human. Our many errors, our ever-
present frailties, are frequent reminders
to this effect. The humiliation that
comes when we fail in a particular phase
ul our Christian living serves as a sharp
reminder of our own human weaknesses.
Yes, we can easily apply the word,
'human," to ourselves, and the word,
'divine," to God, but it is difficuft for us
to see these two words being used to fully
describe a single person. Yet they do.
Jesus was human. God placed Him on
this earth 2,000 years ago to live a human
life. And He did. For thirty-three years
He maintained the characterization de-
creed by God. He lived the part. He
was human, the son of a carpenter, the
offspring of the Virgin Mary. And yet
He was divine. He was God. He, Him-
self, said, "I and my Father are one."
God acknowledged that Sonship. He
said upon different occasions, words to
this effect: "This is my Son, listen to
Him."
Now the writer does not intend to
explain how such a dual role was pos-
sible, laying before the reader a carefully
worded exposition of this deep truth that
would simplify it in our minds forever.
Norwood in his book, The Man Who
Dared to Be God, presents the insipid
explanation that Jesus developed won-
derful powers and used them because He
found God.1 I believe He was God. I
do not believe He had to find God. I do
not have to find myself. I know where I
am. And neither did Christ have to find
God.
Miller in writing on this subject seems
even weaker than the above. While
speaking of the virgin birth of Christ, he
backpedals furiously away from stating
that Christ was miraculously conceived
by the Holy Ghost. He draws with haste
away from the virgin birth by saying,
"It is because the evidence is not clear
and strong that we must leave the mat-
ter in abeyance, to say the least."2
We would not run from this question
of whether Jesus was truly the Son of
God. We would not argue it. We simply
believe that He was the Son of God. We
believe that He was God incarnate. The
miraculous conception we cannot ex-
plain in terms that will satisfy the biolo-
gist of today, yet we believe it. Let others
who classify themselves as theologians
debate the fine points of the matter. 1
do not have to fully comprehend the
internal combustion engine to drive a
car, and neither do I demand that God
clarify with me ail the fine points of His
plan for my salvation before I accept it.
To me Christ's divinity is a truism. I
believe that God gave His only begotten
Son so that I might believe. And I be-
lieve that Son lived on this earth for
thirty-three years as a human being
tempted in all points as we are.
The most interesting part of this
thought area is not the presentation of
legalistic proof that Christ played the
dual roles of both God and man. It is
most interesting, however, to look at the
life of Christ and notice how these two
forces, that of being divine, that of being
human, reveaied themselves in His daily
living. It is indeed interesting to see how
these two forces pulled and tugged at
His heartstrings.
Christ was human. Recall the emo-
tions He felt and expressed. Think, for
example, of the emotion, sorrow. Jesus
knew sorrow. He wept outside the tomb
of Lazarus. Tears flowed down those
sun-tanned cheeks because a man had
died whom He loved dearly, because a
crowd stood by who doubted His power.
We hear today of man's frustrations.
Christ knew of such emotion. Over Jeru-
LD
the gospel of peace"
.NUMBER 20
saiem He cried out with soul-shaking
feeling, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem . . .
how often would I have gathered thy
children together, even as a hen gather-
eth her chickens under her wings, and
ye would not!" In Gethsemane's darkest
hour He prayed for the cup to be re-
moved from Him if at all possible. For
Him to be made sin who knew no sin,
there first must come a great frustrating,
emotional struggle within His tortured
human, yet divine, self. He saw at the
climactic close of His earthly life the
very men whom He had chosen to be His
intimate followers flee from Him. He
heard them contest among themselves
for power. As a human He certainly
knew the bitterness of frustration.
Jesus experienced anger, the soul-
quivering anger that righteously comes
when one sees that which is good and
beautiful being blackened and shamed.
And thus with cords fashioned by His
own human hands, He drove with vigor
the evil from His Father's house.
The parables and illustrations used by
Jesus reveal His love of nature. He con-
For You — For Me
By Rose Magines
Jesus left His home above
For you, for me;
Came to earth because of love
For you, for me;
Returned to heaven to prepare
Mansions far beyond compare;
Now He's interceding there
For you, for me.
There is pardon full and free
For you, for me;
Bought by Christ on Calvary
For you, for me;
Oh, the agony and pain
Jesus suffered to obtain
Full redemption— praise His name—
For you, for me.
Rule each heart, Lord. We would live
Just for Thee.
Meager though the store, we give
All to Thee.
Bless each life that it may bring
Honor to Thee, Christ, our King.
In eternity we'll sing
Praise to Thee.
La Junta, Colo.
458
GOSPEL HERALD
May 18, 1954
sidered the lilies of the field, the mustard
tree, the pearl of great price, the weather-
predicting sky, the trusting sheep be-
neath the shepherd's watchful eye, the
budding of the fig leaves, etc. He could
look at a field of grain and have its wav-
ing beauty remind Him of the need for
more disciples who would venture forth
as human instruments of a divine plan
to spread the Gospel of love to all areas.
He viewed nature about Him through
human eyes, but His divine connection
with God never let Him lose sight of the
spiritual glories He had left and was so
soon to return to share with His Father.
Our divine, yet human, Leader felt
the joy of winning souls. When Matthew
left his tax accounts, the fishermen their
nets, and when Peter reconsecrated his
life on the sands of the shore of the Sea
of Galilee, Christ experienced the acme
of joy.
ihe heart of Christ was filfed with
compassion, deep and compelling, force-
ful, and action-provoking. His compas-
sion raised the widow's son, toucned
blind Bartimaeus' eyes, broke the loaves
and fishes for the five thousand, and
guaranteed paradise to the thief upon
the cross.
The Bible is crammed with incidents
and accounts which picture Jesus as be-
ing human, a Man of emotions who was
stirred by His surroundings and who
responded so well and nobly to the earth-
ly environment that encompassed Him
for His brief stay in Palestine.
But we thank God that Christ was not
simply another great man. We would
not rank Him with Mohammed, Con-
fucius, or any other religious leader. We
thank God for the divine fire in Christ.
No mere human could work the works
of Christ, yea, the works of God. Christ
displayed His divinity in His numerous
miracles, His revealing of man's inner
thoughts, His triumph over death, and
by the very role He played in God's plan
tor man's redemption. They speak so
graphically of the imbued nature of God.
This was God working through Christ
His great redemptive work for man. The
life of Christ testifies of God, reveals
God, was God dwelling among man, the
Word made flesh.
Christ did not misuse His divinity as
He lived so humanly, so humbly, for us.
The fire was not rained down upon the
cities of Samaria; the legion of angels
were not called to His rescue upon the
cross. He could have summoned them
by a single consenting thought, but He
did not. Christ never let His divinity
choose the easy way out of His human
perplexities. It is true when His hour
was not fully come, He did escape the
crowd who sought to stone Him, but
when that hour was here, He accepted
the cross. He refused to use His divine
power to escape human pain, when that
pain fitted into God's plan for man's
redemption. His divinity could have
been used to anesthetize the cross, but it
was not. If the temptation occurred to
do so, He discarded it quickly for the
horror of three hours of human torture
upon Golgotha's brow. The physical
and mental anguish here displayed has
never been equaled.
Yes, Christ was also divine. With
Speer we would say,
Christ was such a Man that He could
not have been a mere man. He was a
Man so great, so perfect, that He must
have been more than just a man. . . .
If our Lord was only a man, it is strange
that the nineteenth century cannot pro-
duce a better one. . . . With nineteen
hundred years of His influence upon the
world, with advantages possessed by us
such as were never dreamed of in His
day, if Christ's character was purely hu-
man, it ought long ago to have been sur-
passed, and there ought to be in the
world today many men and women who
are superior in character to Him.3
What statesman, or general, or author,
or philosopher could we name that
equaled Christ? Whom should we nom-
inate? It is folly to even think seriously
upon the question. There is none to
equal Christ. The Galilean has never
been equaled. He never will be equaled.
We cannot match His life, His words,
His works. We are human. He was both
human and divine.
1 Robert Norwood, The Man Who Dared to Be
God, p. xiii.
2 Lucious Hopkins Miller, Our Knowledqe of Christ,
p. 32.
3 Robert E. Speer, The Meaning of Christ to Me,
pp. 51, 52.
Elkhart, Ind.
The Givers
By Kenneth Seitz
There they go. Look at their rich
robes. How pious they seem! Hear the
large, heavy coins call, "Look, look; hear,
hear," as they drop to the bottom of the
offering box in the temple. That trum-
pet? Oh, that's Simon announcing his
large offering. He's one of our richest
and most righteous Pharisees. He owns
quite a number of houses. See how erect
and dignified he walks. Surely he is a
picture of holiness and must challenge
others to give liberally. He is evidently
very happy. See that broad, satisfied
smile on his face. He has done well in
business. He is a good steward of God's
material blessings. It would not be good
Our Readers Say-
. . . Thank you for the editorial, "When You
Can't Sing." It is the first time I can remember
anyone understanding such a thing. . . . I have
long ago learned that to truly worship, I must
watch the book and the words. . . . One of the
great rewards in heaven for me will be to sing
with best of the singers, and not be proud of it
or jealous of anyone else's singing. ... I do
so much love the Isaac Watts hymns, and all
the old hymns of praise. Surely it makes one
sit in heavenly places to listen to them ! I know
of no other "thrill" quite like it. May God bless
you for this editorial. Surely it was Spirit-in-
spired for myself and others that suffer in the
same way.— Ella Hochstetler Kinsinger, Pornell,
Iowa.
business for him to defer the collection
of a single rental. Even Anna, the poor
widow, must pay her rent on the day,
while her hungry, poorly clad children
sometimes go to bed crying for some-
thing to eat. If Simon would give one a
little grace, he'd soon have trouble with
all the rest of the renters. You know how
that is.
Yes, Simon seems to be very well satis-
fied. God must be blessing this man for
his regular, liberal giving and for his
very evident piety.
It seems to take him considerable time
in choosing the proper coins from his
heavy coin purse.
Look, here comes Anna, the widow of
whom I spoke. Her shoulders are bent.
Her garments are faded and mended.
She seems tired; but a deep peace and
trust give her countenance the glow of
gold from the finer's fire. Aren't— aren't
her eyes a little red? Has she been cry-
ing? Are the children hungry? Ah, yes,
her rent was due yesterday at noon to
Simon, her landlord. But she is confi-
dent. Her eyes are mellow with holier
scenes than rich robes walking sancti-
moniously before her. She knows not
nor sees the riches of earth. She knows
the riches and providence of her loving
God, "the Father of the fatherless and
the Judge of widows." She doesn't hesi-
tate nor fumble for the right coin. Tak-
ing her two and only small copper coins
from her little worn purse she places
them quietly into the offering box. She
hesitates just a moment with bowed head
and closed eyes. Her heavy but full heart
rises to her God, "My Lord. Thou who
dost relieve the fatherless and widows;
for the penny I could give Thee, I thank
Thee. I am not poor. I have given my
poorness to Thee. I have the riches of
Thyself. I thank Thee for Thy tender
providence and Thy joy."
(Continued on paqe 460)
GOSPEL HERALD
ESTABLISHED ISOS AS SUCCESSOR TO GOSPEL WITNESS {KOI) AND HERALD OF TRUTH (1S64)
PAUL ERB, EDITOR JOHN L. HOR ST. MILLARD C. LIND. consulting EDITORS LEVI C. HARTZLER. missions EDITOR
THE OOSPEL HIRALD II A MLIaiaUl WIIKLV PUILIIHID IN THE INTEREST! OF THE UINNDNITI CHURCH «Y THE MENNONITE PUBLICATION BOARD. BCOTTDALB, PA.
ENTERED AB SECOND-CLASS MATTER IN l»OB AT THI POB T OFFICE AT BCOTTDALB, PA., UNDER ACT OF MARCH 9. IITt. SUBSCRIPTION PRICE. II OO PER TEAR, THREE YEARS
IN ADVANCE, MOO. FIVE YEARS IN ADVANCE, SI1.SO. SAMPLE COPIES BENT FREE ON REQUEST. BEND ALL MATERIAL FOR PUBLICATION TO OOBPEL HERALD. BCOTTDALB, PA.
May 18, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
459
EDITORIAL
Which Son?
In one of the dramatic moments in
the trial of Jesus before Pilate, the Ro-
man procurator, in his anxiety to save
the life of an innocent man, proposed
to release Jesus in accordance with the
custom of releasing to the Jews a pris-
oner at the Passover. According to Mat-
thew, he offered them the choice of Jesus
or Barabbas. The latter was a notable
prisoner, a murderer, who even by the
code of the Jews was worthy of death.
■ No doubt Pilate felt sure they would not
■ want so undoubted a criminal set free.
The word Barabbas means, "Son of a
father." The Jews condemned Jesus in
' their religious court for claiming to be
• the son of God. The choice which Pilate
presented, therefore, was between the
, Son of God and a son of a father, be-
I tween the Son of Man and a son of a
man. Origen says, according to McClin-
1 tock and Strong, that in many copies
Barabbas was also called Jesus (Jesus
■ Barabbas). The Armenian version of
; Matt. 27:17 is: "Whom will you that I
: shall deliver unto you, Jesus Barabbas,
or Tesus that is called Christ?"
i J
■ While textual scholars have not gen-
* erally accepted this reading, it is still
j most interesting to consider that here
'. men were faced with the choice of a Sav-
, iour sent from God, whose methods were
1 spiritual, and a savior rising among men,
: whose methods were political and vio-
lent. On that dark day of history men
chose the human savior, and ever since
, have seemed to place the greater confi-
: dence in the methods of political power
- and military might. The Jews of that
day cried for the crucifixion of the divine
' Saviour, and ever since the methods of
spiritual renewal and loving conquest
have been spurned by the worldly wise.
1 "Give us Barabbas," cry the men who
' are so obsessed with themselves and their
own efforts at salvation that they cannot
believe in the Son of God, His salvation,
1 and His way of living. The light of the
Eternal is too bright for eyes accustomed
to the darkness of sin, and they choose
to live in the shadows.
Every choice of a humanly evolved
religion in preference to the Revelation
from above is a choice of Barabbas in-
stead of Christ. Every preference for an
ethic that is "safe" and "practical" and
"realistic" over the plain command of
God which must be accepted by faith is
a call for Barabbas. Every time men
push back the call of the Spirit to faith
in Christ and to holy living, in order to
go their own carnal way, they are leading
Barabbas out of prison and pushing
Christ toward Golgotha. When we do
our work, even Christian work, in the
energy of the flesh instead of the Spirit,
we are accepting Barabbas and rejecting
Christ.
Oh, that scene in Pilate's courtyard is
being enacted again and again as men
choose the son of a man above the Son
of God. Which will you have, Barabbas
or Christ?— E.
Daily Prayer Guide
Prayer is not only a command but a
glorious privilege of the children of God.
It is vital to their spiritual health and
progress; it is "the Christian's vital
breath." And yet it is very often neglect-
ed or allowed to become aimless and
superficial. It is one of the areas of the
Christian life which Satan attacks and
tries to make meaningless and ineffec-
tive. The fact that "the effectual fer-
vent prayer of a righteous man availeth
much" calls for constant reminders to
and guidance in prayer.
This need for prayer reminders has
been reflected in the publication of de-
votional books, prayer guides, and wor-
ship columns in various papers, includ-
ing the Gospel Herald and Christian
Living. All of these can be very helpful
if properly used and not allowed to be-
come substitutes for the reading of the
Bible itself.
For a number of years we have been
indebted to the Women's Missionary
Sewing Circle Organization of our
church for the publication of an annual
Daily Prayer Guide. The Guide for the
year from May 1, 1954, to April 30, 1955,
has just been issued and is now being
distributed.
In its suggestions for Bible reading it
follows the daily readings for the Inter-
national Sunday School Lessons. It then
gives brief, pointed comments on each
reading, followed by suggestions for
prayer for that day. These suggestions
bring to our minds the needs of our mis-
sions and church institutions, our Sun-
day schools and churches, and the un-
saved world of our day. Each month
there is given a memory selection of
Scripture and a hymn to be memorized.
Other helpful and informational fea-
tures of the 160-page book are a Mis-
sionary Book List and statistical infor-
mation concerning our missions, church
institutions, and sewing circle organiza-
tions.
With such a helpful and practical
Prayer Guide available for use we should
make efforts to get it into every home or
family unit so that we may have con-
certed intercessory prayer for the activi-
ties of the church and for the needs of a
lost world. A few suggestions for its ef-
fective distribution may be in order here.
One of the most effective ways is for each
congregation to secure enough Guides
to supply its constituency and then see
that they get into every family unit. The
Guides can be placed into the literature
rack or some other accessible place so
that every one can receive a copy. The
people can be invited to pay the nominal
price of twenty-five cents each and if
there is any deficit the church or Sunday-
school treasury can make it up. In some
cases the sewing circles may implement
some means of getting them thoroughly
distributed. The method is inconsequen-
tial so long as it works effectively. A fine
gesture on the part of our congregations
is to see that their I-W and Voluntary
Service workers are supplied with
Guides.
It should be noted that this publica-
tion is a prayer guide. It does not take
the place of the Bible; in fact, the Bible
must be used with it. It has been largely
used to help people to establish and
maintain regular and meaningful pri-
vate and family devotions. May we en-
courage its thorough distribution and
use so that it may bring blessings to an
increasing number of people.— H.
Any program of Christian action
should be formulated from principles
taught in the New Testament.— John R.
Mumaw.
460
GOSPEL HERALD
May 18, 1954
The Revelation of Jesus Christ
By J. L. Stauffer
)■}. The Eternal State. Rev. 21:1-8.
Following the description ot the reign
of Christ and its conclusion in the great
white throne judgment, we are next led
to see the eternal state, as it is called lor
want of a better descriptive term.
John is now shown the new heaven
and the new earth because the former
were passed away. The new heavens and
the new earth were predicted in II Pet.
3:13. The new earth will be like the
regenerated man; it is the old made new.
The earth is not annihilated according
to Ps. 104:3; 119:90; Eccl. 1:4; II Pet.
3:6, 7.
It is also noted that there was no more
sea. Science of course would tell us that
this would be impossible, but they have
said that many times in the past and
have had to bow to the Word of the
Lord. We know nothing more than what
is revealed, but the Lord's children pre-
fer to believe God's Word rather than
rely upon the questionings of science.
John next beholds the new Jerusalem
that comes down out of heaven. A great
voice announces that God is taber-
nacling with men. In this portion of the
Word, we are taken beyond our expe-
rience and observation. What all is in-
volved may be true of us as it was when
Jesus came the first time. He had to
unfold to those present the truths and
realities that He wanted them to know,
because it was new and beyond their ex-
perience. Certain it is that the sorrows
and pains of earth will be past. Physical
death that came as a result of the fall of
man will be no more. It is the last enemy
to be destroyed at the great white throne
judgment. Rev. 20:14. All things are
now made new. The words are "faithful
and true."
John is told to write. The future glo-
ries are here briefly unfolded for the
benefit of the seven churches and whoso-
ever will read. The reward to the over-
comers is described. God's children will
inherit all things. Were we not told
(hat if we became heirs of God, we would
also be joint heirs with Jesus Christ?
Again, the doom of the lost ones is
briefly described, but they will have to
endure it forever and ever.
THE GIVERS (Continued)
When the poor widow turned to go,
Simon happened to see her bac k of him
as he didn't want to miss seeing any of
his admirers.
"Oh— a— er— a— ginm [clearing throat],
God bless thee, Sister Joscphus! How
farest thyself and thy clear little ones?"
"The Lord be with thee. Brother Si-
mon," answered Anna meekly. "Gcxl gra-
ciously cares for us day by day."
"Yes, God docs bountifully bless us;
doesn't He, sister?"
Harrisonburg, Va.
The Death of C. F. Klassen
By Marion W. Kliewer
Bro. C. F. Klassen, much of whose life
activity was devoted to the cause of Men-
nonite refugees, died of a heart attack in
Gronau, Germany, at 9:30 a.m. Saturday,
May 8.
His death in Gronau was very sym-
bolic of his consuming love for refugees,
for it was through that German city that
practically all Mennonite people passed
in the migrations to North and South
America after World War II. Bro. Klas-
sen was director of the Mennonite Cen-
tral Committee program in Europe at
the time of his death, having served in
that position since July, 1953.
According to information received at
MCC headquarters in Akron, Pa., Satur-
day, May 8, the funeral was planned for
Wednesday, May 12, with burial in Eu-
rope. Mrs. Klassen, who was in Europe
with her husband at the time of his
death, felt that he would want it that
way.
Bro. Klassen had left his headquarters
in Frankfurt, Germany, last week and
then visited Bremen and Hamburg be-
fore reaching Gronau. He was en route
to a meeting in Amsterdam.
On arrival in Gronau he had a very
severe heart attack and was moved to the
hospital immediately. Mrs. Klassen was
called and was in Gronau at the time of
his death.
The many Mennonite communities in
the United States and Canada will recall
Bro. Klassen's visit last April, May, and
June in behalf of the current MCC re-
settlement program of Mennonite refu-
gees in western Germany.
Bro. Klassen, who would have been
60 years old this August, entered Ger-
many in 1945 as an MCC commissioner
for refugees and spent most of the time
since then working with refugee move-
ments and resettlements. His exhaust-
less efforts in those years contributed
very much to the movement of thousands
of Mennonite refugees to South America,
the United States, and Canada.
Bro. Klassen's efforts in behalf of Men-
nonite refugees and his MCC services
began in the early 1920's in Russia. Fol-
lowing arrival in Canada around 1925,
he was very active in assisting in the
Russian Mennonite movement into that
country. Following 1930 he served the
Canadian Mennonite Board of Coloniza-
tion and the Canadian Pacific Railroad
in collecting money to repay loans that
had been made to pav for the transport-
ing of these refugees.
Born in Russia in 1891. Bro. Klassen
early in life experienced hardships and
persecution, including imprisonment. In
addition to Mrs. Klassen he is survived
by four children (Harold. Walfried. Her-
bert, and Irrngard), the latter two living
in Europe with their parents at the time
of the death of their father. The Can a
dian residence of the Klassen family is
in Abbotsford, B.C.
It Happened —
FIFTY YEARS AGO
(From Herald of Truth, May 5, 1904)
Pre. Isaac A. Miller, . . . born near
Johnstown, Pa., May 4, 1839, . . . passed
peacefully away while sitting in his chair
at Fairview, Oscoda Co., Mich., on April
19. 1904, aged 64 v., 11 m., 15 d.
(From Herald of Truth, May 12, 1904)
Notes from Dhamtari. The bungalow
at Rudri is still in process of building.
Two rooms are now occupied, while the
third, it is hoped, will be ready soon. . . .
The Leper Asylum is progressing nice-
ly in its work. Three new inmates were
admitted within the month. Nineteen
persons are applicants for baptism in the
Asylum.— Lina Z. Ressler, April 6, 1904.
(From Herald of Truth, May 19. 1004)
Bro. Isaac Miller was ordained to the
ministry at the Mountview M.H. near
High River, Alberta. Canada, on May
1st, Bish. A. S. Bauman officiating.
The new meeting house at Fairview,
Oscoda Co., Mich., will not be readv for
the first service May 15th, as had been
previously mentioned. May 22nd is the
date set for the opening services.
Besides his interest in refugee work,
the operation of the European Mennon-
ite Bible School in Basel, Switzerland,
and the publication of Der Mennonit,
international Mennonite periodical, were
particularly close to Bro. Klassen's heart.
He was deeply interested in the Euro
pean Mennonites. and because of his
knowledge of the German language, he
was particularly close to the German
Mennonites— likely as close to them as
any North American Mennonite. He
was also active in Mennonite world con-
ferences.
Bro. Klassen had been a member of
the MCC since 1944, ha\ ing been a mem
her at large. He was also a member
of the MCC executive committee. He
belonged to the Mennonite Brethren
Church, ami was a member of that
group's general welfare and public rela-
tions committee.
Akron. Pa.
A highh mechani/ed. organized, so-
cialized program makes it hard to find
time or means to have the family func-
tion.—Noah G. Good.
May 18, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
"Can Any Good Thing Come Out of
Nazareth?"
Fifteen Minutes in Bible Lands
By Anis Charles Haddad
Amid the stony hills of Galilee there
lies a city spreading its houses over
rounded slopes, which in spring are
blue with iris and bright with cyclamen.
Its seclusion and domesticity of aspect
harmonizes with the sentiment of the
maternal instinct, and this is in our
thoughts the day we visit Nazareth.
There is something additionally thrill-
ing if one can see a historic place from a
distance as one approaches. Nazareth
has this advantage. To one coming from
the highlands of Samaria to the Plain of
Esdraelon appear the hills of Galilee,
while white and high lies the city of the
childhood of Jesus. A friendly sweetness
pervades it.
This is Nazareth, the home of the
Holy Family, the place of the boyhood
of Jesus that it might be fulfilled, "He
shall be called a Nazarene." It lies with
its white houses and graceful minarets,
while cypresses stand tall and dark
against the white walls. Behind cactus
hedges are orchards of almond, pome-
granate, peach, palm trees, and dates;
terraced on slopes rise vineyards and
olive gardens. The quiet loveliness of
the valley seems to give it an air of seclu-
sion, as if shut away from the outer
world. Nazareth has been in great ven-
eration since the earliest times of Christ
and has attracted innumerable pilgrims
and tourists from all parts of the world,
which renders it prosperous. Perhaps as
we come in sight of Nazareth we, in view
of its precious and sacred memories, find
our hearts filled with tender and emo-
tional feelings and carry away with us
memories never to be forgotten. Naza-
reth means "a flower." Well chosen, for
Nazareth is indeed a flower of beauty in
a most charming setting.
Before Christ gave this little town its
lasting fame, it seems to have lain hid-
den in complete obscurity. This seclu-
sion may have been one reason why Jo-
seph on his return from Egypt made it
his home, little thinking how his infant
Son was destined to hallow and to im-
mortalize the little town, of which one
contemptuously asked, "Can there any
good thing come out of Nazareth?" With
regard to the "bad character" of Naza-
reth, it must be borne in mind that
Nathanael was a Pharisee, despising all
the Galileans. But in Nazareth was a
carpenter's shop destined to become the
universal temple of toilers, and from it
went forth One called by its name "the
Nazarene" in whom the whole world is
blestl
I much desired to wander about the
town and see its inhabitants, for to study
the life of a country, to understand its
people, there is no better way than just
to ramble about, walking slowly and ex-
amining without seeming to do so. In-
terest attaches to everybody and every
place in Nazareth. Everywhere the eye
rests on a view of quiet beauty. In every
walk, at every turn in the streets, or in
the hills, or in those flowery valleys, one
seems to realize the presence of both the
Mother and the Holy Child.
Walking in Ihe ways of the
wicked by keeping evil company
leads to the deterioration of char-
acter.— Selected.
There is one name above every name
associated with Nazareth. Although we
cannot point to one spot more than an-
other as the true home of our Saviour,
yet we know that He must have walked
these streets, climbed those hills, and
viewed this valley. In what kind of house
may we suppose that Joseph, the carpen-
ter, and his wife lived with the divine
Son? Perhaps it was not unlike the
homes of the humble yet not the poorest
people.
Let us climb a hill and there remain
for some time. We look down upon the
view that our Lord must have seen thou-
sands of times. Perhaps in His day the
town may have stood higher up on the
side of yonder hill, but otherwise at this
distance it may have appeared much as
it appears to us now. The situation of
Nazareth is very romantic. The scenery
around is of the kind in which one
would imagine our Saviour delighted to
wander, and to withdraw Himself when
meditating on His great mission— deep
and secluded dells, covered with a wild
verdure— silent and solemn paths, where
overhanging rocks shut out all intrusion.
No one can walk round Nazareth with-
out feeling thoughts like these enter his
mind, while gazing often on many a
sweet spot, traced perhaps by the Re-
deemer's footsteps and embalmed by His
prayers. I remained for some hours upon
this holy spot, lost in the contemplation
of the wide prospect, and of the events
connected with the scenes around. My
eyes swept around and finally rested on
the towers of the Four Churches whose
members profess to walk in the steps of
One who grew from childhood to man-
hood and whose prayer is that all His
followers be one flock!
461
Sitting on the hill we opened our Bi-
ble and read John 1:42-51. These verses
give us a vivid picture of the state of feel-
ing which prevailed in people's minds
when Christ began His public ministry.
He comes forth from the obscurity of His
home life, and addresses to the fisher-
men and peasants the magic words, "Fol-
low Me"! It is wonderful to see the
eagerness with which these poor men
hastened to tell each other the good news
that the long-promised Messiah had at
last come. We see as we read the story
how from lip to lip the glad tidings
passed-how Andrew told Simon that at
last a Light had sprung up in the dark
place, that at last He was found of them
of whom Moses in the law and the
prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the
son of Joseph. So Philip, when invited
by Christ to accompany Him, sought to
bring with him his friend Nathanael
Bartnolomew. He was one of the devout
Jews who had long been wondering who
that mysterious personage should be of
whom all the prophets had spoken and
for whom the world waited that He
might complete it. The news that He
was found seemed only too good to be
true. He had come too easily and un-
ostentatiously, and from too unlikely a
quarter. In the midst of the general
eagerness, when all were ready to receive
most favorable impressions of the Com-
ing Man, the accidental mention of an
unpopular place, the casual allusion to
His connection with a town of ill reputa-
tion, was enough to turn the current of
feeling which had set so strongly in
Christ's favor into a decided, though
most unreasonable, objection to Him.
As soon as Philip says that Christ is a
native of the town of Nazareth, a warp-
ing prejudice seizes Nathanael. Surely
you must be mistaken, he thinks. The
Redeemer of Israel can never be a native
of that obnoxious place! "Can there any
good thing come out of Nazareth?"
Nathanael, who was apparently a Gal-
ilean, might not have the same prejudice
against Nazareth which would have been
natural in an inhabitant of Judea. But
there is another prejudice, often hinted
at by our Lord, which is quite as hard
to overcome. Can a prophet appear in
"our neighborhood," close to us? Must
he not come upon us from some more
sacred region? The Galileans, who were
despised by others, must have learned to
despise themselvesl All their habits of
mind must have prepared them to ex-
pect that Jerusalem, or some place near
it, would be the seat and birthplace of
the great King. There was, however, at
least as much ground for doubt and un-
belief in this man's mind as in that of
any learned scribe. Nevertheless he
comes, and he is hailed a genuine Israel-
ite, an Israelite without guile. Till then
Nathanael supposed that his face had
not been known to Christ. How much
less his heart! Had they met for the first
time? Had he never sat and knelt be-
neath the fig tree? Had he never wres-
462
GOSPEL HERALD
May 18, 1954
tied for light to himself, for blessings to
his country?
The shade of the fig tree is the natural
summer house or arbor under which
Eastern families delight to take their
meals or their midday rest. Nathanael
had used the dense foliage of its large
and thick leaves as a screen behind which
he found retirement for devotional pur-
poses. It is in such absolute seclusion,
retirement, and solitude that a man
shows his true self. It was here Nathan-
ael had uttered himself to his Father
who seeth in secret. Here he had found
liberty to pour out his true and deepest
cravings. His guilelessness had been
proved by his carrying into his retire-
ment the same simple and unreserved
godliness he professed abroad. Nathan-
ael heard and wondered at Christ's re-
mark, "There before Philip called thee,
I saw thee."
When he was screened from public
gaze, at home under the shade of his own
fig tree, thinking his thoughts probably
of the coming Messiah, Christ knew his
meditations. There was, therefore, in
the greetings of our Lord a supernatural
knowledge; there was a comprehension
of Nathanael which was outside the
range of ordinary human experience.
He is astonished to find that the eyes of
Jesus had penetrated this leafy veil and
had been a witness to his prayers and
vows. He feels that he is known best at
the very point in which he had most
carefully contrived concealment, and he
recognizes that no one is more likely to
be the L'ulfiller of his prayers than the
same Person who has manifestly been
somehow present and heard them. Such
a knowledge of himself made Nathanael
feel that he was in the presence of no
ordinary man, and the conviction burst
upon him that before him stood the Mes-
siah. He may have come from the de-
spised Nazareth, but the insight of Christ
had touched the inner consciousness of
Nathanael, and so he cried out, "Rabbi,
thou art the Son of God; thou art the
King of Israel." There is no more de-
bating within him about Galilee or Ju-
dea, Nazareth or Jerusalem. A flood of
light is poured into his soul from the
clear heaven where God dwells.
# # #
As we look down upon this town of
sac red memories it occurs to us as no un-
likely conjecture, that the very position
ol Nazareth might in some measure ac-
count lor its "ill character." It was a
kind ol frontier town. It was frontier in
three directions: toward Samaria to the
south, a region notorious for iniquity
and frequent revolts; toward the land of
ilit- Philistines on the southwest; and on
the west toward the maritime cities, peo-
pled by heal liens. Between these three
regions and Nazareth is little more than
a broad sweep of the Plain of Esdraclon.
This plain lies more or less at the loot
ol the mountains encircling Nazareth.
In the rear of Nazareth, northward and
eastward, are the peaceful towns and
plains of Galilee. Now in addition to
the bad character of the Samaritans the
inhabitants of all the seacoast were no-
toriously wicked. They were left, as we
are expressly told in Judg. 3:1-6, to prove
the Israelites, and that the generations
of the children of Israel might learn
war. An evil neighborhood this for Naz-
areth! The men of Nazareth might in
such a vicinity easily be ensnared into
heathenish affinity. Their worst charac-
ters, fleeing from justice or revenge,
could easily find the nearest asylum, at
a distance of thirty miles, in Nazareth.
In every quarrel or war, between Galilee
on the one side, and on the other side
either Samaria or the Philistines, and the
inhabitants of the coast, Nazareth would
stand foremost. In commerce with the
maritime towns, Nazareth would lie con-
stantly exposed to the temptations to
break the Sabbath. Thus by degrees
might this frontier town become a nest
of the very worst characters, and addict-
ed to the worst sins. Its condition would
probably be the more notorious from the
contrast which it would form to the bet-
ter protected and more peaceful inhabi-
tants of the interior of Galilee.
Truth is Ihe backbone of char-
acter.— Selected.
Prejudice intrudes on holy ground. It
is a weed which disfigures even sacred
soil. Good men, as well as others, have
their narrow views and illiberal preju-
dices and mark off in their own minds as
hopeless and barren whole countries out
of which God determines to bring that
which is for the healing of the nations.
How often men in the most unreasoning
way dislike and, as a consetjuence, mis-
judge others persistently, and thereby
cut themselves off from much good.
Without any reason worth calling a rea-
son, we avoid and secretly dislike a fel-
low creature to whom we might do much
good, or who might do much good to us.
This because they have a bad manner, a
plain face, a name we don't know, or
because they come from a place against
which we have a prejudice.
Now as long as we pass a verdict on
the outward appearance only, we are
right. But when from the superficial
glance at the outward appearance we in-
fer the moral character, we are very like-
ly to be wrong. And when we act on that
hasty glance, or worse still, on the re-
mark of another, and straightway form
an opinion against the person, we com-
mit the fault Nathanael committed. Let
Nathanael's remark be a standing warn
ing against hasty verdicts. If any one is
conscious of latent dislike of and unfair-
ness to his neighbor, let him be careful,
deliberate, serious, and considerate.
When we hear of any excellence in a
quarter little expected, let us not turn
away with Nathanael and say, "Can
there any good thing come out of Naza-
reth?" But in a more considerate tem-
per, let Philip take us by the hand, and
let us "come and see." Who knows but
that in the despised place, in the slight-
ed person, we may find as he found-
Christ!
Old City, Jerusalem, Jordan.
Mennonite Mutual Aid
By Harold L. S war 1 z knur l blr
The Board of Directors ol Mennonite
Mutual Aid met for their semiannual
meeting on April 2, 1954, at the new
headquarters office at 1202 South Eighth
Street, Goshen, Indiana. The various
office reports presented gave indication
of a continuing growth and of the scope
of services rendered to the Mennonite
constituency.
A total of 5113,679.59 in loans out-
standing to 92 families was reported as
ol March 20, 1954. These loans are
"mutual aid" loans and are not to re-
place satisfactory local credit. Thev were
made to help our young people and oth-
ers whose home community recommend-
ed loan aid and who presented a sound
financial program. In addition, $34,-
002.45 in special gilt-edge investment
funds from the Burial Aid program and
other special funds has been loaned to
11 families qualifying for such first mort-
gage loans.
Much financial counseling is clone bv
Mennonite Mutual Aid, and much more
seems to be needed. Many of our people
do not understand basic commercial laws
or procedure. Too many of our young
people are victims of easy credit regula-
tions or are taken advantage of bv indis-
criminate money lenders.
The Mennonite Community Service
is to be established with lac i 1 ities in the
MMA office. The purpose of this service
is to provide a clearinghouse lor "farms
tor rent" or "businesses for sale." "help
wanted," etc. Thus those in one Men
nonite community will be assisted in
relocating in another Mennonite com-
munity where such situations are avail-
able. Ads which qualify will be placed
in Christian Living.
Mennonite Aid. Inc. the hospitali/a-
tion-surgical-burial aid program repot t
ed a continuous growth since its begin
ning in 1950. At present 4,853 persons
are participating in the hospital-surgical
program and about one fourth of these
are participating in the burial aid pro-
gram. As now operated, this program is
providing savings to its members and is
providing a fellowship tor brethren who
are sharing the burdens oi each other.
With expanded membership the results
could be even more rewarding.
Thirty-tWO Mennonite individuals or
corporations are using the services ol the
Mennonite Foundation and its tax ex-
empt status as a depository for contrib-
uted funds. To date, over $43,000 has
been deposited. A huge share of these
May 18, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
463
A Prayer for This Week
Dear Father,
We thank Thee for the privilege of
belonging to that band of men and worn-
en who in past generations walked with
their God.
We are thrilled to belong to such a
group-
Jacob, the schemer who became a
prince,
John, the beloved disciple,
Mary Magdalene, symbol of devotion,
And all those from all ages and all
walks of life who chose the path of
faith before us.
Thou hast told us that those whom
they sought to serve often spurned them
because they could not understand their
purpose or destiny. We are grateful to
Thee, our Father, for revealing to us the
meaning of their lives.
Forgive us for too many times forget-
ting that we are citizens of heaven. Re-
mind us often to whom we belong and
of those fellow citizens who too "looked
for a city which hath foundations, whose
builder and maker is God." In the name
of Christ. Amen.
Gladys A. Stoltzfus.
tary and Manager. Other members of
the Board are John D. Burkholder, Jr.,
E. C. Bender, H. A. Diener, M. R. Good,
G. F. Hershberger, and Harry Wenger.
Both Mennonite Aid, Inc., and the Men-
nonite Foundation have separate Boards
of Directors chosen for the effective oper-
ation of a specific part of the mutual aid
work. Pray for these organizations as
facilities are provided to help share the
financial burdens among our brethren.
Goshen, Ind.
funds have been disbursed to recognized
charities. Certain services are also being
rendered in estate planning for members
of our church.
A special subcommittee presented
plans for a systematic savings program
to be operated by Mennonite Mutual
Aid. This was approved subject to the
completion of various details. Announce-
ment of the plans will be made in the
Gospel Herald as soon as the plan is
ready for operation.
As a result of the recommendations of
the Insurance Study Committee which
were approved by the General Confer-
ence at Kitchener, Ontario, last summer,
special subcommittees have been select-
ed to study the advisability and practica-
bility of services in the area of automo-
bile insurance, widow's rehabilitation
iunds, disability, and other forms of aid
among our brethren.
Mennonite Mutual Aid expects to ob-
tain a full-time field representative to
interpret and promote its various pro-
grams among its constituency.
The Directors heard a report on vari-
ous migrations of Mennonites in this
country. They are interested in keeping
in touch with such movements and to
assist wherever possible.
The following officers were elected for
the year: O. O. Miller, President; John
L. Yoder, Vice-President; C. L. Graber,
Treasurer; H. L. Swartzendruber, Secre-
NOT CHARITY BUT
BROTHERHOOD
A plan whereby members of the Men-
nonite Church can share one another's
burdens of hospital, surgical, and burial
aid expenses. Join now and help oth-
ers so that in your distress you will re-
ceive help. This plan authorized by
Mennonite General Conference. Write
for further information:
Mennonite Aid, Inc.,
1202 S. Eighth St.,
Goshen, Indiana.
Half-Way Christians
By Stanley C. Shenk
Yes, we've just got to admit that we
have some of them around. They're al-
ways in church on Sunday mornings, and
they claim they just love to go to church,
but the midweek prayer meeting, the
local missionary organization, and the
Sunday evening service are pretty much
virgin territory to them. They declare
that they just love the Bible, but some-
how its profound passages on Christian
love, brotherhood, second-mile religion,
motive-judging, whispering, backbiting,
and the love of the truth don't seem to
be applied too much from day to day.
They protest solemnly in Sunday-school
classes about how bad things are going
in the congregation and the church, and
thev seem to know exactly what's wrong,
but when you try to enlist them in the
work of the kingdom, they're often just
the ones that are too busy with their
Christians Weep with Those Who
Weep
By Edna Hull Miller
Though every one must bear his grief alone,
For sorrow is a personal thing,
Yet tears unseen have fallen for your sake,
And Christians long to ease a sting.
And may the healing balm of time be such
As eases loneliness and pain,
For winter's stark and lonely tree
In spring has petaled peace again.
Oklahoma City, Okla.
Prayer Requests —
(Requests for this column must be signed)
Pray that the door may not be closed to
the evangelical witness in Colombia.
Pray for the various evangelistic tent
campaigns to be held during the sum-
mer.
Pray for the annual meeting of the Men-
nonite Board of Missions and Char-
ities to be held in June near Salem,
Oreg.
Pray that needed personnel may be
found for the Voluntary Service Units
for the summer.
Pray for the summer Bible schools that
will be held in Europe during the
summer months.
Pray for the summer Bible schools soon
to be held in America.
Pray for the church conferences to be
held this spring and summer.
other work or who plead, "I'm not gifted
enough. Let George over there do it."
They're pretty keen at picking out real
or imaginary inconsistencies in other
brethren or in church boards or commit-
tees, and yet they're not beyond invent-
ing an excuse now and then to justify
(to themselves and others both) the ac-
quisition of a shady dollar or two. These
people, like the poor, death, and taxes,
are always with us. Shall we let ourselves
get so discouraged with them that we
decide to pull up stakes and forget about
Christianity? Such a decision would
please the devil mightily.
Now we've given the term "half-way
Christians" to these folks, but the devil
has a harsher word for them. He calls
them hypocrites, and he can really go to
town on that word. One of the most
effective publicity stunts he has is to put
up a signboard in front of every church,
and this is what it says: "Keep out!
There are hypocrites in there." He real-
ly gets results with it. It's one of the
main reasons for the rapid increase of
the population of hell. Are these people
weak Christians, or are they hypocrites?
They can know, and God does. We
don't. Now regardless of which they are,
we'd be very foolish to get so discouraged
over them that we'd throw Christianity
over. In any case, they need our help,
and furthermore, we need the consola-
tion of the church as a whole and of its
Christ. And, if some of these people
should turn out at the Judgment Day to
be complete hypocrites, we're still better
off to spend a few years with them in the
church here on earth than to have to
spend eternity with them in hell.— Her-
ald Youth Bible Studies, October, 1952.
464
GOSPEL HERALD
OUR SCHOOLS
Introducing the American
Scientific Affiliation
By Esther Stoltzfus
Eastern Mennonite College, Harrison-
burg, Virginia, has invited the American
Scientific Affiliation to hold its ninth an-
nual convention on its campus, August
24-27. Maurice T. Brackbill is serving as
general chairman.
The American Scientific Affiliation is
a group of Christian men and women of
science who attempt to correlate the find-
ings of science with the writings of the
Scriptures, apply the results of these
studies to their concepts of science, and
give a positive Christian witness in the
scientific world.
The Affiliation originated in the week
of September 2, 1941, when five Chris-
tian men who were professors of sciences
in colleges and universities were request-
ed by Irwin Moon to come to Chicago to
discuss together a problem of concern to
them all.
Irwin Moon had been speaking on
campuses giving his "Sermons from Sci-
ence" lectures, and as he interviewed
Christian students he was constantly con-
fronted with the problem they faced—
the problem of why the findings of sci-
ences are so often in conflict with what
they understand the Bible teaches, on
such subjects for instance as the creation
and the origin of the species.
In that meeting they discussed this sit-
uation and decided the American Scien-
tific Affiliation should be formed to study
out solutions and make available help
and guidance for the student.
Their first project was the publication
of a Symposium Volume for college stu-
dents, the book Modern Science and
Christian FaitJi. This book contains
chapters on the areas of science, such as
astronomy, geology, archaeology, medi-
cal science, chemistry, anthropology, psy-
chology, and physical science. It also
presents a chapter on the "Christian In-
terpretation of Science." In each field of
science the difficulties the student faces
are presented, the Biblical position stat-
ed, and actual facts tabulated. For over
six years twenty men compiled materials
lor this book, which was printed in 1918
by Van Kampen Press, Wheaton, Illinois.
It was reprinted in 19*50 with several
changes, additions, and deletions. Toda\
approximately 10,000 copies have been
distributed.
The A.S.A. carries out its program by
reviewing books on science written by
Christians, printing monographs on sub
jects relating to science, and quarterly
printing the Journal ol the A.S.A. Tlu \
also make available doctrinally sound
speakers who have an understanding ol
science for colleges, high schools, and
summer camps.
By April, 1954, the group has grown
to five hundred and twenty-five men and
women in many different professions and
scattered throughout many countries.
These are men and women who have a
bachelor or doctor's degree in a science
subject, and have signed their names to
the doctrinal statement of the American
Scientific Affiliation, as follows:
/ believe tlie whole Bible as originally
given to be the inspired Word of God,
the only unerring guide of faith and con-
duct. Since God is the Author of this
Book, as well as the Creator and Sus-
tainer of the physical world about us, I
believe there can be no discrepancies be-
tween Biblical statements and scientific
observations when both are properly in-
terpreted. Accordingly, trusting in the
Lord Jesus Christ the Son of God, my
Saviour, for strength, I pledge myself to
the furtherance of the task of the A.S.A.
Over twenty-six denominations are
represented in the A.S.A. The highest
representation is from Mennonite, Bap-
tist, Presbyterian, Undenominational,
Methodist, and Brethren.
Since the membership is well distrib-
uted over the United States and Canada,
the convention is held alternately in
eastern, midwestern, and western states.
This year's convention will be a time of
fellowship, discussion, lectures, and field
trips.
Further information about the Ameri-
can Scientific Affiliation, and materials
it has published can be obtained by writ-
ing to H. Harold Hartzler, Secretary-
Treasurer, 107 W. Plymouth Ave., Go-
shen, Indiana.
Goshen College, Goshen, Ind.
HESSTON COLLEGE NEWS
Fifteen pre-nursing students and Dorothy
Detvveiler, Orpha Zimmerly, and Evelyn
Rouner attended the Nurses' Commencement
at the La Junta Mennonite School of Nursing
May 3. M. A. Yoder preached the Baccalau-
reate Sermon, Sunday evening, May 2. Eight
of the fourteen graduating students are alum-
ni of Hesston College.
Merle L. Bender, director of public rela-
tions, will be one of the discussion leaders at
the Topeka I-W Retreat, May 13-16. The
retreat will he held at Forrest Park, Topeka,
Kans.
Bro. John P. Ducrkscn conducted a music
conference at the Argentine Mennonite
Church, Kansas City, Kans., April 30 — May
2. The new book. Songs of the Church, was
used.
Grace Mattar, student from Jerusalem,
Jordan, gave an address at the Mother-
May 18, 1954
Daughter Banquet, Halstead, Kans., May 5.
The banquet was sponsored by two mission
societies of the General Conference Mennon-
ite Church. Miss Mattar spoke on "Wartime
Experiences in Palestine." Approximately
100 were present at the banquet.
The $8,000.00 goal of the fifth annual
Hesston College Spring Work Days was top-
ped. A total of $8,01036 was turned in by
the faculty, students, and staff who partic-
ipated in this year's Work Day activities.
296 of the college family participated. Eleven
students were unable to work because of
illness. The average earnings of all partic-
ipants was $26.06. Workers were employed
in 17 different states.
The first $2,000.00 was earmarked as a
completion fund for the new Farm Shop
building. All earnings above will be used for
construction of a Church-Chapel building.
The Sunday-school wing of this building has
been completed. Work on the Sanctuary and
Bible department annex will begin within
the next year.
Spring Work Days are an integral part of
the annual fund-raising program at Hesston.
— Merle Bender.
Doing an injury puts you below your
enemy; revenging one makes you even
with him; forgiving one sets you abo\e
him.— Benjamin Franklin.
VI. Water from Many Wells
By Nora Oswald
There be four things which are little
upon the earth, but they are exceeding
wise: the ants ... . —Prov. 30:24. 25.
An ant colonv is organized like a large
wheel. The hill is hub and center of I
activity. The lanes that lead away from
the hill in all directions are the spokes.
The length of the lanes determines the '
size of the wheel. The ends of the lanes
make the rim.
Labor in an ant hill is skillfulh oii>an-
ized, and each crew has its particular
work to do. Some serve inside the hill
while others bring food to be eaten or J
to be stored for the winter.
Every Christian Church should be like I
an ant wheel. The church is the hub, I
where members receive spiritual teach- I
ing, counsel, and inspiration. The lanes ,
or avenues are the voice, song, the press, '
automobiles, buses, ships, airplanes, ra- ,
dio, books, magazines, etc. On these ave-l
nues willing workers cam Gospel peb- !
bles all over the world, making personal j
contacts and establishing new mission ;
hubs. Converts are brought into the
church, ever increasing the size of the '
hub.
Christ's kingdom is a network of I
wheels whose spokes reach into every I
field where live needy souls.
Hesston, Kans.
May i8, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
PEACE AND WAR
465
NO MAN CAN SERVE TWO MASTERS
Today our thoughts go back 2000 years to Calvary, but for
mankind in 1954 the cross of Christ stands in the shadow of
the cross of hydrogen.
Two crosses: one standing for redemptive love and forgive-
ness, for the acceptance of suffering, for hope, for life; the other
for hatred and massive retaliation, for the infliction of suffering,
for fear, for death. One proclaims that evil is overcome with
good; the other that evil can only be met with evil.
Man cannot serve both Christ and the bomb. He must
choose which is to be his master. Let us choose the cross of
Christ. Let us cease deluding ourselves: peace cannot be built
from fear. Men do not gather grapes from thorns. Let us be
done with these fearful weapons, regardless of what others do.
Whether the bomb is a tool to deter or to destroy, it is not the
sign by which men conquer.
"Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the lord"
AMERICAN FRIENDS SERVICE COMMITTEE BRETHREN SERVICE COMMISSION MENNONITE CENTRAL COMMITTEF
This statement appeared originally in the New York Times and other newspapers on Good Friday, April 16,
466
GOSPEL H ERALD
May 18, 1954
FAMILY CIRCLE
Which Shall It Be?
Which shall it be? Which shall it be?
I looked at John; John looked at me,
And when I found that I must speak,
My voice seemed strangely low and weak:
"Tell me again what Robert said";
And then I, listening, bent my head.
This is his letter:
"I will give
A house and land while you shall live,
If in return, from out your seven,
One child to me for aye is given."
I looked at John's old garments worn;
I thought of all that he had borne
Of poverty, and work, and care,
Which I, though willing, could not share;
I thought of seven young mouths to feed,
Of seven little children's need,
And then of this.
"Come, John," said I;
"We'll choose among them as they lie
Asleep." So walking hand in hand,
Dear John and I surveyed our band:
First to the cradle lightly stepped,
Where Lillian, the baby, slept.
Softly the father stooped to lay
His rough hand down in a loving way,
When dream or whisper made her stir,
And huskily he said, "Not her."
We stooped beside the trundle bed
And one long ray of lamplight shed
Athwart the boyish faces there,
In sleep so beautiful and fair.
I saw on James' rough, red cheek
A tear undried. Ere John could speak,
"He's but a baby, too," said I,
And kissed him as we hurried by.
Pale, patient Robbie's angel face
Still in his sleep bore suffering's trace;
"No, not for a thousand crowns, not him."
He whispered, while our eyes were dim.
Poor Dick, bad Dick, our wayward son —
Turbulent, resdess, idle one —
Could he be spared? Nay, He who gave
Bade us befriend him to the grave;
Only a mother's heart could be
Patient enough for such as he.
"And so," said John, "I would not dare
To take him from her bedside prayer."
Then stole we softly up above,
And knelt by M:uv. child of love,
"Perhaps for her 'twould better be,"
I said to Jobn. Quite silently
He lifted up a curl that lay
Across her cheek in a willful way,
And shook his head: "Nav, love, not thee."
The while my heart beat audibly.
Only one more, our eldest lad;
Trusty and truthful, good and glad;
So like his father, "No, John, no,
I cannot, will not let him go."
And so we wrote, in a courteous way,
We could not give one child away;
And afterward, toil lighter seemed,
Thinking of that of which we dreamed,
Happy in truth that not one face
Was missed from its accustomed place;
Thankful to work for all the seven,
Trusting the rest to One in heaven.
— Ethel Lynn Burs.
Contributed.
The Virtuous Woman
(Proverbs 31:10-31)
By Barbara Ann Yoder
My dear friends, I should like to intro-
duce you to a woman who is the ideal of
every young Christian girl, and whose
type is desired by every Christian man
as a wife.
We shall say her name is Mrs. Jewel,
but her price is far above rubies or jewels
of any kind. Of all the women in the
neighborhood there is none like her.
Her husband has no reason to worry,
for she does her work so carefully that
he has no fear of waste.
She goes out and finds material of dif-
ferent kinds, such as wool, linen, and
flax. She does not buy the most expen-
sive, but she buys a very good grade in
order to save and be thrifty.
She goes to the market herself and
buys food which is good lor her children,
food that is nourishing and body-build-
ing. She also sees to it that her children
get three square meals a day. Her chil-
dren eat what is set before them, for thev
know that their mother gives them only
of the best food.
She does not lie in bed until nine or
ten o'clock, but she gets up in the morn-
ing before it is quite light and prepares
breakfast for her whole household.
When her husband comes down to
breakfast, he does not meet a woman
who looks like "the last rose of summer."
with her hair uncombed in pin curls,
and her lace pale because of no make-
up. Instead, he meets his wile, smiling,
sweet and tidy, and with her hair neatly
combed. She needs no make-up because
Cod has given her a beautiful, rosy com-
plexion. Even if her husband feels ,t
little tired or blue, all his cares are scat-
tered b\ his smiling wife, for she spreads
happiness and joy wherever she goes.
W hen her children arise, she chesses
them herself (and not her maids). While
she is dressing them she talks to them
pleasantly and kindly, after which they
all sit down together and have family
devotions. Their breakfast is a pleasant
one as are the rest of their meals, for no
one feels grouchy, because God is there
and each one feels His presence.
Mr. and Mrs. Jewel have taught their
children that God is to be honored and
feared and that He loves and blesses
godly homes.
She helps all her neighbors, rich and
poor. She turns no one from her door,
of those who are in need. She takes of
her own to help supply the needs of the
poor. In this the Lord blesses her. She
believes and lives the injunction, "Freeh
ye have received, freely give."
This does not mean that her family
is neglected. She does not fear the win-
ter, for she has been sewing in the sum-
mer and fall, so that her children have
sufficient clothing to wear. And if at
times it looks as though she will not have
enough she takes her troubles to God
and not to her husband or neighbors.
"For," says she, "why worn- when you
can pray?"
Mrs. Jewel is a very modestly dressed
woman. Her clothes are simple, but
very neat. She does not wear her hair
after the fashions of the world, but in a
natural and attractive manner, and her
devotional coverings are neat and well-
fitting.
She does not gossip over the back
fence, and when she speaks about some
one it is for good and not evil. People
all love her and say, "Truly Christ is
glorified in this woman."
Even though she may be busy, she
often takes time to talk to her children
and to discuss their troubles with them,
small though they may seem.
Her children look back on their child-
hood days with jov and say. "God has
richly blessed us in that He has given us
such a wonderful mother." Her husband
says, "Of all the women in the world you
are the best."
Truly, "Who can find a virtuous worn]
an? tor her price is far above rubies."
Bridgeville, Del.
EXPRESSIONS OF APPRECIATION
I wish to express my sincere thanks to the
blood donors. May the Lord reward you. Also
for the many prayers offered, flowers, cards]
gifts, and visits during my stay at the hospital
and since m v return home. May God bless you
all. — Mrs. Levi W. Bucher. Manheim. Pa.
• • •
I lake this way to thank my many friends for
their kindness in remembering me while in the
hospital and at home — for cards, letters, and the
prayers that 1 believe went with them — also for
visitors, plants, the many bouquets, fruit, sifts,
boobs. I enjoy the cards from the different
churches and from their Sunday-school classes
and the sowing circle. And I thank the Shining
Stars for singing, and the neighbors for their
kindnesses. — Ada M. Hrubaker.
• • •
We wish to express our sincere appreciation
to our friends and relatives for prayers offered
in our behalf, and sympathy given us. Also for
cards and letters sent to us in our recent trial,
and at the passim; of our beloved daughter and
sister, Mrs. Nathan l.andvatee. — Mr. and Mrs.
David Z. Miller and family. Middletown. Pa.
May 18, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
TO BE NEAR TO GOD
THEME— TEARS
Sunday, May 23
Read Heb. 12:16, 17— Esau
Tears cannot reverse the clock of old Fa-
ther Time. History cannot be unwritten with
tears. Esau may obtain forgiveness for the
rash deed of a careless moment, but he can-
not find reversal and receive the birthright
over again. How often young folks and oth-
ers think that wild oats can be watered with
the tears of repentance later on, and that the
ultimate harvest of such sowing and watering
will be good. No, the place for tears is at the
place and time of temptation. Esau should
have wept at the thought of losing that pre-
cious birthright; such weeping would have
been timely and proper.
We are happy to report that Esau found
a large measure of blessing in his later life,
so large that he could say, "I have enough."
But he never found that tears of sorrow could
erase the history of the day when he despised
his birthright.
Monday, May 24
Read Mark 9:23, 24— The Father of the Child with
the Dumb Spirit
If I get a speck of cinder in my eye, I shed
tears in an endeavor to wash it out. Onions
also provoke me to tears. And if I get an
overcharge of emotions, my eyes behave the
same as if I had introduced a foreign physi-
cal or chemical agent. Frankly, I do not know
why; I merely know it is so.
Through all the years there was a build-up
in this father's emotions until now. No won-
der his eyes joined his heart in begging for
help in his unbelief. Men have discovered
that certain chemicals are sure death for the
weeds on our lawns. Well, for your lawn of
belief that surrounds the mansion of your
soul, there is an age-old remedy for the weeds
of unbelief. Unsightly plants they are, these
doubts and suspicions. Treat them to a liber-
al dose of tears while you call on Jesus of
Nazareth to help eradicate your unbelief and
there will be a speedy answer. Tears still
arouse a willing Master to action. And green
indeed will be the faith which has been well
watered with tears.
Tuesday, May 25
Read II Tim. 1:3, 4— Timothy
How kindly was the tender relationship
between Paul and Timothy! The contempla-
tion of the love between these two is pleasant
indeed. Some years undoubtedly separated
them. The disparity of ages did not affect
the friendship. Rather, it seemed to deepen it.
Paul loved Timothy as one would have
loved a son. Timothy loved Paul as one
would love a father. It may be surmised that
Timothy left Paul in chains and that the last
picture Paul had was one of Timothy going
away, weeping as he went. This is a difficult
memory for any lover to have of another and
not one to be willingly entertained forever.
Therefore Paul sought to dissolve it and re-
place it with a memory of joy.
"Mindful of thy tears," says Paul to the
man of another generation. How worthily
should we walk so that it may be said of us
also that separation from us brought tears to
those whose only bonds were the ties of one-
ness in Christ. Are we thus living?
Wednesday, May 26
Read Rev. 7:16, 17 — God and Tears
In that day there will be no more pile-up
of annoying emotions until they must be dis-
charged with the washing of tears; no more
unbelief to be banished by a tearful appeal
for help; no more sorrow which seeks to be
transported to the better past; no more want
or lack of that to which one had been accus-
tomed; no more fearful apprehension of the
unknown with its terrors. Sufficient unto its
pleasant fullness will be each moment of
heaven. No more build-ups or let-downs.
467
Spiritual aspirations will all be transmut-
ed into spiritual completeness. And sin,
"missing the mark," will be absent. At long
last there will be no tears.
Aren't you anxious to arrive there? As soon
as your work is done, I mean.
Thursday, May 27
Read Acts 20:19, 31— Paul's Tears
If I could summon the apostle to sit by me
as I write this on Good Friday, I suppose our
conversation would run like this.
"Paul, why did you weep at Ephesus?"
" 'Twas brought to me in sad remembrance
how I, the chief of sinners, persecuted the
Lord Jesus in the person of His saints, even
as the Jews persecuted me at Ephesus. I
haled members of Christ's body, not under-
standing, and put them in prison. So, indi-
rectly I was present at the crucifixion, nail-
ing Christ to His cross. But the Jews would
have none of it, and so I wept as Jesus did
for me in the Garden. I wept also for those
who believed. The wolves are many, and they
wear sheep's clothing. Sheep are often so
silly that they cannot discern between a sheep
and a wolf in sheep's clothing. For such I
weep. God save them and bring them safely
home with the other sheep. My heart is not
my own any more; it belongs to Christ and
these sheep."
(Continued on page 476)
Elisha Reveals Spiritual Resources
Sunday School Lesson for May 30
(II Kings 4:8-37; 6:8-23)
Today the people of the world, all men,
are surrounded by the threat of death, of ex-
termination. What shall men do? That was
the situation of Elisha and his servant exactly.
What did they do? Read the lesson together
and see. Read to the end of the story.
Verse 23.
In the crisis of our day many people are
represented in Elisha's servant. They have
no faith and have a feeling that the problems
of the present world are insurmountable.
Elisha represents the Christians. They have
spiritual resources the world knows nothing
about. (Each member of your class needs
greater resources to withstand the faithless-
ness of men today and also to help those who
know not God. Strengthen them in God.)
Elisha was a remarkable leader in Israel.
He was a trusted counselor of the kings. He
helped the allied kings of Israel, Judah, and
Edom against the king of Moab. Chapter 3.
Let a pupil report this thrilling victory of the
Lord's.
Elisha was given power to do miraculous
things: to heal bad spring water (2:19-22); to
multiply the oil of a widow and sons (4:1-7);
to heal the poisonous pottage; to multiply
bread; to cause the ax to float; and to raise
to life the Shunammite's son. 4:8-37. (Good
subjects for brief reports.)
Elisha was called the "man of God"
4:9; 5:8; 6:10. Did he deserve this tide? Dis-
cover the secret of his strength.
Elisha had been with another great man
of God, Elijah. He saw Elijah courageously
stand for God. When Elijah left him, Elisha
asked for a double portion of Elijah's spirit.
2:1-11. This was a very discerning request.
What was this spirit? Above all it was an
unquestioning faith in God. See how he
prayed in crises; how God told him things;
what clear spiritual insight he had; how kind
he was to Israel's enemy. Here's an excellent
illustration of Old Testament nonresistance.
We are too inclined to study our social and
economic resources, both as individuals and
as a nation. We need rather to understand
our spiritual resources. Have we faith in
God? This is the only steadying force for us
in the midst of world unrest and interna-
tional conflict. In God's light we will see
light, and in this light we will see a power
stronger than the enemy of our souls, or the
enemy of our nation.
Men and women of strong faith like Elisha
are needed in the home, the school, the hos-
.pital, the factory, the store, the office, and
everywhere. Everywhere today there are
crises looming, but we need only remember,
"The angel of the Lord encampeth round
about them that fear him, and delivereth
them," and "He shall give his angels charge
over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways."
— Alta Mae Erb.
Lesson based on "International Sunday School Les-
sons: the International Bible Lessons for Christian
Teaching," copyrighted 1951 by the Division of Chris-
tian Education National Council of the Churches of
Christ in the U.S.A.
468
GOSPEL HERALD
May 18, 1954
FIELD NOTES
Items to appear In this column for any issue oi the
following Tuesday must reach Scottdale by Wednes-
day morning.
Bro. Dewey Emswiler, R. 2, Broadway,
Va., pastor of the Bethel Church in that re-
gion, died suddenly at his home on April 29.
He had earlier served in mission work at
Knoxville, Tenn. His death came as a great
shock to his family and friends. The funeral
was held at Trissels Church, near Broadway,
on May 3.
The statement on the Peace and War page
under the caption, "No Man Can Serve Two
Masters," was printed in the "New York
Times" on Good Friday at a cost of $2,800.00
and was financed by the three historic peace
churches. It was similarly printed in a Lan-
caster, Pa., paper at a cost of $270.00. The
original size as it appeared in the daily papers
was 11 '/4 by 16 inches. It has been reduced
to fit the Gospel Herald page size. This is
a unique type of peace witness, and in the
case of the "New York Times" was practical-
ly world-wide.
The death of Bro. C. F. Klassen, at Gronau,
Germany, on May 8, as reported elsewhere
in this issue, came as a distinct shock to his
many friends in all areas of the Mennonite
Church. He apparently died as he wished,
while in active service for the Lord in the in-
terests of the Mennonite refugees to whom
he had devoted his labors and prayers.
Table of Contents
457 — Jesus Was Both Human and Divine
For You — For Mo (Poem)
458 — Our Readers Say
The Givers
459— Which Son?
Daily Prayer Guide
460 — The Revelation of Jesus Christ
The Death of C. F. Klassen
It Happened
461 — "Can Any Good Thing Come Out of Nazareth"
462 — Mennonite Mutual Aid
463— A Prayer for This Week
Half-Way Christians
Christians Weep with Those Who Weep (Poem)
Prayer Requests
464— — Introducing the American Scientific Association
Hesston Colleqe News
VI. Wator from Many Wells
465 — Cut of Release as Printed in New York Times
466— Which Shall It Be? (Poem)
The Virtuous Woman
Expressions of Appreciation
467 — To Bo Near to God
Sunday School Lesson for May 18
468— Field Notes
Calendar
469 — Mission News
Your Troasurer Reports
470 — Beqlnninq at Jerusalem
God Didn't Let the Tire Go Flat
471 — From Mission to Church
Bible Truth Lives Again
472— The Time Is Short
Bible Society Conducts Campaiqn
The Meanonlte Hour
473 — Our Witness In Belqium
474 — MRSC Weekly Notes
MCC Weekly Notes
475 — Women's Activities
From Our Churches
477— Births
Marrlaqes
Anniversaries
Obituaries
479— The Book Shelf
Items and Comments
480— Your Publishing House
The Ohio Conference has approved the
plan to build a Church High School in
Wayne County, in the vicinity of Kidron, as
soon as funds are collected. A concerted solici-
tation program was carried on May 10-15.
The Conference on Christian Community
Relations, held at Eastern Mennonite College,
May 6-8, was attended by representative peo-
ple from various areas of the church. A profit-
able meeting was held, one of the interesting
and helpful features of which was a tour of
industries, churches, and other points of in-
terest in the local area of the Shenandoah
Valley. Bro. J. Winfield Fretz, North New-
ton, Kans., was guest speaker from a distance.
The Curriculum Committee of the Com-
mission for Christian Education met at Sou-
derton, Pa., May 3, and again at Chicago, 111.,
on May 14, 15, working on plans for the new
materials for graded Sunday-school lessons
and weekday Bible school.
At the centennial meeting held at the Ma-
ple Grove Church, Topeka, Ind., Sunday
forenoon and afternoon, May 16, the breth-
ren Sanford C. Yoder and C. L. Graber, Go-
shen, Ind., were among the speakers. Two
applicants were baptized at the Maple Grove
church Sunday, May 9.
Congratulations and the Lord's blessing to
two of our well-known octogenarian minis-
ters who recently celebrated birthdays: I. B.
Witmer, Columbiana, Ohio, who observed
his 89th birthday, May 14; and I. W. Royer,
Orrville, Ohio, who was 81 years old, May 2.
Ground-breaking ceremonies were held on
the grounds of the Maple Grove Church,
Belleville, Pa., on Saturday, May 8, prepara-
tory to beginning work on the new church
building to be erected this summer. The old
building will be allowed to stand until the
new one is ready for occupancy.
Important Instructions for All Persons
Ordering Herald SBS Supplies:
Grade 6 Herald Summer Bible
School Pupil's Workbook and Teach-
er's Manual, entitled Teachings of Je-
sus, has been completely revised. The
new revised books for both teacher
and pupil can be identified by three
white dots on the cover of each book
just beneath the title. Please make
certain all your copies are of the new
edition. It will be necessary to purchase
a new Teacher's Manual if you plan
to teach Grade 6 this year. A com-
bination of old and new pupils' books
cannot be used in any one class. Check
your stock now and order the quantity
von need for Grade 6 teachers and
pupils. Any unused copies of the old
edition may be returned for replace-
ment.
Mennonite Publishing House
Scottdale, Pennsylvania
The Handbook for Christian Workers, re-
cently issued by the Commission for Chris-
tian Education, emphasizes the theme for the
year: "Every Member Evangelism," by giving
suggestions how every church agency and in-
dividual may help to carry on the great task
of world-wide evangelism. Every home
should have a copy of this book.
A vesper communion service was held at
the Orrville, Ohio, Church on Sunday after-
noon, May 16, for the benefit of those who
could not attend the regular communion
service on Easter Sunday.
Bro. Richard Mover, recendy appointed as
pastor of the church at Crenshaw, Jefferson
Co., Pa., made an appreciated call at the
Publishing House last week. This work is
sponsored by the Locust Grove congregation,
Belleville, Pa., and is located about twenty-
five miles from the Rockton Church, Clear-
field Co., Pa.
(Continued on page 476)
Calendar
Ohio Mennonite and Eastern A.M. Joint Conference,
Walnut Creek Church in Holmes Co., Ohio, May
25-27. 1954.
Indiana-Michigan annual meetings at Howard-Miami
Church, Kokomo, Ind. Mission Board, June 1;
Conference June 2, 3.
North Central Mennonite Conference and associated
meetings, June 7-11 at Lake Region Church,
Detroit Lakes, Minn.
Annual meeting of Ontario A.M. Conference, June
9-10, at East Zorra A.M. Church. Ontario (near
Tavistock).
Annual meeting Mennonite Board of Missions and
Charities, Western Mennonite School, Salem,
Oreg., June 17-20.
Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Youth Fellowship, Go-
shen College Union Auditorium, Goshen. Ind.,
June 25-27.
1954 Schedule for Laurelville; Writers' Conference,
June 26 to July 2; Family Week. July 3-9; Boys'
Camp (ages 9-13), July 10-16; Girls' Camp (ages
9-13), July 17-23; Junior High (ages 13-15), July
24-30; Junior High (agos 13-15), July 31 to Aug. 6;
Young People's Institute, Aug. 7-13; MYF Work-
shop and Annual meeting, Aug. 14-20; Church
Music Conference, Aug. 21-27; Missionary Bible
Conference, Aug. 28 to Sept. 2.
Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp: Pre-camp train-
ing—June 28-July 2; Week-end Bible Conference
on Stewardship — July 3, 4, Milo Kauffman, Hess-
ton, Kans.; Junior Boys — July 5-10 (ages 9-12);
Junior Girls— July 12-17 (ages 9-12); Junior High
—July 19-24 (ages 13-15); First Family— July 26-
31; Youth Retreat — Aug. 2-7 (ages 16 and above);
Second Family — Aug. 9-14; Orientation Camp
for prospective I-W Men — August 21-28. Program
sponsored by MRSC. Week-end Bible Conference
and Annual Camp Meeting of Rocky Mountain
Mennonite Camp Association — Sept. 5, 6.
Peace Sunday. July 4, 1954.
Annual meeting Mission Board of Southwestern Penn-
sylvania Conference, Otelia Church, Ml. Union,
Pa., July 9, 10.
Illinois Junior Camp, July 12-17, and Junior High
Camp, July 19-24, Camp Emmaus, Mt. Morris, [IL
Virginia Conference and related meetinqs. Spring-
dale Church. Waynesboro, Va., July 27-30.
Annual Ohio MYF convention, Ohio Mennonite Camp
Ground, Kidron, Ohio, July 30 to August 1.
Annual meetinq Southwestern Pa. Conference. Mar-
tinsburq. Pa., Aug. 1-4.
Illinois State MYF Retreat, New Salem State Park.
August 5-8.
Annual meeting Iowa-Nebraska Conference. West
Union. Parnell, Iowa, Auq. 10-13.
Annual meetinq South Central Conference, Assembly
of God campqround, near Eldon, Mo., Auq. 17-20.
Annual meetinq niinois Conference, East Bend.
Fishor, 111., Auq. 24-26.
Fall meetinq. Commission for Christian Education.
Laurelville Mennonite Camp, Laurelville, Pa..
Sept. 27. 28.
Study Conference of Child Evangelism. Laurelville
Mennonite Camp. Sept. 29, 30.
Fall meetinq. General Council of Mennonite General
Conference, Laurelville Mennonite Camp. Oct.
1. 2.
Annual meetinq of the Mennonite Board of Education.
Kalona-Wellman, Iowa, area; Oct. 14-16. 1954.
Annual meetinq Mennonite Conference and As* oriated
meetinqs of the Pacific Coast District at Western
Mennonite School. Salem, Oreg., June 1-4.
Annual meeting Conservative A.M. Conference.
Maple Glen congregation near Grantsville. Md
Aug. 10-13, 1954.
May 18, ipjf
GOSPEL HERALD
469
Go, Preach • MISSIONS * Give, Pray
The General Board Headquarters for Missions, Relief, and Service: 1711 Prairie Street. Elkhart, Indiana. Telephone, Elkhart 2-2786.
Mission News
Three mission board secretaries spoke in
chapel at Goshen College, Goshen, Ind., on
Friday, May 7: Bro. Harvey Driver of the
Congo Inland Mission Board, Bro. Orie O.
Miller of the Eastern Mennonite Board of
Missions and Charities, and Bro. J. D. Gra-
ber of the Mennonite Board of Missions and
Charities. Throughout the day students in-
terested in foreign mission service were
given opportunity to interview these mission
board representatives.
Sister Jean Garber, missionary nurse ap-
pointee to Honduras, arrived in San Jose,
Costa Rica, for language study on May 5.
"The Nakashibetsu Mennonite Hour is
becoming one of our best means of getting
out the Word of God," writes Bro. Lee Kan-
agy from Nakashibetsu, Hokkaido, Japan.
This is a fifteen-minute radio broadcast sent
out every Sunday morning over the local
station. The local group is requesting that
it become a daily broadcast geared to the
local farmers' rising and breakfast time,
sometime between 4:30 and 6:00 a.m. One
person has requested that this broadcast tell
the whole life story, teachings, and purpose
of the coming of Christ in simple language
in a long series of broadcasts. Pray for this
evangelistic effort.
Bro. Aquilla Riehl, city mission pastor
from New York City under the Eastern Men-
nonite Board of Missions and Charities, com-
pleted a seven-week course of Spanish lan-
guage study on April 29 in the Spanish lan-
guage school at La Plata, Puerto Rico.
Bro. Wilbur Hostetler, missionary on fur-
lough from India, spoke at the Science Ridge
Mennonite Church, Sterling, 111., on Sunday,
May 9, and at the Plato, Ind., Mennonite
Church, Sunday evening, April 25. Sister
Hostetler was one of the speakers at the Ohio
Women's Missionary Sewing Circle meeting
at the Central Church, Archbold, Ohio, on
April 24.
A city-wide evangelistic tent campaign is
scheduled to begin June 20 at Pottsville, Pa.,
with Bro. Noah Hershey as the evangelist.
This campaign is sponsored by the Palo Alto
mission.
Bro. and Sister Carl Beck write from
Obihiro, Japan: "Easter services included a
number of inspiring meetings: a Good Friday
evening fellowship when Sunaire San, the
assistant pastor here, preached an impressive
sermon to a small but serious congregation;
a Saturday evening hymn-sing; and Sunday
morning and evening services. . . several of
our members have gone to college again,
two to Tokyo, one to Sapporo, and one to
Kushiro, and we are missing them in our
services here."
Dr. and Mrs. Fred Swartzendruber, former
service workers in Puerto Rico, gave an il-
lustrated message on Puerto Rico, at the
Detroit, Mich., Mennonite Church on Sun-
day evening, May 9.
Sister Florence Nafziger, missionary nurse
in Dhamtari, India, writes: "It is increasingly
apparent that if the church here is to move
forward and become the real evangelizing
agency that God wants it to be, that we must
have a real outpouring of God's Spirit upon
every one of us, missionaries and nationals as
well. What is it that stands in the way? We
don't know, but we most sincerely want to
know so that, as we are able, we may re-
move that obstacle so that God can really use
us. Will you pray with us?"
Bro. Henry Wyse, Archbold, Ohio,
preached for the Lima, Ohio, Mennonite
Church on Sunday morning, May 2.
The Chester Wenger family is due to re-
turn from Ethiopia on furlough July 23. Bro.
Paul Gingrich has been appointed to serve
as director of the Nazareth Dresser Bible
School, replacing Chester Wenger during
his furlough. Reports from the field indicate
that the church in Ethiopia is growing.
The Christian Workers' Band at Hesston
College and Bible School, Hesston, Kans.,
has invited Bro. J. D. Graber, Elkhart, Ind.,
to speak to their group on Sunday morning,
May 30, on the subject, "The Challenge of
Missions." Bro. Graber will preach a mis-
sionary sermon to the College congregation
and commencement visitors that same morn-
ing.
The Subcommittee on Negro Evangelism
of the Urban Evangelism Committee of the
General Mission Board is preparing a bibli-
ography on race relations to be used by local
study groups, our church schools, and other
interested groups in studying the race ques-
tion.
Live like the people you serve is a present
emphasis in missions. Bro. and Sister Lee
Kanagy, missionaries to Japan, underscore
this as follows: "Since missionaries to Japan
have generally transplanted housing and
gadgets where they are now carrying on a
missionary program, and since this has large-
ly been the reason that the church has only
reached the middle classes and upper classes
of Japanese, and since the poorer and farmer
class which comprise a half or more of the
population have been neglected, we have felt
rather strongly that building and living in a
western fashion on Japanese soil is not the
best way to reach the farmers and fishing
people. . . . Because our living has so much
to do with what we say. . . we have felt best
not to build this year but to try to adapt to
the Japanese way of living in a rented
house."
A two-week Bible School was recently held
at Trujillo, Honduras, with an average at-
tendance of 73. Many children were reached
Your Treasurer Reports
Bro. and Sister Orley Swartzentruber are
now serving as missionaries in France and
have, during the past year, been active in
raising a foundation for the work there. De-
velopments in recent months appear to be
very good and with the assistance of French
Mennonites it would seem that a significant
mission project can be developed in Paris.
In this connection, Bro. Swartzentruber has
had a need for transportation. Through the
assistance of one of our brethren who was in
France this past winter, we have been able to
locate a car which has been obtained at a
very reasonable price. The total cost for this
car is $925.00. Since funds received for the
French work are very limited, we feel that
this car purchase would be a good project
for special contributions. Therefore, we
would like to make this special project known
to both individuals and groups who might
want to contribute towards it. I am sure that
Bro. Swartzentruber will appreciate any help
which can be given towards purchasing this
car which will be of considerable assistance
to the program in France. Please send your
contribution to your District Treasurer or
direct to this office designated for the Swartz-
entruber Car Fund.
H. Ernest Bennett, Treasurer
Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities
Elkhart, Indiana.
who do not attend Sunday school. About
115 children, parents, and friends attended
the closing program. On March 14 two More-
no men were baptized, the first persons to be
received from that group of people. Many
more are believers and through the ministry
of one of them in particular the treasurer of
the Catholic church in Santa Fe has been
brought to the Lord.
Three graduates of Napporo Christian Ag-
ricultural College, Hokkaido, Japan, who are
living in the Nakashibetsu area where Lee
Kanagys are working, are interested in es-
tablishing an agricultural school there and the
local Snow Brand Creamery has offered a plot
of land. Pray for this undertaking. This
would be a three-love school — love for God,
love for one's neighbor, and love for the soil —
patterned after the Napporo school.
The Quarterly Missionary Round Table
sponsored by the Eastern Mennonite Board of
Missions and Charities was held at Goshen,
Md., Monday, May 10. The program featured
a panel discussion on "Evangelism and the
Child." The following brethren were panel
speakers: David Thomas, Paul M. Lederach,
Noah Hershey, and Amos Horst with Paul
M. Lederach serving as panel chairman.
(Continued on page 476)
470
GOSPEL HERALD
Beginning at Jerusalem
By Roy Kreiufr
The Land of the Bible is today the strange
product of influences resulting from a
history and culture that is ancient, the evi-
dent lack of peace with her neighbors, and
the divergent philosophies of the immigrants
who came from extremely varying cultural
backgrounds. The efforts to assimilate and
amalgamate their strong biases and prejudices
will require considerable time. Therefore, the
cultural, educational, and philosophical sit-
uation of Israel is in a period of flux. Grad-
ually the Jewish communities are becoming
more closely knit together and there is in the
communal life a growing group persuasive-
ness The expanding pressure of group opin-
ion is significantly influencing the thinking
of the individual.
To understand the people among whom
we have come to live we have made several
tours of the cities and villages of Israel. We
chatted with shopkeepers and businessmen,
and on one occasion interviewed the town
clerk Afterward we interviewed some ot the
missionaries here concerning problems o
carrying on a witness in Israel, methods of
approach, the attitudes and thinking of the
people, and concerning areas relatively un-
ouched with a Gospel witness. Some mis-
sionaries recommended clusters of smaller
towns to the north in the prospering agricul-
tural sections. Others advised that the tight-
lv woven cultural patterns of the smaller
towns would increase the difficulty of wit-
nessing since group thinking is a more pow-
erful factor in the close associations of the
small villages. Another suggestion was to
locate in one of Israel's three large cues, and
move from there among the outlying com-
munities near by.
These include Tel-Aviv, the largest a city
of 350,000, with plans for a deepwater harbor
and destined to become one of the maior
cities of the Middle East. Superimposed upon
the gate of entry to Aion at Tel-Aviv -is the
motto, "I will build thee and thou shalt he
built" (Jer. 31:4). This modern city with a
fast feverish tempo of life is the social, com-
mercial, and cultural focus of Israel. Here
there arc but lour mission groups at present.
Second in size is Jerusalem, Israel's capital
city, the seat of Orthodox Jewry. Modem
Jerusalem is a collection of suburbs and per-
haps the most difficult place to witness be-
cause of the influence of the strong Orthodox
clement. More than 60 missionaries are at
work in Jerusalem.
Third is Haifa, a modem, hustling city of
150,000, termed thfl "City of Israel's Future."
It is a city of business, industry, and leisure.
The beautiful port of Haifa, reaching from
the sea up the gentle slopes of Carmel, has
been the port-of-entry (or the returning Dias
pora, and a large portion of this mixed mul
titude have chosen to make 1 laifa their home.
Therefore, Haifa is not a typical Jewish city,
but a concentration of multi-cultures as yet
unblended. To these there are twelve mis-
sionaries witnessing. Not far from Haifa are
numerous smaller towns prospering in the
fertile valleys of Megiddo and Jezreel, and
the Sharon Plain on which there is no wit-
ness.
The decision on a permanent location is
still in process. The immediate task is the
study of the Hebrew language. Since our ar-
rival we have been studying under a private
teacher, and on January 4 enrolled in an in-
tensive five-month course in a language
school. The stress of the private lesson is
grammar, and the school concentrates on con-
versation; so the two make a fine combina-
tion. Jerusalem is rated as being the best
place to study Hebrew, and so for the pres-
ent our plans are to remain here.
Florence. Ruy, and Jeryl David Kreiiler.
missionaries to Israel.
Study at the Hebrew School draws the stu-
dents together in a unique friendship, and
the chats with them are becoming more con-
fidential. The spirit of Nicodemus is the
spirit of several of these new friends, and con-
versation concerning spiritual things has
found a warm response with several. "The
tortures of Europe." one friend admitted,
"have taught me to he cautious in entering
into confidences." Classroom discussions have
disclosed the fact that for many the flame of
hope in a Messiah has been snuffed out.
The spiritual crisis in Israel today com
pares with the physical crisis in the days of
Queen Esther. God has brought us "to the
kingdom for such a time as this." We stand
before a King more powerful than Ahasuerus
who always holds out for us the golden
scepter of acceptance before His throne and
has even more abundant eagerness to giant
our requests. Like Fsther we ask for the sal-
vation of Israel— valvation that comes only
to a soul at peace and oneness with God.
Jerusalem, Israel.
MISSIONS SECTION
A well ordered life is like climbing a
tower: the view half way Up IS better than
the view at the base, and it steadily becomes
finer as the horizon expands.— William Lyon
Phelps.
May 18,
God Didn't Let the Tire Go Flat
By Esther Voct
I had been sick with a bad cold and 100-
degree temperature. I had spent a resdess
night and Sister Gladys Becker gave me
another penicillin injection. The time for
the last women's meeting I could attend was
coming this afternoon. Could I go? About
an hour before time to start I still had some
fever. But by the time of our noon meal I
was normal; so I decided to go and enjoy
once more the sweet Christian fellowship of
my Indian sisters.
God gave me strength to go and drive the
car with a full load of women (twenty-one —
quite a load for a station wagon!). They were
packed in so tightly that one had to stand up,
but that was better than making anyone walk
seven miles.
The devil tried to defeat me again on the
way by getting us stuck in the mud twice,
but God showed a way out. Praise His name.
Biswasi was the leader and she felt very
ill prepared because her baby had been sick
and she had had little time to prepare, but
v e all felt that she gave us something from
the Lord.
After a time of prayer for special requests,
yes. even praying for Martha sitting in our
midst because she and her family had started
to go to the Roman Catholic Church (she
seemed touched by the prayer), the women
said, "Now we want to have something
more." They brought garlands and put them
around Gladys' and my necks and then read
Psalm 121. prayed and sang "Blest Be the
Tie That Binds" and "God Be with You
Till We Meet Again." Then they brought
me a lovely brass vase, a parting gift from the
entire group for our entire family, a very kind
thought, indeed. May God bless them for
their kindness and make them grow up ir
Christ.
Then they passed the tea around. One whe
had just gotten real victory, after a spell o
anger and threatening to run away, passet
the tea around with a smile on her face. Th«
poorest member in the group had furnishei
milk from her home and another siste-
brought popped rice.
When we returned we had two more pas
sengers— a sick baby was being brought fo
a malaria injection and a crippled man \vh»
walks on sticks wanted to take the train— »
we took this Christian, happy although hi
legs were absolutely helpless, to the statiof
When we got off to let him out, z ma-
pointed to the back tire and said. "Looll
Air is coming out."
Sister Becker said. "Oh. the tire will soo
be flat. We can never get home."
"Well, let us get in and see how far w
can go," I replied. We stopped twice I
check and it still seemed to be standing uj
so we reached home without the tire goin
flat.
God is good. He remembered the pcx
baby who needed an injection. He remer
bejed how tired and sick some of us wet
God is a present help in time of need. Prai
I lis name.
Bihar, India.
May 18, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
471
From Mission to Church
By B. Frank Byi.fr
Except the Lord build the house, they
labour in vain that build it.
The stage of our building here in Argen-
tina is one of transition from a church carried
on and governed by the mission, to a self-
governing and indigenous church. The tran-
sition is neccessarily very slow, but one can
see that progress is being made. I am report-
ing as president of the mission, not as presi-
dent of the church in Argentina. We
missionaries are members of the church in
Argentina and as such we have a voice in
the government and the plans for carrying
forth the Gospel. Because of this emphasis,
the work of the mission organization as such
is constantly diminishing. The church places
all workers including missionaries, handles
all government of the conference, and makes
all vital decisions. The work of the mission
organization is mainly the administration of
the budget and caring for properties. Even
this we hope will be taken over by the church
as we enter this new era.
In order to facilitate the transition, during
the past year a committee was appointed by
conference to prepare a new constitution for
our church. It is interesting to note that the
proposed constitution does not mention Mis-
sion Council nor Field Committee of the mis-
sion in any way. In fact, the missionaries and
the Mennonite Board of Missions and Chari-
ties are not mentioned. This is all in perfect
harmony with the plan for the indigenous
church. We missionaries work here as breth-
ren, and relations between the church here
and the Board at home are fraternal. This
is not a weakening of the structure nor an
offense to the Board and the missionaries who
founded this church. It is only a desired step
in reaching the ultimate goal of the founders
and a cause for rejoicing today. It will be
only natural, therefore, that ere long this re-
port of the president will be replaced by the
report of the moderator of conference.
While there is much reason for rejoicing,
and we praise the Lord for the progress that
is made in His kingdom in Argentina, we
must confess that as we look at our work and
our church we feel a great longing for new
experiences of the infilling of the Holy Spirit
and dying to self and to sin that will make
our spiritual life keep pace with the enthusi-
asm for the indigenous church. We realize
that the church goes forward, not on plans
and policies, but by the power of the Spirit
in lives fully consecrated to the Saviour. We
find it easy to talk about ideals and make
new constitutions, but we see the futility of
all of that where a burden for the Lord's
work, for lost souls, and for sacrificial giving
and living is lacking. Pray for us that we
missionaries may lead the way and give the
example and that our Argentine brethren
may catch the vision.
Trenque Lauquen, Argentina.
This shows the church group at Mathis. Texas, with Bro. and Sister J. Weldon Martin,
workers in charge, at the far right. Fourteen voluntary service workers are participating
in the mission-service program at Mathis. The small church shown here has become too small
for the work. Bro. and Sister Martin have recently contacted churches in Virginia and Ohio
in behalf of a new church building which has been authorized by the Executive Committee
of the General Mission Board. The voluntary service workers "have also been contacting
their friends about this need.
Geraldo Gonzales, a member of the junior boys' class, testifies as follows:
"We thank the Lord for the power of prayer. . . . One Sunday in January there
were four members in our class present and ten absent. Those of us who attended regularly
searched our lives and prayed for members who were continually absent. We know
the Lord has answered our prayers and we praise Him for the increased attendance and
enthusiasm our members have for Sunday school."
Mathis, Texas.
Bible Truth Lives Again
"Let us now fear the Lord our God, that
giveth rain, both the former and the latter,
in his season" (Jer. 5:24).
For seven summer months the land here
had not received a drop of rain. During
these months of dry season the mountains,
hills, and fields had become barren and
brown under the burning, beating sun, with
no sign of any green life remaining. The
brooks and wadis (small river beds) were
completely dry. Flocks of sheep and goats
roamed over the hillsides, searching for even
the dry stubbles of the grass that had been.
The crops in the valleys had to live on the
moisture stored in the soil from the previous
rainy season, and in some places, from the
irrigation water channels. The vegetation on
the mountainsides received only a little mois-
ture from the early morning dews.
Then one day in mid November the "early
rains" began. It was a day long to be remem-
bered. So many people in the Jericho area
were unprepared for this sudden abundance
of rain; for usually this part of the country
receives rain later and in smaller amounts
than the regions of Jerusalem, Hebron, Na-
blus, and Bethlehem. These rainy, cold days
were difficult times as we saw many poor
refugee mud houses with roofs fallen in; and
the thin, worn tent homes, torn by the wind,
could not shed the rainfall. Barefoot children
and women had to walk through muddy
paths and the pools of cold water standing
around the houses, tents, and huts in the
refugee camps. The refugees suffered es-
pecially from this rainy weather because they
did not have enough clothing, shoes, and
blankets to keep warm and dry.
In spite of the cold, everyone seemed very,
very thankful for the wonderful rain. Even
from the lips of the shivering refugees could
be heard the words, "Humdallallah, shitta
quois!" (Thank God, the rain is good.) We
were told that the price of flour was lower
after this early rain because the fellaheen
(farmers) were now sure that the wheat crops
for the next year would probably be good.
A good wheat crop means life for the people
here — we understand more clearly the state
ment that "bread is the staff of life."
After the "early rains" it is a marvel to be-
hold the areas which were parched and
barren so long, now so rich with grass and
flowers. Patches of delicate wild flowers of
red, yellow, blue, white, and pink now bright-
en the hills of Judea with beautiful colors.
In the fields and valleys and among the rocks
everywhere are narcissus, crocus, anemones,
cyclamen, iris, and the other flowers native
to this country. Farmers everywhere are
scattering the seed, and scratching the rocky
soil with the plows pulled by oxen or don-
keys, or perhaps an "unequal yoke" where a
donkey and camel or other unlike animals are
crudely yoked together.
During these winter months we will have
occasional days of rain, until perhaps March.
The people hope that "enshallah" (if God
wills) there will be several good rains late
in the spring season. These "latter rains"
MISSIONS SECTION
472
GOSPEL HERALD
May 18, 1954
will give the moisture reserve for the crops
to grow to maturity and yield a good harvest.
In Deut. 11:14 God told His people, "I will
give you the rain of your land in his due
season, the first rain and the latter rain, that
thou mayest gather in thy corn, and thy wine,
and thine oil." James teaches us by referring
to the example of the farmer: "Behold, the
husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit
of the earth, and hath long patience for it,
until he receive the early and latter rain."
The Scripture also speaks of God's blessing
coming upon His obedient children just as
the showers of rain fall from the heavens.
Hosea pleads with his people, "Come, and
let us return unto the Lord .... He shall
come unto us as the rain, as the latter and
former rain unto the earth."
God has given the promise, "For as the
rain cometh down, and the snow from heav-
en, and returneth not thither, but watereth
the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud,
that it may give seed to the sower, and bread
to the eater: so shall my word be that goeth
forth out of my mouth: it shall not return
unto me void, but it shall accomplish that
which I please, and it shall prosper in the
thing whereto I sent it. — Mary Lehman, in
Jordan News.
"The Time Is Short"
By Orrie D. Yoder
Our text is a Scriptural warning and is
cited more today perhaps in connection with
the rapid consummation of our day of grace
and Gospel evangelism than with any other
cause. Since it is true as never before that
the day of Gospel opportunity is "short,"
what about radio evangelism and preaching
as a God-blessed means of accelerating and
augmenting our established means of reach-
ing the lost?
Certainly, some will say, we should use the
radio, for it greatly multiplies and enlarges
our opportunities to spread the Gospel and
Word of God.
But others will say, "No!" Have we not
been warned both from the pulpit and from
our official church circles of the evils of the
radio and its baneful effect upon home and
Christian life?
Let us reason together. Is the radio all
wrong and is there nothing right about it?
Is there no right use of the radio? Should our
missionaries refuse to travel on the steamer
equipped with safety radio activity? Is it a
sin to view the picture of the tragedy on the
other side of the globe simply because it was
transmitted by radio? If the auto was once
"the devil's wagon," are all our autos today
wagons for the devil, as most of us own and
use them?
"Yes, but we need our autos, and we don't
need the radios." Thank the Lord! Then,
let us be sure that we never possess them.
But what about the millions of homes never
having had such conviction against the radio
given to them, and whose members listen to
the radio for varied reasons of acquiring
MISSIONS SECTION
knowledge, including the preaching of the
Word of God? Shall the devil alone possess
the use of their radios, or shall God speak
to them because someone prepares the mes-
sage of God and gives it over the radio?
How about the multitudes lying on sick-
beds and living in our institutions who may
hunger as never before in their lives, for the
living Word of God, and have little or no
opportunity to hear except by means of the
radio? If we can never reach them otherwise,
do we owe to them the Word of God and the
love of our Christ by means of the radio
broadcast? If the message of our Christ by
song and preaching brings faith and hope to
needy souls, even by radio, shall we forbear
such testimony?
What about the masses who know no
church, synagogue, or religious circle where
the true Word of God is proclaimed, and
who search their radio dial for the message
of God; do we sin by using the radio, or do
we sin by withholding the truth from being
proclaimed?
Think of the millions of souls scattered
over the face of our globe for whom our
Christ died, vast masses of whom have never
heard the Word of our Christ, and are blind-
ed, barred, or shackled by Islam, Catholicism,
Communism, or some other "ism." If the
message going out over the radio, and pro-
claimed over a large network of stations is
the ready and quick means to enlighten from
among such masses multitudes of hungry
souls, shall we to them the light of life deny ?
What about the testimony of thousands of
happy souls who from isolated places and
from the neglected masses now testify to the
joy of salvation after having heard the Gospel
over the radio? If millions are not being
reached in person, or by literature, shall we
not thank God and gladly give our prayers,
our time, and our means to any and every
way that our Christ can honor and bless to
quickly give His Gospel to lost souls before
it is forever too late?
Brethren, "the time is short," and if today
there is both a bad and a good use of modern
inventions, let us as never before shun the
bad, but promote the good. Even if radio
evangelism is costly, let us augment our pres-
ent testimony of the Gospel wherever it is
right, and let nothing hinder a costly service
for our Christ and His church and for the
lost of this world for whom He died. The
time is short.
Del Paso Heights, Calif.
Bible Society Conducts Campaign
Nagoya, Japan, was the scene of a special
two-month Bible distribution campaign
which began on Jan. 10 under the auspices
of the Japan Bible Society. Secretary G.
Ishikawa, Audio Visual Aids expert, assisted
in the campaign which was conducted by
eight colporteurs in co-operation with the
local churches.
Veteran JBS colporteur Mr. Kichibei Ka-
mata went to Okinawa during January to
work in the Bible Depot established there
last summer. He helped train local workers
during his two-month stay there. — Japan
Christian Activity News.
Mennonite
LjJ Hour
Radio Rally in Virginia, May 23
Sunday afternoon. May 23, at 2:30, The
Mennonite Hour staff will present a program
at the Eastern Mennonite College auditorium
located near Harrisonburg, Va.
Mistake in THE INFORMER
The May Informer stated that the boat
ride would be Tuesday, July 14, This should
be Tuesday, July 13. The Delaware Belle
will leave the Chestnut Street Wharf in Phila-
delphia at 8:30 p.m. and will return about
1 1:30 p.m. All tickets will be sold in advance
and can be had by writing to either the Men-
nonite Hour. Box 22, Harrisonburg, Va., or
to Mahlon A. Souder, Blooming Glen, Pa.
Adult tickets, $1.00; children's tickets, 50f.
The cruise is sponsored by the Clayton Kratz
Fellowship of Franconia Conference.
FROM BOX 22
Baptist Appreciates Mennonite Influence:
"I just heard your broadcast and thought I would
write to you before I turn out my light. Your program
means so much to me. I listen every Sunday night.
I am a Baptist. Today we studied Baptist history
and how much we owe Mennonites! I thank God
you helped as you did. I am anxious to know more
about your people. Will you please send me in-
formation about Mennonites and of Eastern Men-
nonite College? I am our Choir Director at school
and I would love to have some music that your
choir uses on the radio ... I told our class today
about your broadcast. They are going to lis-
ten. . . ."
President of a Bible Institute Writes:
"I was listening to your splendid program on
Easter morning over station WNAR in Norristown.
Pa. Every part of the service was very well done,
and I appreciated the forthright presentation of
the Gospel. I was very much interested in the
testimony of a young Arab whom I think I
recognized as the one who interpreted for me when
I addressed congregations over in Bethlehem . . . . '
Mennonite Hour Witnesses In a Western Hospital:
". . . Since this is my day off I had the
privilege to hear the program this morning over
KOA, Denver. All of our hospital beds are eauipped
with radios in which you deposit a dime and it will
play for one hour. On Sunday mornings while tak-
ing care of my patients, I tell them about the
program and often they will listen to it. Of course
not all of them are interested, but those who do listen
receive a blessing from it. . . ."
An Encouraging Note from WiUiamsport, Pa.:
"We enjoy the sermons and the singing — your
programs are the very best of all those devoted to
a Christian ministry by air. My wife and I are
Christians and feel that you deserve widespread
support."
WBZ, Boston, Heard in Arizona:
". . . We are living and working in a part of our
United States that is still rather isolated and we are
away from our churches and so when we are able
to tune in to The Mennonite Hour i! aives us a
special lift. Reception here isn't very good, so we take
what we can get before the station fades out. We
get our best reception over HCTB. One Sundav eve-
ning we happened on to your broadcast over WBZ in
Boston, and it came in very clear for most of the
half hour. We want to assure vou of our prayers in
vour behalf and for the many lost, wandering souls
in our land. May the lord bless your ministry
richly."
Virainia Station Heard in Wisconsin:
"Please send booklet announced over WRVA last
Sunday evening. I listened to your program over
my bedroom radio — a nice way to close the day.
The station does carry a long way from Virginia.
Thanks."
In the measure that we neglect to preach
the Gospel, we minimize the importance 06
the message of the Gospel. — J. H. Mosemann.
May 18, 1954 GOSPEL HERALD
Our Witness in Belgium
By David Shank
IV. Through the Russian Brethren
One of the earliest direct evangelistic efforts
carried on by our church in Belgium was in
co-operation with Bro. Charles Grikman and
his brethren of the Russian Evangelical
Church in Belgium. Because of the fine
testimony, faithful work, and unquestioned
blessing of the Lord on their work, we con-
tinue to support regularly one brother for
full-time evangelistic and colportage work,
and three others are given part-time support.
Bro. Banit and his wife write a long
letter of thanks from the mining area of
Limburg in Eastern Belgium.
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ:
We would like to express once again to
all our Mennonite brethren and sisters our
deep sentiments of gratitude for the living
expression of love which you have shown to
us in the financial aid given to make pos-
sible our work in the harvest field of the
Lord. To you all we say from the depths of
our hearts, "Thank you." We are reminded
in this connection of the words of the apostle
in II Cor. 9:10-15: "He who supplies seed to
the sower and bread for food will supply and
multiply your resources and increase the har-
vest of your righteousness. You will be en-
riched in every way for your generosity which
through us will provide thanksgiving to God.
For the rendering of this service not only
supplies the wants of the saints but also over-
flows in many thanksgivings to God. Under
the test of this service, you will glorify God
by your obedience in acknowledging the
Gospel of Christ, and by the generosity of
your contribution for them and for all others;
while they long for you and pray for you,
because of the surpassing grace of God in
you. Thanks be to God for his inexpressible
gift!"
Yes, dear brethren and sisters, the spiritual
labors accomplished in Belgium these past
few years in the Russian Evangelical Church
has been fruitful, and it has been with joy,
thanks to your help, that my dear husband
has been able to contribute to the work of
the church. Everywhere in Belgium in the
mining centers where the displaced persons
have been placed, there have been souls that
have been called and saved for eternity. In
all of these centers, little communities have
been formed, under the direction of our be-
loved shepherd, Charles Grikman, whom
many of you know, aided by a number of
elders.
We would like to describe for you, for your
own edification, two conversions which are
typical of those which have taken place in
the region of our labors.
In January of last year, we received a let-
ter from New York, sent to us by a young
man who during these past years was located
at our area in Beringen Mines. This is what
he writes: "In 1948 I was in your home for
the first time, and it was there that I heard
for the first time a testimony for Jesus Christ,
as well as for the first time heard the true
prayer of a Christian, your own. At that
time I had to go to Hasselt for an operation,
and you gave me several pamphlets, and
even before leaving your home you offered
to have a word of prayer that God would
undertake for me during the operation. Even
today the echo of that prayer is in my soul:
it is as though I were hearing it just now.
Praise be to our God who seeks His own by
such marvelous ways. I pray that God will
enable you to continue to witness to many
people of His mercy, just as earlier you wit-
nessed to me. In 1949 I left Belgium and
went again to Germany where in 1950 I was
baptized in the city of Munich. There I
knew at least two other people who told me
that they heard the Gospel for the first time
by your ministry. Now located at New York
City, I, too, witness with all of the enthusiasm
and zeal that I have to others of the Lord
Jesus, who is my personal Saviour." Thus
was the seed planted, and although the seed
did not take root immediately, the Lord
sought this soul and saved it according to
His own time and will.
Another young man whom we met during
some visits which my husband made in an-
other camp at Zolder, about ten kilometers
from us, appeared to be interested in the
Word of God and was thus invited to come
on Sunday to the small meetings held in our
home with several other displaced persons
from Beringen Mines. He learned to know
God, believed in Him, and received the Lord
into his heart. Since he was single and had
time, he undertook himself to cover the
whole camp at Zolder in giving his witness.
With much zeal he went from house to house,
inviting the people, and little by little small
meetings began in one house or another,
which resulted finally in the formation of a
fine community which obtained a barracks
somewhat later from the administration of
the mines. After this was painted, papered,
and cleaned by those who were interested in
the Word, it became the regular meeting
place for worship on Sunday, and prayer
meeting on Thursday. Later this young man
who had been converted was baptized. Soon
after that he left for Canada, and the Lord
led him to Montreal where he received the
conviction to go to the Bible School at Three
Hills, Alberta, where, in spite of the great
language difficulties, he is progressing spirit-
ually and studying in order to prepare to be
a real "fisher of men." May God have all
the glory from the life of this young man.
For some time my husband has carried on
translation work of French articles into Rus-
sian for a Russian journal published in Basel.
This and all the work is carried on with
much joy in the Lord as we see the results
of sowing the Word in love.
Sincerely in Christ,
Vital and Yvonne Banit.
Bro. Serge Ivanitsky, a former sailor, now
working among the mines in southern Bel-
gium, writes the following summary of his
work.
473
Dear Brethren in Christ:
Five years have passed since I began to do
Gospel work among Russians, Ukrainians,
and other Slavic refugees in Belgium at
Borinage. This has been possible through
your help and I do thank the Lord and your-
selves for this possibility. My wife assists me
in this work. Thus we are able to cover the
whole western part of the province of Hain-
aut. Gospel literature is being spread all the
time, also among the Italians, who are work-
ing the coal mines of this country. Their
number in Belgium has gone up to 150,000.
Then I am sending out Scriptures and
Gospel literature by post to needy souls who
are writing letters of gratitude.
I have a regular entrance into some 50
homes. This is, so to say, my immediate
field. There are people who know little or
nothing concerning God and His Word.
They try to read the Bible, but do not under-
stand. When visiting them, I read to them
a Scripture portion and explain it. Thus they
become interested and continue to read for
themselves. Their eyes are being opened to
see their sinful state. They learn to pray.
These are homes into which I am invited.
There are open doors and hearts.
There are others who are less interested
and do not ask me to come again. I visit
them once or twice, then leave them alone for
a while and go to see them again after a sea-
son to remind them about the claims of Jesus
Christ. Some are very friendly, but are not
interested in spiritual things.
Besides a number of cottage meetings in
different places, we have our regular Sunday
services at Boussu-Bois every Lord's day in
the afternoon. There are certain obstacles in
the way. For instance, some husbands do not
allow their wives to attend these services. Yet
we do continue, enabled by His grace, to sow
the Word of God in human hearts.
Then I am regularly visiting two homes
for aged refugees. In one of them I am con-
ducting services every Sunday morning in the
room of a dear sister who has been confined
to her bed for the last five years. She has
tuberculosis of the bones. Other aged people
attend these meetings. I have had several very
encouraging talks with dying ones to whom
it was possible to point out the way of sal-
vation and to lead them to the Saviour. There
is much to be done in every way.
I do thank God for health and strength to
go around and visit people. In places where
there are no trams I travel on a bicycle which
has become old and worn out under my
weight. Yet it is important to go with the
Lord's testimony. Please remember this min-
istry in your prayers. God bless you and grant
you much joy and peace and reward you a
hundredfold for everything.
With hearty greetings and best wishes,
Yours in the Lord,
Serge Ivanitsky.
Bro. Vasil Magal, a brother of Ivan Magal,
well known in the Virginia and eastern Penn-
sylvania conferences, writes that "it is useless
(Continued on page 476)
MISSIONS SECTION
474
GOSPEL HERALD
May 18, 1954
Relief and Service News
MRSC Weekly Notes
Voluntary Service
There are several service opportunities at
the Braeside Home, Preston, Ont. A house-
keeper is needed not later than June 1; there
are also openings for a nurse and a main-
tenance man. This home serves aged folks
and provides an opportunity for practical
Christian service. Any one interested in these
openings may write directly to J. A. Cress-
man, 125 Eagle St., Preston, Ont., or to Per-
sonnel Director, Mennonite Board of Mis-
sions and Charities, 1711 Prairie St., Elkhart,
Ind.
The Iowa City VS unit gave a program at
the West Union Church, Parnell, Iowa, early
in April. This church has furnished the food
supplies for the unit during the month of
April. This excellent co-operation from the
local churches means much to these young
people in Voluntary Service. A program was
also given at the Sugar Creek Church, Way-
land, Iowa, on May 9.
John Mann, Elkhart, Ind., and Mr. and
Mrs. Robert Yoder, Nappanee, Ind., left
Puerto Rico on May 3 after having served
in Voluntary Service in La Plata, Puerto Rico.
Sister Martha Kanagy, Manitou Springs,
Colo., missionary teacher in language study
in Puerto Rico, is serving temporarily at the
boys' home, El Hogar del Nino, Rio Piedras,
Puerto Rico, until someone can be secured
to help in this work. The urgent need for a
sister to help in this boys' home will continue
until someone volunteers to fill this oppor-
tunity. If you know of anyone who would
qualify or if you are interested, please con-
tact D. J. Mishler, Mennonite Board of Mis-
sions and Charities, 1711 Prairie St., Elkhart,
Ind.
The unit in Kansas City, Mo., has moved
into their new home at 2512 Holmes St., just
across the street from their old location. The
former I-W center, also on Holmes St., has
been sold and this new, larger house will be
an activity center for both those in earning
service and those in VS in Kansas City.
Financial
The budget of MRSC for the current fiscal
period is an extremely heavy one. Although
contributions have been increasing, the ex-
penditures are also heavier due to the expand-
ing I-W, VS, and PAX programs. Congrega-
tions that are not now contributing a month-
ly relief and service offering are urged to do
so, while others may want to increase their
giving for this area of the church's work.
The Mennonite Central Committee has
made arrangements to purchase a building
tor the Bible school in Basel, Switzerland,
which serves our brothers and sisters in Ger-
many, France, and Switzerland. Our Amer-
ican churches will assist in making the down
MISSIONS SECTION
payment of $20,000. MRSC shares $5,000 of
this amount.
I-W Services
Earl Hostetler, Bedford, Pa., has recently
been elected leader of the I-W group at Mid-
dletown, Conn.
The I-W group at Brattleboro, Vt., is plan-
ning a conference on May 15 and 16 with
Bro. Norman Kraus, Goshen, Ind., as guest
speaker.
On May 10, Bro. and Sister Russel Mussel-
man, Souderton, Pa., assumed responsibility
as leader and matron of the Brattleboro, Vt.,
I-W center. Bro. Musselman will also serve
as pastor to the men from the Franconia con-
ference in the New England area, and as
Field Representative in that area for MRSC.
Bro. Paul Swarr, Lancaster, Pa., is serving
as MRSC Field Representative for the eastern
Pa., New York, and New Jersey area.
On May 4, a committee composed of A.
Lloyd Swartzendruber of the Iowa-Nebr.
Conference; Justus Holsinger, South Central
Conference; Jess Kauffman representing the
Rocky Mountain Campground Association;
and Henry Weaver, Jr., of the MRSC office
met to plan an orientation camp for I-O and
I-W men to be held at the Rocky Mountain
Camp on August 21-28.
Correction: The chairman of the Mennon-
ite Relief and Service Committee is Bro. Paul
Erb, Scottdale, Pa., and not Bro. H. S. Ben-
der, Goshen, Ind., as listed in the 1954 Year-
book and Prayer Guide. This was a mistake
in the copy sent from this office. We regret
that it was made and trust that this notice
will help to clarify the matter. The commit-
tee members for the period from July 1, 1953,
to July, 1954, are Paul Erb, Chairman; H. S.
Bender; Mahlon Blosser, Star Route, Har-
risonburg, Va.; Justus Holsinger, Hesston,
Kans.; and O. O. Miller, Akron, Pa.
Released May 7, 1954
Office for Relief and Service
Elkhart, Indiana.
MCC Weekly Notes
Peace Seminar to Consider "Nonresistance
and Eschatology"
A peace seminar having as its subject,
"Eschatology and Nonresistance," will be
held in the MCC international conference
center at Heerewegen, Holland, May 27-29.
This seminar is sponsored by the MCC peace
section and Dutch Mennonite peace groups.
It will consist of the presentation of study
papers and discussions.
John Howard Yoder, Wooster, Ohio, MCC
representative in Europe, will discuss "Peace
without Eschatology?" Fritz Kuiper, a Dutch
Mennonite journalist who does not hold to
the pacifist position, will speak on "Escha-
tology, History and the Bible." Hendrik Bre-
mer, a Dutch Mennonite peace leader, will
present a study on "Eschatology. Adult Bap-
tism ami Peace."
Esko Loewen, Topeka, Ind., MCC rep-
resentative in Holland, will preside at some
of the sessions. The devotional leader will
be Robert Davis, chairman of the London
Friends' Yearly Meeting Peace Committee.
Eschatology is concerned about the end
times and accompanying developments for
the Church and the world. Study and re-
search on nonresistance and eschatology have
been limited.. This Heerewegen seminar
comes at a time when there is much church
interest in such studies. The World Council
of Churches in its meeting in Evanston, 111.,
this summer will have as its theme, "The
Christian Hope." Even though eschatological
studies have received little attention from the
Church in general for many years, the Chris-
tian's belief in such matters may affect his
whole life and practice very profoundly.
Nurse to Sail for Java
Ruth Kennel, R.N., Atglen, Pa., is sched-
uled to sail from San Francisco on May 15
for Java where she will join the other six
MCC workers in their various medical and
relief services.
Miss Kennel is replacing Liesel Hege, R.N.,
a German Mennonite who has returned
to her home in Worms, Germany, after three
years of MCC service in Java. Miss Kennel
will be working in the medical clinics at
Kajuapu and Margoredjo.
The major activity in the Java MCC pro-
gram is the medical services. More than 200
patients a day have been treated at the clinics
in recent months. Indonesian Mennonites
distribute Christian literature at these clinics
and seek to lead patients to a commitment
to Christ.
In addition to medical services, MCC per-
sonnel assist in the instruction at the Pati
Theological School. They also assist Indone-
sian and Chinese Mennonite Christians in
various ways.
Several hundred Christmas bundles, cloth-
ing bundles, and bundles for leprosy patients
have been distributed in recent weeks by
MCC personnel to needy Javanese. The first
such recipients were leprosy patients in two
government hospitals which were started by
the Dutch Mennonite mission. Bundles were
next distributed in a girls' orphanage in
Djapara. The recipients of the largest dis-
tribution were victims of the eruption of the
volcanic mountain Merapi on Jan. 18. More
than 300 Christmas bundles were given to
children and older folks. This eruption killed
70 persons, wounded 40 more, and made
almost 1000 persons homeless.
MCC personnel in Java in addition to Miss
Kennel include Hans van den Berg, Baarn,
Netherlands; Dr. and Mrs. David L. Epp,
Chilliwack. B. C; Mr. and Mrs. Robert Mil-
ler, Akron, Pa.; and Anne Warkentin, Su-
perb, Sask.
Released May 7, 1954
MCC Information Service
Akron, Pa.
Put any burden on me, only sustain me;
send me anywhere, only go with me; sever
any tie but the one that binds me to Thy
service, and to Thy heart.— Titus Coan,
Missionary to Hawaiian Islands.
May 18, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
475
Women's Activities
Are you among the groups who have con-
tributed to the fund for furnishings for our
missionaries under appointment to Uruguay?
Thank you very much for your kind and
prompt response. We now have about $850 in
this fund. More is needed. To you who have
overlooked this opportunity of sharing, we
extend a hearty invitation for your participa-
tion between now and the Annual Meeting
in Salem, Oreg. Send your contributions to
your district treasurer. Thank you.
* # *
It is good to know that many of our circles
are providing Daily Prayer Guides for the
boys of their congregations who are in I-W
service. We encourage the local circles to do
this. In many cases the district organization
will be glad to help in case the local circle
cannot manage to supply the whole group.
This is an opportunity for us to show our
loving concern for our boys who are giving
a peace witness. Sending personal letters
along with our gifts will be another evidence
of our warmest regards and supports.
* # #
. Pictures of the La Junta and Cheraw sew-
ing circles along with listings of the many
things they have made and done for the La
Junta Mennonite Hospital appeared in the
April issue of the Mennonite Hospital News.
It was also stated that last year 36 sewing
circles such as these helped to supply patient
and hospital linens for the Mennonite Hos-
pital and Sanitarium at La Junta. The editor
adds, "These circles play an important part
in helping to make possible the witness and
service of the hospital to the surrounding
community."
Among the many things made were: white
surgical towels, drawsheets, outing patient
gowns, isolation gowns, hand towels, nursery
gowns, dresser scarves, napkins, pediatric
gowns, pneumonia jackets, face towels, and
wrappers as well as many of the other little
things that are needed to make patients com-
fortable in our hospital.
* * *
Florence Shantz, Executive Secretary of
WMSCO, attended the Indiana-Michigan
district annual women's meeting in Goshen,
Ind., April 24, and spoke a few words con-
cerning her new field of service. Sister Shantz
also spent some time with your president and
literature secretary. We are certain that her
services will mean growth in our activities
both among our women and girls. Let us
pray for a spirit of unity and a willingness
to work together in all of our church activities
that the most possible may be accomplished
for our fellow men in the name of our Lord.
—Mrs. C. L. Shank.
The spirit of good cheer and loyalty can-
not be overestimated. These characteristics
open up many avenues for service for others.
—Noah W. Risser.
From Our Churches
GULFPORT, MISSISSIPPI
Dear Herald Readers :
Greetings in our Saviour's name. We have
again been reminded of me suffering and death
of our Saviour. May we be submissive to Him,
who gave Himself for our sins.
Communion services were held at the Gulf-
haven Church on Good Friday evening.
On March 13, 14, a youth rally was held
at the Wayside Church, with the Akers, La.,
and the Allemands, La., churches participating.
Sister Martha Hershey, who has been ill for
several days, is improving again. Mrs. David
Geil, better known as Grandma Geil, has been
confined to the hospital with a touch of pneu-
monia, but seems to be well on the way to re-
covery.
Bro. Edward Miller and family returned to
their home on April 1G after a trip to Colorado
where Bro. Miller held meetings.
Mr. and Mrs. Oren Miller, Jackson, Miss.,
spent the week end with home folks. Oren is
serving his I-W in the Whittfield Mental Hos-
pital near Jackson.
Bro. and Sister Mahlon Detweiler and two
children spent the winter here. They left for
a trip to Colorado before returning to their home
in Pennsylvania.
We are looking forward to the Gulf States
Regional Conference which is to be held May
7 through 9 at the Gulfhaven Church. We ask
an interest in your prayers.
Lvdia Miller.
MARION. PENNSYLVANIA
(Marion Congregation)
Christian greetings to all.
•'Praise the Lord, all ye nations . . . For
his merciful kindness is great toward us."
Our congregation has been spiritually blessed
many times this year. On the evening of Jan.
24, we were privileged to have Bro. George R.
Brunk preach an inspiring sermon. On Jan. 31,
votes were taken for a minister, and three
were chosen for the lot. On Tuesday morning,
Feb. 2, Bro. Merle Cordell was ordained to
the ministry at Marion.
The evenings of March 11, 12, 13, and all
day March 14 was our annual Bible Con-
ference with the brethren Paul Bender and
Xoah Hershey as our guest speakers. Our
hearts were again tilled with new truths and
blessings from God during this conference.
Early Easter morning the young people of
the Marion congregation and a few surround-
ing congregations enjoyed singing Easter carols
at six different places in the vicinity of the
Cedar Street Mennonite Church. The church
is new and is located in a government project
in Chambersburg. Remember this work and
the workers in your prayers.
Friday evening, April 23, we had our pre-
paratory and baptismal services. One young
lad was received by baptism. The following
Sunday we commemorated the death of our Lord
by communion. Bishop Harvey Shank preached
for us.
We invite you all to visit us in our con-
gregation.
Martha J. Bauman.
NAMPA. IDAHO
(Nampa Congregation)
Greeetings in our Saviour's name.
Nine young souls were received into church
fellowship by baptism and one young man by-
letter on April 25, On the evening of the same
day we had communion services.
On April 18, a group from the Western Men-
nonite School rendered a program of music.
Bro. and Sister E. S. Garber returned from
Winton, Calif., April 24.
Bro. Obed Miller, Hammett, Idaho, who under-
went major surgery recently, is convalescing in
the home of his daughter-in-law, Mrs. Lavina
Miller.
Bible school plans are under way for the
near future. We expect to have four schools
again this year.
Sister Anna Good accompanied her son, Edwin,
to Hesston, following his Easter vacation here,
and will visit her sisters in Mississippi and
her daughter, Esther, who is teaching school
at Culp, Ark.
Mrs. Sam D. Miller.
WAUSEON, OHIO
(Tedrow Congregation)
On Jan. 1 we had our annual business meet-
ing. Again this year a number of young
folks were privileged to attend Canton Bible
School for six weeks.
On Jan. 24, Bro. Vern Miller, from the
Cleveland Gladstone Mission, brought us the
morning message. A group of girls with some
of the workers sang, and some of the boys gave
their testimony.
Bro. Frederick Erb, Detroit Mission, was
with us for one of our bimonthly meetings dur-
ing February.
Our revival meetings were held Feb. 15-22
with Bro. Howard J. Zehr, Fisher, 111., as
evangelist. Quite a number of young children
gave their hearts to the Lord during these
inspiring meetings.
A Peace team from Goshen College gave a
program on the morning of Feb. 28. Bro.
William Flory, Archbold. Ohio, and a group
of Puerto Ricans gave a program at our regu-
lar prayer meeting and Bible study.
On March 28, Bro. Jonathan Yoder and fam-
ily worshiped with us. Bro. Yoder related many
of his experiences in ministering to the needs
of the lepers in India.
Dr. H. Clair Amstutz spoke to us on "Home
Building" at our regular Bible study and prayer
meeting on April 2. Mrs. Jesse Short had charge
of the children in the basement.
Sunrise services were held on Easter morn-
ing. A group from Lockport brought us the
evening program.
Baptismal services were held on April 25.
The brethren Noah Hilty, Edward Frey, and
Newton Weber were here. Bro. Weber brought
the morning message after which Bro. Sauder
and Bro. Frey conducted the baptismal serv-
ices for seventeen young people.
On April 26 a group of singers known as
the "Revival Singers" from Hartville, Ohio,
were with us.
Plans are under way to conduct a summer
Bible school here at Tedrow beginning on
June 7 and continuing for two weeks. A new
field has been opened to us and we are en-
deavoring to start a Bible school for the
Negroes near Crissey, Ohio, also.
Pray that the Lord's will may be done and
that through this school souls may be led to
Christ.
Marie Rupp.
YODER, KANSAS
(Yoder Congregation I
Dear Readers of the Gospel Herald:
Greetings in Jesus' name. We are thankful
lo our heavenly Father for over two inches of
rain. It has been very dry, with many dust
storms.
On March 21 Edd P. Shrock preached for
us. He and Fred Shrock came to attend the
funeral of their brother-in-law, Perry Troyer,
wlio had suffered for a long time.
We still have a siege of mumps, not only
among the children, but some parents are suffer-
ing also.
Mrs. S. J. Yoder, R. 1, Hutchinson, Kans., is
sick with heart trouble. She has been in the
hospital three times in the past year. She
came home Nov. 30, but is in a hospital bed.
Sister Yoder says she knows many people are
remembering her in prayer, and she asks that
they continue to pray that she may be patient
and willing to endure whatever God has
in store for her. Just lately a group came to
their house to sing for her. She loves singing.
On April 24 was Jake Yoder's funeral and
on April 25, Mrs. David Bontrager's. Our
sympathy goes to both families.
April 15, 16, Phil Frey and Justus Holsinger
conducted a Peace Conference for us. On April
17-25 Bro. John Wenger held meetings. On
account of sickness and the two deaths, the
meetings were not so well attended.
Bro. John Friesen and family worshiped with
us on May 2. If the Lord is willing, we
will have our Sunday-school Conference on
May 9.
Mary Headings.
. . . our next revival may profit by and ad-
vance greatly Christian education in our
church. — Lacy, Revivals in the Midst of the
Years.
476
GOSPEL HERALD
May 18, 1954
TO BE NEAR TO GOD (Continued)
And saying this I imagine the apostle
would break out in fresh weeping and I
should leave him there, asking myself as I
quietly withdraw, "Do I love the Lord and
His sheep as much?"
Friday, May 28
Read II Kings 20:1-5 — Hezekiah's Tears
The Lord tried out Hezekiah and found
him to be pretty good stuff. No plea was
there to live because "I am so young yet," nor
"my family needs me." There were tears,
but of an unusual sort. An evil king preced-
ed him and an evil king, as yet unborn, was
to follow him. How could he bear to "sleep
with his fathers" if the kingdom were not
solidly for the Lord? So he wept. God listens
to men of sorrows; in fact, the most success-
ful wielder of spiritual weapons was "a man
of sorrows, and acquainted with grief." Why
shouldn't God give petitions to one who cares
enough for kingdom affairs to weep about
them ?
God honored Hezekiah's unselfish weep-
ing. Great events occurred in those stirring
fifteen years of prolonged life. Spiritually in-
spired tears cause joy in God's heart.
Saturday, May 29
Read Psalm 126:5, 6 — The Sower's Tears
Why should sowers weep? Do they doubt
the seed? Well, hardly. This seed they carry
came to fruition all right, else it would not
be at hand. It's the soil that causes the sow-
er to weep. Maybe the seed will never have
a chance; the devil may see to that. ^ Maybe
the soil is shallow and folks will not "stick it
out." Maybe the hearers may be obsessed by
the notion of being big rather than useful,
and so become unfruitful in God's kingdom.
No wonder sowers weep, if they care. Jesus
wept at a place where the stones of scorn and
misunderstanding were so crowded together
that faith had scarcely room enough to sprout.
"Jesus wept; those tears are over." Already
He has brought an abundance of sheaves
home to the glory world with Him. Strong
crying, copious tears, are the sprouting agents
of the seed of the kingdom. Happy are they
who sow beside all waters, weeping.
— J. Paul Sauder.
OUR WITNESS IN BELGIUM (cont'd)
to express to you all our gratitude and thanks
first to the Lord and secondly to all the chil-
dren of the Lord who have a part in our
work. May the Lord bless you all and render
hundredfold joy to all those who participate
by their gifts in our work.
"The work is continuing very well with
the help of the Lord. We have several new
persons who appear to be interested in the
things of God. Right now 1 am doing a
great deal of colportage work in the camps
and mining cities of our workers and the
Italians. And now we have meetings for the
youth in French each Sunday. Despite the
many who have emigrated, there are many
here and there who arc seeking the Lord."
Bro. Magal with his wife and three chil-
dren live near Charleroi and work in this
large mining area, and with the increasing
aging of Bro. Oudovitsky at Liege, will prob-
ably be driving regularly to Liege in eastern
Belgium to carry on the ministry there.
Bro. Grikman visits regularly these various
mission posts and carries on an extremely
heavy correspondence. His last monthly re-
port tells of these visits and gives samples of
the spiritual need met in his heavy corre-
spondence.
"Greetings in the name of Him who says,
'Behold, I make all things new.' What a
comfort there is in this thought that there is
One who watches over His own, whose pur-
poses will be achieved in spite of all obstacles.
May we have sufficient grace to follow Him
with humble and obedient hearts.
"Over Christmas and New Year's we had
a series of special gatherings at our local
churches and mission stations for young and
old. Our children and young people had a
large part in the program with singing and
recitations. The Gospel was preached and at
all places there were some who expressed
their decision to begin the New Year with a
new life in Christ.
"The program included several talks, il-
lustrated with lantern slides on the following
subjects: 'The Holy Land,' 'The Life of
Christ,' and 'Pilgrim's Progress,' which were
much appreciated, especially at homes for
the aged. We are endeavoring to supply the
refugees not only in Belgium, but also in
other lands with Holy Scriptures and good,
sound books. . . .
"Many thanks for your interest and co-
operation in meeting this great need. Please
pray with us that through the reading of His
Word many might come to a saving personal
faith in Christ and that believing they might
have life through His name."
Brussels, Belgium.
MISSION NEWS (Continued)
Sister Carol Glick, missionary teacher in
Puerto Rico, has been granted a teacher's fur-
lough for the summer of 1954. Missionary
teachers are being granted summer furloughs
every two years so that they will not need to
be absent while school is in session.
Saito san, a member of the Obihiro, Japan,
Mennonite Church, is studying at the Teach-
ers' College in Kushiro and giving valuable
assistance in the Kushiro Mennonite Church.
Sister Betty Schultz, Meadville, Pa., is serv-
ing at the Tavistock, Ont., Old People's
Home under the Ontario Amish Mennonite
Mission Board.
Bro. Luke Birky, La Plata, Puerto Rico, is
continuing his deputation work in behalf of
the medical mission program in Puerto Rico
by a brief trip to Ontario during mid-May.
He spoke at Both well on May 12 and Bloom-
ingdale on May 13. He will speak at Clar-
ence Center, N.Y., on May 26 and Beaver
Dam, Pa., May 27. Bro. Birky will conclude
his deputation work by Annual Mission
Board Meeting time.
FIELD NOTES (Continued)
Announcements
The annual meeting of the MYF of the
Southwestern Pa., Conference at the Thomas
Church, near Hollsopple, Pa., on the after-
noon and evening of May 22. MYF groups
please send delegates.
Brethren John H. Shenk, Denbigh, Va.,
Paul Barnhart, Stuarts Draft, Va., John R.
Mumaw and Myron Augsburger, Harrison-
burg, Va., are speakers on the program.
"Building the Home Christian," to be ren-
dered at the Springdale Church, Waynesboro,
Va., Saturday evening and Sunday, May 22,
23.
Annual Sunday-school meeting at the Cross
Road Church, Richfield, Pa., on Ascension
Day, May 27. Speakers, David Thomas,
Lancaster, Pa.; Mervin J. Baer, Carlisle, Pa.
Ascension Day program at the Martindale,
Pa., Church, with David High, Mahlon Wit-
mer, and Paul Angstadt as speakers.
Christian Literature meeting at the Lititz,
Pa., Church May 22, 23.
All-day Gospel meeting on Ascension Day,
May 27, at the Maple Grove Church, near
Atglen, Pa. Speakers: Harry Y. Sheder, Da-
vidsville, Pa.; Wm. Martin, Menges Mills.
Pa.; Ralph Fisher, Newport News, Va.; Dan-
iel Smucker, Harrisonburg. Va. Every one
welcome.
Bro. Ralph Palmer, Denbigh. Va., will
speak at the young people's Bible meeting,
Stony Brook, York, Pa., May 23, at 7:30 p.m.
Forty-second Annual Bible meeting at
Elizabethtown, Pa., Church, May 29, 30, with
Paul M. Miller, Goshen, Ind. as guest speaker
from a distance.
Forty-fourth annual Sunday-school meeting
at the Mummasburg, Pa., Church June 6.
Speakers: Walter Lehman, Chambersburg.
Pa.; Ira Landis. Bareville, Pa.: Stanley Beid-
ler, Shelly, Pa.; Lloyd Hollinger. York, Pa.
Bro. Jesse B. Martin, Waterloo, Ont., re-
cently returned from Israel, will speak at the
East Petersburg, Pa., Church, Tuesday eve-
ning, May 18.
Youth Conference at East Union Church,
Kalona, Iowa, May 20-22, with John H. Hess.
Kitchener. Ont., as guest speaker.
Visiting Speakers
April 18. John P. Duerksen, Hesston,
Kans., at Iowa City Mennonite Church.
May 9. John Paul Oyer, Goshen, Ind.. at
Leetonia, Ohio. M. E. Bontreger, Calico
Rock, Ark., at Clinton Frame. Goshen, Ind.
Elam Hollinger, Hesston. Kans., at Protec-
tion, Kans. J. Weldon Martin, M.uhis, Texas,
at Wooster, Ohio. John L Horst, Scottdale,
Pa., at Woodridge, Washington. D. C.
May 16. James Lark, Chicago. 111., at Scott-
dale, Pa., three preaching points. A. J. Metz-
ler, Scottdale, Pa., at Salem, Elida, Ohio.
Evangelistic Meetings
George R. Brunk, Denbigh. Va.. at Cham-
bersburg, Pa., May 9-30; Harrisonburg, Va.,
June 9-27; Kitchener, Ont., July 7-25; Arch-
bold Ohio. Aug. 4:22; Milford. Nebr., Sept.
1-19; Wilmington. Del., Sept. 29-Oct. 17;
Fentress, Va., Oct. 27-Nov. 14.
May 18, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
477
BIRTHS
"Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord" (Ps. 127:3a)
Basinger, L. Eugene and Lola (Schertz),
Columbus Grove, Ohio, second child, first daugn-
ter, Deborah Elaine, April 29, 1954.
Bixler, David and Marjorie (Atwater), Elk-
hart. Ind., second child, first daughter, 1 a-
tricia Louise, April 19, 1951.
Bontrager, Perry and Mabel Viola (Miller).
Kalona, Iowa, fourth child, third daughter, Lois
Eileen, April 26, 1951.
Bowers, Harley C. and Bertha (Miller),
\lbuquerque, New Mexico, first child, Kutti
Ann, April 16, 1954.
Breckbill, Elvin and Mary (Nice) (no ; ad-
dress given), third child, first son. William
Henry, April 19, 1954.
Burkhart. Wilmer H. and Anna (bnoder).
Mohnton, Pa., third child, second daughter, Su-
san Kay, April 30, 1954.
Burkey, Paul and Lydia Mae (Schwartz), Wa-
karusa, Ind., fourth child, first son, James Lee,
APClemens, Edgar M. and Rhoda (Hostetter),
Belleville, Pa., first child, Frederic Lynn, April
30. 1954. „ ,_ ., X7
Clymer, James W. and Mary (Horst), New-
Holland, Pa., sixth child, third daughter, Ro-
sene Fay. March 13, 1954
Erb, Roy B. and F. Ruth (Hershey), Lan-
caster, Pa., fourth child, second son, James
Robert, April 24, 1954.
Gehman, Robert R. and Adeline (Rush I,
Plumsteadville, Pa., first child, Barry Ross.
April 25, 1954. „ ,
Gingerich, Andrew and Esther (Zimmerman),
Maunsville, N. Y., fourth child, third son, David
Allen, May 2, 1954.
Greaser, Earl and Verna Faye (Garberi,
\lpha, Minn., third child, third daughter, Rita
Earle, April 18, 1954.
Hershberger, Leo and Esther (Sevits), Ka-
lona, Iowa, third child, a daughter, Carol Louise,
Jan. 23. 1954. iT. tn.
Hochstedler, J. Wesley and Alice (Gingerich),
Des Moines, Iowa, first child, Evelyn Joy, Dec.
30. 1953. „ ,
Hochstetler, Owen and Bertha (Brenneman).
Creston, Mont., second child, first son. Merlin
Owen, April 27, 1954.
Horst. Luke L. and Ruth (King), Reading,
Pa., sixth child, first son, Thomas Allen, April
°7 1954
Kanagy, Gene and Wilma (Leichty), Elkhart,
Ind.. first child, Bradley L, April 23, 1954,
Kennel, Ezra L. and Viola E. (Guengerich),
Lynwood, Calif., third daughter, Janice Mau-
reen, April 7, 1954. „ ,
King, Morley L. and Pearl (Widmer), Hub-
hard, Oreg., second son, Rickie Donavon, April
19 1954.
Leichty, Clarence and Wilma (Ewert). Elk-
hart, Ind., second son, Bruce Duane, April 25,
1954
Leichty, Paul and Marietta (Yoder), Ft.
Wayne, Ind., first child, Brent Lynn, April
'^5 1954
Martin. Edwin W. and Martha (Good). Eph-
rata. Pa., fifth child, first daughter, Mary Ellen.
March 31. 1954.
Martin, Theodore and Jean (Moyer), Ellicott
City, Md., first child, Wayne Lee, April 28,
1954
Miller, Mahlon and Dorothy (Nissley), North-
ville. Mich., first child, a daughter, Michele
Lynn, March 27, 1954.
Mininger, Walter and Grace (Moyer). Souder-
ton. Pa., first child. Ronald Lee, April 12, 1954.
Minnich, R. Herbert and Shirley (Showalter).
Harrisonburg, Va., second child, first son,
Michael Garth, April 27. 1954.
Nafziger, Chester J. and Doris (King), Pettis-
ville, Ohio, fifth child, second son, Leonard Jay.
April 20. 1954.
Neuenschwander, Marcus and Esther (Nuss-
baum), Apple Creek, Ohio, second child, first
son. Conrad Leon. March 24. 1954.
Redcav. Harold M. and Elsie (Fenninger),
Quarryville, Pa., fifth child, first daughter, Jean
Louise. April 21. 1954.
Redcay. Henry and Kathryn (Stoltzfus),
Cochranville. Pa., fifth child, second daughter,
Anna Mary, April 28, 1954.
Rittenhouse. Henry L. and Beulah (Hend-
ricks). Souderton, Pa., first child, Dennis Ray,
April 8. 1954.
Roggie, Wilburn M. and Elveira (Lehman I
Croghan. N.Y.. second child, first son, Calvin
Glen, April 25, 1954.
Rohrer, Luke and Alta (Showalter), Smoke-
town, Pa., first child, Wayne Allen, April 18,
1954
Schrock. Elmer and Alta (Roth). Archbold,
Ohio, sixth child, Joyce Marie, March 23,
1954.
Stoltzfus, John F. and Elizabeth (Stoltzfus),
Gap, Pa., sixth child, second daughter, Ruth
Lorene. April 28, 1954.
Stoltzfus. Melvin R. and M. Pauline (Huf-
ford), Ronks, Pa., fourth child, first son, Mar-
lin Melvin, April 25, 1954.
Summers. Elam and Arlene (Gehman), Gor-
donville, Pa., first child, a son, Glendon Carl,
April 23, 1954.
Weaver. Alvin M. and Elta (Frey). Leban-
on, Pa., third child, second daughter, Deborah
Jean, April 22. 1954.
Weaver. Oliver and Freda (Stalter), Waynes-
boro, Va., first child, Karen Elaine, April 25.
1954.
Yoder. Jesse M. and Mae (Lauver), Thomp-
sontown. Pa., first child, Ronald Eugene, Nov.
1. 1953.
Yoder. Thomas E. and Doris (Mayer), Gettys-
burg, Pa., fifth child, second daughter, Diane
Kave. April 27, 1954.
Zoss. Arthur and Violet (Unsicker), Low-
point, 111., second child, Laurel Kay, April 21,
1954.
OBITUARIES
May the sustaining grace and comfort of our Lord
bless these who are bereaved.
MARRIAGES
May the blessings of God be upon the homes
established by the marriages here listed. A year's
subscription to the GOSPEL HERALD is given to those
whose address is supplied by the officiating minister.
Amstutz — Geiser. — Aquilla A. Amstutz, Cleve-
land. Ohio, and Ada Marie Geiser, Apple Creek.
Ohio, by Louis Amstutz at the Sonnenberg
Church where both were members, April 17,
1954.
Dewitt — Angel. — Leslie D. Dewitt and Mol-
lie J. Angel, both of Barberton, Ohio, by Louis
Amstutz at the Sonnenberg Church where both
were members. April IS, 1954.
Groff — Hurst. — Ernest B. Oroff and Mary
Ann Hurst, both of the Shirksville congrega-
tion. Fredericksburg. Pa., by Simon G. Bucher.
May 1, 1954.
Hochstetler — Brenneman. — Orlin Hochstetler
and Lores Brenneman by D. J. Fisher at the
East Union Church, Kalona, Iowa, April 17,
1954.
Rufenacht — Beck. — Marlin Rufenacht and
Lois Beck, both of the West Clinton con-
gregation, Wauseon, Ohio, by D. L. Summers
at the West Clinton Church. Feb. 21. 1954.
Schrock — Moore. — Leroy Schrock and Marlene
Moore, both of the Iowa City, Iowa, congrega-
tion by Virgil Brenneman at the church, April
0. 1954.
Weber — Stoltzfus. — Lewis E. Weber. Bow-
mansville, Pa., congregation, and Irene Stoltz-
fus. Conestoga congregation, Morgantown, Pa.,
by Ira A. Kurtz at the Conestoga Church, May
1, 1954.
Yoder — Yoder. — Cloyrl Yoder. Meyersdale, Pa.,
and Mable Yoder, Salisbury, Pa., by Eli D. Tice
at the Mountain View A.M. Church, March 24,
Zerger — Brenneman. — Myron Zerger. Eden
Mennonite Church. Moundridge, Kans.. and Ar-
rlis Brenneman. East Union Mennonite Church.
Kalona, Iowa, bv D. J. Fisher at the Iowa
City Mennonite Church, April 30. 1954.
ANNIVERSARIES
Hauder. Joseph B. and Martha (Steider) Los
Angeles, Calif., celebrated their fiftieth wedding
anniversary on April 24. 1954, at a dinner with
their eleven children (Floyd, Lester. William.
Harrv, Wilda, Velma, Clayton, Elda. Hazel.
Myrtle, and Lois) all present. The following
day, Sunday, Bro. John Zehr dedicated the
morning message, "What Makes the Years
Golden," to Bro. and Sister Hauder. From
2 :00 p.m. to 5 :00 p.m. they had open house to
100 friends and relatives. They have 27 grand-
children and one great-grandchild.
Bachman, Barbara, daughter of Joseph B. and
Catherine Good, was born near Hopedale, 111.,
Feb. 25, 1867 ; passed away at the home of her
daughter, Martha Bachman, Metamora, 111.,
April 20, 1954 ; aged 87 y. 1 m. 23 d. On March
6, 1890, she was united in marriage to Samuel
Bachman, who preceded her in death on Jan. 10,
1925 To this union 2 sons and 2 daughters
were born (Martha, of Metamora ; Ida Stringer,
and Roy, both of Lowpoint, 111.; and William,
deceased). Also surviving are 8 grandchildren,
6 great-grandchildren, and 4 sisters (Phoebe
Birkey and Sarah Bellar, both of Eureka, 111. ;
Katie Horsch, Fisher, 111., and Mary Birkey,
Shickley, Nebr.). Her parents, 3 brothers, and
2 sisters preceded her in death. She accepted
Christ as her Saviour in her youth and remained
a true Christian until death. Funeral services
were held at the Roanoke Mennonite Church in
charge of John Hostetler, Ezra Yordy, and Dan
Hostetler. Burial was made in the Stuart Har-
mony Cemetery.
Beiler, Sarah, daughter of the late Isaac K.
and Rebecca (Zook) Stoltzfus, was born May 30,
1872, near Lancaster City, Pa.; passed away
Ipril 1, 1954, at the home of her son, Harvey,
Elverson, Pa. ; aged 81 y. 10 m. 1 d. After suf-
fering from pernicious anemia for some years
and having received over thirty pints of blood
by transfusions, death was finally due to a liver
condition. She was a member of the Conestoga
Mennonite Church. On Jan. 17, 1892, she was
united in marriage to Levi Beiler, who pre-
ceded her in death by almost 21 years. Surviving
are 12 children (Rebecca — Mrs. David L. Smok-
er Atglen, Pa.; Mary— Mrs. Levi M. Stoltz-
fus, Levi, David, Isaac, and Stephen, of Elver-
son Pa.; Carrie — Mrs. David M. Kurtz, and
Irvin, of Morgantown, Pa.; Martha— Mrs. John
M. Stoltzfus. Parkesburg, Pa.; Fannie— Mrs.
Jonas K. Yoder, Boyertown, Pa. ; Harvey, with
whom she resided ; and Sadie, a missionary in
Asuncion, Paraguay), 55 grandchildren, 38
great-grandchildren, and 3 sisters (Mrs. Katie
Stoltzfus, Intercourse, Pa. ; Mrs. Fannie All-
ayer Monterey, Pa.; and Mrs. Rebecca Yoder,
Long Beach, Calif.). One daughter and two sons
died in infancy. Services were held at the Con-
estoga Mennonite Church, April 5, in charge of
C. J. Kurtz and Ira Kurtz. Interment was made
in the near-by Mast Cemetery.
Hartzler, John Y., son of the late Menno S.
and Mary (King) Hartzler, was born Oct. 3,
1878; passed away at his home near Belleville,
Pa , April 17, 1954 ; aged 75 y. 6 m. 14 d. He
is survived toy his wife, Fannie Kauffman Hartz-
ler 2 daughters (Mary Dumm and Mildred
Re'nno, of Belleville, Pa.), and a sister (Mrs.
Sadie Peachey, also of Belleville). He was a
charter member of the Rockville Mennonite
Church near Belleville. Funeral services were
held at the home, April 20, in charge of Ray-
mond R. Peachey, assisted by Aaron Mast and
Jacob Weirich. Burial was made in the Allens-
ville Mennonite Cemetery.
Kalin, Joyce Marie, infant daughter of Ed-
ward and Ella Mae (Shireman) Kalin, Ontario.
Calif., was born April 26, 1954, and passed
away the following day. Surviving besides her
parents are her grandparents (Mr. and Mrs.
James Shireman, Ontario, Calif., and Mr. and
Mrs. Wm. Kalin, Riverside, Calif.). Graveside
services were held April 27 in charge of Sher-
man Maust. , m , _,.
King, Elba Lee, son of John W. and Eliza
(Bontrager) King, was born Nov. 20, 1877, near
West Liberty, Ohio ; passed away at Mary Ru-
tan Hospital. Bellefontaine, Ohio, April 20,
1954; aged 76 y. 5 m. His death came after
a brief illness of only 10 days. On Dec. 21,
1899, he was united in marriage with Elsie
Yoder. To this union were born 5 children
fMabel — Mrs. Paul P. King, of West Liberty;
Freda — Mrs. Carl Slonecker. Bellefontaine,
Ohio; Margaret, at home; Winfred, of West
Liberty, and Herbert, of Bellefontaine). He is
also survived by his companion, a sister (Mrs.
George Dowell, of Bellefontaine), a brother
(Leon, of West Liberty). 12 grandchildren, and
2 great-grandchildren. He joined the South
Union Mennonite Church as a young man and
was a faithful member until the time of his
death. During the last years of his life, and un-
til the day when he was stricken with his fatal
illness, he was employed at the Maple Drive
478
GOSPEL HERALD
May i8} 1954
Dairy in West Liberty. Funeral services at
the South Union Mennonite Church were in
charge of Stanley Shenk, with Wayne North
and Richard Hostetler assisting. Interment was
made in the South Union Cemetery.
King, Mary Ann, daughter of Jeff and Mary
Knepp, was born in Logan County, Ohio, Jan.
27 1879; died suddenly at the Solomonson Rest
Home, April 22, 1054; aged 75 y. 2 m. 26 d.
Death was due to a heart ailment. She was
preceded in death by her husband, 2 children
who died in infancy, and a sister (Mrs. Ella
Thoman). She was a member of the South
Union Mennonite Church. Funeral services were
held at the Troyer-Lynn Funeral Home in West
Liberty, April 25, in charge of Stanley Shenk.
Interment was made in the Yoder Cemetery near
West Liberty, Ohio. _ _
McCarter, James R., was born m North Caro-
lina in 1858; died April 2, 1954; aged 95 y.
In 1884, he was married to Mary Jane Nelson,
who departed this life in 1947. To this union
were born 7 children, of whom only one son
(Walter O, Purvis, Miss.) survives. Also sur-
viving are 6 grandchildren and 12 great-grand-
children. He was a resident of Sarasota, Fla.,
since 1911. He was received into fellowship
with the Pinecraft Mennonite congregation in
1950. Funeral services were conducted at the
Pinecraft Mennonite Church, April 4, by R. W.
Benner, assisted by Otho B. Shenk and J. M.
Nissley. Interment was made in Rosemary
Cemetery, Sarasota.
Risser, Martha E. (Mattie), daughter of Pre.
Jacob H. and Fanny (Eby) Risser, was born
Oct 16. 1872, in Washington Co.. Md. ; died
April 18, 1954, at the Mennonite Old People's
Home, near Maugansville, Md., where she had
been a guest since 1941 ; aged 81 y. 6 m. 2 d.
Aunt Mattie, as she was known by both old and
young, spent about half her years in total
blindness, her eyesight having failed in her
youth. She did not enjoy good health as most
of us do, but bore her affliction with much
patience. She possessed a kind, sympathetic
Christian personality. She was a lifelong mem-
ber of Reiff's Mennonite Church. She is sur-
vived by 2 brothers (Benjamin B., Hagers-
town, Md., and Amos B., Greencastle. Pa.) and
several nieces and nephews. Funeral services
were held at Reiff's Mennonite Church. April
21, conducted by Moses K. Horst and Stanley
H. Martin. Burial was made in the adjoining
cemetery.
Sensenig, Barbara N., daughter of the late
Isaac and Barbara Martin, was born Nov. 1,
1891; passed away Jan. 21, 1954; aged 62 y.
2 m. 22 d. On Jan. 4. 1912, she was united in
marriage to C. B. Sensenig. To this union
were born 2 sons and one daughter. One son
(Mervin) and the daughter (Helen) preceded
her in death. She is survived by her husband,
one son (Carl). 2 grandsons, and 3 brothers
(Horace N., Bast Barl, Pa. : Isaac N.. and Mar-
tin Y., Blue Ball. Pa.). One brother and one
sister preceded her. She was a member of the
Weaverland Mennonite Church. Funeral serv-
ices were held at Weaverland. Jan. 25. eon-
ducted by John Burkholder. Mahlon Witmer,
and Alvin Martin. Interment was made in the
adjoining cemetery.
Stoltzfus. Elaine Marie, infant daughter of
Stephen and Almeda Stoltzfus. was horn pre-
maturely, April 4, 1954. and died immediately.
Burial was made in the Conestoga Mennonite
Cemetery, April 7. Graveside services were con-
ducted by Luke O. Stoltzfus.
Troyer, Levi S., was born Nov. 17. 1870. in
Howard Co., Ind. ; passed away April 15, 1954.
after an illness of 12 weeks; aged 83 v. 4 m.
28 d. He is survived by 5 children. 33 grand-
children, 36 great-grandchildren, and one broth-
er (Seth, Goshen. Ind.). He accepted Jesus as
bis Saviour in 1889 and united with the Amisb
Mennonite Church. On Jan. 1. 1891. he was
married to Snvilla Miller, who preceded him on
May 10, 1948. They lived in matrimony 57 y.
4 m. 10 d. To this union were born 6 children
(Samuel. John. Barbara — Mrs. Jacob Miller,
and Levi, of Mio, Mich.; Katie Ann — Mrs.
Aden Kauffman, and Susanna — Mrs. Wilbur
Yoder, of Middlebury. Ind.). One brother (Sam-
uel ) and one rrandchild (daughter of Jacob
and Barbara Miller) preceded him in death.
They moved to Oscoda Co., Mich., on April 2
1903. and lived on the same farm the rest of
their days. He was ordained Oct. 16 1010.
as a minister and as a bishop on May 24, 1039.
Funeral services were held at the Fairvtew Men-
noni'e Church, April 18. In ohar^p of narvev
Handrich and Amnion Troyer. Interment was
made i'i the Kiltie Cemetery
Wolf, Newton L.. son of Michael and nester
(Cable) Wolf, was born in Stephenson Co.. Til..
,\nril 16, 1870; passed awav at his home April
24, 1954, following a brief illness after suffering
a stroke on April 21 ; aged 84 y. 8 d. He was
married to Sadie Lapp on Dec. 25. 1902, at
Dakota, 111. Not long after his marriage he
became a member of the Freeport Mennonite
Church, where he remained a member through-
out life. Surviving are his wife, 2 sons (Mil-
ton and Paul, both of Freeport ). one brother
(James, Pecatonica, 111.), and 5 grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by 5 brothers and 3
sisters. Funeral services were held at the Free-
port Mennonite Church, April 27, with Richard
Yordy and A. C. Good officiating. Burial was
made in the church cemetery.
Yoder, Frank L., was born Feb. 13. 1896, near
Garden City., Mo. ; passed away at a hospital
in Columbia, Mo., April 17, 1954 ; aged 58 y.
2 m. 4 d. Death was due to Hodgkin's disease.
For at least 13 years he had been in poor health
due to a lung condition. During these years he
underwent surgery four times and was often
hospitalized. In his youth he accepted Christ
as his Saviour and became a member of Syca-
more Grove Mennonite Church, and was a faith-
ful member of the church. He was one of six
children born to I. Z. and Sarah (Kauffman I
Yoder. His marriage with Ann Nafziger. Pryor,
Okla., occurred May 18, 1922, and they began
life together near Garden City, Mo., later mov-
ing to their present home near Harrisonville.
Mo. Surviving him, besides his companion, are
3 children (Maurice and Jean — Mrs. Joe Dur-
bin. of Harrisonville; and Barbara, at home), 3
grandchildren, 3 brothers (Will. Chauneey, and
Roy), a sister (Edna), and many other rela-
tives and friends. Preceding him in death
were a daughter (Frances), his parents, and
a brother (Melvinl. Funeral services were con-
ducted at the Sycamore Grove Mennonite Church
April 20, in charge of Frank Raber. assisted by
S. S. Hershberger and John A. Kauffman,
with burial in the Clearfork Cemetery.
THE BOOK SHELF
Books reviewed in these columns may be ordered
from the Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale, Pa.
Sex Ethics and the Kinsey Report by Sew-
ard Hiltner; Association Press; 1953; 238 pp.;
$3.00.
Here is a little Kinsey Report for those
who are too busy to read the big ones. It
is more than that. It is a running com-
mentary on the Reports from the viewpoint
of Christian ethics. The author is a well-
known writer and teacher, member of the
Federated Theological Faculty of the Uni-
versity of Chicago. Theologically, he is
decidedly of the liberal school.
Despite his liberal viewpoint, or because
of it, he takes a more penitent view than
many who have delighted in excoriating Kin-
sey. "Kinsey," he says, ". . . has distorted
the Christian understanding of sex. The
blame for this has been placed primarily
on ourselves, not on him, in that we have
not witnessed to the Christian view in such
a way that Kinsey could actually see it oper-
ating in people's lives." In other words,
Kinsev reported facts as he found them. If
the church does not like it, she should
penitentially learn why she has failed.
The church has had considerable influence
among the women. But the social level of
men determines their conduct more than
the church. The author believes the churches
are now paying the price for "holding the
notion that it is dangerous to discuss such
things because otherwise the ideas might
not enter people's heads."
But chieflv, the church has failed in teach-
ing a positive, constructive view. She needs
to teach that sex. anatomv and phvsiology,
is also a creation of Cod; that it is an in-
strument, if used in accordance with God's
will of fostering love, of revealing inner
meaning to a person; that sex standards are
at all times under the judgment and love of
God, "of which the Christian community
may at all times be representative."
He might have stressed further the positive
values of family living, the acceptance of
responsibilities as parents, the development
of character that is almost a corollary of
intimately living with persons in a family
situation. The author goes far in seeing
positive values in sex as sex, but not far
enough in seeing the values of reproduction
and parenthood.
The author accuses the church of being
vague in its teachings, yet strangely insists
that he himself should offer only principles
and make no applications. Thus he refuses
in the face of obvious pressure to give a
clear "yes or no" answer to the question of
premarital intercourse. He is right, in a
sense, that every person has to make his own
decision.
On the other hand, if the author on his
high pinnacle as trained theologian, with a
knowledge of Christian history, as marriage
counselor with the stories of personal prob-
lems before him, as psychologist with an un-
derstanding of the probable emotional effects
of sex which the author insists is "radical and
serious" — if, I say, he is unable to do more
than hand out vague principles, how is the
teen-ager expected to make a wise decision?
Will he wait until he has had a degree in
theology before embarking on experimenta-
tion? If the church is vague in its teaching,
it may be because the trumpets utter an
uncertain sound.
The author's principles are good enough.
"Any form of Christian statement that
ignores the Bible, Jesus Christ, or Christian
history is not likely to be deeply meaningful;
but any view that does not make contact
with our modern knowledge is likely to be
irrelevant," is a true statement of the prob-
lem. The author insists that the Christian
view must have theological content. He is
very weak in telling us what that content is.
Thus, while this book is not the final an-
swer to the sex problems of our age, it is a
good beginning. Church readers do well to
inform themselves about a positive Christian
view as an analysis of the modern situation.
The style of writing does not lend itself to
easv reading, but a careful study and critical
evaluation should be rewarding. — H. Clair
Amsrutz, M.D.
ITEMS and COMMENTS
Lincoln University, at Oxford, Pa., has
just passed its one hundredth year. It is the
world's oldest university for Negroes. In
recent years it has become biracial.
• • •
A conscientious objector cannot be barred
from United States citizenship on grounds
of "moral turpitude" because of a prison
sentence he served for refusing to comply
May i8, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
479
Add EFFECTIVENESS to your
Bible school
Herald
Summer Bible
School
Materials
Don't lose the effectiveness of your summer Bible school by
changing materials every few years. Herald SBS materials mean
long-range planning for the pastor; teachers concentrate on better
methods instead of struggling with new material; new every year
to each child because it's graded.
MENNONITE PUBLISHING HOUSE
Scottdale, Pennsylvania
with the Selective Service law. The Board
of Immigration Appeals issued this ruling
in favor of Vasyl Sereda, a stateless refugee
from the Russian Ukraine and a member of
the Ukrainian Baptist Church. Mr. Sereda
was convicted in the United States District
Court at Richmond, Va., for refusing to ac-
cept noncombatant service in the army and
sentenced to three and one-half years in pris-
on despite the fact that he had expressed a
willingness to perform alternative civilian
work. While he was serving his sentence,
deportation proceedings were started against
him on moral turpitude grounds. This deci-
sion is an important one to religious objectors
because it provides a precedent for proving
that draft act violations motivated by con-
science do not constitute offenses involving
moral turpitude. The moral turpitude cloud
has prevented objectors from obtaining many
kinds of professional or occupational licenses
such as teaching certificates. One World War
II objector was denied a license to drive a
taxicab in Washington, D.C.
• » •
The population of Latin America is grow-
ing more rapidly than any other section of
the world, already having passed that of the
United States plus Canada. Experts calculate
that by 1980 Latin America will have
400,000,000 people.— W.P.
• • «
The American University of Beirut is
placing heavy emphasis on its new School
of Agriculture, for which the Ford Founda-
tion granted $1,000,000. The University's
trustees, noting that nine tenths of all Arabs
derive their living directly from the soil, be-
lieve that the most effective way to raise the
level of economy in the Arab Middle East is
by teaching scientific agriculture. With a
handsome new building in Beirut and a large
experimental farm in the rich Beka'a Valley,
the school is on its way toward becoming
the best in the area. An important phase in
the school's program is to study new means
by which, through agriculture, the whole
life of a village can be improved. — W.P.
# # *
A six-member committee has been appoint-
ed by the government of Madhya Pradesh
(the Central Province in which our largest
work in India is located) to investigate mis-
sionary activities in the state. The committee
will survey the missionary question from
historical and other aspects and make recom-
mendations to the government. It was set up
because the government had received com-
plaints, both against and from missionaries.
# * *
More than one half of all the philanthropic
giving in the United States goes to the na-
tion's churches, according to the Executive
Director of the National Council of Church-
es, Department of Stewardship and Benevo-
lence. Of the total of four and a half billion
dollars Americans give to philanthropies each
year, approximately $1,600,000,000 goes to
Protestant churches. Assuming that Jewish
and Catholic groups give on approximately
the same basis, total church giving would be
"well over two and a half billion dollars, or
more than one half." The average church
member's contribution in 1952 was $41.94,
an increase of 7.6 per cent over the previous
year. It is expected that final returns will
show a 10 per cent increase in 1953.
* * #
Any Greek Orthodox girl who participates
in a beauty contest will do so at the peril of
excommunication, not only of herself, but of
her parents, the Holy Synod of the Greek
Orthodox Church at Athens has warned in
an encyclical letter addressed to priests. The
Synod said such contests are injurious to
"the dignity and chastity of womanhood and
disturb the peace and harmony of the family."
* # *
Some 40,000 persons jammed Hyde Park
in London on Good Friday to hear the open-
air sermon by Billy Graham, American evan-
gelist. Graham told the throng that he had
listened to a debate in the House of Com-
mons on the hydrogen bomb and came away
with the feeling that civilization is doomed
unless we can find a solution to our problem
in the next few months or years.
* * *
Of Japan's total population of 87,000,000
people, over 52,000,000 live in rural Japan.
Eighty per cent of Japan's needy pastors were
rural born. Thus any mission work which
ministers to the rural people of Japan is per-
forming a very important service for the
future of the country.
480
GOSPEL HERALD
May 18, 1954
YOUR PUBLISHING HOUSE
11. Foreign Literature
The foreign literature program includes the following
areas: European Christian Educational material, Spanish
Summer Bible School materials, El Heraldo ( monthly Spanish
paper), and tracts in several languages.
The translating, publishing, distribution, and use of the
Herald Summer Bible School Materials in the French and
German languages in Europe began under Mennonite Central
Committee supervision in Children's Camps and Orphanages
in the relief program. The opportunities for using these
materials are growing gradually, as is shown by the fact that
in 1953 they already went into seven countries. Several work-
ers are at Basel, Switzerland, translating, editing, and produc-
ing these books for European use. Some of the German books
are being used in Canada and South America. The Men-
nonite Central Committee is aiding in subsidizing this work.
By A. J. Metzler, Publishing Agent
Teachers' and pupils' books for the eight grades, Kinder-
garten I and II and Grades I to VI, have now been translated
and published in Spanish. This work was all done at Scottdale.
During 1953, 4,542 Spanish books were sold. The Mennonite
Board of Missions and Charities is helping to subsidize both
this project and the El Heraldo.
The El Heraldo is an attractive, two-color, 12-page Spanish
monthly with a circulation of 2,386. It goes into nearly 20
countries. Almost 700 go regularly into Spain, thus making a
significant addition to the very few witnesses to the Gospel
in that country.
The Publishing House's portion of subsidy for these
various foreign literature projects has been about $7,500 for the
year. The church, in various ways, especially through mission
offerings from the summer Bible school children, has very
generously contributed $5,790.98 toward this most worthy
work. With the likelihood of this work increasing and the
limited ability of our patrons to pay toward their publication
due to the economic conditions in the countries served, sub-
stantial contributions will be needed for some years.
A Summer Bible School class abroad
A Buddhist congregation was organized
in New York sixteen years ago. It now has
300 worshipers. Some of them are American
soldiers who married Japanese Buddhist girls.
• # #
One of the Indian delegates to the United
Nations, himself a professing Christian, has
pointed out that in 1947 there were 2,271
foreign missionaries in India. In 1952 this
number had increased to 2,814. In 1954
there are 4,683. He felt that these figures
disprove any claim that India is keeping
foreign missionaries out of the country.
# * •
Mindanao, the second largest of the Phil-
ippine Islands, is suffering from a terrible
scourge of brown marsh rats. These rats
sweep over the country by the thousands,
eating all food supplies. As a result, the
island is suffering from starvation, with
200,000 people in great need. The American
organization of CARE has been asked to
assist.
• * •
Kagawa, noted Japanese evangelist, has
reported that in the first six months of a
nation-wide evangelistic campaign he has
conducted 179 meetings attended by a total
of 82,940 persons, and received 17,261 deci-
sion cards.
• # •
Andre Trocme recently wrote in a British
Pacifist Journal: "The French readily accuse
the Americans of unintelligence. I myself
found them very intelligent, too intelligent.
Intelligence (intellectual astuteness) is shown
H3X3
w hen our heads start to explain to our hearts
why it is wise to disobey our conscience.
(The serpent in Genesis was very smart.)"
• • •
A United Press dispatch from Formosa
said that President Chiang Kai-shek in an
Easter message to his people called for a holy
war against the Chinese communists, based
upon "freedom, equality, and brotherhood."
Generalissimo Chiang said that the war
must be waged to the finish "for the realiza-
tion of God's righteousness for the salvation
of mankind." Strange mixture of the lan-
guage of war and peace.
1 "l 1 st OSVOlHO
■JAV KATVlGOCtt tH9fr
NliN3>iUV/A V %
GOSPEL HER
'In the defence and confirmation of the gospel" "Wow beautiful are the feet of them that $$jjMbe gospel of peace'
, TUESDAY, MAY 25, 1954 _ number 21
VOLUME XLVI1 .
We Must Be
By C. J.
Introduction
There is in the world today a religious
recession. While there are evidences ol
spiritual thirst, yet there is an ever-grow-
ing attitude of "Does it matter?" There
is a good deal of the same spirit manifest
in religious circles when the question is
indifferently asked, "Is it necessary?" We
appreciate the American way of religious
tolerance and yet, praiseworthy as it is,
in religious thought one cannot be a be-
liever of divine revelation without be-
coming convinced of essentials. Modern
psychology would no doubt reject Jesus'
method with His immediate answer to
Nicodemus of the must of the new birth.
Jesus leaves no question as to whether
the new birth is essential, but emphat-
ically states, "Ye must be born again."
The story of Nicodemus in John 3 pro-
vides the basis and introduction to this
subject.
Nicodemus was a ruler of the Jews.
That meant he was a member of the
Sanhedrin, a man of influence and learn-
ing. He himself enjoyed a high reputa-
tion among his fellows. He came to Je-
mis by night, but we do not question the
sincerity of his coming. His present rec-
ognition of Jesus does not seem to be
more than that of a teacher or prophet.
If his address to Jesus was nothing more
than a gracious platitude, the subject was
quickly turned to his own inner need.
"Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except
a man be born again, he cannot see the
kingdom of God" (John 3:3). This is
the miracle that Nicodemus and all men
need to experience in their inner being.
The religious emphasis of the Pharisees
was the coming of the kingdom, which
they expected to come through a polit-
ical Messiah who could deliver them
from the iron hand of the Roman rule.
This hope was the inspiration of every
true son of Abraham, who by right of
birth expected deliverance. When Jesus
raised the question of the new birth,
Nicodemus astonishingly questions this
miracle referring to the natural birth.
The How?
"Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except
a man be born of water and of the Spirit,
he cannot enter into the kingdom of
God" (John 3:5).
"That which is born of the flesh is
flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit
Born Again
Ramer
is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto
thee, Ye must be born again" (John
3:6, 7).
The kingdom of which Jesus is speak-
ing is a spiritual kingdom. To enter it
requires a new birth. This cannot be
done by man. It is only in the power of
the Divine. Jesus declares it is accom-
plished by water and the Spirit.
The use of the word "water" may cou-
ple it with John's ministry, of which Nic-
odemus was well informed. He was
preaching, "Repent ye: for the kingdom
of heaven is at hand" (Matt. 3:2). The
repentance was sealed with water bap-
tism. But John himself says that his bap-
tism was only a forerunner of Him who
would baptize with the Holy Spirit. From
other passages we learn that "water" re-
fers to the Word. Paul to the Corinthians
says, "In Christ Jesus I have begotten
you through the gospel." And in the
Ephesian letter he uses the phrase, "with
the washing of water by the word."
James puts it, "Of his own will begat he
us with the word of truth." Peter also
writes, "Being born again, not of cor-
ruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by
the word of God." It is quite evident
that Jesus meant the Word of God when
He referred to water. The preaching of
the Word through the operation of the
Spirit produces conviction of sin which
worketh repentance. There must be re-
pentance, confession, and cleansing to
prepare one to enter the kingdom. It
is the Word that brings this about. This
operation of the Spirit Paul calls a quick-
ening. The spirit of man is dead in
trespasses and sins. He is in the throes
of death and can only be raised to a
newness of life by the power of God.
We cannot tell how it happens, but
we know it happens. Jesus says that it
is like the wind— you cannot tell whence
it cometh or where it goes. "So is every
one that is born of the Spirit" (John
3:8).
A man south of Calgary, Alberta, had
a set of buildings collapse in a storm.
The weather bureau had no recording of
a storm and wondered how it happened.
The man replied, "I don't know how it
happened, but it happened."
Nicodemus must still know, "How can
these things be?" The question is one
of ignorance, but he, being a teacher,
should have known. However, he dis-
plays a willingness to be taught, for Je-
sus unfolds to him in simple yet startling
fullness the how of salvation.
He reveals that He is not an earthly
messenger, but one who came down from
heaven, sent from God as His only begot-
ten Son. The recognition of Jesus as the
sent one, the Son of God, the Messiah, is
the prerequisite of salvation. Jesus uses
a familiar scene from the history of Israel
to explain to this teacher the how of
salvation. "As Moses lifted up the ser-
pent in the wilderness, even so must the
Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever
believeth in him should not perish, but
have eternal life" (John 3:14, 15). The
only explanation of the healing of those
snake-bitten Israelites with the deadly
venom in their veins was the look. The
prophet foretelling of the how proclaims,
"Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the
ends of the earth: for I am God, and
there is none else" (Isa. 45:22). "And
it shall come to pass, that whosoever
shall call on the name of the Lord shall
be saved" (Acts 2:21). When anyone will
thus turn to God in faith, he shall be
saved from the sting of death which the
fiery serpent of sin has thrust into his
heart. He shall not perish but have ever-
lasting life. The crucified Jesus becomes
the center of his faith. He sees himself
identified with Him. He has died in his
place. Thus Nicodemus was led to see
the how of the new birth. It is still the
way. It is simple and yet profound. Je-
sus is the only way.
The Experience
The experience of the new birth is an
inward and thorough renovation of our
A Plant of God
By Mary Alice Holden
The plant grew up in the springtime,
A tender young shoot of the Lord,
Reborn as a work of His Spirit
And fed on the milk of His Word.
He flourished in youth's day of June time,
When duties are born every hour;
Like Jesus he increased in wisdom,
In stature and knowledge and power.
But in the fierce heat of dry August
He showed forth the life from on high —
When winds came to blast him and burn him,
His soul like the corn reached the sky.
Cimarron, Kans.
182
GOSPEL HERALD
May 25, 1954
moral being. The prophet spoke of it
when he wrote, "Then will I sprinkle
clean water -upon you, and ye shall be
clean: from all your filthiness, and from
all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new
heart also will I give you, and a new
spirit will I put within you: and I will
Lake away the stony heart out of your
flesh, and I will give you an heart of
flesh" (Ezek. 36:25, 26).' Here Ezekiel is
describing the inner experience when the
Holy Spirit comes into our hearts and
brings to us a new relationship with God.
It is a new life. It is the life everlasting
that Jesus said should come to those that
believe in Him.
There came to those who knew Jesus
in the flesh, through Him, a new revela-
tion of God. It did not come to an end
at the crucifixion, as His disciples
thought it had. Very soon afterward they
discovered that the divine Presence had
come back to them, as Jesus had prom-
ised, and that He would continue in a
far deeper and a more marvelous way,
for God had taken possession of them.
They knew that this experience which
depended entirely on Jesus was not con-
fined to them that knew Him on earth,
but it could come to anybody, anywhere,
through hearing and believing the story
of Jesus. When they went in different
directions telling of Christ and Him cru-
cified, this transformation kept happen-
ing. It was a new experience of God, a
regeneration, a new birth. It lifted peo-
ple out of themselves and gave them an
inner desire for good, which they knew
was not of themselves, but of God. It
was transforming, changing, bringing
people from darkness to light, and caus-
ing them to turn from idols to serve the
living God.
Paul declared, "If any man be in
Christ, he is a new creature [new crea-
tion]: old things are passed away; be-
hold, all things are become new" (II
Cor. 5:17). It was all the doing of God
who had reconciled them to Himself
through Christ. It is still the same. "Ac-
cording as his divine power hath given
unto us all things that pertain unto life
and godliness, through the knowledge of
him that hath called us to glory and vir-
tue: whereby are given unto us exceeding
great and precious promises: that by
these ye might be partakers of the divine
nature having escaped the corruption
that is in the world through lust" (II
Peter 1:3, 4).
We are a "new man, which after God
is created in righteousness and true holi-
ness" (Eph. 4:24). "And have put on the
new man, which is renewed in knowl-
edge after the image of him that created
him" (Col. 3:10). Here is a spiritual re-
birth, a new generation of being, created
unto good works. It renews us in the
image of God. Just recently I heard Rab-
bi Ebner of Calgary speak on the subject,
"Created in the image of God." He aptly
stated that God's crowning work was not
a society, but an individual, a man and
a woman created in the image of God.
For this he thanked God. "The gift of
an immortal soul," he said, "is God's
greatest gift to man. To know we
possess this spark of the infinite, al-
though beyond any sensory perception,
is the truth that will broaden our hori-
zons and widen our outlook and lift our
spirits as a weary traveler who learns his
destination is near. One who does not
know this truth will fail and fall al-
though he may be near his goal."
Rabbi Ebner, like Nicodemus, missed
the one great truth; that men are dead in
trespasses and sins. Man has lost the di-
vine image. He is separated from the
divine spark. He may realize what an
advantage it would be to be reunited to
God, to be renewed in His image, but to
actually experience it he must be born
again by believing the work that God
has accomplished for his redemption,
must permit the Holy Spirit to convict
him of sin, and must accept God's only
provision, Jesus Christ, as His Saviour.
He will then know the quickening ex-
perience from the dead life in sin to the
new life in Jesus.
This is God's crowning work. He still
does it to individuals. If we want to en-
ter the kingdom of God we must experi-
ence the new birth.
The Manifestation
Spiritual existence and spiritual life
are different. All have spiritual exist-
ence, but only the born again have spir-
itual life. We must realize that spiritual
life does not come through any merit ol
our own. It is "not by works of right-
eousness which we have done, but ac-
cording to his mercy he saved us, by the
washing of regeneration, and renewing
of the Holy Ghost" (Titus 3:5). "But as
many as received him, to them gave he
power to become the sons of God. even
to them that believe on his name: which
were born, not of blood, nor of the will
of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but
of God" (John 1:12, 13). We must ac-
cept the fact of spiritual impotency and
receive in faith God's Son. We accept
facts and receive persons; therefore we
must receive the person of Jesus by a
personal appropriation. We must see
ourselves as sinners— lost and in need of
a Saviour. I must see Jesus as the onl\
one who can save me. I look up and by
faith see Jesus as my Saviour.
The first manifestation of the new
birth is the willingness to publicly con-
fess Jesus with the mouth and acknowl-
edge Him as Lord. "That if thou shalt
confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus,
and shalt believe in thine heart that God
hath raised him from the dead, thou
shalt be saved" (Rom. 10:9). "For the
scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on
him shall not be ashamed" (Rom. 10:
The second manifestation may well be
joy. "And not only so, but we also joy in
God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by
whom we have now received the atone-
ment" (Rom. 5:11). Joy in the Holy
Ghost is a characteristic of the kingdom
of God. The new life with the renewed
mind and new emotions is joy.
The third manifestation is love for
God and fellow man. The love of Christ
constrains us to tell the story to those
who have not heard or received Christ.
We now love those who are friends, but
not only so; we also love our enemies and
desire to see them saved.
The fourth manifestation is a new and
holv desire to do the will of God. The
whole volitional life is transformed. It
is no longer conformed to the world, but
to the mind of Christ. There is a longing
in the heart to perform the will of God.
"As newborn babes, desire the sincere
milk of the word, that ye may grow there-
by" (I Peter 2:2). We cry, "Lord, what
wilt thou have me to do?"
The fifth manifestation is a peace of
conscience that we never had before. We
are justified before God, which fills the
soul with tranquillity and quietness. It
is no wonder that everything looks dif-
ferent when viewed from such a peaceful
interior.
The sixth manifestation is assurance.
Doubt has disappeared and we can say,
"I know whom 1 have believed." "These
things have I written unto you that be-
lieve on the name of the Son of God; that
ye may know that ye have eternal life"
(I John 5:13). "Blessed assurance, Jesus
is mine."
The seventh manilestation is a living
hope. Peter says. He "hath begotten us
again unto a lively hope by the resurrec-
tion of Jesus Christ" (I Peter 1:3). The
future holds no dark shadows: the veil
has been drawn back and life and Cm-
mortality have been brought to light.
Heaven becomes real and we rest in the
promises of God. We have received the
earnest of our inheritance in the gift of
the Holy Spirit. "We know that if our
earthly house of this tabernacle were dis-
solved, we have a building of God, an
house not made with hands, eternal in
(Continued on page 484)
GOSPEL HERALD
ESTABLISHED 1906 AS SUCCESSOR TO SOBPEL WITNESS ( I BOB I AND HERALD OF TRUTH (1084)
PAUL ERB. EDITOR JOHN L. HORST. MILLARD C. LIND, CONSULTING EDITORS LEVI C. HARTZLER. missions EDITOR
THE OOSPSL HERALD 1 9 A RELIOIOUB WIIKLT PUBLISHED IN TNI INTIRIITI OF THE MBNNONITK CHURCH ST INI MENNONITE PUBLICATION BOARD, BCOTTDALE. PA.
ENTERED A8 SECOND' CL ABB MATTIR IN l-jou AT TH« POST OFFICE AT BCOTTDALB, PA.. UNDER ACT OF MARCH », 1070. SUBSCRIPTION PRICE; »S.O0 PER YEAR, THREE YEARS
IN ADVANCE, BB.OO. FIVE YEARS IN ADVANCE, »l«.BO. SAMPLE OOPIEB BENT FREE ON RBOUEBT. BEND ALL MATERIAL FOR PUBLICATION TO OOBPEL HERALD, BCOTTOALE, PA.
^ PRINTED IN U.S.A.
May 25, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
483
Linked with the Eternal
EDITORIAL
In Times of Transition
Nothing is static in this world. There
are eternal verities, but they speak in the
changing settings of the flow of history.
Today is not yesterday, and tomorrow
will not be today. In that sense we al-
ways live in times of transition. But there
are specific moments when we are con-
scious that the old is giving place to the
new. It is important in such moments
that we give to the transition the guid-
ance and direction which principle and
experience can furnish. There are values
in the old which must not be lost as we
adapt to new conditions and require-
ments. There is always a danger that we
will throw away the baby with the bath
water.
One of the transitions in which the
Mennonite Church now finds itself con-
cerns the support of ministers. In the
past our ministers were selected from
among the laity and after their ordina-
tion continued to make their own living,
doing their church work as well as they
could on marginal time. For some years
now we have been moving away from this
pattern, and at present the movement is
being greatly accelerated. Many pastors
are being partly supported, and an in-
creasing number are fully supported by
their congregations. Is this move in the
right direction?
It is more than interesting to observe
that just at the time we are moving to-
ward a professionalized ministry, others
with long experience in professionalized
leadership are raising questions about it.
One reads in the papers of a pastor here
and there who holds a factory job be-
cause he feels a closer connection with
people if he works with them every day.
We have all read of the worker priests in
France who are loath to give up, by order
of the Pope, what they felt was an ex-
cellent way to reach the nonchurchgoing
masses. Are we about to forsake a system
which others are just discovering is an
effective means of bringing religion to
the common man?
It seems we are caught in a dilemma.
On the one hand it is impossible for a
pastor who has another full-time job to
give to the church work what it requires.
We expect much of our preachers these
days. The growth of the church program
requires more administration. We want
the pastor to visit in our homes, certainly
in times of sickness and other trouble,
but also at other times. And we want
sermons that give evidence of reading
and careful thought. All these require-
ments are time-consuming, and the min-
ister who tries to put his church work
first will have to neglect his secular em-
ployment. Then his business and family
will suffer, and he himself may experi-
ence serious frustrations. Moreover, the
teaching of the Scripture seems to be
clear that they who preach the Gospel
should live of the Gospel.
The other horn of the dilemma is the
aversion we have to a professionalized
ministry that has only a church contact
with the members of a church. Anything
that sets the pastor off from his people
may create a barrier to the most helpful
spiritual relations. We have always been
glad to have a preacher who was one of
us. We want him to be conversant with
our economic as well as our spiritual
problems. We want him to counsel us on
all sorts of matters. We want him to be a
leader in community life as well as in the
Sunday worship. We don't want a for-
eigner who drops in for a professional
visit of a few years. Only a ministry that
has roots in the life of the community,
we believe, can come to full flower and
fruitage.
We must have a pastor who has time
and energy for his exacting task. But we
must also have the close relationships
which have characterized our system of
the past. Can we have both? We believe
we can. But we must make our transfer
from one system to another fully aware
of the problem, and determined to have
the real values of both the old and the
new. The transition must be deliberate-
ly guided so that we will avoid the evils
we do not want. The General Confer-
ence ministerial committee, the minis-
terial committees of the several confer-
ences, our seminary faculties, and the
congregational organizations all have a
responsibility to be aware of the prob-
lems, and to lead the church to such a
solution as will bring blessing and spirit-
ual efficiency to the church. Will our
sons look back to this transition with
thankfulness or with regret?— E.
The constant changes and uncertain-
ties of life in our day tend to cause ten-
sions, frustrations, and despair. What-
ever sense of security and stability that
people have is apt to be displaced by
anxiety and fear. Current happenings all
make their contribution toward such
feelings. A hydrogen blast is set off in the
Pacific, a fortress falls to the Communists
in Indo-China, a peace conference at
Geneva is hopelessly deadlocked, a sena-
torial investigation in Washington drags
on interminably, a strike paralyzes the
public transportation system in Pitts-
burgh, a judge is shot in a Pennsylvania
courtroom— all these are samples of what
people read and hear day after day to dis-
turb their tranquillity and peace of
mind, not to mention the pseudo-crimes
of the radio, television, and movie. Oth-
er things which contribute to insecurity
and instability are ill health, tragedies,
financial difficulties, disappointments,
and domestic troubles.
While the Christian recognizes all of
these things and is to a certain extent
affected by them, he has a source of seren-
ity and strength that enables him to live
through them and find peace and securi-
ty in spite of them. These are temporal
things, while he is linked by faith to the
One who is eternal. The national and
international stresses and disturbances
have to do with earthly kingdoms, while
he belongs to the eternal kingdom of
God. As he seeks first the kingdom of
God, he rests on the promise of Christ
that things temporal will be cared for.
He remembers the statement of the writ-
er to the Hebrews: "Thy throne, O God,
is for ever and ever." He is not too much
concerned about the threat of extinction
by the hydrogen bomb, for the Scripture
says concerning the visible heaven and
earth: "They shall perish; but thou re-
mainest; . . . and as a vesture shalt thou
fold them up, and they shall be changed:
but thou art the same, and thy years shall
not fail."
The secret of the Christian's serenity
and security in the midst of a changing
and troubled world, plagued by fears and
fightings, is that he is interested in and
joined to the things which are eternal.
His affections are set upon things above
and not on things on the earth. He re-
members that the things which are seen
are temporal, while those which are not
seen are eternal. He has the assurance
that nothing temporal can separate him
484
GOSPEL HERALD
May 25, 1954
from the eternal love and care of a benef-
icent heavenly Father. His implicit trust
in God enables him to say with the Apos-
tle Paul: "For I am persuaded, that nei-
ther death, nor life, nor angels, nor prin-
cipalities, nor powers, nor things present,
nor things to come, nor height, nor
depth, nor any other creature, shall be
able to separate us Erom the love of God.
which is in Christ Jesus our Lord,"— H.
VII. Water from Many Wells
By Nora Oswald
Come .unto me, all ye that labour and
are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
—Matt. 11:28..
U close of day, travelers were looking
lor a lodging place to rest their wheel-
wearv limbs, for a draught to quench
heated thirsts, for water to bathe sand-
scorched eyes and perspiring, dust-clung
bodies.
But cabins, courts, hotels, alas! Haunt-
ed th< 1 neoned signs, "No Vacancy." No
vacanfv at the close of day? No host to
invite 1 hem in? No soothing cup, no
cooling tub, no clean-sheeted bed.-'
They journeyed on through the night
until physical endurance had no more
elasticity.' They ignored the familiar sign
and drove into a court.
"Have you not one more bed.'" they
said. . .
"Nay, not so. But had you wired
ahead, we would have saved for you a
nice clean bed."
"Wired ahead," they drowsed. "Yes,
that must be it."
If you desire repose at the end ol
life's highway, wire vour reservations
ahead, and you shall find the welcome
sign, "We Have a Vacancy."
Hesston, Kans.
Packed for Vacation — But
Are You Ready?
You are leaving for your well-deserved
annual vacation. Mentally you check
your preparations: "I stopped deliveries
of newspapers and milk. 1 disconnected
gas, water, and light. I have arranged
for care of the pets. John Tomkins will
forward all first-class mail. All doors and
windows are securely locked. The neigh
bors have been told where 1 will be."
Yes, you are quite satisfied with your
foresight !
But wail; are you actually ready?
There are other provisions, just as neces
sary, that you might have neglected.
Check again! Is vour Bible packed so
thai it is easily accessible lor your daily
devotional time? Have you taken the
Christian books and periodicals you have
constantly put oil reading pending lei-
sure lime vacation provides?
Do you have the name and address
of your church treasurer so that you can
continue your regular systematic giving
even while away from home?
Do you have the location and address-
es of evangelical churches en route where
vou can worship as faithfully as you do
at home?
Do you have a list of loneh people or
shut-ins who would more than many
others enjov receiving a bright, colorful
pictorial postal telling of your where-
abouts and carrying a special note of
cheer?
What has been your prayer prepara-
tion? Have you sought God's guidance
and protection? Have you prayed that
you might be a blessing and a witness
wherever you are?
Only when you can answer these ques-
tions in the affirmative are you adequate-
ly prepared to begin your vacation.
When vou include Christ in your plans
God will bless you on your way! And
you will enjoy your vacation as you have
never done before!— Margaret Anderson,
in Youth Today; used by permission.
It Happened —
WE MUST BE BORN (Continued)
the heavens" (If Cor. 5:1). Such hope
liberates from the bondage of the fear of
death. What better can anyone have?
The eighth manifestation is the seal
of ownership. This could be likened to
a mark or a tag which denotes the owner.
"Nevertheless the foundation of God
standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord
knoweth them that are his. And, Let
every one that nameth the name of
Christ depart from iniquity" (II Tim.
2:19).
On the range calves are often ear-
marked so that the owners will know
which are theirs in the day of branding.
These newborn calves may have a hole
punched in one ear or both, or may have
a V cut in the end of the ear or in the
bottom of the ear. A combination of the
above on one or both ears is sometimes
necessary. The Apostle John -i\es us
some positive marks by which we can
know that we are His. They are also
evidences or manifestations of the new
birth.
1. "Whosoever believeth that Jesus is
the Christ is born of God" (I John 5:1).
2. "Every one that doeth righteous
ness is born of him [God]" (I John
2:29).
3. "Whosoever is born of God doth
not commit [practice! sin" (I John 3:9).
I. "Whatsoever is born of God over-
cometh the world" (I John 5:4).
5. "He that is begotten of God keep
eth himself, and that wicked one touch-
eth him not" (I John 5:18).
('). "Every one that loveth is born ol
God, and knoweth God" (I John 4:7).
It would be difficult to feign all these
evidences, which are true manifestations
of the new birth. This proves the neces-
sity of the new birth and to a man as
good as Nicodemus Jesus savs. "Ye must
TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO
(From Gospel Herald, May 16, 1929)
April 27, . . . at Duchess, Alta., . . .
Bro. Clarence J. Ramer . . . ordained to
the ministry by Bishops N. E. Roth and
Isaac Miller.
On April 30, Bro. Monroe Wyse [now
E.M.C., Harrisonburg, Va.] and Sister
Dora Short were united in marriage by
Bro. Troyer [at Midland, Mich.]
Annual Report of the Mennonite Pub-
lishing House. . . . The financial report
shows a net gain this year of $16,717.20,
which is S8.820. 61 less than the net gain
a y ear ago, and $11,690.43 more than the
net gain of two years ago. This year's
Book Sales totaled $41,145.44 as com-
pared to $50,321.04 last year, a decrease
in gross sales of S9, 175.00. . . . The in-
come from periodicals for the year is ap-
proximately the same as last year. The
laree sale of the first and second editions
of the new Church Hymnal last year was
the main factor in the large net gain in
last year's report.
Bro. David Weaver of La Junta, Colo.,
well known throughout the church for
his active service and substantial contri-
butions to the cause of Christ, passed to
his eternal reward May 5.
be born again." You may say, "I can't
live a Christian life." but remember He
has said. "/ will cause you to walk in m\
ways." God will supply all He demand!
and give to us what He requires, but we
must respond. We must be born again
if we want to belong to God. We must
be created in His image if we want to
abide in His presence. We must be it
generated bv the Spirit of God if we want
to inherit eternal life. We must walk in
the Spirit if we want to enjov the king
dom of God now. God will do all this
lor us if we will receive Him into our
he;n tv 1 Ic -.lands at the door and knocks.
He will never intrude. Will you turn
Hun awav? You mav be a church mem-
ber. You may be active in Christian sen
ice. You ma\ be 11 good moral man. You
may be an influential business magnate.
You may be a respectable father or moth-
er. You mav be a teacher or preacher,
but, m) friend, are you born again? You
may be .1 gambler or a drunkard. You
mav fie an adulterer or a licentious per-
son. You may be a thief and condemned
to prison. Mv friend, let God create a
new heart within vou. "Ye must be born
again." He who hath the new birth will
not experience the second death. It is
death or life. Choose life.
Dinhess. Vila.
May 25, ipH
GOSPEL HERALD
485
The Homeward Trail
By Hazel E. Howard
"We'd better start home," I suggested
to Margaret, my friend.
"We'll get soaked," she answered, look-
ing out of the mountain cabin's windows.
Her voice rose above the crackling phon-
ograph record, wheezing out ' Home,
Sweet Home," as the plunk-plunk of
raindrops on the roof beat a satiric ac-
companiment.
"Well, we can't spend the night here
and it'll soon be dark. Come on." We
buttoned our sweaters up to our necks
and started for the door. The indifferent
crowd in the recreation room was ab-
sorbed in its reading or games. No one
missed us. What had begun as a pleasure
hike had telescoped into a light mist and,
two hours later, a dismal, drizzly rain.
We were a good two hours' walk from
the end of the streetcar line and much
farther from our homes.
"This must be the trail," Margaret
said. It was covered with sodden dead
leaves. I followed her. A few minutes
later, we were back where we started
from.
"Well, what do you know," I said puz-
zled. "This looks like it over here. Let's
try it." Again we struck out but soon re-
turned to the same spot.
"We got down here so there must be a
way out," Margaret said. And then mem-
ory returned.
"Look. There's that pile of old tin
cans." I pointed my finger at the heap.
"Remember? We passed them on the
way down. That's our trail."
We had lost precious time. It was only
four o'clock but already night's curtain
was closing in the canyon. We Indian
filed silently, climbing steadily. It was
no time to talk, but my thoughts were
activated. How many people are lost in
the wilderness of sin, I wondered? They
search for the old trail they strayed from
but in so doing, wander in circles of self-
reformation.
"I'll stop drinking," they resolve. "I'll
give up my cigarettes. You'll never hear
another swear word out of me." Or, "I'm
going to start attending church every
Sunday from now on," they promise
themselves. "I'll read my Bible. I'll
pray." And then, a short time later, they
discover themselves back where they
started from. Walking in the old, care-
less, Christless, sinful paths. Self-refor-
mation cannot avail. Only Christ-refor-
mation. v
It is essential that they start remem-
bering. Recalling the joy that was once
theirs, their blessings and prayer answers
and the peace that was beyond compre-
hension. They must start remembering
as I did, when I spied the tin cans and
shouted, "That's the way. There's the
trail." They must start remembering as
the prodigal son did when he sat in his
filthy rags, feeding the swine.
"My father is rich," he thought. "Even
his hired servants are better off than I am.
At least they have enough to eat and
drink. And here I am, a common swine-
herd, starving and dirty, taking care of
these unclean animals." Then the Bible
parable says, "He came to himself."
It is only when we start remembering
and comprehend how far we have sunk
in sin's mire, how far away from our
Father's house we have strayed, that we
take action.
"I will arise and go to my father and
tell him I have sinned," the young man
vowed as he started on the lonely home-
ward trail. The path he took was the
same one over which he had traveled so
light-heartedly and confidently a short
time before. But returning, it became
the Trail of Restitution and Repent-
Character must stand behind
and back of everything — the ser-
mon, the poem, the picture. None
of these is worth a straw without
it. — Selected.
ance. We all know the happy ending-
how his father was watching and waiting
for him, how he ran to meet the boy with
wide open arms, how he ordered the
servants to bring out the finest robe and
held a celebration in honor of his lost
son.
The homeward trail is filled with new
travelers who have only recently discov-
ered the joy of salvation. Zacchaeus, the
short-statured, short-changing taxgath-
erer began walking along it when he saw
Jesus from his perch in the sycamore tree.
We need more people up sycamore trees,
or any other kind of trees today, if it will
help them to see Jesus. And many would
never see Him, were they not up a tree
of Difficulty, or Disappointment, or Dis-
illusion. Zacchaeus proved his true re-
pentance by restoring, not only penny
for penny, but fourfold, all he had
gained unlawfully.
One reason why more seekers, after
kneeling at the altar and professing sal-
vation, do not experience it, is that they
do not make restitution, as far as lies in
their power. It is not enough to say, "I
will steal no more." Past wrongs must
be righted, in so far as it is humanly
possible.
"Be careful. Keep close to the wall."
Margaret interrupted my thoughts. We
could no longer see the narrow, fog-
shrouded footpath. We were practically
on our hands and knees, groping our way
and then, suddenly, our feet struck the
wide pavement of the auto road. Solid
ground.
Just like the sinner, my thoughts sim-
mered again. He is on his knees, but
darkness surrounds him. He can't be-
lieve Jesus Christ saves him immediate-
ly. He thinks he has to do something
himself, not realizing that the work has
already been done on Calvary. And so he
prays and gropes his way through the
mist until, trusting only in the Saviour's
blood and merit, he's standing on the
solid rock, Christ Jesus.
But, even then, dangers lie ahead.
There are cliffs from which it is easy to
tumble. All through God's Word we
read of men and women who followed
the example of Adam and Eve and fell
from grace in different ways and had to
get back on the trail again.
There was Jacob, who deceived his
twin brother; Moses, who "lost face"
when he lost his temper and disobeyed
God by striking instead of speaking to
the rock. Samson let God down when he
disclosed the secret of his God-given pow-
er. David had to cry out to God for a
clean heart. Even Peter denied his Lord,
and Thomas doubted Him. But God
"knoweth our frame; he remembereth
that we are dust." He knows our human-
ity, its frailties and weaknesses and He
is ever ready to forgive when we return
to Him.
As we continued on our homeward
way, wondering if perchance wild ani-
mals or highwaymen might be lurking in
the shadows, we began to sing "Onward,
Christian Soldiers." It is wonderful how
a simple hymn will increase faith and
strengthen courage. It wasn't long be-
fore a light penetrated the dense dark-
ness. At first we thought it might be a
searchlight, but soon it brightened our
path and the car driver and his wife in-
vited us to ride to town. How safe we
felt in the warm car! The man at the
wheel knew the way. And how safe the
Christian feels when the light from above
shines in his heart and Christ is at the
wheel! We were on the homeward trail,
and the way was growing brighter.
But supposing we had struck a trail
that had led us deeper into the moun-
tains and darkness had overtaken us?
Where would we be, I thought? Prob-
ably lost. I shuddered. And what about
the sinners? So many roads lead to hell
—roads bearing the signs, Doubt, Unbe-
lief, Christ-Denial, and the bypaths of
sins of all kinds. There is just one road
to heaven. Someone will ask how they
will recognize the road. The answer is,
By a roadmap. Whenever I arrive in a
strange city, I secure a map. Sometimes
I pay a small fee for it. Sometimes it is
free for the asking. With it spread out
on my lap, the way is very plain. I am
never lost. The Bible, God's Road Map,
is available to all— rich, poor, sinner,
saint. It shows the way. Isaiah advised,
"This is the way, walk ye in it." Then
Jesus Christ came and said, "I am the
way." The way to heaven is straight and
plain, and it is marked by the sign of
the cross all along the homeward trail.
Redlands, Calif.
486
GOSPEL HERALD
May 25, 1954
"A Small Down Payment"
By Harold L. Swartzendruber
Credit in your local community is a
wonderful thing in times of distress.
Credit is a basic ingredient of our Amer-
ican economy. Certain types of credit,
however, are a pitfall for a conscientious
Christian steward. Inexperienced young
people and others are often hopelessly
involved financially because of unscrupu-
lous money lenders.
"One dollar down and 18 months to
pay." ".$500 and 20 years to pay for your
dream cottage." "Your old car, regard-
less of age or condition, is a down pay-
ment on a new one." "Consolidate all
of your debts in one place and take ad-
vantage of our easy terms." The ads beg
you to become involved.
A young man was in the Mennonite
Mutual Aid office recently and wondered
if we would figure over his payments
which he was making to a finance com-
pany, since he thought that it was taking
too much money to pay off his debt. We
did so and discovered that he was paying
over 30 per cent interest. "The monthly
payment was reasonable, and all I had to
do was just sign my name and they
loaned me the money without asking any
questions." Interest rate was probably
the last thing that entered his mind.
Many young people become involved
from the day they are married. They
want their home and equipment just as
good as their parents had it, or better.
By careful planning they can distribute
their savings over the necessary down
payments to acquire the home, car, furni-
ture, gadgets, and equipment they need
to start out in style. After the bills begin
to come in they realize that the wife will
have to work to meet all their monthly
obligations. This may go quite well until
she can no longer work and then the
crisis is at hand. Parents, relatives, min-
isters, and Mutual Aid are consulted, but
the damage may already be done. The
cure, if there is one, is difficult. Despair
and embarrassment mar what was to
have been a happy marriage. Some
young people lace the situation squarely
and because of their crisis become better
Christians. Others lose out along the
way.
These are only two extreme cases of
many which have come to our attention.
The fact remains, easy credit can be al-
most as bad as drug addiction. At least
the prevention is similar: a sound, thor-
ough teaching program showing the re-
sults of continuous use or misuse. The
person should be taught the dangers and
pitfalls before becoming addicted. Our
Mennonite families need to evaluate reg-
ularly the implication of material things
upon their own lives and their children.
The home, church schools, and the
church need to give more teaching in
this area of stewardship and the place of
material things in our lives. No doubt
the amount of excessive interest paid to
unscrupulous money lenders by indis-
criminate Mennonites would take care
of all the deficits which our Mission
Board has faced in recent years and also
provide funds for many new mission
fields.
Goshen, Ind.
The Greater London Crusade
By Quintus Leatherman
The Greater London Crusade has now
been in progress for ten weeks. Nearly
every night the Harringay Arena (ca-
pacity 11,000) was filled, and frequently
many were turned away. Numerous
churches and town halls in Britain have
also joined in these meetings by tele-
phone relay. Billy Graham's message at
Trafalgar Square in the heart of Lon-
don, and his Good Friday message in
Hyde Park attracted large audiences. Mr.
Graham has addressed large groups of
university students within London and
at Cambridge. Perhaps no evangelist in
Britain has ever proclaimed the Gospel
message to so many people in so short a
time, and the response has exceeded all
expectations. The evangelist has fre-
quently reminded his audiences that no
people have been more prayed for by
groups throughout the world than those
who attend these meetings.
Before the campaign opened some
fears were expressed about using Amer-
ican methods of evangelism with British
audiences. Some expected "high-pres-
sure" methods and extreme forms of
emotionalism often associated with large
crowds. Still others were wondering how
Mr. Graham would work with the
churches. All of these fears were allayed
when they learned that the campaign
was conducted with restraint and rever-
ence. Billy Graham is in London at the
invitation of a Committee of Evangelical
churches. All the counseling with the
converts is with the direct purpose of
connecting them with the church of their
choice. Over one thousand Evangelical
churches co-operated through the Evan-
gelical Alliance in sponsoring the
Crusade.
Individual leaders in the Free church
es supported the Crusade, but the official
church bodies were quite reserved in
their statements. The Free Church Coun-
cil issued a statement expressing the
hope that as a result of the Crusade many
would be brought into the kingdom of
God. One leader, however, expressed
NOT CHARITY BUT
BROTHERHOOD
"Hear ye one another's burdens."
Hospital expenses
Surgical expenses
Burial expenses
Mennonite Aid, Inc.
1202 S. Eighth St.
Goshen, Indiana
fear that there would be a further gap 1 1
between the truths of science and reli- I
gion. Among various religious liberals I]
is expressed the fear that there will be a I
further rending of the churches. Much
is made of Mr. Graham's conservative II
theology, but nearly all, whether liberal
or conservative, agree that he is a man I
of God, and that he is stirring the
churches.
At the end of the eighth week there I
were a total of over 18,000 decisions; one
night there were over 500 decisions. Mr.
Graham admits that a number may be
"wayside hearers." A number are reaf- I
firmations of a previous decision. Statis-
tics indicate, however, that 65 per cent
are first-time decisions for Christ.
There is no question that the church-
es of London have been stirred and I
awakened and are reaping the benefits of
the campaign. One night as I sat next
to a businessman who is also a Methodist
local preacher, he told me that his son
who is a pastor of a London church had
the unusual experience of having eleven :
of his young people respond to an invita-
tion to accept Christ in a regular morn- 1
ing service. Numerous coach parties
come from various points in the prov-
inces, as far as Bristol, Wales, and Liver-
pool. Many of them are young people
who come with their pastor or vicar, and
no doubt have been urged to make a
decision for Christ.
There is no doubt that the campaign 1
has also awakened opposition among
some churchmen. One leader expressed 1
his view by saying he would have noth-
ing to do with the "Harringay affair."
Another had this to say, T here are
many who cannot agree with the preach-
er's theology, or with his methods of
preaching the Gospel: vet the results in
the vast arena leave even the keenest
critic puzzled. The stead\ tramp of feet
;it nine o'clock every weeknight baffles all !
explanation."
Once again the power of prayer among
so many Christians throughout the world 1
is the only obvious explanation for the
huge audiences and the number of deci- j
sions. We appreciate the privilege of I
uniting our prayers and counseling ef- |
Forts with fellow Christians. Helping in
this way gave us .111 opportunity to meet
English Christian leaders and to under- j
stand their problems.
Billv Graham has a simple Gospel mes- |
sage, which is directed to man's soul 1
needs, and calls tor a decision. He speaks
with authority with an open Bible in his
hands, convinced that he is civing God's
message to men.
A great effort has been made in the
follow-up of converts. Regular meetings
each week have been held for counselors
and churc h workers and officials. There
were several meetings for ministers stress-
ing the importance of revival beginning
with the churches if they are to receive
and properly nurture the new converts.
Revival is basic to evangelism.
London, England, May 10, 1954.
May 25, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
A Prayer for This Week
Dear Father:
As we plant the seed for the harvest
of souls, may the sharp plow of Thy
Word drawn by the perfect power of the
Holy Ghost break up the fallow ground
of our spirits. Prepare us, we pray, for
the planting of divine truth. Nurture
within us the precious Seed. Make the
tendrils of new life to reach upward,
clinging to the Saviour, holding to Thy
promises. Help us, we plead, to reach
the maturity of full fruition. Then use
us in sharing the precious Seed with all
men now held in the cold embrace of
spiritual death. In Jesus' name, Amen.
—Raymond L. Kramer.
Beauty Revealed by God
By Martha Groff Weaver
We cannot doubt that God is a lover
of the beautiful. His entire work of crea-
tion is beautiful and good. Do you ap-
preciate the wealth of beauty and har-
mony about you?
In every form of nature there is beau-
ty. Every cliff, mountain, and tree is a
statue of beauty. Pictures of beauty are
seen in every hill, dale, and landscape.
The blazing sun, the shadowy moon, the
sparkling, twinkling stars, and the heav-
enly planets are manifestations of God's
power revealed in beauty.
All along the old winding trail
through the forest are many traces of
beauty— the flowers, the trees, the many-
colored leaves, the cheerful, chirping
birds. The melody of a thousand voices
praising their Maker's name. Their
sweet tones awaken a sense of delight in
the heart of every lover of aesthetic val-
ues.
The universe is the dwelling place of
all things beautiful. The paths of the
earth and the great arches and expanses
of the heavens are the framework upon
which God has given us breath-taking
scenes to behold. Man is encompassed
with beauty on every side. Our hearts
melt with joy and gratitude with such re-
freshing scenes as the multicolored rain-
bow, or the misty, fleecy clouds floating
about in a sea of blue.
One of the highest types of beauty to
be found in the creation is characteristic
of God. There is an inner expression
illuminating the soul which constitutes
the beauty. It is the sparkle of the eyes,
the calm expression of the brow, the
curved lip, the smile on the cheek, or the
features of the countenance. Beauty
adorns every honest face. It shines from
the virtuous life. It sweetens the voice
of sympathy. It writes the countenance
of the one who does good. Beauty is
within reach of every born-again child of
the Creator. A beautiful heart and soul
will be seen on the countenance; it will
flash out through the eyes.
Many works of beauty are painted by
the artist. Radiant faces are painted
with a beauty that sin has never dark-
ened. But these works of the artists are
the efforts of earthy humans. Hence
nothing has ever been portrayed to equal
the perfect harmony in beauty revealed
in God's creation. Our God is omnipo-
tent.
"Lift up your eyes on high, and be-
hold who hath created these things"
(Isa. 40:26a).
Pequea, Pa.
The Revelation of Jesus Christ
By John L. Stauffer
(Sixth parenthesis between the Descrip-
tion of the Eternal State and the con-
cluding portion of the book)
38. A Vision of the Holy City. Rev. 21:
9-22:5
Are these words a description of the
eternal state, or a description of the
1,000-year reign of Christ? Commenta-
tors are divided on this point. It is cer-
tain that it does not affect our salvation
and we know it will be glorious when-
ever it occurs. That there is something
here that will yet come to pass we can-
not doubt. Faith can believe God and
with patience hope for its fulfillment in
His own time and way.
In Rev. 17:1, one of the angels having
the seven last plagues came to John and
said: "Come hither; I will shew unto
thee the judgment of the great whore."
A description of the judgment that fol-
lowed we have already noticed.
Here in Rev. 21:9 we have one of the
seven angels having the seven last
plagues again talking to John and say-
ing, "Come hither, I will shew thee the
bride, the Lamb's wife."
We have revealed to us here a descrip-
tion of the holy Jerusalem that involves
statements that go beyond our present
What Little Time
By Ruby Reno
What little time it takes
To bring before the Father's throne
Our friends in need!
What little time—
And yet so oft we fail
To bring them there.
Is it that we do not care?
Or have we no faith in God
To answer prayer?
Akers, La.
Prayer Recpiests —
(Requests for this column must be signed)
Pray for the various evangelistic tent
campaigns to be held during the sum-
mer.
Pray for the annual meeting of the Men-
nonite Board of Missions and Char-
ities to be held in June near Salem,
Oreg.
Pray that needed personnel may be
found for the Voluntary Service Units
for the summer.
Pray for the summer Bible schools that
will be held in Europe during the
summer months.
Pray for the summer Bible schools soon
to be held in America.
Pray for the church conferences to be
held this spring and summer.
Pray for a middle-aged man who needs
a deeper experience with God that he
might be able to break from the world
and be willing to fully consecrate his
life to the Lord.
Pray for the Howard Hammer tent evan-
gelistic campaign to begin in Oregon
on May 28.
knowledge and experience. Why philos-
ophize on it? Those who have attempted
to explain have not been able to agree
upon their explanations. Would it not
be better to believe what is written and
rest in the assurance that God in His own
time and way will make it plain? To the
eye of faith there is nothing stated here
that would be impossible of literal ful-
fillment by a resourceful and omnipotent
God.
Certainties that can be understood in-
clude the coming glories of God as ex-
pressed by the names of the most beauti-
ful and precious stones known to earth.
There will be no need of the sun because
the Lamb will be the light thereof. The
saved nations and kings of earth will
bring their glory and honor into it. The
gates will not be shut by day and there
is no night; so they will be open all the
time. Nothing that defiles will enter
therein.
There will be a river of the water of
life proceeding from the throne of God
and of the Lamb. There will be fruit-
bearing trees ripening every month.
There will be no more curse and God's
servants will serve Him. They will see
God's face. This is something that no
man has seen since Adam was placed in
the Garden of Eden. The redeemed will
reign forever and ever.
488
GOSPEL HERALD
May 25, 1954
OUR SCHOOLS
Training Young People to Meet
Current Cultural Trends
By Sanford G. Shetler
In order to introduce this particular need
of the hour, it will be necessary first to define
the term "cultural trends" and then to name
some of these trends.
The word culture, in its broadest sense, in-
cludes the general social pattern of any civili-
zation or society group of the past or present.
Thus we speak of an American culture and
German culture, of a primitive or modern
culture, or of a city or urban culture. More
specifically, the term is often used to refer
to those finer aspects of any given society.
The word trend denotes change. Modern
society has witnessed many changes. Say
Landis and Landis in Social Living, "Much
of the stress and strain that a person endures
in modern life is due to our changing cul-
ture. Personality must adjust constantly to a
changing culture. Some people make changes
readily. Others suffer when forced to change.
Too many and too rapid changes disturb the
setting in which their lives are placed, bring-
ing fear and uncertainty. It seems that all
of life is being disturbed." So rapid have
been some of these changes that it has been
difficult for society to keep its equilibrium.
What sociologists call cultural lag is the sit-
uation that exists when material changes
brought about by science have surpassed
man's moral advances. The result is dan-
gerous. Today we have entered into an
atomic age scientifically, but morally we are
not far enough along to control the product
of man's scientific genius. The result as de-
scribed by the writers Landis and Landis is
fearfulness and uncertainty.
Following the line of the broadest defini-
tion of culture, that is, the social pattern of
any civilization or age or group, we want to
note the trends in the social pattern of the
society that we know today — our American
life or culture. What are the present-day
trends? In our American culture we have
witnessed in our day these changes: (1) The
home changing from the old institutional
type to the modern romantic type, with ter-
rific conflicts of traditional ideals with pres-
ent-day social practices, and the increase in
divorce. (2) The changes in transportation
with the possibility of rapid intermixture of
many cultures and the problem of safety. (3)
The shorter working day with increase in
leisure and its temptation to a life of ease.
(4) The socialization of government and the
trend to social security. (5) The development
of the doctrine of statism with the state en-
tering into the private life of every citizen.
(6) A program of militarism and a wartime
economy with definite effects on our think-
ing and life. (7) A change from a sense of
moral responsibility to a nonreligious, un-
moral attitude toward man's behavior.
In line with the second part of our defini-
tion, where we think more specifically of the
development of the finer aspects of man's
achievement, we note a constant change.
Here we observe also that those criteria by
which individuals are rated are constantly
changing. A cultured gentleman of earlier
days sipping tea from a saucer and eating
food with his knife would today be marked
as uncultured by Emily Post standards. In
this area then we list the following trends:
1. The lact of conventionality and disregard
for old customs.
2. The development of an affected personali-
ty shaped to bring about one's own desires.
3. The limiting of families among the higher
educated.
4. The development of appreciation for cer-
tain inferior types of music, art, poetry, etc.
5. A definite Hollywood pattern in everyday
life.
6. Loss of personal responsibility.
7. Extravagant living.
8. Love for pleasure — marked influence of
radio, movie, television.
Live with wolves and you will
learn lo howl. — A Spanish Prov-
erb.
These and many other trends have been
observed in our time. To repeat, much of the
stress and strain that a person endures in
modern life is due to our changing culture.
There is much frustration today among peo-
ple. This is due to the rapid changes. Yet to
remain static is impossible and undesirable.
The problem then is, What shall our attitude
be toward change of any kind, and how may
we be able to train our youth to meet the
present trends in society?
The answer is both difficult and simple.
It is difficult when we attempt to make ap-
plications of Scriptural principles to the
many varied practices and ideas of the world
today. It is simple in this that the nearer we
live to Christ, the less attractive will seem the
highly esteemed things of this world, and the
more balanced we can remain in our think-
ing.
We, in the Christian schools, have the
unique opportunity of developing young peo-
ple with a Christian poise that will assure a
distinctive life of peace and holiness with-
out which, as the Scripture says, no man
shall see God. Ours is the task to lay a
foundation that cannot crumble though ev-
erything around us does. The following
challenges face us in our important task of
preparing young people to meet current cul-
tural trends:
1. Our youth must be given a deep ap-
preciation for the Bible as the final answer to
man's needs. This must be caught and not
taught. Unless the teacher himself has a rich
enthusiasm for his task and for the Word of
God, he can hardly expect his pupils to gain
an appreciation for it.
2. Youth must be taught. We might call
this indoctrination. Free expression as taught
by proeressive education, democracy, as
taught by the government, or experimenta-
tion, as taught by science, cannot be per-
mitted to function to the point where the
pupil acts on his own judgment based on
what is before him. There is a need first to
provide the student with the tools of think-
ing. He must be taught what is right and
what is wrong. So much of our present-day
teaching is of the type where the professor
makes an attempt to give the pupil a wide
orientation of views without divulging his
own. The Christian teacher, while avoiding
being dogmatic, will lead his class into serious
thinking to the point of reaching at least
some conclusions. He will feel morally
bound to say at times, "This is the way, walk
ye in it." Only by this method can he instill
the idea that ethics is not relative but abso-
lute, and that the Word of God is the source
of Truth, and that it does have an answer for
man's problems.
3. We need to train our young people to
approach the Bible from the standpoint of
finding in it broad principles that govern
every phase of conduct. When once an ap-
preciation for this is gained, the young per-
son has a rich heritage which will help him
in any situation. He will learn to think for
himself in the light of these principles, so that
although there is still room for difference of
opinion, yet he will always be moored to the
Word of God. The various principles, all of
which harmonize, will tend to draw him to-
ward one center. Principles are not petty
rules of conduct; they are deep underlying
laws governing all of life, whether physical
or spiritual. They function in orbits of their
own, carrying with them inherently the
curses and penalties or rewards and blessings
for the breaking or the keeping of them,
fust as certain as is the possibility of death
by violating the law of gravity in tbe physical
realm, so death may come in the spiritual
realm to one who ignores God's eternal laws.
4. Young people need to be aware of the
great conflict that exists between the spiritual
forces and the forces of evil. The world sys-
tem, the lusts and evils of this world militate
against the forces of righteousness. To quote
from the Apostle James, "Know ye not that
the friendship of the world is enmity with
God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of
the world is the enemy of God" (Jas. 4:4).
The young people need to evaluate critically
that which is commonly accepted by the
world around us to see whether after all
those things are not a part of the lusts and
fleeting fashions of men. "For all that is in
the world," says John, "the lust of the flesh,
and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life,
is not of the Father, but is of the world. And
the world passeth away, and the lust thereof:
but he that doeth the will of God abideth for
ever" (I John 2:16, 17).
5. Young people need to be taught to pray.
Here is opened a new world of power to
those who believe. Paul told the Corinthian
church that his preaching was not "with en-
(Continued on page SOI)
May 25, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
489
CHURCH HISTORY
Kansas-Nebraska Mennonite
Conference (1879-1920)
By Harry A. Diener
As early as 1871 a few Mennonites had
settled in central Kansas. In 1872 several
families settled in Marion and eastern
McPherson counties; they were served
communion by Bishop Henry Yother of
Blue Springs, Nebr., in December, 1872.
Within the next few years Mennonite
settlements were also started in Adams
Co., Nebr., and Osborne, Ness, Harvey,
and western McPherson counties, Kansas.
In April, 1876, a church was built on the
land of Bishop Daniel Brundage, known
as the Spring Valley Mennonite Church,
located near Canton, Kans. Brother
Brundage had homesteaded a 160-acre
farm in 1875.
The first conference met in the fore-
noon of April 14, 1876, in this church.
Bishop Brundage read Isa. 28:16 and I
Tim. 3, which he followed with admoni-
tions. By the afternoon Bishop Yother
from Nebraska had arrived and took part
in the conference. Besides the bishops,
Yother and Brundage, two ministers, one
deacon, and an assembly layman attend-
ed the conference. Singing and Scripture
reading were in both English and Ger-
man. Six resolutions were discussed and
approved as follows: (1) Members
should not seek protection in lightning
rods; (2) Members should take no part
in worldly insurance; (3) It was consid-
ered inconsistent with nonresistant doc-
trine to go to the polls to vote; (4) It
was not considered advisable for breth-
ren to hold the office of Road Overseer;
(5) Attendance at worldly amusements
is not in accordance with the Word of
God: and (6) Brethren moving in from
abroad should bring a church letter.
It was decided that conference should
meet again on the fourth Friday of April,
1877, at the same place.
Bro. Brundage was for fifteen or more
years very active in encouraging and or-
ganizing the Mennonite settlers who
came to Kansas. R. J. Heatwole, a lay-
man who settled in Kansas in the early
years, served as secretary of the first con-
ference and a number of later sessions.
He also was elected and served as moder-
ator of a number of sessions. For many
years his helpful influence was felt as a
promoter of Sunday schools, evangelistic
meetings, congregational singing, and
mission work.
From 1879 to 1890 the conference met
for both a spring and fall session; the
spring sessions were usually held in one
of the churches in central Kansas and the
fall session in either Osborne Co., Kans.,
or Adams Co., Nebr. From 1892 on there
was only an annual session of conference
which was usually held in the month of
October. Friday was usually the day for
conference with a meeting in the eve-
ning. Frequently on Saturday forenoon
there was a preparatory service and then
communion service on Sunday forenoon.
Many of the conference attendants
would stay for the communion service.
Among the resolutions adopted were
the following:
"Resolved, That we be submissive to
the law of Kansas, requiring each person
belonging to a church opposed to bear-
ing arms, to give his name before the
first of May in each year, that the author-
ities may know, when soldiers are need-
ed, who has belonged to a nonresistant
association, and thereby favor us so that
we may be undisturbed." Conference
1887, page 16 (8).
Practice unsupported by belief
is a wasting asset. — Arnold Toyn-
bee.
"That our ministers should not misuse
the time in church by preaching too long
so as to weary the patience of the hear-
ers." Conference 1889, page 25 (4).
"Resolved, That it is not wrong to sing
more than one part music, for the reason
that our Creator has seen fit to give a
variety of voices." Conference 1890, page
32.
"Are all the churches supplied with
ministers as they should be, and if not, is
it advisable to have them supplied?" An-
swer, "Bishops should see that ministers
are ordained wherever it is desired."
Conference 1890, page 33 (9).
Question, "Is it right for a brother to
receive pension for service in the war?"
"Resolved, That it is right to receive pen-
sion." Since a soldier who had become
a brother would not be required to give
up his home (160 acres of land) which
he had received from the government
there was little right to deprive him of
his pension. Conference 1890, page 32.
Question, "Is it advisable to send out
and support an evangelist chosen by the
conference for one year?" The answer
was favorable and J. M. R. Weaver was
elected for one year. Conference 1897,
page 81 (3).
A letter was read requesting confer-
ence to send delegates to a general con-
ference to be held at Elida, Ohio, Nov.
11, 1897, to consider the matter of estab-
lishing a General Conference. The con-
ference decided to send the three bish-
ops, A. Schiffler, B. F. Hamilton, and S.C.
Miller with other brethren to the Gener-
al Conference. Conference 1897, page 83.
"The minutes of the Sunday school
conference were heartily approved and
endorsed by the conference." Confer-
ence 1897, page 83.
Among the questions for the 1898 con-
ference was, "Do missions pay?" Re-
solved, "That missions pay largely and
that this conference unitedly encourages
all evangelical mission work with our
means, talents, and prayers." Page 89.
In the 1898 conference, J. M. R. Weav-
er gave the following report of his work
as conference evangelist. Days from home
evangelizing 94. Sermons preached away
from home 78. Sermons preached at
home 8. Meetings in private homes 78.
Public and private confessions 25. Ex-
pended $36.29. Page 90.
In the 1904 conference T. M. Erb and
D. G. Lapp were chosen to investigate
the advisability of starting a mission in
Kansas City. Page 127.
The 1905 conference approved the
movement of establishing a Sanitarium
near La Junta, Colorado. Page 134.
The conference of 1907 took action re-
questing the Mennonite Board of Educa-
tion to take steps to establish a school "in
which Bible work is made a specialty
somewhere in the west." Page 140. As
a result of this action Hesston College
and Bible School was established in
1908-9.
The conference of 1912 appointed D.
S. Weaver and L. O. King to meet with
persons from other interested conferenc-
es to consider establishing a home for the
homeless. Out of this interest the Kan-
sas City Children's Home was estab-
lished. Page 173.
Beginning, it seems, with only a few
churches in central Kansas in 1876 and
adding to the Kansas churches the
church in Adams Co., Nebr., the confer-
ence continued to grow by adding
churches in other states. By 1895 men-
tion is made of the churches in Oklaho-
ma. In 1900 churches in Idaho and Ore-
gon were added. In 1904 Colorado was
added, in 1908 the congregation at Plain-
view, Texas, and in 1911 the congrega-
tion at Las Vegas, N. Mex. The confer-
ence of 1905, which was held in Oregon,
decided to divide the conference, making
the Rocky Mountains the dividing line.
Page 130. From the small beginning of
five ordained men in 1876, by 1892 names
are given of three bishops, twelve min-
isters, and five deacons who attended
conference (page 43), and in 1908 seven
bishops, twenty-one ministers, and eight
deacons. Pages 150, 151. In the year
1920, the closing year, six bishops, twen-
ty-two ministers, and nine deacons were
present of whom eight were visitors from
other conferences. The first indication
of lay membership is recorded at the
spring conference of 1890. Page 50.
"About fifty partook of the emblems of
the broken body and shed blood of our
blessed Saviour." The conference of 1896
reports that there were 65 members add-
ed during the year. Page 71. The report-
(Continued on page 501)
490
GOSPEL HERALD
May 25, 1954
FAMILY
Infant Tragedy
By Lorie C. Gooding
She cried so long, so late into the night,
I feared she would be ill, but still she cried.
She was so young I couldn't tell her,
"God will make it right."
She knew that something threatening was
abroad,
Awful and terrible. And so she wept
Almost until the dawn. At last she slept.
Poor little child, she knew her loss, not
knowing
Her mother had no choice about her going.
The Marys of the Bible
By Lois Snelling
The most popular feminine name in
the world is Mary. Alone or combined
with another name (Mary Jane, Mary
Lou, Mary Elizabeth, etc.) Mary out-
numbers all other names among our ac-
quaintances. There is a reason for this,
of course. Phonetically, it is a pretty
name. By tradition, it is a revered one.
But Mary seems to have been a popu-
lar name for girls even before we learned
to honor it because it was borne by the
mother of our Lord. Among the women
mentioned in the Bible, we find far more
Marys than those of any other name.
The New Testament introduces six wom-
en by this name. The Old Testament
has two Miriams, which is the Hebrew
form of Mary. One of these Miriams is
the well-remembered sister of Moses and
Aaron. The other is merely enumerated
in the Chronicles as one of the children
of Tether. The word Mary is a Greek
derivative. Its frequent use during the
New Testament era probably is due to
the popularity of Mariamne, the wife of
Herod the Great.
First among the Marys of the New
Testament, as among those of all future
generations, is the Nazarene woman who
was the mother of Jesus. We first meet
her as she receives the angelic announce-
ment that her Son is to be born. After
the birth of the Child in Bethlehem, we
see her fleeing with Him into Egypt;
finding Him, as a twelve-year-old boy,
talking with the Rabbis in the Temple;
as a guest at the marriage feast in Cana;
weeping at the cross on Calvary. After
the ascension of Jesus, we find her meet-
ing with the disciples for prayer. And
with that meeting, the narrative of Mary,
the mother of Jesus, comes to a close.
Mary Magdalene was one of Jesus'
most faithful followers. According to
Luke, He had "cast out seven demons?1
from her. We do not know what these
demons represented, whether it was of a
CIRCLE
physical, mental, or moral nature. But
whatever it was, Mary was freed of a
serious disability and was deeply grate-
ful. She allied herself with the disciples
and, with other women, went with them
and their Master on the tour through
Galilee. She was present at the crucifix-
ion, remained at the tomb after the door
was sealed, and the following morning
was one of the first to discover the empty
sepulcher. It was to her and another
woman named Mary that the Risen Lord
first spoke.
In the story of the crucifixion and res-
urrection, reference is made several times
to "the other Mary." This Mary was the
mother of James and Joses. She watched
the crucifixion, and sat with Mary Mag-
dalene beside the tomb after the door
was sealed. She it was who went with
Magdalene to the empty sepulcher at
dawn, and heard the words of the Lord,
"Be not afraid."
Mary, the sister of Martha and Laz-
arus, was one of Jesus' most devoted
friends. He was often a guest in her
home at Bethany and she sat enthralled
at His feet, listening to His spiritual
teachings. At the death of Lazarus, she
and Martha sent for their Friend. When
she saw Jesus, she said, "If thou hadst
been here, my brother would not have
died." Such was the faith of Mary of
Bethany!
Of the other two Marys of the New
Testament, one lived in Jerusalem, the
other in Rome. Mary, the mother of
John Mark, was prominent in Christian
circles in the years immediately follow-
ing the death of Jesus. It was at her
house that the friends of Peter and James
gathered to pray after Herod attacked
the disciples. James was killed and Peter
was imprisoned. After making his escape,
Peter went to Mary's house to report on
the miraculous event.
The Mary of Rome was a friend of
Paul's. All that we know of her is con-
tained in one brief sentence in his letter
to the Romans. "Greet Mary, who be-
stowed much labour on us."
Rogers, Ark.
God's Little One
By Orville Stutzman
"This little one was prayed for, longed
for, and prepared for. But that which
was longed for was not to be. God had
other plans for her." These words were
spoken by our pastor as the immediate
relatives and a few dear friends were
gathered for a graveside service for our
tflfant daughter. Yes, it is true that God
had other plans for her when He chose
not to give her breath of earthly life.
But we cannot say our prayers were
not answered. Even before she was con-
ceived in her mother's womb, we had
dedicated her to God. We asked Him to
take control of her life. That prayer
was answered, but not as we had ex-
pected.
In our hour of sorrow some dear
friend remarked, "Our heavenly Father
wants a few of His little ones, too, and
not just we older folks."
God did not choose to let her live
with us, but our consolation is that we
will meet her bevond the CTave. She i>
in heaven waiting to welcome us. Her
presence there gives us a better under-
standing of and a greater longing for,
our heavenly home.
I have written these lines as a means
of expressing my thoughts in this period
of sorrow. If they are a comfort to any-
one who reads them, give the glorv to
God.
Newton, Kans.
Respect for Others
There is a reaction when one is dis-
respectful to another which lessens one's
own happiness. There is little happiness
in the home where the members of the
family carry on programs of unkindness
to others. Our way of thinking and do-
ing may be unlike that of others who
are as conscientious as we are. Too often
children gain from their parents a dis-
like for people of another race, color,
religion, or political party. There are
heard too many expressions filled with
opposition to others. Listen to the
speeches in a political campaign or even
in common conversation. How many re-
ligious denominations have been or^an-
• ■mm - O
ized because there was a lack of respect
for those holding other religious views!
How many feuds in historv and how
many wars because there was a lack of
respect for the views and convictions of
others! Where there is outright wicked-
ness, self-respect forbids favoring such
conduct, but at the same time, it is pos-
sible to look back of all evil and remem-
ber that in even the evildoer there are
good potentialities, the better self that
needs to be lifted out of the mire. Let
every one know that somebodv cares. A
family is happy only as it has made oth-
ers happy.— Clara and Carl.
EXPRESSIONS OF APPRECIATION
I wish to thank all my friends and relatives
who remembered me with prayers, cards, and
Rifts during my hospital experiences and since
I'm at homo. May the Lord bless all of you. —
James AY. Clymer, Jr., New Holland. Pa.
* • •
I wish to express my sincere thanks and ap-
preciation to my relatives and friends who so
kindly remembered me with prayers, cards, flow-
ers, visits, and other sifts during my stay in the
hospital and since my return home. May the
Lord bless you all. — Mrs. Harold Zimmerman.
Ephrata, Pa.
May 25, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
491
TO BE NEAR TO GOD
THEME FOR WEEK— PARTINGS
Sunday, May 30
Read Luke 24:50-53— The Ascension
tt would seem extremely odd to a this-
worldly mind that the disciples would have
"great joy" just after saying a last farewell to
that bodily form they had learned to love so
well. We must stand where they stood, how-
ever, as we try to see what emotions were
theirs.
They saw a resurrected and renewed body
of a loved one; we never have. They had
the promise of one who said, "All power is
given me in heaven and in earth, go ye there-
fore." Thenceforth He was to be invisible,
yet working invisibly in heaven and in earth.
What band of mortals in this ever-perplexed
world ever had a better-bonded guarantee
than they? That was the priceless ingredient
of the joyful parting. Henceforth He was to
be with all His disciples, everywhere, always.
If, on this Sunday of this week, you let that
truth soak in and let down your weight on
it, and float on it, your heart will be as light
as Peter's was. Oh, parting of power !
One we are, and there is no more partition.
In that I rejoice. It is a deeper thing than
the variance of separate customs of various
races. Those who would bring divisions be-
tween men argue much about segregation
and therefore work out a deeper segregation,
yea, even antipathy. No more partition be-
tween us, we are one in Christ, if indeed we
are in Christ.
Wednesday, June 2
Read II Cor. 13:11 — Farewell, Corinth
Good-by, Corinth, I'll not see you again.
I certainly hope you will fare well. And in-
deed you will if you have a grown-up atti-
tude. Be perfected or finished out, not half-
grown or half-baked. Feel comfortable, cheer-
ful, contented. Have the same kind of mind
to all at Corinth. You can't help liking your
friends; be of the same mind toward others.
Have other-person concern — charity, in other
words. You deserve the supreme satisfaction
of living in peace; I hope you get what you
deserve. All this you may have for the tak-
ing and if you take it, the shadow of the
Monday, May 31
Read Psalm 136:13-15— At the Red Sea
The Red Sea was a nonliving thing but it
was an instrument of death to some and a
lifesaver to others. Pharaoh, if he had been
successful, would certainly have killed many
men and been the Hitler of his day. But the
sea of parting, the Red Sea, the color-of-blood
sea, spared the lifeblood of some and took the
lifeblood of others. T he author of the Penta-
teuch was there; you owe the first five books
of the Bible to that sea. Yes, indeed, you owe
all that the Jewish race has given you; the
whole Bible you owe to that sea of parting.
Yes, One was there whose earthly tabernacle
was of that race which was saved that day.
Utterly inescapable was that sea of parting,
both for blessing and for death. It only mat-
tered on which side you were and all on both
sides were on the side of their choice, for
some faithful Egyptians had become He-
brews in faith and were on the east bank of
the sea at daybreak.
Tuesday, June 1
Read Eph. 2:14 — No Partition
Once upon a time the Jew had an edge on
my ancestors. My folks were parted from the
Jew by a vast chasm of ignorance and idol
worship, coupled with fears and superstitions.
My ancestors didn't like Jews, if they knew
them, and it is certain that Jews didn't like
Gentiles any better.
But now a Jew has come and with His
blood has made us, Jew and Gentile, common
sons of God, if indeed we each will trust in
that blood to do this. I freely testify that it
has been done for me, and I have met Jews
who would give as hearty a testimony as I.
Nor was it done only for us but for all races.
Almighty Himself will cover you. Truly I'd
love to come and kiss you, but I cannot; so
kiss each other for me. Fare you well.
Paul (Apostle, by the grace of God).
Thursday, June 3
Read Luke 9:61, 62 — Not Separated
There are times when good-bys need to be
said and separations made. Then on to the
work, even though it be far away. This poor
fellow evidently was of the type which could
not bear separation from the steadying home
circle. The whole story isn't given here evi-
dently. He was the "linger longer" type
who would always be looking back toward
his accomplishments rather than forward to-
ward his possibilities. How could such a
man plow a straight furrow in life? How
could he be one of the rejoicing disciples at
Pentecost, a short two years hence? Even if
he followed Jesus now, the Master would see
to it that his folks would get to see him or
find out what became of him. No, he wanted
to go home for a parting. Who knows what
would have happened then? He might never
have left home to return to Jesus. No, my
friend, if Jesus is your friend, follow Him,
now. He'll take care of this family reunion
business in His way, a better way than yours.
Separate from your family but not from
Jesus and His will for you. Plow that fur-
row straight, right on up to heaven's door,
with the Master by your side.
(Continued on page 500)
Amos Condemns Social Injustice
Sunday School Lesson for June 6
(II Kings 14:23-29; Amos 7, 8)
A storm is gathering — the storm of God's
wrath. Before a storm there is thunder. "The
Lord will roar from Zion, and utter his voice
from Jerusalem." Who speaks for the Lord?
A strange personality, Amos, emerges from
the wilderness, "a dresser of sycamore trees."
He had come 22 miles to Bethel in the north-
ern kingdom as God's messenger to Israel.
What king was reigning now? II Kings
14:23. Bring the kings up to date by looking
at the time line which someone has pre-
pared. Jeroboam II lived in a time of peace.
Syria had been conquered by Assyria and
was not bothering Israel. The king began a
vigorous building program. The limits of
the kingdom were extended. II Kings 14:25.
What was the character of this king? 14:
24. Herein lies the cause of the storm. We
learn about the social and religious conditions
in Israel from the Book of Amos, which is
just a series of messages God told Amos to
thunder against Israel. Why was Amos so
full of loud condemnation? Because of Is-
rael's sins. What were they?
After pronouncing judgments on Damas-
cus, Gaza, Tyre, Edom, Ammon, Moab, and
Judah, Amos spoke God's wrath against Is-
rael. Read some of God's judgments. 2:6-8;
3:1, 2; 4:4-13; 5:12. Israel was God's chosen
people and He had done so much for them,
yet they of all the families of the earth had
not returned unto Him.
The priest of Bethel (recall the calf wor-
ship established there) insolently attempted
to silence Amos, but the prophet gave a fiery
answer. Israel needed to know God's Word
and Amos was out to give it. Sin did and
does need to be called by its right name.
One sin condemned was the injustice that
Israel was practicing. (The great sin of in-
temperance is next Sunday's lesson.) It was
a "mighty" sin. Find phrases that Amos
used to describe the economic injustice: 2:6;
3:15; 8:5, 6; social injustice: 8:4; 5:12. God
plainly teaches that He will not accept wor-
ship from such sinners. 4:4, 5; 5:21-24. So-
cial injustice is intolerable to God. Consider
carefully how these very sins are in our nation
today, in the lives of men and women; how
we are all tempted to get wealth at the ex-
pense of the poor. How much luxury should
any one of us have? Any nation have?
Sin is sin and must be punished. Don't
omit the penalty for injustice that God prom-
ises. 7:8; 7:17; 8:7-12; 9:8-10; 6:14.
'Whatsoever things are . . . just . . . think
on these things." "They that will be rich fall
into temptation and a snare, and into many
foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men
in destruction and perdition." "O man of
God, flee these things."
— Alta Mae Erb.
Lesson based on "International Sunday School Les-
sons: the International Bible Lessons lor Christian
Teaching," copyrighted 1951 by the Division of Chris-
tian Education National Council of the Churches of
Christ in the U.S.A.
492
GOSPEL HERALD
May 25, 1954
FIELD NOTES
Items to appear in this column for any issue of the
following Tuesday must reach Scottdale by Wednes-
day morning.
Bro. Frank Horst, Calico Rock, Ark., visit-
ed the Publishing House last week on his
return home from Eastern Pennsylvania,
where he served on mission programs.
Bro. Paul M. Lederach, Scottdale, Pa., last
week made a trip to Hesston, Kans., and
Chicago, 111., in the interests of field work
for the Commission for Christian Education.
Bro. Milo Kauffman, Hesston, Kans., gave
lectures at Goshen College, on Christian
Stewardship, May 8, 9.
Students of the Franconia Mennonite
School earned over $200 in commissions by
securing new subscriptions to Christian Liv-
ing and other Publishing House periodicals.
Student groups from Western Mennonite
School represented their school in various
churches in the community by giving pro-
grams during Easter vacation. One group,
accompanied by Bro. and Sister Clarence
West and Bro. Clayton Swartzentruber, ap-
peared at Seattle and Spokane, Wash., Cres-
ton, Mont., Filer, and Nampa, Ida., and Red-
mond, Oreg. Another group, under the
sponsorship of Bro. Bernard Showalter, gave
programs at Canyonville, Oreg., and Sacra-
mento, Upland, Los Angeles, and Winton,
Calif.
Table of Contents
481 — We Must Be Born Again
A Plant of God (Poem)
483 — In Times of Transition
Linked with the Eternal
484 — VII. Water from Many Wells
Packed for Vacation — But Are You Ready?
It Happened
485 — The Homeward Trail
486 — "A Small Down Payment"
The Greater London Crusade
487 — A Prayer for This week
Beauty Revealed by God
The Revelation of Jesus Christ
What Little Time (Poem)
Prayer Requests
488 — Training Young People to Meet Current Cul-
tural Trends
489— Kansas-Nebraska Mennonite Conference (1879-
1920)
490 — Infant Tragedy
The Marys of the Bible
God's Little One
Respect for Others
Expressions of Appreciation
491 — To Be Near to God
Sunday School Lesson for June 6
492— Field Notes
Calendar
493 — Mission News
Your Treasurer Reports
494 — Looking Ahead in Puerto Rico
God Led Us to Coamo
495 — Extondinq the Borders of the Kinqdom in the
Cayey District
Meat for Relief
496— "We Can't Bo Without It"
497 — The Mennonite Hour
Marchinq Orders
The Bible and the Brush
498— MRSC Weekly Notes
MCC Wookly Notes
499 — Women's Activities
From Our Churches
501 — Marriaqes
Births
502 — Anniversaries
Obituaries
503— The Book Shelf
504 — Your Publishinq House
Items and Comments
Bro. Stanley Shenk, West Liberty, Ohio,
conducted a conference on Mennonite Histo-
ry at Western Mennonite School, Salem,
Oreg., April 9-11. Good interest and splen-
did messages are reported. The conference
was a real contribution to those that could
attend.
A tornado near Versailles, Mo., on April
30, wrecked farm buildings at the homes of
our ministers, C. B. Driver and Leroy Gin-
gerich, and also at the George Diener farm.
Mennonites in Kansas sent a number of
men to Meeker, Okla., to clean up after the
tornado which struck there. Bro. John Diller,
Hesston, Kans., is secretary of the Kansas
Mennonite Disaster Service.
Rockway Mennonite School at Kitchener,
Ont., is planning a building program which
will provide four additional class rooms
which should be in use by next fall. The
school next fall will add home economics and
manual training to the curriculum of grade 9.
Music groups from Kidron, Ohio, assisted
in the meetings at Dillonvale, Ohio, held by
Raymond L. Kramer.
Bethany Christian High School, near Go-
shen, Ind., has already a promised attend-
ance of over 65 students for this fall.
Four new members were received into
fellowship at North Goshen, Ind., on April
11.
In response to the request for the identifica-
tion of the picture printed in the May 4 issue
of the Gospel Herald, we were informed that
the subject is Bro. Joseph J. Blough as he was
sitting outside his home in Smithville, Ohio.
He was about 85 years old when the picture
was taken. He was born in Somerset Co.,
Pa., and emigrated with his parents to Wayne
Co., Ohio, when he was quite young. The
information was furnished by Bro. Amos
Schloneger, Orrville, Ohio, aged 79, who is
a grandson.
Seven persons were baptized at the Mid-
way Mennonite Mission, Pekin, 111., with Bro.
Simon Litwiller, Hopedale, 111., officiating.
This mission is sponsored by the Hopedale
Church.
A German service was held at the Towa-
mencin, Pa., Church on Sunday afternoon.
May 23, with Brethren Jacob Moyer and
Daniel Reinford speakers.
The annual meeting of the MYF of South-
western Pennsylvania Conference was held at
the Thomas Church, Hollsopple, Pa., Satur-
day afternoon and evening, May 22. Minis-
ters of the district who spoke were Jacob
Weirich, Belleville; Le Roy Zook, Otelia; and
Clyde Fulmer, Martinsburg.
Bro. John G. Hochstetler, Crcston, Mont.,
is listed as a guest speaker at the annual meet-
ing of Ontario Conference, at Zurich, Ont.,
June 1-3.
The annual Sunday-school meeting of the
Masontown and Scottdale churches in South-
western Pennsylvania was held on Sunday,
May 23, at Masontown. Bro. Harry Y. Shet-
ler, Davidsville, Pa., was the guest speaker.
Bro. and Sister Wilfred Schlegel and chil-
dren, with two other carloads of young peo-
ple of the Nairn congregation, Ailsa Craig,
Ont., gave a program at the Bethany con-
gregation, Imlay City, Mich., on Sunday eve-
ning, May 16.
On Sunday morning, May 16, ten rural
mail carriers and their wives attended serv-
ices at the Bethany Church, Imlay, Mich.
Bro. Paul Wittrig, pastor of the church, is
president of the Letter Carrier's Association
of Lapeer Co., Mich.
(Continued on page 500)
Calendar
Ohio Mennonite and Eastern A.M. Joint Conference,
Walnut Creek Church in Holmes Co., Ohio, May
25-27. 1954.
Indiana-Michigan annual meetings at Howard-Miami
Church, Kokomo, Ind. Mission Board, June 1;
Conference June 2, 3.
North Central Mennonite Conference and associated
meetings, June 7-11 at Lake Region Church,
Detroit Lakes, Minn.
Annual meeting of Ontario A.M. Conference, June
9-10, at East Zorra A.M. Church, Ontario (near
Tavistock).
Annual meeting Mennonite Board of Missions and
Charities, Western Mennonite School, Salem,
Oreg., June 17-20.
Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Youth Fellowship, Go-
shen College Union Auditorium, Goshen, Ind..
June 25-27.
1954 Schedule for Laurelville; Writers' Conference,
June 26 to July 2; Family Week, July 3-9; Boys'
Camp (ages 9-13), July 10-16; Girls' Camp (ages
9-13), July 17-23; Junior High (ages 13-15), July
24-30; Junior High (agos 13-15), July 31 to Aug. 6;
Young People's Institute, Aug. 7-13; MYF Work-
shop and Annual meeting, Aug. 14-20; Church
Music Conference, Aug. 21-27; Missionary Bible
Conference, Aug. 28 to Sept. 2.
Little Eden Camp: Youth Camp, June 26 to July 3 —
Boys' Camp, Grades 4-6; July 3-10 — Girls' Camp.
Grades 4-6; July 10-17 — Jr. High, Grades 7-8;
July 17-24— Sr. High, Grades 9-12; July 24-31—
Young People's Camp; Adult Camp, July 31 to
Aug. 7 — Christian Business Men; Auq. 7-14 — Mu-
sic & Family Week; Aug. 14-21 — Bible Conf. &
Family Week; Aug. 21-28 — Farmers' Week; Aug.
28 to Sept. 4— Christian Layman's Fel.
Chesley Lake Camp, Allenford, Ont., June 27 to Sept.
6. Special camps: For children, July 26-31,
Stirling Ave. Church, Kitchener; Aug. 9-14, Men-
nonite Boys' Camp; Aug. 16-21, Mennonite Girls'
Camp; July 31 to Aug. 6, Christian Endeavour
Society; Aug. 23-28, Mennonite Youth Camp.
Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp: Pre-camp train-
ing— June 28-July 2; Week-end Bible Conference
on Stewardship — July 3, 4, Milo Kauffman, Hess-
ton, Kans.; Junior Boys — July 5-10 (aqes 9-12);
Junior Girls — July 12-17 (ages 9-12); Junior High
—July 19-24 (ages 13-15); First Family— July 26-
31; Youth Retreat — Aug. 2-7 (ages 16 and above);
Second Family — Aug. 9-14; Orientation Camp
for prospective I-W Men — August 21-28. Program
sponsored by MRSC. Week-end Bible Conference
and Annual Camp Meeting of Rocky Mountain
Mennonite Camp Association — Sept. 5, 6.
Alberta-Saskatchewan Mennonite conference and as-
sociated meetings, July 1-4, Salem Mennonite
Church, Tofield, Alta.
Peace Sunday, July 4, 1954.
Annual meetinq Mission Board of Southwestern Penn-
sylvania Conference, Otelia Church, Mt. Union,
Pa., July 9, 10.
Illinois Junior Camp, July 12-17, and Junior Hiqh
Camp, July 19-24, Camp Emmaus. Mt. Morris, HI.
Virginia Conference and related meetinqs. Spring-
dale Church, Waynesboro, Va., July 27-30.
Annual Ohio MYF convention, Ohio Mennonite Camp
Ground, Kidron, Ohio, July 30 to August 1.
Annual meetinq Southwestern Pa. Conference, Mar-
tinsburq. Pa., Auq. 1-4.
niinois State MYF Retreat, New Salem State Park,
Auqust 5-8.
Annual meetinq Iowa-Nebraska Conference. West
Union, Parnell. Iowa, Auq. 10-13.
Annual meetinq South Central Conference, Assembly
of God campqrovnd, near Eldon. Mo., Auq. 17-20.
Annual meotinq niinois Conference, East Bend,
Fisher. 111., Auq. 24-26.
Fall meetina. Commission for Christian Education.
Laurelville Mennonite Camp, Laurelville, Pa.,
Sept. 27. 28.
Studv Conforenre of Child Evanqelism. Laurelville
Mennonite Camp, S»pt. 29, 30.
Fall meetinq. General Council of Mennonite General
Conference, Laurelville Mennonite Camp, Oct.
1. 2.
Annual meetma of the Mennonite Board of Education,
Kalona-W oilman, Iowa, area: Oct. 14-16, 1954.
Annual meetina Monn"n't» Conference and Associated
meetings of the Pacific Coast District at Western
Mennonite School. Salem. Oreq.. June 1-4.
Annual meetinq Conservative A.M. Conference.
Maple Glen conqregatlon near Grcmtsvllle. Md..
Aug. 10-13. 1954.
May 25, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
493
Go, Preach
MISSIONS
Give, Pray
The
General Board Headquarters for Missions. Relief, and Service: 1711 Prairie Street, Elkhart, Indiana. Telephone. Elkhart 2-2786.
Mission News
At the May 12 meeting of the Eastern Men-
nonite Board of Missions and Charities, Bro.
Orie O. Miller, secretary of the Board, was
authorized to visit the Europe and Africa
mission fields. This deputation trip will be
included with his proposed trip in the inter-
ests of the Mennonite Central Committee.
Correction: Friends of Sister Lena Graber,
missionary to India, will want to address her
at Childer's Lodge, Landour, P.O., Mus-
soorie, U.P., India, until July 1. Her address
was reported incorrectly as Children's Lodge
recently.
A display of Mennonite activities in mis-
sions, service, education, and publication was
included as part of the community displays
during the dedication of the Grace-Abbott
housing addition in the Bethel Mennonite
Church area, Chicago, on May 10. This dis-
play brought a number of enquiries from
visitors at the dedication which will provide
valuable contacts for our workers.
Emphases at the Seventh Annual World-
wide Missionary Conference held at the East
Chestnut Street Church, Lancaster, Pa., May
19-23, included foreign missions— Israel, Ja-
pan, Africa, Europe, South America; home
missions— American Negro, American In-
dian, Eskimos; and foreign relief.
Sister Mary Royer, Goshen, Ind., spoke to
the young married couples' fellowship of the
Mexican Mennonite Church in Chicago on
Saturday evening, May 15, on the subject,
"Child Training in the Home."
The Bible Clubs of the Bethel Mennonite
Church, Chicago, held their final rally and
closing program for the 1953-54 term on
Wednesday afternoon, May 5. Nearly 140
boys and girls participated in the program
presenting some of the things they had
learned during the year.
Sister Ruth Nussbaum, Nampa, Idaho, mis-
sionary teacher under appointment for Puerto
Rico, plans to leave Chicago by plane for
Puerto Rico on June 10.
A group of students from Goshen College,
Goshen, Ind., helped to fix up the Dearborn
Street Mission Hall, Chicago, 111., on Friday
evening and Saturday, April 30 and May 1.
The July business and inspirational sessions
of the Eastern Mission Board are scheduled
to be held at Stumptown, Pa.
Sister Mildred Heistand, Manheim, Pa.,
was reappointed for a five-year term as mis-
sionary teacher in Ethiopia at the May 12
meeting of the Eastern Mennonite Board of
Missions and Charities. She will leave for the
field about July 15.
Bro. James Lark, Chicago, 111., spoke in the
Scottdale, Pa., churches on Sunday, May 16.
On May 17, Bro. Lark met with the editors
at the Mennonite Publishing House to dis-
cuss certain problems on race relations raised
at the City Missions Round Table in Detroit
the last of March. Bro. Lark conducted spe-
cial services in New York City's Harlem at
2526 7th Ave., May 22-26, where Bro. John
Henry Krabill is superintendent.
Bro. Mahlon Amstutz, Orrville, Ohio, who
has served 20 months in the PAX program in
Europe, has been elected presiding chairman
of an International Institute in UNESCO
headquarters near Munich, Germany. He
was elected by a group of youth leaders from
15 nations who met to encourage young peo-
ple from various countries to work together
and to learn to understand each other. Mem-
bers of the conference, which met April 10-
25, worked together in a community develop-
ment project in the mornings, were invited
into German homes for dinner, and met for
study and discussion in the afternoons and
evenings.
Approval was given at the May 12 meet-
ing of the Eastern Mennonite Board of Mis-
sions for the Ethiopia mission to set up a
boarding school for girls at the Deder station.
A number of young men are active in the
mission church in Ethiopia, but very few
girls have been brought into fellowship. This
ANNUAL MEETING
Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities
to be held at
Western Mennonite School
on highway 221 about ten miles northwest of
Salem, Oreg.
June 17-20, 1954
If You Are Coming by Air
from Chicago and points east, buy a ticket
for Salem which costs no more than to
Portland, and you will be closer to the an-
nual meeting grounds. You will change at
Portland.
If You Are Coming by Train
buy a ticket for Salem. From the north and
east you will have to change at Portland.
Be sure your agent makes reservations for
you from Portland so that you will have no
delay. Four trains daily run from Portland
to Salem. Clergy rates are honored on all
trains coming to Portland except the Em-
pire Builder of the Great Northern.
If You Are Coming by Bus
buy a ticket for Salem. Twenty-six buses run
daily from Portland to Salem.
If You Are Coming by Car
from south and east, come to Salem, cross
Marion bridge to the west side, turn right
at first street on highway 221, which will lead
you to the school grounds. Sign will indicate
grounds.
Arrangements
will be made to meet all types of public
transportation in Salem. If you arrive there
and find no one to meet you, call M. A.
Bender, 865 Jefferson St., telephone 2-7647, or
Western Mennonite School, telephone 2-0127.
Air Mail
sent to Board meeting visitors should be
sent in care of Western Mennonite School,
R. 1, Box 626, Salem, Oreg.
Lodging
Dormitory rooms, private homes, motel ac-
commodations, and trailer parking space will
be available. For reservations write H. E.
Brenneman, R. 2, Albany, Oreg.
Your Treasurer Reports
Several weeks ago Bro. Paul Erb included
in his editorials in the Gospel Herald a sug-
gestion to help meet the financial needs of the
Mission Board. Bro. Erb's suggestion was
that special contributions of $1.00 or more be
sent to the Elkhart office before the end of
the fiscal year in order to help offset accumu-
lated operating deficits in mission accounts.
This interest in the mission needs of the Gen-
eral Board by Bro. Erb was much appreciated
and we would like to report to you the re-
sults of this suggestion.
Although all contributions received during
the last month of the fiscal year were not
clearly labeled as to whether they were a re-
sult of Bro. Erb's suggestion, we kept a list
of all contributions clearly designated and
those which we thought were a response to
this appeal. Our records show that total con-
tributions received from this appeal amount-
ed to $12,542.60. Contributions received in
response to this appeal were of various
amounts and many co-operated in advising
us that separate vouchers were not required.
We can assure you that these contributions
have been most helpful and it now appears
that we can close our records with all mis-
sion operating expenses met. There is also
sufficient balance to meet building fund
debits but we are not closing all of these ac-
counts since further designated contributions
are anticipated.
With many contributions we received let-
ters expressing concern for the continuing
mission program and many gave us their as-
surance of continued support so that the mis-
sion program can be maintained on its pres-
ent basis. We have appreciated very much
these letters of encouragement and sincerely
hope that we can find God's will for the con-
tinuing work of the General Board so that
contributions received can be used in the
most effective way to take the Gospel mes-
sage to those who have not yet heard it.
H. Ernest Bennett, Treasurer
Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities
Elkhart, Indiana.
move is an effort to improve that situation.
These girls will attend the Deder school
which tbe mission is operating.
Bro. and Sister Mahlon Glick, from the
Homeville congregation, Cochranville, Pa.,
moved to Alabama, April 30. Their address
is Route 3, Atmore, Ala. Bro. Glick has been
asked by the Itinerant Evangelism Commit-
tee of the Lancaster Mennonite Conference to
be responsible for the mission program at
Century, Fla. The Glicks will be self-support-
ing workers.
(Continued on page 500)
494
GOSPEL HERALD
May 25, 1954
Looking Ahead in Puerto Rico
By John Driver
As we look over the past and count the
blessings of God upon His work here in
Puerto Rico, we can only say, "Hitherto hath
the Lord helped us." Many have been the
opportunities for witness. Some have come
under the most unexpected circumstances but
always the Lord has continued to lead. So,
with confidence in the leading of our heaven-
ly Father, we are looking ahead in Puerto
Rico.
At the present time there are five organized
congregations and eight outstations where a
regular witness is carried on. It is our fervent
hope that soon more congregations and out-
posts may be established. During the past
year the city of Cayey was entered. The as-
signment of resident workers to a second city
area, Coamo, is under consideration. The
work has progressed in Guavate. The be-
lievers have built their own house of worship
out of palm branches. We hope that soon a
congregation may be established at this place.
There are at the present time quite a number
of Mennonite believers, both continental and
Puerto Rican, living in the San Juan area.
Others are planning to move there soon. Per-
haps the Lord will lead in the opening of a
center for Mennonite Gospel witness in that
metropolitan area.
For some time we have felt that something
should be done in the way of literature evan-
gelism. The Executive Committee of the
Mission recently authorized the preparation
of a tract entitled, "What the Mennonites
Believe." Bro. Wilbur Nachtigall has pre-
pared this tract which we hope to publish
soon. There are other materials such as "Bi-
ble Studies for the Instruction of Converts"
which we also hope to publish in the near
future.
We are looking forward to the building
of a new hospital in the city of Aibonito.
Final plans are being drawn up by the archi-
tect which call for an estimated expenditure
of $337,000. We anticipate that Hill-Burton
funds can be gotten to cover two thirds of
this amount. This new hospital will greatly
increase the opportunities for witness and
service for Christ by the Mennonite Church
in Puerto Rico.
One of the most urgent needs facing the
Mennonite Church in Puerto Rico is the need
for workers. Although two of the congrega-
tions already have full-time Puerto Rican
workers who were called and are supported
by the churches, there is a need for consecrat-
ed laymen trained in the Word who can
carry on the witness in their communities.
We feel the need for a Bible Institute or per-
haps the services of an itinerant Bible teacher
who can go from congregation to congrega-
tion holding training classes for those inter-
ested. Some of our young people will, no
doubt, continue to attend our church schools
on the continent, but the majority of the lay
workers must be trained here on the island.
In the field of radio evangelism we look
forward to a continually expanding witness,
not only in Puerto Rico, but also to Spanish-
speaking peoples throughout Latin America
as well as Spain.
As we look forward our fervent hope is
that soon a strong indigenous church may
emerge in Puerto Rico made up of consecrat-
ed members who are dependent only upon
Christ. Pray with us that God may continue
to open the doors of opportunity and that by
His grace they may be used for His honor
and glory on the island of Puerto Rico.
La Plata, Puerto Rico.
God Led Us to Coamo
By Gladys Widmer
The Lord has led to the work in Coamo
in an interesting way. Dona Rafaela and her
son had accepted Christ as their Saviour.
They lived in the country in Pedro Garcia
district where a Sunday school had been be-
gun. In July, 1952, they moved to the hous-
ing project in Coamo and so the pastor of the
Betania Church at Pulguillas, Bro. Lester T.
Hershey, continued giving these two instruc-
tion in their home in Coamo every other Fri-
day evening. About the third meeting the
type of service needed to be changed since
Dona Rafaela invited so many people and
children to the meeting. After several months
a public service was held each Friday eve-
ning. These weekly meetings continued until
the summer of 1953.
About that time it became possible to rent
an old, forsaken house right next to the 112
homes of the housing project. One Saturday,
after a few brethren from Betania spent the
day with hammers, nails, and boards, the
building was brought back to usefulness.
During the following two weeks, June 16-26,
1953, summer Bible school was held there.
The three teachers were overwhelmed the
first day with the 90 plus pupils that filled
the seating space. Those who stood in un-
occupied spots and on windows sills were not
counted. This was something new on this
city lot which had been a popular place for
the children to play. The smallness of the
space called for the use of a living room in a
near-by home for the older class. The average
attendance was 79.
The climax of the summer Bible school
was the opening of a Sunday school the fol-
lowing Sunday afternoon, June 28. The Word
of God is taught to the five different classes
by members of the Betania Church. There
is an average attendance of 50. Each Friday
evening a preaching service is conducted by
This is the group who meet at Coamo for Sunday-school services. The
meeting is held in an abandoned home beside the housing project
where some of our members live.
Kvening devotions in the Juan Colon home in Rabanal. Juan is a
sincere active member of the Rabanal congregation. It was through
his Influence that mission work was started at Cayey. where some
of bis relatives live. At extreme left of picture is Mrs. Colon's
mother, as yet unconverted, and beside her is Don Pepe. a neighbor-
ing convert.
May 25, 1934
GOSPEL HERALD
495
the present pastor at Bctania, Bro. Lawrence
Greaser. On Sunday morning the homes are
visited and personal contacts made. Many
people will not come to the services until they
are convinced that the Bible contains the true
way to God. An instruction class for con-
verts is held on Sunday afternoon before the
regular services. A Saturday evening prayer
meeting has also been begun at the request of
the members and converts. .
We, too, can say with the early church that
the Lord is adding to His church in Coamo.
Three received baptism during the year. The
number of converts consists of seven adults
and six young people and children. Many
others are seeking the true way and many
are under conviction.
"I am nothing now. I don't know what to
believe since I left the Roman Catholic
Church some time ago," said a seeker. After
Jesus was presented to him as the only way
to salvation he said, "Soy dispuesto." (I am
ready.) And there in his home he came to
know the Lord as Saviour. The following
Sunday he said that he had learned more
from reading the Bible these eight days than
he did in the fifty years before. He had never
understood the Scriptures until -the Holy
Spirit was allowed to be his teacher.
Another man who had been given a Bible
several months before came to a Sunday after-
noon service. Since he showed great interest,
he was asked whether he wanted to accept
Jesus as his Saviour. "That is why I'm here
this afternoon," was the answer. He had
once led Catholic rosarios, but now is happy
that he knows the true way to the heavenly
Father through Jesus Christ.
May this new move to the city where the
"harvest" is great beckon us to prayer. Re-
member your new brothers and sisters in
Christ and those who are yet seeking to know
the Truth.
Pulguillas, Puerto Rico.
Extending the Borders of the
Kingdom in the Cayey District
By Paul Lauvfr
Cayey
There have been many blessings of the
Lord to encourage us since our moving into
the city of Cayey in February, 1953. We have
continued to hold our Sunday services in the
large living room of our home which is
rented in the city. On Sunday morning our
worship service includes a preaching service
as well as a Sunday school. Since the month
of September we have been happy to have
Dr. Earl Stover and his family worship with
us on Sundays. Dr. Stover has charge of the
adult Sunday-school class. Bro. James Sny-
der was also one of our regular teachers at
Cayey, as well as assistant in the work of the
Guavate community, until his release from
I-W service.
Our weekly Bible class for children on
Tuesday afternoons has been a real blessing
to us due to the fact that many of the children
who come to this class are from strong Cath-
olic families. We feel that this is a real oppor-
tunity to reach into these homes with the
Gospel since these young children can become
missionaries to their own homes.
We have also enjoyed the opportunity of
contacting people in cottage meetings in var-
ious sections of the city. We hope that a suit-
able hall can be found closer to the downtown
area where we can hold our public services.
As yet we are not sure what our program
for the future should be for our work here
in the city, but we are open to the leading of
the Lord for the future expansion of the
work. The doctor who was instrumental in
opening the work in Cayey has stopped com-
ing to our services altogether. We pray that
he might have a true heart experience of sal-
vation and yield his life completely to Christ
in faith.
Barrio Culebras
In the month of October we began holding
open-air services in the Altura district, Barrio
Culebras, high in the mountains about five
miles from the city. More recently we have
been able to rent a garage which we are now
using for services in that area. A man who
accepted Christ in one of the services last fall
recently finished a new home. He said that
he would not move into the home until a ser-
vice of thanksgiving was held in it. In this
service we had the opportunity of speaking
to many Catholic people and we know that
this young believer gave a wonderful testi-
mony in this way.
Guavate
We are thankful to our Lord for opening
up the field of Guavate for the preaching of
the Gospel. Barrio Guavate, a rural area
belonging to the Cayey district, is located in
the hills about a fifteen-minute ride from the
city of Cayey. The invitation to go and
preach the Gospel there came from the people
themselves who through a relative who is a
member of the Rabanal congregation made
their desire known that we go and preach
the Word of God to them.
Meetings began every other week in the
home of Primitivo Lopez, who invited his
neighbors and friends to meet with us in his
small living room. At our first meeting on
April 19, a number of persons responded to
the invitation to receive the Saviour into their
hearts. It was interesting to notice that as the
meetings continued only adults responded to
the invitation at first, later a young lady, and
finally a large group of children. From the
beginning we were impressed with the faith-
fulness of these people in their attendance to
the services. About 12 homes are represented
in our services every Sunday and the attend-
ance at Sunday school is usually between
50 and 60.
One of our first activities was the sale of
Bibles to the people who were coming to
hear the Word of God. The people seemed
to appreciate so much the privilege of pos-
sessing a Bible. More recently we sold 20
hymnals at Guavate and in this manner the
people can carry, not only their Bibles, but
also their songbooks. In the month of Sep-
tember a Bible was given to the person who
was victorious in a Scripture memorization
contest. It was amazing to us to see these
new-born babes in Christ quote many verses
from the Scriptures.
As the group attending services continued
to increase, it became more and more uncom-
fortable to worship in the living room of the
Lopez home. In the month of October the
group began to plan the building of a tem-
porary chapel made out of materials that
could be taken from the land where they
lived for the most part. A tabernacle-type
of building was planned so that all the men
could come to help on a chapel-raising day.
However, it was decided to delay this day
until after the last session of Bible Institute
which ended early in November. On No-
vember 14 the group met to begin construc-
tion and the work proceeded even though
it was a rainy day and all the paths were
very muddy. In two days and a half the main
work of the tabernacle was completed, and
on November 22 the building was dedicated.
It is a simple 16' x 22' building made with
wood from the local land, thatched palm
leaf sides, a tar paper roof, and a packed
clay floor. The believers undertook to take
care of the expenses of the building them-
selves, and with the offering taken on ded-
ication day plus two other offerings taken
on previous Sundays and a gift from the
Cayey brethren, the expenses were more than
covered.
It is the evening of Three Kings Day on
January 6, 1954. As we step into the Guavate
chapel, we notice that all the seating room
is taken and a number are standing. In the
testimony meeting we hear of the joy that
has come into the lives of the brethren who
have found Christ as their Saviour. Don
Ramon comes forward and tells of the won-
derful peace that has come to his life since
his day of salvation. For years he had lived
a restless life of fear. True, he had not been
addicted to the vices that are so common to
man, but he had at last found the peace
which he had needed so badly. Anastacio
rises to his feet and tells how Jesus has res-
cued him from a lost life of drunkenness.
He has found that God has power and today
he is living a totally different life with his
family in a happy home . . . and so continues
a testimony meeting.
Please pray for these young Christians that
they may continue on in victory with Jesus
as their Master and Lord.
Cayey, Puerto Rico.
Meat for Relief
Mennonite, Amish, and Brethren in Christ
groups in Lancaster County, Pa., canned
133,852 pounds of beef, pork, and lard for
MCC foreign relief during February and
early March.
The contents of the 66,926 cans weighing
approximately 67 tons are valued at about
62,200. The MCC portable canner was in
operation for 26 days in Lancaster County.
This canning program was arranged and
planned by a committee with Alvin Sauder
of East Earl as chairman. Ira Buckwalter
of Intercourse was committee secretary and
treasurer, and Amos K. Mellinger of Mount-
ville and John Bomberger of Elm were com-
mittee members. — via MCC Information
Service, Akron, Pa.
496
GOSPEL HERALD
May 25, 1934
This is the new home of the European Mennonite Bible School in Basel, Switzerland, where
the fifth annual session will be held. The four previous sessions have been held in the Basel
IVICC center.
We Can't Be Without It"
By Cornelius Wall
(Brother Cornelius Wall is principal and
instructor in the European Mennonite Bible
School in Basel, Switzerland. In addition,
the Walls spend much of their time min-
istering at Bible conferences, youth retreats,
and to scattered Mennonite and refugee
groups in Germany. The Walls are from
Mountain Lake, Minn.)
A child four years of age, the European
Mennonite Bible School is a reality, although
somewhat feeble up to this time. But now
it suddenly begins to stretch and make it-
self known. And its "family" is already being
heard to say: "We can't be without it." Of
necessity the school is bilingual — German and
French. This causes some difficulty but
makes work so much more interesting.
This year's term closed January 29. Seven
weeks of school is not much of a term but
it is more than the school ever had before;
so we are grateful for what we have, and
look for longer terms in the future.
The student body numbered 29. It was
a very happy, orderly, considerate, and stu-
dious group. Since the school was housed
in the already-crowded MCC center in Basel,
the orderly conduct of the students was
greatly appreciated.
Our students found lodging with the fam-
ilies of the two Basel Mennonite churches.
They were guests of these families, enter-
tained free of charge, with two meals a day.
Reception was very warm at every place.
As an expression of appreciation for the un-
usual hospitality, the students prepared a
Christmas program primarily for their "par-
ents." During school days the noon meals
were served in the MCC center. Fellowship
and work were real pleasure to all of us.
With grateful hearts we recall the splendid
MISSIONS SECTION
co-operation received from the personnel of
the center, the help in the kitchen and the
student body, but particularly Mr. and Mrs.
D. C. Kauffman of West Liberty, Ohio, who
are in charge of the Basel center.
Our little festivities will long be remem-
bered. Birthdays were closely watched and
joyfully celebrated. A trip was made into
Alsace and another one into the Jura Moun-
tains where most of the Swiss Mennonites
live.
But the real purpose of the school is work
and once more work, interspersed with pe-
riods of wonderful Christian fellowship, par-
ticularly during devotional periods and prayer
meeting. Let us have the students themselves
tell what the school meant to them. May I
introduce to you two young men who by
their testimonies represent the school:
"It seems that the seven weeks have just
started and now they are already past. This
time of blessing has passed all too quickly.
"Even though I had the opportunity to
come to Bible school in the fall, I did not
want to come. This was the impression I
gave from the outside. My inner longing,
however, was that I learn to know my heav-
enly Father now. I came to school with great
anticipation and was not disappointed. To-
day I can testify that I have received that for
which I was looking. I learned to know
Jesus as my personal Saviour. I gave myself
to Him and He took me as His own. How
thankful I am for it!
"I was very richly blessed during these
seven weeks of Bible school. Whether it was
in the Old Testament or New Testament
studies, in meditations, in Ethics, Christian
Living, Church History, or in the Sunday-
school class, so much was offered, and I could
learn much. How many truths were revealed
to me! With this intensive studying of the
Bible I realized how superficial my Bible
reading had been before. All courses become
living and interesting when one studies them
carefully. Through all this we felt the near-
ness of the Lord, beginning with the morn-
ing devotions and prayer hour until the last
school lesson of the day.
"I would not have received all this if I
had not come to the Basel Bible School. I
am thankful with all my heart to all those
who made it possible to have a Bible school.
Especially do I thank our teachers who spared
no effort to give to us the Word of Truth
clearly and plainly.
"We received very much for our future life.
What we received here has made our lives
richer. And that is why I wish to encourage
everyone if it is at all possible to come to the
Basel Bible School. It is truly worth while
and it is not lost time." — Roland Nuss-
baumer.
"I consider it a special privilege that I was
able to come to the Bible school. Looking
back I realize all the blessings I received.
My greatest experience was that it is here
that I met my Saviour. The school exceeded
my expectations because I am going away a
different person.
"The teachers instructed in such a way
that one felt as though they were speaking
to the heart. What was discussed in the class
period spoke to my heart. Honesdy speaking,
these things made me feel uncomfortable at
first. We were taught in such a way that we
could do nothing else than to examine our-
selves. That is exacdy the purpose of the
school. We are to learn to know ourselves.
They want to make better persons of us.
My eyes were opened through difficult strug-
gles. I knew very little of the things of God
and knew still less how insignificant I was.
I am very thankful the teachers were here
not only for the class periods but that they
were willing to help us with problems at any
time. We had the feeling that we belonged
together. The morning devotions and the
prayer hour made us aware that we grew
closer together spiritually.
"We discussed our questions together with
real understanding. The teachers did not
have a superior or unsympathetic attitude to
our questions. On the contrary they made
special efforts to give clear answers. They
remembered when they were young and had
the problems that sometimes make our heads
hot. If things didn't go right in the Sunday-
school class hour, we were not criticized but
were helped and told with love: 'Next time
von will do better.'
The European Mennonite Bible School in Basel,
Switzerland, trains young people as workers in
European Mennonite ehurrhes. Courses arc
taught in French and German. Here is the
French class during the 1958-54 term. The in-
structor. John Howard Yoder of Wooster. Ohio,
is at the right.
May 25, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
497
"We as students learned to understand
each other. Obstinacy had no place and the
conviction of each one was respected. If
there was a difference of opinion, a good
remedy was found by saying: 'You are cor-
rect, but perhaps the other one is not wrong
either.'
"I could never complain that I did not
have enough work. There was no time to be
lazy. The contrary was more correct. Often
my head would go round and round when I
thought of all that I should know when I left
the school.
"I must mention my hearty thanks to
everyone who helped this school become a
milestone in my life. I appreciate the sacri-
fices that have been made. You have done it
out of love for our Saviour. The Lord bless
you for it.
"I also realize the responsibility which is
now placed on me. I do not dare to keep it
to myself but I must give it to others by
word and deed. In this way we may be work-
ers and witnesses for building the kingdom
of God. We thank the Lord for it."— Otto
Funck.
Already at the closing exercises we were
led to think in terms of next year. One of
the reasons for such continued attention on
the school was the fact that on Jan. 25, a few
days before the close of school, a house was
bought by MCC which is to be the future
home of the Bible school. Its location is very
suitable. The house is comparatively new
and will serve our purposes very well. We
are grateful for this new development. We
will take possession July 1. However, we
are now planning how to arrange and equip
our new school. The Swiss churches are
also manifesting great interest in the project.
They are anxious to find ways in which they
can help in furnishing the school. And our
student body before leaving requested that a
student association be organized which would
have a part in building up the school. All
these are signs of life and keen interest.
But not only here we see a growing inter-
est in our institution. Also from America
come evidences that Bro. C. F. Klassen's
plea made in the interest of the European
Mennonite Bible School while touring U.S.
and Canada does not go unheeded. We are
very grateful for responses from the churches
at home and hope that our Lord will enable
us here to redeem the opportunities we have.
May all our efforts result in building the
kingdom of God and aiding the Mennonite
churches in Europe in their efforts to effect
spiritual growth and consecrated Christian
living. — MCC Information Service, Akron,
Pa.
[Editor's note: The MRSC has agreed to se-
cure $5,000 toward the purchase of the build-
ing for the Basel Bible School. Interested
persons and congregations should send their
contributions clearly marked for this purpose
through the regular channels, or direct to the
Treasurer, Mennonite Board of Missions and
Charities, Elkhart, Ind. Our workers in
France and Belgium have served on the staff
of this Bible School.]
To be "almost persuaded" is to altogether
perish. — The Soul Clinic
8|
? Mennonite
Hour
Colorado Listeners !
Starting June 6, The Mennonite Hour will
be broadcast from KVOD at 3:00 to 3:30
Sunday afternoon. Formerly the broadcast
was heard over KOA at 9:00 a.m. Sunday.
KVOD is found at 630 on the dial.
New Witness in Puerto Rico
Free time has been made available to
broadcast The Mennonite Hour on WIAC,
San Juan, 3:00 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday. This
opening came as a result of a contact made
with WIAC by some I-W men. This station
will cover the eastern part of the island.
WPRA, Mayaguez, an excellent 10,000
watt station which will cover the western
part of Puerto Rico, will begin broadcasting
The Mennonite Hour June 5, Saturday, 8:00
to 8:30 a.m.
Pan American Broadcasting Company stat-
ed regarding WPRA: "This is probably the
only station of any real value in Puerto Rico
that will accept a program in English, let
alone a non-Catholic program." So the open-
ing up of these two Puerto Rican stations
should give us much to be thankful for.
Puerto Rico has over two million population,
with about one quarter million living in the
capital of San Juan. Even though Spanish is
the popular language, many people can also
speak English.
A Real Challenge!
Reading. Mass.:
"I heard your radio program for the first time
not too long ago. In fact that was the first time I
ever heard of the Mennonites.
"I have been an Episcopalian all my life (1 am
eighteen). I 'believe that God has spoken to me
to spread His Word. However, I am not quite satis-
fied with my own religion. I have been looking
into other religious sects, trying to find one whose
beliefs coincide with mine.
"I have looked up the Mennonite religion in several
encyclopedias, but none of them give a satisfactory
explanation of the religious beliefs of the Mennonite
Church. I was wondering, sir, if you would enlighten
me with some information on the beliefs of your
church."
Brookline, Mass.:
"I listen to your Sunday night*service each week
and I am tremendously interested. Will you kindly
advise me where the nearest Mennonite Church
is located as I would like very much to attend their
services. ..."
Marching Orders
If I refuse to give anything to missions, I
practically cast a ballot in favor of the recall
of every missionary.
If I give less than heretofore, I favor a re-
duction of the missionary forces proportion-
ate to my reduced contributions.
If I give the same as formerly I favor hold-
ing the ground already won, but I do not fa-
vor any forward movement. My song is
"Hold the Fort!" forgetting that the Lord
never intended that His army should take
refuge in a fort. All of His soldiers are under
marching orders always. They are command-
ed to "Go!"
If I advance my offering beyond former
Missions Editorial
The Bible and the Brush
When God asked Moses to build a taber-
nacle in which the children of Israel could
worship, He also laid conviction on the hearts
of certain artisans whose services were neces-
sary to build the tabernacle. We believe that
God works in much the same way today.
No one questions the fact that God calls
certain of His chlidren to be missionaries,
ministers, and institutional workers in the
church. This call may come through experi-
ences with need, talks with missionaries, or
reading the Word of God and prayer.
We have also learned by experience that
services other than ministering the Word are
required to carry on the church's mission-
service program. Too often we take it for
granted that we must hire the services of
painters, mechanics, masons, carpenters, and
other artisans needed to provide our facilities.
That is often the case, but certainly we are
beginning to see that God can call such per-
sons to be missionaries.
Our mission boards are recognizing this
fact by sending to the foreign mission field
workers with manual skills to find service op-
portunities in our missions and institutions.
Thus, any person eighteen years of age and
older who hears a call to serve the church
through his manual skills has an opportunity
to find such service through MRSC, MCC, or
his district conference VS program. Such
service in a city or rural mission provides op-
portunities for the volunteer to assist in the
mission program in any way he is able, if it
be no more than going along on home visita-
tion or jail visitation. He thereby identifies
himself with the local mission effort.
Local groups of laymen are organizing into
Mennonite Service Organizations in various
parts of the church to serve in disaster areas
and to give assistance in local mission and
institutional work. Through these organiza-
tions persons with manual skills can hear the
call of God and find avenues of service.
It is possible to paint for God, carpenter
for God, and use one's hands in other ways
for God. Paul said to the Colossians, "And
whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in
the name of the Lord Jesus
If God is calling you to consecrate your
skills to Him, contact your pastor, your mis-
sion board, or one of our church institutions
where such skills can be used. — L. C. Hartz-
ler.
years, then I favor an advance movement in
the conquest of new territory for Christ. I
shall join this class! — The Soul Clinic.
MISSIONS SECTION
498
GOSPEL HERALD
May 25, 1954
Relief and Service News
MRSC Weekly Notes
Voluntary Service
Volunteers are still needed for the summer
service program, especially for the city mis-
sion unit in Wichita, Kans. A summer spent
in a city mission can be one of significant
service and valuable training. Anyone inter-
ested in this service opportunity should con-
tact Mark Lehman, Office for Relief and
Service, 1711 Prairie St., Elkhart, Ind.
Fourteen summer service station directors
attended the conference held on May 6 and
7 at the Elkhart Headquarters. There was a
strengthening of purpose as problems and
questions were raised and solutions were dis-
cussed. Pray that the program this summer
may be a means of extending the borders of
the Kingdom.
An orientation school for beginning service
workers is scheduled for May 26 to June 8.
So far ten volunteers are enrolled: Hettie
Snyder, Elmira, Ont.; Ruth Reesor, Mark-
ham, Ont.; Evelyn Burkey, Sargent, Nebr.;
Gladys Alderfer, R.N., Souderton, Pa.; Mir-
iam Kauffman, Minier, 111.; Daniel Miller,
Kalona, la.; John E. Hostetler, Washburn,
III; Leila Hostetler, Beaver Crossing, Nebr.;
Wi'lliam Shumaker, Degraff, Ohio; and Wil-
lard Miller, Areola, 111.
The fruit and vegetable growers who hire
the Navaho Migrants whom our VS unites
serving in Grants, New Mex., and Phoenix,
Ariz., have agreed to contribute a lot and
$1500 for building a house for the unit mem-
bers.
I-W Service
Negotiations are underway to complete the
purchase of a house to be used as a center for
I-W men in Elgin, 111.
Leaders of I-W units: Galen Swope, Har-
risonburg, Va., has been elected to serve the
group at Williamsburg, Va.; Elvin Weber,
Ephrata, Pa., for the Newtown, Conn.,
group; John Eby, Lancaster, Pa., is corre-
sponding secretary for the Norristown, Pa.,
unit; and in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, Harry Yo-
der, Hutchinson, Kans., is succeeding James
Roth of Oregon as unit leader.
Oswald Goering, Bloomington, Ind., a
graduate student in recreation at Indiana
University has recently completed a series of
visits to I-W units presenting a large variety
of useful hobbies and recreational ideas. He
has also spent some time in these units dis-
cussing the principles that should guide the
Christian in his choice of leisure time activi-
ties.
Administrative
The Mcnnonite Relief and Service Com-
mittee meeting on May I I ai the Elkhart
I leadquarters received reports on the long
term VS program, I-W services, and on the
MCC relief, refugee aid, and mental health
programs.
MISSIONS SECTION
The MRSC long term VS program now
has 156 workers serving in a variety of ways
in our units in hospitals, community service,
mission stations, old folks' homes, and chil-
dren's homes in continental United States
and Puerto Rico.
The I-W services program has grown rap-
idly during the past year. According to the
report of the I-W services director, Henry
Weaver, Jr., between 2,000 and 3,000 I-W
men in 22 units which have their own lead-
ers are now being served by fourteen area
field representatives. The services offered to
I-W men include educational counseling fa-
cilities, assistance with employment problems,
development of a strong group life and wit-
ness, and a mobile, lending library.
The MCC program, the Committee was
informed, received 5854 per cent of the total
MRSC disbursements during the fiscal year
of 1953-54. Monthly sendings to the MCC
continue to be budgeted at $11,000 for relief,
refugee aid, PAX support, and other items.
Forty men from the MRSC constituency are
being supported in PAX at the rate of $75.00
a month per man.
All of this large program requires a month-
ly budget of around $23,500. This support
comes from the regular monthly relief and
service offerings in the local congregations.
Further reporting on this will be given
through the Gospel Herald and other ave-
nues in the coming months.
This large budget, however, is a matter of
extreme concern since the MRSC treasurer's
report reflects less than one month's operating
balance on hand at the beginning of the fiscal
year.
You will want to keep all of this in mind
as you give in your congregation's relief and
service offering. Congregations which are
not presently lifting this monthly offering are
urged to do so. Individuals will also want
to send contributions through their district
conference treasurers or direct to the Treas-
urer, Mennonite Board of Missions and Char-
ities, 1711 Prairie St., Elkhart, Ind. Thank
you for your continued fine support of this
part of the church's work.
Released May 15, 1954
Office for Relief and Service
Elkhart, Indiana
MCC Weekly Notes
Memorial Service for C. F. Klassen Held at
Akron Headquarters
A service in memory of C. F. Klassen,
much of whose life was spent seeking the
welfare of his refugee brethren, was held at
MCC headquarters in Akron, Pa., Thursday.
May 13.
Funeral services and burial for Bro. Klas-
sen were held in Frankfurt, Germany,
Wednesday, May 12. Death came to him as
a result of a heart attack in Gronau, Ger-
many, Saturday, May 8.
In commenting on his services, Orie O.
Miller, MCC Executive Secretary and close
friend of Bro. Klassen for 30 years, said he
knew Bro. Klassen to be driven by three par-
ticular passions: (1) The welfare of his refu-
gee brethren, (2) the building of bridges be-
tween the various Mennonite brotherhoods,
and (3) the anticipation of some day return-
ing to Russia to minister to the brethren
there.
Listing his characteristics as "kindness,
enthusiasm, co-operativeness, and tenacious
courage," Bro. Miller went on to elaborate
on the pilgrim theme in Psalm 84 which he
had heard Bro. Klassen use as a meditation.
"Bro. Klassen found deep joy in pilgrim-
age. He went from strength to strength.
He placed himself in the center of the Men-
nonite pilgrim movement. How fitting that
he stopped at the spot he did!" Gronau,
where Bro. Klassen died, was the German
city through which practically all Mennonite
people passed in the migrations to North and
South America after World War II.
C. N. Hostetter, MCC chairman, in a brief
memorial meditation, recalled how he had
met Bro. Klassen in the Gronau headquar-
ters in 1950 and heard him say: "I have seen
many tears and heard many sad stories in
this place, but the joy of my life has been to
help these people." Bro. Hostetter in the
meditation described a life of service as being
one which "costs something, which is defi-
nitely related to the person of Christ, and
which is divinely defended and approved."
Bro. Klassen was director of the MCC pro-
gram in Europe at the time of his death,
having served in that position since July,
1953. He has spent most of the time since
1945 in Europe working with Mennonite
refugee movements and resettlements. Pre-
vious to this he gave much time and effort
in the Mennonite refugee movement in the
post-World War I period.
Good Crops in Paraguayan Chaco Colonies
Good crops this year in the Paraguayan 1
Chaco colonies — Fernheim, Menno, and Neu- j
land — have been a great encouragement to j
the people and have done much to stabilize
these Mennonite settlements.
A larger cotton crop than in the past few
years coupled with a good price has been
particularly encouraging. Kaffir and peanuts
have also produced well. Good crops have
reduced talk of moving away from the Chaco. ;
In the face of good crops, however, some-;
villages in the Neuland colony are experienc-
ing severe ant infestation. A total of 204 1
families have been affected by this plague in ,
26 villages. Fourteen of these villages are in
serious condition.
Neuland colonists are being assisted in
their fight against these pests by the Men-
nonite Central Committee, the Mennonitei
Central Relief Committee of western Canada, j
and STICA, governmental agricultural assist-
ive agency.' MCC and MCRC have made
monev available to purchase a poison known
as methol bromide. STICA is providing tech-|
nical assistance and equipment to administer I
the poison. Should methol bromide prove |
successful in initial trials, it will be usedl
more extensively.
In other agricultural developments in thej
Chaco, Robert G. Unruh. Bloomfield, Mont.J
operator of the experimental farm, reports!
planting alongside harvesting. Vegetable J
plants have been started for the winter,
months. Nursery stock consisting of several
May 25, 1954
varieties of grapes was sent by a Reedley
church. Mr. Unruh hopes that within a year
or two he will be in a position to make rec-
ommendations on the variety of grapes best
suited to the Chaco.
The Unruhs are again instructing in the
Zentralschule in Filadelfia. Mr. Unruh teach-
es a course in agriculture and Mrs. Unruh
assists in a home economics course. The term
began in March.
Gerald Thierstein, Whitewater, Kans., one
of the voluntary service men on loan to
STICA, is now assisting the Unruhs in the
operation of the experimental farm. He will
be replacing Eldon Brandt of Hillsboro,
Kans., also a volunteer with STICA.
Released May 14, 1954
MCC Information Service
Akron, Pa.
Women's Activities
'The Power of the Gospel in a Changing
World" is the theme for the Women's Mis-
sionary Sewing Circle meeting, Saturday
morning, 8:30, June 19, at Salem, Oreg.
Program
Call to Worship
Song Service _ _.
"The Unchanging Word" _ Mrs. S. M. King
Dharatari, India
The Gospel Changing Lives: ,
In Puerto Rico Mrs. Lester Hersney
Aibonito, Puerto Rico
In Navaholand _ Mrs. Stanley Weaver
Chinle, Ariz.
In Israel Mrs. J. B. Martin
Waterloo, Ont.
In Nursing Education. . . .
Introduction of Missionaries
OHering
Devotion: "The Unchanging Saviour' Mrs. J. O. Yoder
Dhamtari, India
The business meeting of the Women's
Missionary Sewing Circle Auxiliary, Friday
afternoon, June 18, is open to all interested.
Following the reports of the officers, there
will be a short inspirational program as fol-
lows:
Devotion Mrs. George Smoker
Tanganyika, East Africa
Welcome Address _ - - Mrs. Albert Snyder
Canby, Oreg.
Response Mrs. Allen Ebersole
Canton, Ohio
"Working in the Local Circles"
Creating Interest - Mrs. Daniel Horst
Atwater, Calif.
The Work Program in the Adult Circle Mrs. Guy
Hershberger, Goshen, Ind.
The Work Program in Girls' Activities ... Mrs. Henry
Yoder, Grantsville, Md.
Offering „ , „ _
Open Discussion Orpha Troyer, Leader
Walnut Creek, Ohio
Mrs. Clarence West, Sweet Home, Oreg., chorister
Mrs. J. D. Graber, 'Elkhart, Ind., chairman
* # *
Someone asked recently why we hold the
nursing profession so high and constantly
keep it in the minds of our women, whereas
we seldom say anything about teachers, who
are of equal importance in their service. The
answer is simple: We have pledged ourselves
to provide $3,600 annually for the cause of
Nursing Education because the Mennonite
Board of Education urged us to help in this
program of the church. Undoubtedly the
Board would be happy to have us do the same
for teachers but they are reluctant to ask for
such a favor until we shall have managed to
meet completely our pledge for Nursing
Education.
GOSPEL HERALD
We are well aware that our girls who are
preparing for Christian teaching in the public
schools or in the church school are just as
deserving of help as are our nursing students;
we know, too, that the Christian witness
given to our boys and girls throughout our
land is just as significant as that of our
Christian nurses. All service in Christ's
name is the same.
Let us pray that the time may soon be here
when we can also contribute annually to the
cause of Christian teachers.
# * *
The Associated Sewing Circles of the
Lancaster, Pa., district met in the East
Chestnut Street Church for the eighty-fifth
semiannual meeting, Saturday, March 5.
Guest speakers were: Mildred Heistand,
Ethiopia; Ruth Lederach, Jordan; Isaac Fred-
erick, Puerto Rico.
The circles responded enthusiastically in
taking the numerous orders which were pre-
sented from the various mission stations, the
Millersville Children's Home, the Welsh Mt.
Home, Philhaven Hospital, and the Naza-
reth, Ethiopia, Hospital— Mrs. C. L. Shank.
From Our Churches
FLANAGAN. ILLINOIS
(Waldo Congregation)
Greetings in the name of Him who loved
us and gave Himself for us.
One Sunday morning, Feb. 21, we had the
Calvary Hour staff give the program which
was enjoyed by all present.
On March 7, several students from Goshen
College spoke at the morning and evening
services. On March 21, Sister Lela Mann of the
Home Mission worshiped with us. With her
were a number of children from the mission
Sunday school. On March 31, Luke Birky of
Puerto Rico showed pictures and reported on
his work there. On April 9, a quartet from the
VS unit at Kansas City gave a program of
testimony and song. The Metamora Chorus of
over fifty voices gave the evening program on
April 11, and the A Cappella Chorus of
Goshen College gave the program on April 14.
On Easter Sunday we observed the Lord's Sup-
per at which time most of the members were
present. For this we were grateful.
On April 25 we were happy to have Sisters
Dorothy Bean and Ida Habermehl with us. Both
spoke during the Sunday-school hour, telling
us about the work among the Mexican peo-
ple in Chicago. And on April 28 Bro. and
Sister Mario Snyder, accompanied by a group
from Mexican Mission, had charge of the eve-
ning service. We praise God for having had
the privilege of fellowshiping with all of these
who came to witness for their Lord.
Emma Hartzler.
KOUTS. INDIANA
(Hopewell Congregation)
Dear Herald Readers :
Greetings of love in Jesus' name. Sunday
evening, May 2, closed the first series of revival
meetings held at English Lake conducted by
our pastor, Samuel Miller. Interest was good
and visible results were a number of confessions.
Just previous to these meetings, an elderly
couple was baptized and united with the Men-
nonite Church.
On January 24, thirteen young people were
received into the church at Kouts by baptism.
Services were conducted by our bishop, Paul
Mininger, and J. C. Wenger.
Gordon Schrag, Lowville. N.Y., delivered the
message on Jan. 17. On Sunday evening, Feb.
14, a quartet from Goshen College gave a pro-
gram, and on Tuesday evening, Feb. 16, a
Christian Life Conference was held with Etril
499
Leinbach as chairman. On Feb. 21, the Mes-
sengers Quartet from Flanagan, 111., accompan-
ied by tneir pastor, Euwin Stalter, gave the
evening program. March 28, Bro. Wilbur Yoder
delivered the morning message. On March 14,
Wilbur Hostetlers were with us and showed
pictures of the work in India, and on Friday,
April 9, Luke Birky showed pictures of the
work in Puerto Rico. These pictures give us a
clearer vision of the work and the needs in
other parts of the world.
We enjoyed an Easter sunrise service at the
church, wnen we worshiped and sang songs of
praise and glory to our Risen Lord. Alvin
±SecKer preached for us on April 25, and on
May 2 Willis Hallman of Vineiand, Ont., now
of Goshen, delivered the message. The same
evening a peace team from Goshen met with
us, and we received many ideas on our duties in
these critical times. On Sunday evening,
April 25, the Burr Oak congregation rendered
a program. We appreciate all these visitors
and do thank them.
We have at present seven young men in I-W •
service at several different places.
Bro. Jim Brownsberger, Wastville, Ind., is
giving one evening a week to instruct our young
people in singing. This is much appreciated.
We thank the Lord for all the spiritual and
temporal blessings that He so richly bestows
on ue.
Mrs. Lewis Birky.
MARK CENTER, OHIO
(Lost Creek Congregation)
Dear Herald Readers :
Greetings in the precious name of Jesus. We
are reminded of the words of the psalmist when
he said, "What is man, that thou art mindful
of himV and the son of man, that thou visitest
him?"
We are thankful for the different groups
that brought us Sunday evening programs —
groups from Jackson, Ohio ; Liberty, Mich.,
and Leo, Ind. We invite you all back again.
There were a number from this place that
helped in the meat-canning project at Archbold,
Ohio.
Our revival meetings were held March 14-21,
with Bro. William Miller, Crumstown, Ind.,
as evangelist. We thank God for men that
preach the Word without fear or favor of
men.
Eight young souls have accepted Jesus as
their personal Saviour and at present are re-
ceiving instructions and will be baptized in
the near future. We pray that each one will
be true and faithful to God and the church.
Three sisters from here had the privilege of
attending the annual meeting of the Ohio
Women's and Girls' Missionary Society. The
theme was "Broadening Our Horizons,'' and
was challenging to each one of us.
We desire an interest in the prayers of God's
people.
Mrs. Elmer Mullett.
PARNELL. IOWA
(West Union Congregation)
Dear Heeald Readers :
Greetings in Jesus' name : "O give thanks
unto the Lord, for he is good : for his mercy
eiidureth for ever."
We are thankful for the added ministerial
help when Bro. Herman Ropp was ordained
to the ministry on March 14. May the Lord
bless him in his ministry.
A number of our members who spent the
winter in the south have returned to their
homes. We are glad to have them in our wor-
ship service again. Also some of our shut-ins
are able to worship with us again since the re-
turn of warmer weather.
We have been having Sunday school or group
singing in the homes of our members that
are sick or shut-in during the Sunday-school
hour. This is enjoyed by the sick as well as
by those who are privileged to go to their
homes.
Plans have -been made for summer Bible
school beginning May 31.
We are looking forward to the Hammer
revival meetings in this community beginning
July 1. May we all pray earnestly that the
Lord might have His way.
Recently it was our privilege to have as
guest speakers Irene Weitert, a Christian who
lived under communist rule: Dr. Martha Ropp.
a French Mennonite doctor who served in Java,
and Grace Miller, who was in relief work in
Germany. We are made to wonder whether we
are as thankful to the Lord as we should be for
the many blessings we are enjoying.
Mrs. Roy L. Yoder.
500
TO BE NEAR TO GOD (Continued)
Friday, June 4
Road Ruth 1:17— Shall Death Part?
No, Ruth, not even death will part you and
Naomi. You will be a mother of a boy, and
his son way on down the line, generations
hence, will make it so that not even death
will part you and Mother Naomi. Ruth,
woman of faith, this "thy God" of whom you
spoke is "the God," the ELOHIM, the plural,
yet one, God. And One Person of the Plural-
ity will inhabit that descendant of yours. In
His sinless flesh will be placed your sins,
Naomi's sins, as well as all other sins, and
then He will, by His death, make offering
for those sins which are not His except that
they are His to carry away from God's sight.
He will lie in the grave, even as you and
Naomi and Boaz, but ere His flesh knows
corruption He will rise. You understand
down payments, Ruth. Well, His resurrec-
tion will be the down payment of yours also.
No, Ruth, by that descendant of yours, the
faithful may say, "Naught, not even death,
shall part thee and me." A little sleep at the
end of our weary day (and we shall need it),
then life, and His Presence, and ageless, un-
wearisome day.
Saturday, June 5
Read Luke 5:6-8— Depart from Me
We may know Jesus, or think we do, as
Peter thought he did. But here now was a
miracle, a mighty work. Peter was struck
full in the face by it. So towering was Jesus
that Peter saw his own sinfulness and need.
Surely sin and righteousness had about as
much business together as cleanliness and
dirt. Jesus, leave me; we two don't belong
together. You simply will suffer loss by as-
sociation.
Here, my friends, is a sinner's prayer which
will not be answered. Here is a sinner for
whom there is hope, for he knows exactly
what he is— a sinner. So Jesus is very reassur-
ing and stays right by him. Men surely did
not understand Jesus in His day. He did not
come for the righteous but to call sinners to
repentance. So to this repentant and self-
seeing sinner He said, "Fear not; from now
on you will catch men." Man says to God,
"Go, I am not worthy to remain in Thy pres-
ence," and the God-man replies, "You are
just what I want; I came for sinners. Where
I am there you may be also. I go to prepare
a place for you, and if I go I will come again
and receive you unto myself, that where I
am there you may also be."
Thus ended Peter's fruitless plea to the
Son of Man. How glad we are that the Son
of Man will not depart from the sons of men,
but will come in and make Himself at home
with us and take a meal. Blessed familiarity,
for I and my brethren are sinners all.
— J. Paul Sauder.
MISSION NEWS (Continued)
Bro. Luke Birky, La Plata, Puerto Rico,
will be speaking regarding the medical mis-
sion program in Puerto Rico at the Sunnyside
Church, Conneaut Lake, Pa., on Sunday
morning, May 30, and at the Midway
GOSPEL HERALD
Church, Columbiana, Ohio, in the evening.
He is also scheduled to speak at the Science
Ridge Church, Sterling, 111., on June 2; at
Alpha, Minn., on June 3; and at Manson,
Iowa, on June 4 en route to Mission Board
Meeting.
Bro. Roy Kreider writes from Israel: "To-
morrow I shall have a unique privilege to de-
liver a 20-minute sermon over Kol Israel, the
radio voice of Jerusalem. It is time granted
every month to Christians for a religious
broadcast. This station can be reached by a
large section of the Middle East. We have
the confidence that God will bless His Word.
Thank you for your prayers."
The M. C. Vogt family left Bombay, India,
for furlough on May 15, if previous plans
carried. They will be stopping in Palestine
and Europe en route home, leaving Amster-
dam, The Netherlands, on July 9. They have
been granted a "no objection to return" by
the Indian government.
Bro. J. G. Yoder, M.D., missionary on fur-
lough from India, spoke to the Men's Fellow-
ship of the Goshen College congregation, Go-
shen, Ind., on May 19 and to the semiannual
Christian Workers' Meeting held at the Mid-
dlebury, Ind., Mennonite Church on Sunday
afternoon, May 23.
Bro. Tobe Schmucker, Goshen, Ind., super-
intendent of the Hope Rescue Mission, South
Bend, Ind., has been asked by his local board
to give full time to the work of the mission.
Thirty evening meetings and 15 street meet-
ings were held in April. The total attendance
at the evening meetings reached 1351. Meals
served during the month totaled 927 and
lodging was provided for 308 persons.
FIELD NOTES (Continued)
Bro. and Sister Joseph Buzzard, Elkhart,
Ind., recently moved to Scottdale, Pa., where
Bro. Buzzard serves as treasurer of the Men-
nonite Publishing House. They will be fol-
lowed by their two children, Gerald and
Eileen, after school is over. Two other new
workers at the Publishing House are Tony
Blucas and James Cable, Hollsopple, Pa.
The Scottdale Bookstore of the Publishing
House held a summer Bible school workshop
for its local customers in the Scottdale Church
on Tuesday evening, May 25.
Two examples of books which keep on
selling year after year are "Church and Sun-
day School Hymnal" and "One Thousand
Questions and Answers," the latter by Daniel
Kauffman. No one has a total sales figure
since this popular songbook was first pub-
lished in 1902, but 15.000 have been sold
since 1949. A total of 27,000 of the Kauff-
Back numbers of
THE WAY
are available again. Minimum order:
500. Rate; '/>^ each. October, Novem-
ber, January, February, March, April
issues. State first and second choice.
Mennonite Publishing House
Scottdale, Pa.
May 25, 1954 I
man books have been sold during the past
forty-five years. New printings of both these '
books will be made during the next few I
months.
Communion services were held at the Pleas-
ant Hill Church, Peoria, 111., Sunday, May 9, I
Bro. J. N. Kaufman officiating.
Bro. Paul Mininger, president elect of Go- I
shen College, is scheduled to give the com- ,
mencement address at Tabor College. Hills- j
boro, Kans., on Thursday, May 27.
An auction sale, held recendy by the MYF !
of the Springs, Pa., congregation, netted |
about S600.00, which will be donated to re- 1
lief and mission purposes and the church
building fund of the local congregation. Bro.
I. Mark Ross. Hesston, Kans.. served as
auctioneer.
Announcements
Bible meetings at the Stouffer Church, near j
Edgemont, Md., Whit Monday, June 7, wi th
Donald Lauver, Oakland Mills, Pa., and W.
Banks Weaver, Bunkertown, Pa., as speakers.
Commencement at Western Mennonite
School, Salem, Oreg., with Pres. Roy D.
Roth, Hesston, Kans., as speaker, May 24.1
Sunday School and Bible meeting at Sunny-
side Mission, Lancaster, Pa., all day. May 30. |
Ascension Day meeting, May 27, at the
Gantz Church, Manheim, Pa., with sessions
morning, afternoon, and evening.
Services for the ordination of a minister at
the Stouffer Church. Edgemont, Md., June 1, j
9:00 a.m. D.S.T.
"The Home God Meant Supports the
Church" is the topic for the young people's
Bible meeting held at Hess Church. Lititz,
Pa., May 30, with Paul D. Angstadt. Werners-
ville, Pa., as speaker. An essay, "Can Youth
Serve?" will be given by Ann Angstadt.
Annual Ascension Day meeting of the
Johnstown District churches at the Johns-
town, Pa., Church all day. May 27.
Loyalty Conference at Columbia, Pa., Mis-
sion, Saturday evening. May 29, and all day
Sunday following. Speakers; Harold G. Esh-
leman and Ernest G. Gehman, Harrisonburg,
Va.
Fiftieth anniversary meeting at the Fair-
view, Mich., Church, June 19, 20.
Ordination services for a minister for the
Cambridge congregation, near Honey Brook.
Pa., at the Weaverland Meetinghouse, East
Earl, Pa., June 3.
The Menno Singers, a group of men from
the Elkhart, Ind.. community, will give a
program of sacred music at the Pleasant View
Church, North Lawrence, Ohio, at 8:00 p.m
D.S.T., May 29.
Visiting Speakers
May 9. Alvin Kauffman, Hesston, Kans.
at Pleasant Valley, Harper, Kans. B. Charle:
Hostetter, Harrisonburg, Va., at Martins
burg. Pa.
May 16. Abner Stoltzfus, Atglen, Pa., tt
Wesley Chapel, Newark, Del. John Friesen
missionary to India, at Pleasant Valley, Harp
er, Kans.
Evangelistic Meetings
The Howard Hammer evangelistic cam
paign, previously announced for the Uppe;
District, Franconia Conference this fall, i
postponed, but plans are underway for 1955
May 25, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
501
CHURCH HISTORY (Continued)
ed membership the next year, 1879, was
483. Page 79. By 1909 the reported
membership had increased to 949. Page
151.
The last session of the Kansas-Nebras-
ka Conference was held Aug. 2-4, 1920,
at the Spring Valley Church, near Can-
ton, Kansas, the same congregation
where the first session had been held.
D. H. Bender served as moderator and
C. D. Yoder, son-in-law of R. J. Heat-
wole the first secretary, served as secre-
tary. Since the (old) Mennonite confer-
ences west of the Mississippi overlapped,
and since it was more difficult to travel
north and south than east and west, each
conference chose several brethren who
met with the representatives of the other
conferences and together they effected a
redistricting of the conferences. In 1921
the new conferences met and most of the
congregations that had formerly been in
the Kansas-Nebraska Conference were
now in the Missouri-Kansas, later known
as the South Central Conference.— Men-
nonite Historical Bulletin.
OUR SCHOOLS (Continued)
ticing words of man's wisdom, but in dem-
onstration of the Spirit and of power: that
your faith should not stand in the wisdom of
men, but in the power of God. . . . For what
man knoweth the things of a man, save the
spirit of man which is in him? even so the
things of God knoweth no man, but the
Spirit of God. Now we have received, not
the spirit of the world, but the spirit which
is of God; that we might know the things
that are freely given to us of God. Which
things also we speak, not in the words which
man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy
Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things
with spiritual" (I Cor. 2:4-13). And then
again he says, "But he that is rpirita?! :udg-
eth all things, yet he himself is Judged ot no
man" (I Cor. 2:15). Prayer unlocks the door
to heavenly wisdom, for the power of dis-
cernment, for divine guidance. Youth needs
a Master and a Guide. Youth needs the
stabilizing power of prayer.
But someone may raise the question, "Is all
of our modern culture evil?" Surely what is
good in this world we do not want to re-
ject. We appreciate the cultural heritage of
our civilization. We today enjoy the fruits of
man's scientific development, the modern
conveniences, the schools, the roads, the
music and art, our hospitals and institutions.
We do not need to deny ourselves of what is
good simply because the majority are enjoy-
ing the same advantages. Yet we must care-
fully sift and evaluate these modern devices
in the light of the principles of the Word in
order to be adequately assure^ if a safe de-
velopment of character, and the assurance of
a final destiny.
By what methods or means shall we at-
tempt to develop the objectives set forth thus
far in our discussion? Any good program of
training will of necessity include guidance.
Guidance today where it has been developed
most fully functions in several directions. The
first step is getting acquainted with the in-
dividual. In a large school it becomes diffi-
cult to know each individual student as he
should be known. A guidance expert is
hardly adequate. Students should feel the
family spirit somewhat that prevails in a
home. Not one but many teachers should
take into confidence the different students.
Perhaps each teacher might be assigned a cer-
tain number of students to look after and to
keep in his interest. He could serve as a
counselor, having in his mind and heart their
spiritual as well as their natural life interests.
He would work to impress his students with
the necessity of a strong devotional life and
the effort to become well adjusted and well
balanced. Guidance strives to enable every
youth to achieve economic, social, and moral
competence.
Christian schools can well afford to place
special emphasis on their guidance programs
since this is the major purpose of their ex-
istence, to lead young men and women into
a fuller relationship with God in order to be
of greater value to Him and to the society in
which we live.
To insure the proper Bible emphasis in our
schools there needs to be a threefold attack.
One will be the devotional periods, chapel
services, Gospel meetings, and expression ac-
tivities in Christian service. The personal
blessing that comes from all of these is an
invaluable asset to every student. Secondly,
there needs to be a Bible emphasis in all of
the academic subjects of the curriculum. For,
after all, all wisdom and knowledge is cen-
tered in Christ. "The fear of the Lord is the
beginning [foundation] of wisdom." This
type of indirect learning is one of the strong-
est means of teaching at our command. His-
tory, geography, science, language, music,
mathematics, can all be used as effective
means to teach God's plan for man and to
show the beauty that lies in His creation.
Then, in the third place, there will need to
be direct Bible study in which the Word of
God itself is studied as a book, as the Book
of Books, with a breaking down into chap-
ters and verses to try to get from it the mes-
sage of God for us today. This type of ap-
proach will unfold rare literary gems, divine
principles, rich biography, and history. The
orations of Isaiah and the music of the Psalms
will challenge the finest cultural tastes of any
lover of the finer things. The dramatic story
of the Gospels, the doctrinal truths of the
Epistles, and the predictions of the second
coming of Christ will stir the deepest emo-
tions and call for a positive answer in the
heart of the student. Surely he will be able
to meet life better and be more able to un-
derstand the purpose of it all. This three-
fold approach in our schools is a threefold
cord that cannot easily be broken.
Hollsopple, Pa.
MARRIAGES
May the blessings of God be upon the homes
established by the marriages here listed. A year's
subscription to the GOSPEL HERALD is given to those
whose address is supplied by the officiating minister.
Alderfer — Kerr. — Stanley Alderfer, Perkio-
menville, Pa., congregation, and Mae Kerr, Skip-
pack, Pa., congregation, by Abram G. Metz at
the Skippack Church, May 1, 1954.
Bowman — Gingerich. — Leonard Bowman, St.
Jacobs, Ont, and Dorothy Gingerich, Zurich,
Ont., by Albert Martin, assisted by Urie Bender,
at the Zurich Mennonite Church, April 3, 1954.
Burkliolder — Zimmerman ; Burkholder — Zim-
merman.— Jacob S. Burkholder and Martha Zim-
merman, both of the Metzler congregation near
Akron, Pa.
Ivan S. Burkholder and Esther Zimmerman,
both of the Metzler congregation near Akron,
Pa. This was a double wedding by Mahlon
Witmer, May 8, 1954.
Byler — Yoder. — Albin Byler, Middlefield, Ohio,
and Martha Arlene Yoder, Greenwood, Del., by
Nevin V. Bender at the C.A. Mennonite Church,
Greenwood, Nov. 26, 1953.
Grieser — Wyse. — Paul Grieser and Evelyn
Wyse, both of Central congregation, Archbold,
Ohio, by Jesse J. Short at the Central Church,
March 20. 1954.
King — Reber. — Ellis King, Pleasant Valley
congregation, Harper, Kans., and Ruth Reber,
Crystal Springs, Kans., congregation, by D.
Lowell Nissley at the Crystal Springs Church,
April 2, 1954.
Russel — Miller. — Clinton B. Russel and Elsie
L. Miller, both of Greenwood, Del., by Nevin
V. Bender at the C. A. Mennonite Church,
Greenwood, Dec. 18, 1953.
Stalter — Hochstedler. — James Philip Stalter,
Roanoke congregation, Eureka, 111., and Alta
Marie Hochstedler, Howard-Miami Mennonite
Church, Kokomo, Ind., by E. J. Hochstedler,
father of the bride, at the Howard-Miami
Church, May 9, 1954.
Weaver — Mininger. — Herman R. Weaver, Go-
shen College congregation, Goshen, Ind., and
Grace Eleanor Mininsrer, North Goshen con-
gregation, by Paul Mininger, father of the
bride, assisted by F. W. Weaver, father of the
groom, at the North Goshen Mennonite Church,
May 8. 1954.
BIRTHS
The current appropriation of fifty-six bil-
lion for the military will swallow up a fifty-
thousand-dollar farm every thirty seconds. —
A. J. Metzler.
'Lo. children are an heritage of the Lord" (Ps. 127:3a).
Alderfer, Russell and Gladys (Henning), Har-
leysville, Pa., third child, second daughter, Mar-
cia Christine, March 15, 1954.
Allebach, Clyde and Verna (Stauffer), Mena-
hga, Minn., sixth child, second son, Rod-
ney Lee, May 3, 1954.
Beam, William and Ada (Hertzler), Elverson,
Pa., ninth child, third daughter, Frances Eileen,
April 17, 1954.
Bowman, Linden R. and Rosalie (Harman),
Park View, Harrisonburg, Va., first child, De-
lores Jean, April 20, 1954.
Good, Ira M. and Ruth (Weaver), Lititz, Pa.,
seventh son, Linford W., April 22, 1954.
Headings, Roy J. and Elsie (Hostetler),
Springfield, Oreg., fifth child, fifth son. Robert
Earl, Feb. 19. 1954.
Kauffman, LeRoy J. and Mary (Lehman),
Hutchinson, Kans., first child, Linda Jane,
April 25, 1954.
Knechel, Frank A. and Kathryn (Heebner),
Telford, Pa., fourth child, second son, Kenneth,
May 4, 1954.
Knechel, Harold A. and Gladys (Moyer).
Telford, Pa., first child, a son Jeryl, Jan. 18,
Landis, Curtis L. and Doris (Derstme), Tel-
ford, Pa., second child, first son, David Glenn,
April 30. 1954.
LeFever, Harold and Mary (Hess), Lititz, Pa.,
first child. Lois Ann. April 15, 1954.
Lefever, John M. and Nora (Herehey),
Quarryville, Pa., second child, Lois Ruth. April
4. 1954.
502
GOSPEL HERALD
May 25, 1954
Miller. Clarence and Ethel (Kandel), Ritt-
man. Ohio, fourth child, first son. Donald
Wayne, May 4, 1954.
Miller, Merlin and Leona (Miller), Fentress,
Va fourth child, first daughter, Joyce Linette,
May 1, 1954. „
Miller Victor V. and Eva (Mishler). Seney,
Mich., fifth child, fourth son, Phillip Ray,
April ' 30, 1954. •. ...
Moshier, Norman J. and Irene (Gingench),
Lowville. N.Y., fourth child, third son. Nor-
man James, April 16, 1954 (The baby was
born 7 weeks after his father s death )
Mover, Lester K. and Pearl (Styer). Shelly,
Pa., fifth child, third daughter, Mary Jane,
APp?ai£yfjohn A. and Martha (Byler), Belle-
ville, Pa., first child, Virginia Lois. April 2A,
19Reeder. Henry S. and Marjorie (Kropf),
Halsey, Oreg., third child, first daughter, Cbar-
lene June, April 26, 1954.
Troyer. Cleo and Feme (Fisher) Kalona
Iowa, third child, third son, Randall Jay, April
9g 1954
~ Weaver, Raymond and Mary Belle (Balser),
Waynesboro, Va., first child, Jane Elizabeth,
April 30, 1954. . . -
Wyse, Charles and Patricia (Short). Arch-
bold, Ohio, second child, David Lee, May b,
1954
Zehr, Edmund and Miriam (Kuhns), Beatrice,
Nebr., second child, second son, Clark Daniel,
May 2, 1954. . ...
Zehr, Robert and Vivian (Guengerich), Mid-
dletown, Conn., first child, Lynn Allen, May
5 1954
"Zimmerman. Wayne and Twila (Blough),
Hollsopple, Pa., a son, Donald Wayne born
Vug 13 1952; a daughter, Judith Elaine,
born Sept. 16, 1953. By adoption
Zimmerman. Willis and Lucy (Musser) East
Earl Pa., fifth child, third daughter. Helen
M., April 25, 1954.
ANNIVERSARIES
Gunther.— Bro. and Sister Adam Gunther
celebrated their golden wedding anniversary on
May 11 1943, in their back yard, with most
of the Pleasant Hill congregation present. Ten
years later Bro. Gunther was sick and only a
few of their friends gathered with them He
recovered very nicely and on May 11, 11)04.
they celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary.
They have one adopted daughter, Charlotte, at
home. May the Lord bless their remaining years
as He has the past.
OBITUARIES
May the sustaining grace and comfort of our Lord
bless these who are bereaved.
Buckwalter, Marian Ruth, daughter of Robert
mid Faith (Steffv) Buckwalter, was born Sept.
22 1953, at Wellsville, N.Y. : was called
home April 6, 1954 ; aged 6 m. 15 d. After hav-
ing tonsillitis and swollen glands for about a
month, she contracted pneumonia which re-
sulted in death at the same hospital where she
wax born. Her parents and 6 brothers and
sisters (Linda, Robert, Jr., Judith, Joyce, John,
and Leon) miss her. Also surviving are her
grandmother (Mrs. Martha Buckwalter, Lan-
caster, Pa.), her grandparents (Mr. and Mrs.
Noah Steffy, Leacock, Pa.), and her great-
grandparents (Mr. and Mrs. Benj. Denlinger.
Lititz, Pa.) Funeral services were held at
York's Corners Mennonite Church, April 9.
conducted by Ivan Smoker, Harold Thomas, and
Richard Buckwalter. with burial in the adjoin-
ing cemetery.
Burkholder, Andrew Levi, son of Levi M. ana
Ethel 15. Burkholder, Phoenix, Ariz., was born
prematurely March IS, 1951 ; died the same day.
Besides his parents, he is survived by a sister
(Elizabeth Ann) and his grandparents (Mr.
and Mrs. William Boyer, Phoenix, Ariz., and
Mr. and Mrs. Moses E. Burkholder. Middlefield,
Ohio). Graveside services were held at the Rest
Haven Cemetery near Glendale, Ariz., by the
pastor, Melvin L. Ruth.
Emenheiser, Reuben E., son of the late Ben-
jamin and Elizabeth (Keller) Emenheiser, was
born in York Co., Pa„ Feb. 17. 1877 ; passed
away at his home near Elizabethtown, Pa.,
April 1, 1954, after a lingering illness of a
heart condition ; aged 77 y. 1 m. 14 d. When
a young man he came to Lancaster Co., Pa.
On Dec. 23, 1900, he was married to Barbara
S. Ginder, after which they together united
with the Mennonite Church and remained faith-
ful members until death. She passed away
Dec. 18, 1929. To this union 7 children were
born, 5 dying in infancy. Two grew to maturity,
but the last one, Benjamin, died Feb. 6. 1953.
On March 9. 1932, he married Katie B. Zim-
merman. This union was blessed with one
son, who also died at the age of 7 years. He is
survived by his wife, 2 grandchildren. 2 great-
grandchildren, a brother (Frank, Quincy. Pa.),
and a host of nieces and nephews. Funeral serv-
ices were held at the Mt. Pleasant Brethren in
Christ Church, April 5, by Graybill Wolgemuth
and Noah Risser. Paul Emenheiser. a nep-
hew, had closing prayer. Interment was made
in the adjoining cemetery.
Graber, Samuel. Jr., son of the late John
R and Mary (Stoll) Graber. was born in
Daviess Co.. Ind.. Dec. 14, 1899; died in an
automobile accident at a grade crossing near
his home, April 9, 1954; aged 54 y. 3 m. 25 d.
On March 1, 1928, he was married to Caroline
Kemp, who survives. To this union were born
3 sons and one daughter (James, who also met
his death in the same accident : Ben. Indianap-
olis, Ind.; John and Mildred, at home). Also
surviving are 3 brothers (Peter and Amos, of
Loogootee: and Jacob. Odon, Ind.). Four sis-
ters (Hannah, Lydia, Rebecca, and Leah) pre-
ceded him in death. In his young manhood he
affiliated with the O.O. Amish Church. In
recent years he transferred to the .v raish Men-
nonite Church where he held his membership at
the time of his death.
Graber, James, son of Samuel, Jr.. and Caro-
line (Kemp) Grab°r, was born in Daviess
Co., Ind., Jan. 2, 1930; died in an automobile
accident which also took the life of his father,
at a grade crossing near his home, April 9, 1954 :
aged 24 y. 3 m. 7 d. He is survived by his
mother, 2 brothers and one sister (Ben. of In-
dianapolis, Ind. ; John and Mildred, who
live at home), his grandfather (Samuel Kemp.
Loogootee. Ind.), 7 uncles, and one aunt. He
was baptized and received into church fellow-
ship of the Berea Mennonite Church, where
he held membership at the time of his death.
A double funeral was held at the Berea
Mennonite Church, Montgomery. Ind., April
11. conducted bv David Graber, Wm. Yoder. and
Edd P. Shrock. with burial in the adjoining
cemetery.
Lehman. Salcme. daughter of Jacob and Eliza-
beth (Kreider) Buzzard, was born near Goshen.
Ind., Nov. 21, 1872; died May 4. 1954. after
having been confined to her bed for nearly five
years ; aged 81 y. 5 m. 13 d. In her early
vears she accepted Christ as her Saviour and
united with the Yellow Creek Mennonite Church,
where she worshiped and served her Lord faith-
fully. On Nov. 20, 1892, she was united in mar-
riage to Simeon Lehman, who preceded her
in death Jan. 15, 1937. To this union were bom
8 children (Howard, who died in infancy :
Arthur, Wakarusa, Ind.; Ruth — Mrs. Enos
Mumaw. Elkhart. Ind.; Hazel— Mrs. Floyd
Weaver. Goshen. Ind. : Joseph, Arehbold, Ohio :
Edna — Mrs. William Kauffman. Mt. Ayr. Ind. ;
and Wilbur. Nappanee, Ind). She is also sur-
vived by 18 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchil-
dren, and 2 brothers (Alph and John, Goshen,
Ind.). Besides raising her own family, she
also took into her home and cared for a number
of other individuals at different times, and for
various lengths of time. Services were held at
the Yellow Creek Mennonite Church with
Ralph R. Smucker and Peter B. Wiebe in
charge. Burial was made in the adjoining ceme-
tery. _ „ . ,,
Mast. Wilmer J., son of Isaac ( . and Lydia
(Stolrzfns) Mast, was born Nov. 4. 1924:
passed away Sept. S, 1953, in Lancaster General
Hospital, two hours after being injured in an
automobile accident; aged 28 y. 10 m. 4 d.
He is survived bv his parents, one sister (Eliza-
beth), and 2 brothers (John and Samuel).
Funeral services were held at the Millwood
Church. Sept. 11. in charge of Noah Hershey
and LeRov Stoltzfus.
Myers. Clara, daughter of the late Henry
and Alma fDollman) Weldy, was born June 2.
1RSS. near Wnkarusa. Ind.; died at the Goshen
Hospital, May 9. 1951; aged 65 v 11 m. 7 d.
On Dec. 29, 1900, she was married to Aaron
Myers. To this anion was born 7 sons and 3
daughters, all of whom survive (Mabel — Mrs.
John Yoder. Elkhart. Ind. j Kenneth and Harold.
New Paris. Ind. ; Lowell, Jerome, Mich. ; Ros-
coe. Bertha — Mrs. Ivan Martin. Forrest.
Maxine — Mrs. Franklin Newcomer. Warren, and
Robert, all of Goshen). Also surviving are 38
grandchildren and the following brothers and
sisters (Noah, Sarasota. Fla. ; Cornelius. Anna
— Mrs. Oliver Loucks. Emma Mullet, and a
foster sister. Delia — Mrs. Mahlon Weaver, all
of Wakarusa). One brother, one sister, and 4
grandchildren preceded her in death. She had
been in failing health for the past 5 years,
bedfast 3 weeks. Death was caused by com-
plications. Early in youth she accepted Christ as
her Saviour and united with the Mennonite
Church, in which faith she died. Funeral serv-
ices were held at the Yellow Creek Mennonite
Church with Ralph R. Smucker and Peter B.
Wiebe in charge. Interment was made in the
adjoining cemetery.
Nofziger, Levi, son of David and Barbara Nof-
ziger, was born near Arehbold, Ohio. Feb. 27.
1879 ; departed this life at his home in Arch-
bold, April 1, 1954, after a few hours' illness
due to a heart attack ; aged S4 y. 1 m. 4 d. On
Dec. 8, 1892, he was united in marriage with
Lizzie Riegsecker, who passed away Dec. 15.
1939. To this union were born 4 sons and 2
daughters (William, of Arehbold ; Ira. Wauseon.
Ohio ; Cora — Mrs. Menno Maust, and Herma —
Mrs. Oscar Gautsche. both of Arehbold ; Floyd,
of Wauseon; and Jesse, Goshen. Ind.). His
passing away is mourned by his children, espe-
cially by his daughter Cora who for the last 31
years, after the death of her husband, cared
for her parents ; also 23 grandchildren, 17 great-
grandchildren, and 3 sisters (Lizzie — Mrs.
Simeon Grieser, Emma — Mrs. Solomon Short,
and Sarah, all of this vicinity), besides a hosr
of other relatives and friends. There preceded
him in death his companion, one grandchild. 3
great-grandchildren, 2 brothers (Jacob and
Samuel), and 2 sisters (Mary — Mrs. Jacob
Short, and Katie — Mrs. Samuel Sauder). In hi«
youth he accepted Christ as his personal Saviour,
uniting with the Central Mennonite Church,
where he remained faithful. His place was
seldom vacant, and he was present at the serv-
ices the last Sunday of his life. Funeral services
were held at the Central Mennonite Church in
charge of Jesse Short, P. L. Frey. and Henry
Wyse.
Oswald. Sevilla. daughter of Simon D. and
Mary (Keim) Trover, was born in Holmes
Co., Ohio. March 11. 18S0 ; died April 24.
1954 ; aged 74 y. 1 m. 13 d. She was in ill
health for two years, having been bedfast for
the last two months. On June 2. 1S97, she
was united in marriage to Albert W. Oswa'd.
who preceded her in death March 10. 1937.
To this union were born 3 eons (Archie, at
home; Oscar, of Farmerstown ; and Wood row]
of Bunker Hill) and 2 daughters (Mrs. Rus-
sell Sheneman, of Sugarcreek ; and Mrs. Clif-
ford Gilsou. of the home). She leaves to mourn
her departure her 5 children. 18 grandchildren.
1 great-grandchild, and 2 sisters (Mrs. Adam
Oswald, of Berlin ; and Mrs. Annas Miller, of
Elkhart. Intl.). One brother and one sister pre-
ceded her in death. She united with the
Walnut Creek Mennonite Church in her early
youth and remained a member there until ten
years ago. when she transferred her membership
to the Berlin Church. Funeral services were
he'd at the Berlin Church, in charge of D. D.
Miller and Simon Sommer. with interment in
the Walnut Creek Cemetery.
Salt/man. Barbara, daughter of Joseph and
Christina (Eicher) Stalter. was born Feb. 15.
1S68, near Gridley. 111.; passed awav at her
home in Flanagan. 111.. May 7. 1954. after
a lingering illness of more than three years :
aged 87 y. 2 m. 22 d. On Nov. 10. 1887. she
was united in marriage with Peter SaUzman.
who preceded her in death Nov. 10. 1921. To
this union were born 7 children, 2 of whom
preceded her in death in infancy. The follow-
ing survive (Mrs. Roy Harfzler. Minonk. HI.:
Clara, at home; Mrs. Will Yordv and Mrs
Noah Eigsti. of Flanagan : and Raymond, of
Minonk). Besides her children, she leaves IS
grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and one
brother (John Stalter. of GridleyV She be-
came a member of the Waldo Mennonite ChuTh
in her youth, remaining a faithful member
through life and having been a member of
this church for about seventy years. Funeral
services were held at the Waldo Mennonite
Church in charge of J. D. Harrzler. assisted by
E. J. Stalter. Interment was made in the
Waldo Cemetery.
Sbetler, Daniel Nafszlnger. son of the late
Lewis and Lvdia (Nafsr/ngerl Shetler. was
born June 10. 1SS0. at Hollsopple. Pa.: rt'ed
April 10, 1954, at the home of his daughter.
Ruth: axed 7:5 v. 10 m. 0 d. In Mav. 190^ he
was married to Lucy Weaver, who preceded him
May 2 y, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD 503
Feel the
pulse
of Europe's
people
A Relief Worker's Notebook
Norman A. Wingert
Heart-stirring glimpses into
shaken Europe. This author tells
with deep human insight
these scrapbook incidents
of his experience as
a relief worker. Something
to make you think—
and
wonder. $1.00
Revival
centers
within
OU) TIM/
REVIVAL*
Mennonite
Publishing
House
Scottdale
Pennsylvania
Old Time Revival Again
T. K. Hershey
This writer presents the conditions
necessary for true revival.
He exemplifies early
evangelists— their methods
and results, pitfalls
and successes. It leads to a
plea for and an aid to
true revival
again in every heart. $1.75
in death in July, 1925. Surviving are 3 chil-
dren (Clayton, Hoiisopple, Pa. ; Ruth, at
home; and Dwight, Johnstown, Pa.), one
sister (Mary Shenk, Atglen, Pa.), and 8 grand-
children. He was preceded in death by a daugh-
ter (Erina) and 2 brothers (Jacob and William).
He became a member of the Mennonite Church
in 1907, and remained faithful until the end,
holding his membership with the Kaufman
congregation, where he served as a Sunday-
school teacher for many years. Funeral serv-
ices were conducted at the Kaufman Church,
April 19, in charge of Harry Y. Shetler, Harry
C. Biough, and Irvin M. Holsopple. Interment
was made in the Kaufman Cemetery.
Stauffer, Minnie M., second daughter of
Abram and Lizzie Hernley, was born near Man-
heim, Pa., July 11, 18S7 ; died near West Linn,
Oreg., of cancer. April 17, 1954 ; aged 6G y.
9 m. 6 d. On Oct. 10. 1911, she was married
to Elmer E. Stauffer. She leaves to mourn her
departure her husband and the following chil-
dren (Mrs. Mary Menchel, Mrs. Martha John-
son, and Paul, Portland, Oreg. ; Mrs. Grace
Hatfield, Mrs. Clara Griffiths, and Chester, near
Portland, Oreg. ; David, West Linn, Oreg. ; and
Wesley. Prospect, Oreg.), also grandchildren,
and friends. Funeral services were held in
Oregon City Funeral Parlor with James Bucher
and N. A. Lind officiating. Burial was made
in the Hopewell Mennonite Church Cemetery
near Hubbard, Oreg., of which congregation
she was a member.
Yoder, Sharon Lee, daughter of Rollin and
Edna (Shantz) Yoder, Eagleeham, Alta., was
born March 28, 1954; passed away April 24,
1954; aged 27 days. Her death was caused by
pneumonia. On this earth she leaves her father
and mother, one brother (Clifford), a sister
(Yvonne), and her twin sister (Shirley), her
grandmother (Mrs. C. D. Yoder, Windom,
Kans. ), and grandparents (Mr. and Mrs. Sam
Shantz (Geneva, Nebr.), 5 uncles, 5 aunts, and
other relatives and friends. Funeral services
were in charge of D. D. Brenneman, assisted
by Loyal Roth.
THE BOOK SHELF
Books reviewed in these columns may be ordered
from the Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale, Pa.
Manners and Customs of Bible Lands, by
Fred H. Wight; Moody Press; 1953; 336 pp.;
$4.00.
This is a book in everyday language giving
the manners, customs, and background of
Biblical lands, including Palestine, Syria,
t Egypt, Sinai Peninsula, and the desert lands
to the south in relation to the Bible.
Here is a fine book in helping to under-
I stand the Bible. It is especially for those who
are not conversant with Bible encyclopedias
and reference works on Biblical life. The
contents are very extensive and inclusive in
! general interest.
Basic in the groundwork is that the orien-
tal people live and even today think different-
ly than the people of the west.
Included is information on customs at
mealtime, foods, houses, the position of par-
ents, marriage, illness, oriental hospitality,
funerals, birth of children, and many other
interesting facets of Biblical life. Since many
of these customs and practices are still fol-
lowed today, an understanding of today's
practices aids greatly.
Here is an example. "Because dogs were
so often regarded as mere scavengers, the
Bible does not use the word 'dog' as Western-
ers are accustomed to thinking of this animal.
The price of a dog was never brought to the
house of the Lord (Deut. 23:18). To call
anybody 'a dog' was to consider him as very
low down indeed (Rev. 22:15). The attitude
of the oriental toward dogs needs to be kept
in mind in interpreting the Scriptures which
refer to them" (page 269).
On pages 129, 130, for instance, is a good
explanation of the difference between betroth-
al and marriage. This explains the relation
of Joseph and Mary in the familiar virgin
birth account.
There are quite a number of illustrations
which help very much in understanding this
material. This book might well be used as
a text for midweek Bible study, or for general
reference reading. The average student in-
terested in the Bible will be able to read page
after page simply because of the general in-
terest. The book should by all means be in-
cluded in libraries. — Ford Berg.
504
GOSPEL HERALD
YOUR PUBLISHING HOUSE
May 25, 1954
Bv A. J. Metzler, Publishing Agent
Weaver Book Store, Lancaster
12. Book Stores
Of the five stores outside Scottdale, all but one were founded by others,
are our retail stores:
The following
Name
Mennonite
Weaver
Weaver
Golden Rule
Herald
Gospel
Location
Scottdale
New Holland
Lancaster
Kitchener
Souderton
Goshen
When acquired
or founded by
Pub. House
1908
1927
1927
1937
1939
1942
J 953
Sales
58,857
19,305
139,198
86,974
73,867
57,884
Branch stores are maintained for two primary purposes: First, to make possible better
service to many in our own constituency; second, to provide an opportunity to serve many
beyond our own circle. Consideration has been given to opening other stores in thickly
settled Mennonite centers, but our expansion otherwise has made this impractical thus tar.
We have made major alterations at the Kitchener store during the last year and at Goshen
the year previous. We own all our own store buildings except the one at New Holland.
Gospel Book Store, Goshen
Golden Rule Book Store, Kitchener
Herald Book Store, Souderton
ITEMS and COMMENTS
Whatever else may be involved in the case
of J. Robert Oppenheimer, it is evident that
he illustrates the dilemma of our modern
scientists. These men whose researches have
produced the various nuclear bombs realize
that there is more than science involved in
their work. There are moral implications
which they cannot evade. Oppenheimer said,
in his statement to the AEC: "In some crude
sense, which no vulgarity, no humor, no
overstatement can quite extinguish, the
physicists have known sin and this is a
knowledge which they cannot lose." He
was speaking concerning their reactions to the
production of the first atomic bomb. Oppen-
heimer is being suspected of Communist
sympathies in some delay in the preparation
of the H-bomb, but there may be another
H J a 3
explanation. Time magazine says that he
opposed the doctrine "that the main reliance
of the United States in preventing the wai
or in winning the war was the capability ot
retaliation against Russia with the most ef
fective atomic weapons that can be built.'
Certainly a man should have some credit foi
such a moral sense.
"Ill hi 0f>¥ 0 i HO
•JAV NJUfiaOOJ* U9t
vo 1 in 1 n ? 1 1 rr
GOSPEL HERifflD
'In the defence and confirmation of the gospel" "How beautiful are the feet of them that prea^W^pel of peace
VOLUME XLVII .
TUESDAY, JUNE 1, 1954
-NUMBER 22
God Calls All to Repentance
By M. M. Troyer
Except ye repent, ye shall . . . perish.-
Luke 13:3.
The Lord is . . . not willing that any
should perish, but that all should come
to repentance— II Peter 3:9.
What Is Repentance?
The word "repent" as used in the Eng-
lish language of the Old Testament is
translated from several different Hebrew
words. Sometimes it means "to sigh" or
"to grieve." God is sometimes represent-
ed as repenting, as in Gen. 6:6, "And it
repented the Lord that he had made man
on the earth, and it grieved him at his
heart." God is always deeply grieved be-
cause of the sinful living of man. Some-
times the word "repent" refers to a
change in God's intended course of ac-
tion toward man. When the people of
Nineveh changed their attitude toward
sinful living, the king charged them to
"turn every one from his evil way, and
from the violence that is in their hands"
(Jonah 3:8). "God saw their works, that
they turned from their evil way; and God
repented of the evil, that he had said
that he would do unto them; and he did
it not" (Jonah 3:10).
The prophets frequently used the
word "repent" in the sense of "to turn"
or "to return." It implied a personal
radical change in attitude toward God
and sin with resulting pardon and rich
spiritual blessing from God. The great
message of Isaiah in chapter 55 illus-
trates this beautifully. Note especially
verse 7, "Let the wicked forsake his way,
and the unrighteous man his thoughts:
and let him return unto the Lord, and he
will have mercy upon him; and to our
God, for he will abundantly pardon."
In the New Testament, the Greek
word, metamelomai, translated "repent"
has the meaning of regret or remorse.
Note the following: "Then Judas, which
had betrayed him, when he saw that he
was condemned, repented himself, and
brought again the thirty pieces of silver
to the chief priests and elders, saying, I
have sinned in that I have betrayed the
innocent blood" (Matt. 27:3, 4). Paul in
writing to the brethren in Corinth re-
ferred to his first letter, "For even if I
made you sorry with my letter, I do not
regret it" (II Cor. 7:8, RSV) or, "I do not
repent" (AV).
The word "repent" as used by John
the Baptist, Jesus, His apostles, and usu-
ally by Paul, is the Greek word, meta-
noeo. It expresses all included above:
grieving, turning, returning, and re-
morse. It expresses the complete change
implied in a sinner's coming to and be-
ing accepted by God. The real experi-
ence of repentance in its full process im-
plies man's deep feeling of regret for his
own sinful being and conduct, his readi-
ness to correct and restore his error in as
much as possible, his faith in the grace of
God through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ
on the cross, and a separation from a life
that ignores God or is set against Him.
On the part of God, there is remission
and forgiveness of the guilt of sin and
an acceptance of the repenting sinner as
his own dear child. "To all who received
him, who believed in his name, he gave
power to become children of God"
(John 1:12, RSV).
Repentance is positive in the sense of
the sinner's turning to God, and it is
negative in his turning from sin. These
two concepts with the resulting expres-
sion of that change are inseparable and
;tre complementary. "Ye turned to God
from idols to serve the living and true
God" (I Thess. 1:9). The reality of re-
pentance is manifest in a life that is lived
in happy relationship with God and
fruitful service among men. Repentance
has for the sinner an initial experience.
It has for the child of God a progressive
experience of growing separation unto
Him and from all that is worthless and
evil.
God Calls to Repentance
For a vivid description of the awful
corruption of every one of us humans, if
not having benefit of true repentance,
note the following: "dead in trespasses
and sins; wherein in time past ye walked
according to the course of this world, ac-
cording to the prince of the power of the
air, the spirit that now worketh in the
children of disobedience: among whom
also we all had our conversation in times
past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling
the desires of the flesh and of the mind;
and were by nature the children of
wrath, even as others" (Eph. 2: 1-3).
Man in spiritual deadness and corrup-
tion is not happy nor content. He is ever
so miserable, even often despairing of
life itself. Of himself he can never rise
to spiritual understanding, life, and
blessing of fellowship with God. But
God, in His compassionate love and mer-
cy, makes the first move. The writers of
the first three Gospels were each led to
record the statement of Jesus that He
came to call sinners to repentance. God,
through the words and works of Christ
and through the Holy Spirit, presents
His call to individuals through many and
varied ways. It may be through the
teaching and influence of godly parents
and Christian home life. It may be
through the direct effort of the Christian
worker in one of varied church activi-
ties. It may be through severe disap-
pointment, illness, or dreadful tragedy.
It may be through personal Bible read-
ing, or many other ways that God in His
infinite goodness gives His call. "Despis-
est thou the riches of his goodness and
forbearance and longsuffering; not know-
ing that the goodness of God leadeth thee
to repentance?" The life and right atti-
tude of every servant of God, which
means every Christian, has much to do
with making it possible for God to call
lost souls to repentance. "Have nothing
to do with stupid, senseless controversies;
you know that they breed quarrels. And
the Lord's servant must not be quarrel-
some but kindly to every one, an apt
teacher, forbearing, correcting his op-
ponents with gentleness. God may per-
haps grant that they will repent and
come to know the truth, and they may
escape from the snare of the devil, after
being captured by him to do his will"
(II Tim. 2:23-26, RSV).
God Calls All to Repentance
The first direct call for repentance in
the New Testament era was through
John the Baptist. He was "preaching in
Christ or Chaos
By Edna M. Mertz
Whosoever shall fall upon Christ the Rock
In a moment shall broken be,
Broken to sin and the things of the world
For time and eternity.
But on whomsoever the Rock shall fall
It shall grind him to powder small,
In the day of wrath of Almighty God
Men for mercy too late shall call!
Ft. Wayne, Ind.
506
GOSPEL HERALD
June i, 1954
the wilderness of Judaea, and saying, Re-
pent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at
hand" (Matt. 3:1, 2). After John the
Baptist was imprisoned, Jesus left Nazar-
eth and went to Galilee, "preaching the
gospel of the kingdom of God, and say-
ing, The time is fulfilled, and the king-
dom of God is at hand: repent ye, and
believe the gospel" (Mark 1:14, 15). Af-
ter having called and organized His
twelve apostles, Jesus sent them out by
twos to preach. We are told that "they
went out, and preached that men should
repent" (Mark 6:12). Fifty days after
the resurrection of our Lord, Peter was
preaching to a vast crowd of people in
Jerusalem. As he spoke to the thousands,
representing many races and nations,
concerning the death and resurrection of
Jesus Christ, he was interrupted with an
expression of conviction, "What shall we
do?" Peter said to them, "Repent, and
be baptized every one of you in the name
of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins"
(Acts 2:37, 38). Very soon after this great
event in Jerusalem, the enemies of this
movement which called men to repent-
ance had the apostles imprisoned. But
during the night an angel of the Lord
opened the prison doors and commis-
sioned them to "go, stand and speak in
the temple to the people all the words
of this life/' They went, but were again
met by officers who brought them before
the council. In their answer, Peter in re-
ferring to the death and resurrection of
Jesus,°said, "Him hath God exalted with
his right hand to be a Prince and a Sav-
iour, tor to give repentance to Israel, and
forgiveness of sins" (Acts 5:31). Peter, in
answer to the criticism brought against
him by the apostles and other brethren
for going into the company of Cornelius
and his household, told his experience
of the vision, his message of salvation
through faith in Jesus Christ, and the
manifest presence and power of the Holy
Spirit in these Gentile believers. "When
they heard these things, they held their
peace, and glorified God, saying, Then
hath God also to the Gentiles granted
repentance unto life" (Acts 11:18).
The universal call to repentance is
well illustrated in the following two in-
cidents: Peter writes concerning the scof-
fers of the Christian believer's hope of
the second coming of Christ, then states
that the Lord "is longsuffering to us-
ward, not willing that any should perish,
but that all should come to repentance"
(II Peter 3:9). Paul, while preaching to
the people in Athens, who were ignorant
of the provided salvation through Jesus
Christ, said that now God "commanded!
all men every where to repent" (Acts
17:30).
Why Do Many Persons Not Repent?
It is a fact that many, many persons
are ignorant of the personal need and
possibility of repentance. Some have be-
come so engulfed in sinful living that
they are deaf to any call to repentance.
Another group are those who have heard
the call and accepted it. They have en-
joyed the presence and power of the
Holy Spirit, but have "fallen away" be-
cause of disobedience. They cannot hear
the call to repentance because of their
awful sin against "the heavenly gift," the
"Holy Ghost," and the "good word of
God." "For it is impossible to restore
again to repentance those who have once
been enlightened, who have tasted the
NOT CHARITY BUT BROTHER-
HOOD
A systematic plan of meeting expenses
of hospital, surgery, or burial.
Mennonite Aid, Inc.
1202 S. Eighth St.
Goshen, Indiana
heavenly gift, and have become partakers
of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the
goodness of the word of God and the
powers of the age to come, if they then
commit apostasy, since they crucify the
Son of God on their own account and
hold him up to contempt" (Heb. 6:4-6,
RSV).
The possibility and clearness of God's
call to people over all the earth in every
generation is terribly limited by those
who have heard and rejected. It is also
limited by those who have accepted but
through indifference, carelessness, or dis-
obedience either muffled or prevented
God's clear call to others to repent.
Conclusion
The call to repentance is intended for
every person. God would have every
soul renounce sin through the Father's
provided grace in Jesus Christ and enjoy
the fullness of the blessing of the power
of the Holy Spirit for life and service.
God will never fail in His faithfulness to
call those who need true repentance.
Conway, Kans.
. . . About 265,000 children between
the ages of 7 and 17 are brought to ju-
venile courts each year.
Our Readers Say-
in the Gospel Herald of April 27, 1954 (p.
389), Bro. Chester K. Lehman writes a very
well prepared review of J. C. Wenger's recent
book, "Introduction to Theology." 1 read the
review with great interest. However, I wonder
if it is not confusing to some people to say :
"Dispensationalism is shown to be unscriptural,"
when a great many Bible teachers claim that it
is Scriptural. Also to say that "Menno Simons
was amillennial in faith," when certain other
historical accounts say he was premillennial in
faith.
Personally, I am not a firm believer in dis-
pensationalism as taught by some; that is, that
each began well but ended in ' human and di-
vine judgment." But my criticism is, since there
are many Bible teachers who hrmly believe
thus, should we not respect these brethren and
recognize them as sincere, and grant them the
full right to believe and teach the prophetic
word as they understand it? Is it wise for us
to say your teaching is unscriptural and mine is
Scriptural ?
Now, was or was not, Menno Simons
amillennial in faith ?
The following quotations seem to give evi-
dence that Menno Simons was not amillennial
in faith : M'Clintock and Strong's Cyclopedia
says: "The Mennonites in the loth century held
in common with the Anabaptists, the belief in
Christ's personal reign during the Millennium."
Buck's Theology Dictionary says: "remarks
that Menno discarded the extravagant views of ,
certain Anabaptists, but retained the doctrine :
of the Millennium or the 1000 years reign of |
Christ upon the earth."
I should like to state John Wesley's belief on
Premillennialism. Years ago many Methodists
said that John Wesley was a Postmillennialist,
but since that doctrine has practically disap-
peared as a millennium teaching, there are those ;
today who say that John Wesley was amillen- ,
nial in faith. We shall let him tell us what he |
believed.
In a Methodist magazine in 17S3, Wesley
wrote to Tyerman, the author of The Life of
Wesley, the following: "lour book on the mil-
lennium was lately put into my hands. I can-
not but thank you for your strong and season-
able confirmation of that comfortable doctrine,
of which I cannot entertain the least doubt as
long as I believe the Bible."
To the above statement, Tyerman frankly and
honestly adds: "with such a statement in refer- '
ence to such a book, there can be no doubt that
Wesley like his father before him was a mil- \
lenarian, a believer in the Second Advent of ,
Christ to reign on earth, visibly and gloriously |
for a thousand years." I
In a letter to Dr. Middleton published in 1749,
in which John Wesley endorses Justin Martyr's
millennial view, he writes: "To say that they
(Le., the Fathers of the second and third cen-
turies) believed this, was neither more nor less, |
than to say they believed the Bible."— T. K. I
Hershcy, Goshen, Ind.
More than 6,000.000 children in
the country today come from homes bro-
ken by death, divorce, or desertion.
GOSPEL HERALD
ESTABLISHED 1SOS AS SUCCESSOR TO GOSPEL WITNESS <1903> AND HERALD OF TRUTH ,1864)
PAUL ERB editor JOHN L. HOR ST, MILLARD C. LINO, consulting EDITORS LEV. C. HARTZLER. MISSIONS EDITOR
TNI OO.PEL HERALD I ' A RELia.OU. W..KLV PU.LI.H.D IN THE INT. REST. OF THE MENNONITE CHURCH SY THE MENNONITE PU.LICATION .CARD.
ENTERED A. SECOND-CLASS MATTER I N AT THE POST OPP.C. AT .COTTDALE. PA.. UNDER ACT OP MARCH ,. ,.7S. .U..CR.PTION PRICE: ...OO PER "^"""J
,N ADVANCE. ...OO. P.V. YEAR. ,N ADVANCE, .AMPLE COP,.. ..NT PRE. O E.T. .END ALL MATERIAL POR PU.L.CATION TO OOSPEL HERALD, .COTTDALE, PA.
r PRINTED IN U.S.A.
June i, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
507
EDITORIAL
A Reminder
What is your church doing for its
young men who have been taken away
by the military draft? They are in serious
need of the steadying influence of the
folks back home. They need as never be-
fore a sense of belonging. A church
which fails to follow its young men into
their service stands a good chance of not
getting them back again when their two
years are over. The church which does
hold these young fellows close to its heart
- during these days of testing and growth
will very likely receive them back again
as mature workers in the church.
We refer both to the men who are in
] I-W service and to those who have gone
into military service. We have tried,
more or less faithfully, to nurture our
young people in spiritual understanding
* and nonresistant conviction so that they
j will use the government's provision for
i alternative service for conscientious ob-
^ jectors. But in some cases (in what pro-
4 portion we shall know when the census
J now being taken is completed) we have
3 failed, and a number of our young men
3 have gone into the armed forces. Shall
we write them off as losses and forget
: about them? Too often that is what hap-
pens. Should we not rather still consider
them our own, though erring, and assure
-'• them of our love and concern? Many of
] these men will learn inside the military
J establishment the truth of what their
churches have taught, and will want to
return to Christ's way of love. It is our
business to keep the door open in such a
way that they will feel they want to come
back to the nonresistant faith.
The majority of our young men, we
* trust, have gone into some form of I-W
v service. They may be in Voluntary Serv-
ice, at home or abroad (PAX), where for
maintenance and a pittance of spending
n money they are performing a service of
> mercy and love to the needy. These men
receive a certain amount of direction and
_ care from the sponsoring agencies,
whether the Mennonite Relief and Serv-
ice Committee or the Mennonite Central
Committee. Their knowledge that the
church is investing money in the project
on which they are working is a constant
reminder of the interest of the folks back
home. Others are in Alternative Service,
where the contacts with the church may
be more remote. They secured their own
jobs, they get their pay, they make their
own living arrangements. They may be
working where a number of I-W's are
employed, and church agencies may have
assisted in the development of a unit life,
with leadership, a recreation and social
center, and worship and service oppor-
tunities. These men may get to come
home frequently, but still they are away
from the home community most of their
time, and can easily get out of touch with
the home church. This is especially true
where only a few of our young men are
at a place, and where they find fellowship
and interest among other people.
What can your church do for all these
young men?
1. Individuals can write letters to
them. Remember especially those who
are less likely to hear regularly from
family or friends. Letters should be
newsy and show personal interest. But
don't preach.
2. Make a big thing of it when they
leave. It is an important step for them,
and the church should recognize it. The
event should be recognized in Sunday
services, and the young people may want
to give them a special send-off.
3. Keep praying for them, publicly and
privately. It is good to know that some-
body is lifting you up to God.
4. Send them regularly the church bul-
letins and other congregational releases.
This is an excellent way to keep them in
uninterrupted touch with what is going
on at home.
5. See that they have access to the Gos-
pel Herald and other church publica-
tions.
6. Give them a warm welcome when
they come home for visits. Let them
know how glad you are to see them.
7. Take regular offerings for the budg-
et of the Mennonite Relief and Service
Committee, Elkhart, which is providing
support for the voluntary service proj-
ects, including PAX, and is providing
numerous services for the various I-W
units.
8. Make sure that your conference has
paid its share of the General Conference
budget. From the General Conference
treasury come funds to support the Peace
Problems Committee, which supervises
the pastoral service to our I-W men.
9. I-W men should receive pastoral
calls. Most conferences have someone ap-
pointed to see to this, but home pastors
may want to supplement these efforts.
10. Make plans to reintegrate these
young men in the life of the congrega-
tion when their period of service is
over.— E.
The Ascension
It is a beautiful story that Luke tells
of the ascension of Christ in the last
chapter of his Gospel and the first chap-
ter of the Book of Acts. Forty days after
His resurrection our Lord led His dis-
cipes to the Mount of Olives and gave
them the commission to be His witnesses
even to "the uttermost part of the earth."
Then as He lifted His hands in blessing,
He was parted from them and carried
into heaven. As the men stood gazing
into the cloud that had received Him out
of their sight, two men in white apparel
stood by them and assured them that He
would return to earth in the same man-
ner that He had left.
The ascension of Jesus was as much a
part of the plan of God for Him as His
crucifixion and resurrection. It was nec-
essary to complete the work of Christ. It
was necessary too because Jesus' post-
resurrection body was not adapted to
earth life. It was not subject to the physi-
cal laws which we are familiar with and
His stay here after the resurrection was
only temporary.
It was important too that the disciples
should be witnesses to Jesus' ascension.
They needed to have positive evidence as
to where He had gone, both for their
own assurance and to give witness of the
fact to others. They needed to be able to
say that the very same man who had died
and had risen again had ascended to
heaven whence He had come to earth.
What then is the need for and signif-
icance of the ascension to the Christian?
1. It was necessary that Christ should
ascend so that He might take His place
of power and authority at the right hand
of God. Since all power is given to Him
in heaven and in earth we need to recog-
nize His Lordship of our lives.
2. The ascension of Christ was neces-
sary so that He might fulfill His promise
to send the Holy Spirit as a Comforter
and Guide to His people. He had plain-
508
GOSPEL HERALD
June i, 1954
ly said "If I depart, I will send him unto
you."
3. The ascension was necessary in or-
der that Jesus might appear in the pres-
ence of God as our High Priest and In-
tercessor. Thus we can approach God
with our petitions and present our needs
with assurance and confidence.
4. It was necessary for Christ to ascend
to heaven so that He might prepare a
place for His people. He is now making
all necessary preparations to receive His
bride, the church, at His second coming.
Because of its unique significance our
Mennonite ancestors considered Ascen-
sion Day as a holiday in which they per-
formed little manual labor and had ap-
propriate church services. The practice
has declined somewhat, but that it still
continues to some extent is borne out by
the different announcements of Ascen-
sion Day meetings.
We trust that though practices change,
we may never lose sight of the impor-
tance and significance of this great event
in the plan of God and the work of
Christ. "Seeing then that we have a great
high priest, that is passed into the heav-
ens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast
our profession" (Heb. 4:14).— H.
The Revelation of Jesus Christ
By J. L. Stauffer
39. Concluding Admonitions and
Warnings. Rev. 22:6-21.
The angel now assures John that these
sayings are faithful and true. They will
shortly come to pass. Jesus is coming
quickly. A closing blessing is pronounced
upon those who keep the sayings of the
prophecy of this book. John would wor-
ship the one who showed him all these
things, but he is forbidden to do so. God
alone is to be worshiped, John is in-
formed.
The sayings of the book are not to be
sealed up because the "time is at hand."
The ungodly will remain so; also the
holy will be holy still. Probation is now
past. Observe the seven beatitudes of
Rev. 1:3; 14:13; 16:15; 19:9; 20:6; 22:7;
22:14.
Jesus has His reward with Him and
He will give to every man as his work
shall be. All times of judgment and re-
ward are based on the works of an in-
dividual. Note the following testimony
from the New Testament: Matt. 25:31-
46; John 3:19; 5:29; Rom. 2:5-12; 14:12;
I Cor. 3:8; II Cor. 5:10; Gal. 6:5-9; Col.
3:25; Rev. 2:23; 20:11-15.
Both the Spirit and the Bride give an
invitation to those who are thirsty for
everlasting refreshment to come.
Solemn warnings of eternal conse-
quence are found in Rev. 22:18, 19
against adding to or taking from the
words of the prophecy of this book.
May every reader be able to respond
as did John, "Even so, come, Lord Jesus."
This book that unfolds the terrible judg-
ments to come, closes with "The grace of
our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
Amen."
In Every State in the Union
(Report of Ralph Palmer's tract work
through the year 1953)
Besides working in the Middle Atlan-
tic States, my wife and I made one trip
to Florida during the winter, giving out
large numbers of tracts in the winter re-
sorts there. Then during May, June, and
July we went to the west coast, going by
the Southern States and returning home
by a northern route. In all these states
we gave out tracts— mostly in larger cities.
The route was arranged to take in all the
states where we had not yet distributed
tracts throughout the western sections of
the United States.
In the late summer and early fall we
made a tract trip into New England,
working in all the states in that group.
One of our record days on this trip was
in Boston, Massachusetts, where I distrib-
uted 7,000 tracts in six hours. With the
completion of this trip came the satisfac-
tion of knowing I had distributed tracts
in every state in the Union since the be-
ginning of my tract ministry. But I feel
that I have just begun.
All of my tracts are purchased from
the Herald Press. We want to express
our appreciation for the excellent quali-
ty of the tracts. During 1953 we bought
$2,200 worth of tracts. These, together
with about $500 worth which were on
hand, brought my total to well over two
million tracts, weighing over five tons
In addition to many letters from all
over the country telling of blessings re-
ceived through the tracts or asking for
further help, we have had some unusual
experiences such as the following: My
tracts had been distributed to the in-
mates of a large Virginia State Prison
Farm over a period of about six months.
Then I had opportunity to hold a serv-
ice with the men in this prison. The serv-
ice was from 3:00 to 5:00 P.M. and there
were fifty-four responses. Many of the
men were weeping. A large percentage
of them said they had never had any re-
ligious teaching in their youth, and sev-
eral said that the tracts they had read
played a large part in bringing them to
conviction. Some of them have made re-
quest for more tracts to give to other in-
mates there. At times there are several
hundred prisoners on this prison farm.
Work is stdl carried on there in charge of
a brother from our home congregation.
We also have had opportunity to get
our tracts into the Virginia State Peni-
tentiary in Richmond. One of the prison
It Happened —
FIFTY YEARS AGO
(From Herald of Truth, May 26, 1904)
The Warwick congregation near New-
port News, Va., was made a part of Vir-
ginia Conference at its last session held
at the Brenneman M. H., Rockingham
Co., Va., on May 13.
Bro. J. A. Ressler writes under date of
April 21st that they have over one hun-
dred cases of mumps among the boys at
the Sundarganj Mission, Dhamtari, In-
dia.
Marriages. Burkholder— High. On the
11th of May, at the home of the bride's
parents, in Lincoln, Ont., by S. F. Coff-
man, our ministering brother. Lewis J. I
Burkholder of York Co., Ont.. and Sister
Lucetta High were united in marriage.
Sir Henry M. Stanley, the African ex-
plorer and finder of Dr. Livingstone,
died at his home in London, England,
on May 10th, ... at the age of 63 years,
(From Herald of Truth, June 2, 1940)
Twenty-four persons were added to
the church of Good's M. H.. Lancaster
Co., on May 21st by water baptism, and
one reclaimed.
The warrant under which John Bun-
van was apprehended and placed at Bed-
ford for six months during the reign of
Charles II was sold at auction in London
for $1,525.
ers there has been saved and baptized
into the Mennonite Church and he i»
quite concerned and active in giving oui
tracts to the other prisoners there. We
have also had contact with prisoners in I
number of other institutions in different
states, and have had the happv experi
ence of leading some to the Lord.
During the war we received a numbei
of letters from soldiers in Korea who h:u
received our tracts before going over I
seas. One soldier who returned fronl
Korea in 1953 and from whom we hacl
received several letters (having sen j
tracts and other literature to him overj
seas') is now engaged in Christian worl
such as jail meetings, etc. He has :|
bright testimony and has told me that i !
was one of mv tracts received from irn1
on the street in Newport News. Virginia
before he went overseas, which brou^h
him finallv to accept Christ.
There is hardlv a stopping place u
telling of people who have received hel
through the tracts, but we have tried t
<jive a glimpse of the work. The mail
part of our work is carried on in the lar<»
(Continued an pooe S24)
i
June i, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
Elijah Beside the Drying Brook of
Cherith
Fifteen Minutes in Bible Lands
By Anis Charles Haddad
As soon as we left the Good Samaritan
Inn and drove our car along the ancient
road of Jericho, the scenery was changed.
Ascending a rocky mountain slope we
paused and surveyed the picturesque
wild view. Here we obtained a glimpse
of the wild grandeur and immense depth
of the Valley of Cherith.
Looking at the scenery in front of us
we notice that while there is not so much
moisture as a drop of dew on the sides
of the mountain, there is a brook of con-
siderable volume and breadth flowing in
the bottom of the valley, thickly covered
in many places with oleander bushes
which grow on either side of it, but in
other places open and clear, moving on
with a steady current of some force. What
rivulet is this?
The stream which rarely dries up en-
tirely in the rocky bed has been identi-
fied as the Brook Cherith that is "before
the Jordan," where Elijah the Tishbite,
in obedience to the Voice Divine, lived in
retreat during the severe drought which
preceded his appearance on Mount Car-
mel.
During the winter season the stream
of the Cherith is strong, deep, and tor-
tuous. Little terraces of green slope al-
most perpendicularly between the strati-
fied rocks. Far overhead, where the sky
peeps above the lofty brink of the preci-
pice, are gray bushes, brown soil, and a
fringe of herbage. The soft blue of the
distant sky seems to whisper of peace
even in that desolate gorge.
Then with the sharp curve in the path,
comes the sight of a strangely built mon-
astery perched high against the opposite
cliff. Like a dollhouse and looking as
though it were tucked in a cranny and
absolutely flush with the sides of the
ravine, this monastery is inhabited today
by those who feel called the "followers
of the prophet's example."
Do you notice how closely the dome
over its chapel hugs the overhanging
rock? A modern stone bridge with a
large and a small arch spans the gulf at a
great height. It is arched with a vine-
grown awning, which though now a net-
work of bare stems and sparse foliage,
would in summer form a tunneled
screen of green, shielding pedestrians
from the burning sun.
Across the bridge the straight walls of
the Monastery of St. George are built up
from massive rock foundations which
date from the sixth century. The wood-
en balconies above overhang the abyss
at a tremendous height. To the right of
the building a small dome indicates the
position of one of the churches. A steep
and winding path leads upward from the
bridge with a long gradient at the end,
which curves sharply round to face the
small walled court of entrance to the
monastery. To the left drops the sheer
cliff; to the right rises a terraced roof.
A balcony projects above the narrow
archway and its strong iron door. The
cord suspended in air is a method of
communication from within with belated
and suspicious visitors. We entered
through the open door. It was like a
plunge into the dark, so sudden is the
transition from the sunshine to an in-
terior that had no windows but lancet-
slits in the outer wall built up from the
solid cliff.
Our best reliance is not more
and bigger bombs but a way of
life which reflects religious faith.
— John Foster Dulles.
An ancient stone staircase is within a
few paces of the door, and we walked
into the center of a large hall supported
by pillars. Alcoves in it open out upon
three balconies. We looked out from
one of them into an abyss and up and
down the gorge. The terraces and paths
are toylike in size and outline; figures are
in miniature. Only the sound of the
rushing water borne upward testified to
the force of the current swirling between
the rocky barriers of its deep bed. Boul-
ders barred the stream, which divided
with foaming rush to meet and boil be-
yond them in eddying whirlpools.
The cypress trees of the monastery gar-
den rear themselves dark and distinct
against the gray-brown cliffs. Below
spreads a small plantation of olive and
fig trees.
A door on the opposite side of the hall
leads through a narrow room hung with
ancient pictures into the church, which
is built in a cavern of the cliffs. On all
the rock walls are frescoes of great an-
tiquity, worn almost to illegibility. One
figure of noble outline still remains, and
its head had been repainted in a sym-
pathetic, masterly style. Both the fres-
coes and mosaic pavement beneath are
relics of the old Crusader's church.
In the smaller church the rocky wall
is visible, and it contains an inner cavern,
or sanctuary, which the monk gave us to
understand had ancient and mystic as-
sociations. Frescoes and mosaic are in
this church too.
Both of these unique rock-shrines of
509
worship contain many pictures of crude
modern work, probably done by the
monks. There is more than one painting
of Elijah, and a figure of St. George in
complete armor and helmet.
From the church the monk conducted
us into the open where above our heads
we see the jagged mouths of caverns in
the face of the cliffs. Rude ladders de-
scend from several. I looked closely with-
in one of the caves and saw a staircase
roughly hewn out of the rock mounting
the interior of the hillside.
We then entered into an ancient cata-
comb, gruesome to look upon, for be-
hind a low iron railing, stacked all round
the rock walls, are skulls and bones of
the hermits and monks who had died in
this isolated retreat of the Brook Cherith.
Tapers are alight in every corner. It is a
place of prayer, for the missal stands
open on a small lectern, which has an
antique capital for its base.
In the heart of the wild gorge the
monks have planted a garden which
makes out of the desolation an oasis of
verdure. We descended to the bridge
and walked through the narrow, terraced
orchard of fig trees, lemon trees, pome-
granates, palms, and olives. A disused
mill and a ruined water tower rise close
to the bridge.
The Brook Cherith has been described
as one of the most sublime ravines in the
Holy Land. Few mountain gorges can
compare with it. Personally I should
think that its combined charms of as-
sociation and scenery are hardly equaled
in the world, and we saw it under ideal
conditions. Perhaps the great convul-
sion that swallowed up the cities of the
plain rent asunder this chasm in the
mountains. It is one of the most stupen-
dous chasms in the ancient mountains, so
narrow that we can hardly measure twen-
ty yards across the bottom, so deep that
one can just see the slender stream which
winds along amidst caves and rank
rushes to the Jordan. The place forms
a grand setting for that ancient drama;
its wild, stern grandeur being so exceed-
ingly appropriate to the grim old proph-
et of Jehovah. It is the flowing brook
which makes this such an ideal camping
ground, and one can easily understand
Elijah's hiding place. The water of the
brook is clear, cool, and sweet. In early
autumn, as in the time of Elijah, the
black-winged raven croaks in its flight
over the deep ravine.
* # #
The drought which followed the mes-
sage of Elijah lasted three and a half
years. The fury of Jezebel may be easily
imagined, the more so that by a par-
ticular irony it seemed that Baal, who
was considered to be the sun-god, was
able to exercise his sway to the full,
burning up the parched fields and killing
the cattle as they pined under the monot-
ony of the blazing sunrays. The queen
proceeded to organize the extermination
of the prophets of Judah, hoping thereby
to silence forever the prophet who had
proclaimed the coming of the dreadful
510
GOSPEL HERALD
June i, 1954
drought. But saved from the vengeful
arm of Jezebel, by the word of the Lord,
Elijah had turned eastward to find refuge
and shelter in one of the many steep and
rocky ravines.
How strange to be sent to a brook,
which would of course be as subject to
the drought as any other! How unlikely
that he could remain secreted from the
search of the bloodhounds of Jezebel any-
where within the limits of Israel! But
God's command was clear and unmis-
takable. It left him no alternative but to
obey.
One evening, as we may imagine, Eli-
jah reached the narrow gorge, down
which the brook sounded with musical
babble toward the Jordan. Here sat this
venerable old man clothed in the coarsest
attire, a garment of black camel's hair,
bound with a leathern girdle. At his feet
the brook ran in its stony bed, making
perpetual music as it foamed among the
rocky masses that lie in its channel. Stern
and frowning as were the huge precipices,
rent with many a fissure and yawning
cave, the bottom of the gorge was not un-
pleasant, for a narrow belt of verdure
ran up on each side of the crystal brook.
At the back was the mouth of the cavern,
so welf concealed from view by a protec-
tion of the rocks and by the luxuriant
creeping plants that hang in verdant fes-
toons over it, as to afford a secure retreat.
In the thickets that hung over the yet
unexpected stream the prophet hid him-
self for the time. The bed of the river
was concealed by steep and wooded
banks, and in the leafy covert thus afford-
ed, Elijah had refuge. There he drank
from the brook and was supported by
"bread and flesh" brought to him each
morning and evening by ravens, which
cry unto God and which He not only
feeds but makes to fulfill His bidding as
truly as the angels round His throne.
How contrary to nature to suppose
that ravens which feed on carrion would
find such food as man could eat, or hav-
ing found it would bring it regularly!
Elijah might have preferred many hid-
ing places to Cherith. But that was the
only place to which the ravens would
bring him supplies and as long as he was
there, God pledged to provide for him.
Looking at the various natural condi-
tions of the scene it is impossible to im-
agine any more wonderfully lilted to be
the refuge of that tearless "prophet of
fire." II Elijah sought a refuge there
from the wrath of Jezebel, he was well
hidden. Mow suddenly that mighty
prophet bursts upon the view with his
message ol warning and then as suddenly
departs to bis hiding place! Can you not
picture him sitting alone in yonder cave,
sheltered by the mighty walls around,
feeding upon the sc anty dole brought b\
the ravens! We picture him bending
oxer the brook drinking Irom his hands,
hollowed out into a cup. I [ow he watch
es that stream, his only supply, sink into
narrow channels day after dayl And so
Cherith began to sing less cheerily, l ac It
day marked a visible diminution of its
stream. Its voice grew fainter and faint-
er, till its bed became a course of stones,
baking in the scorching heat. It dried
up. If ever lived a man of mighty faith,
that man was Elijah, and his faith was
nourished by his prayer, for he dwelt in
fellowship with the Highest.
* * #
We listened to the music of the brook
on its way to the plain and drank in the
silence of the hills and penetrated into
the caves where the anchorites dwelt
long, long ago. We caught something of
the spirit which drove them from this
world to pray for those who could not or
would not pray for themselves. We might
all unknowingly have entered the very
cave once inhabited by Elijah.
We walked back to Jericho through
the glen itself. The pathway is narrow
and winding, placed halfway between
the summit of the cliff and the extreme
base where the sturdy brook sweeps tin-
The measure of a man's charac-
ter is what he would do if he
knew he would never be found
out. — Macaulay.
tiringly to the plain. 1 looked back to
take a fareweff view of the weird, ex-
traordinary spot hidden away in the
midst of the hills, but the irregularity ol
the cliffs has already hidden every trace
of the monk's handiwork from sight.
Savage barrenness and ruggedness extend
skyward on both sides. The depth below
is immense, the height above even
greater.
Large rocks project everywhere like
giant sounding boards. At intervals there
come tremendous stretches of sudden de-
scent from the edge of the path. Solitary
bushes are dotted between great boul-
ders, and occasionally a strip of verdure
dipped as far as the brook. The margin
of the water is thick with reeds and vege-
tation which showed the youthful green
of spring, together with winter foliage
still loath to quit the trees.
The solitariness and the wildness ol it
all are overpowering. We crept along the
face of the cliff, insignificant as midges
on a wall, Just above our heads a large
bush of white Bowery bloom suddenly
c ame into sight. The dainty, white-tipped
branches seemed to wave courage into
the hearts of the "hikers."
With every curve of the pathway the
threatening attitude of the cliffs relaxed,
their lofty height dwindled. The purple
shadow across the plain was but the tran-
quil surface ol the Dead Sea. Light and
shade chased each other with bewilder
1110 effects on the Mountains ol Moab.
We kept to the Left making direct over
the plain for the houses of modern Jen
c ho.
Old City, Jerusalem, Jordan.
Awake
By Merle Shantz
The world in which the Apostle Paul
lived, preached, and died for the faith
was a world of deep moral and spiritual
darkness. The old pagan religions had
been discredited by many, but the new-
born Christian faith was still only ac- .
cepted by few. The empire in which he
witnessed was politically totalitarian.
Vet this was the world in which Paul and
many other Christian believers whose
names have been lost to history bore
courageous witness concerning the saving
power of the Son of God. Although these
witnesses were not primarily concerned
with political and international prob-
lems, still their impact on others dynam-
ically influenced the godless life of their
day.
Read what Paul wrote to Christians
residing in Ephesus, a stronghold of
heathenism:
"Have no fellowship with the un-
fruitful works of darkness, but rather
reprove them.
"For it is a shame even to speak of
those things which are done of them in
secret. . . .
"Wherefore he saith. Awake thou that
sleepest, and arise from the dead, and
Christ shall give thee light" (Eph. 5:11
12, 14).
We need to rouse ourselves out of the
spiritual stupor that envelops the world
and paralyzes our souls. In case we think
our conventional Christianity should ex-
cuse us from spiritual self-examination,
let us ask ourselves: Where do our inter-
ests lie? Do we spend more time in homes
of pleasure than in houses of prayer? Do
we have a greater desire to acquire need-,
less luxuries for ourselves than to share
what has been entrusted to us with a
world that needs not only food for the
body but also the knowledge of Christ
for the soul? To a Rip Van Winkle
church God says: "Awake thou that
sleepest." To sleep at the post of dut\ ol
in the hour of need is not onh callous;
it is criminal. Is this not a message for
our time too? There are more heathen
now than in any preceding age. The
Methodist Board of Missions (U.S.) has-
been informed that continental Europe's
percentage of churchgoing population is
"probably smaller than that of so-called
pagan Africa." Nor can we cast con-
descending eyes at Europe. Crime is said
to cost each family in the United States
an average of S495.00 a year. But lest we
think the international border to the
south is the frontier of the unfruitful
works of darkness, we have been remind-
ed by one of our Canadian senators that
in 1951 the sale of alcoholic beverages in
this country amounted to $741,000,000.
These are but a few of the reasons why
professing Christendom needs to awaken.
Somehow people who think seriously P
about the moral and spiritual trends of
our time have a disturbed feeling that
our western civilization and possiblv our ,
entire Christian culture is approaching
June i, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
511
A Prayer for This Week
Almighty and Holy God, we adore
Thee and worship Thee. We humbly
enter the Holy of Holies through the
shed blood of Jesus.
Enable us to help bring about Thy
kingdom and Thy will in this world to-
day.
Give us our daily spiritual and physi-
cal food.
Reveal to us, Thy servants, Thy eter-
nal truths and the interpretation of them
applicable to this twentieth century.
Grant us Thy courage and boldness to
faithfully obey Thy will and give Thy
message to those needing it, as did the
prophets of old.
Teach us to forgive those who misun-
derstand and wrong us just as Thou dost
forgive our many sins against Thee.
Keep us from evil and temptations
through a victorious faith in Thee and
Thy Word.
For Thine is the power, glory, honor,
and majesty now and throughout all the
ages to come. Amen.— Ella May Miller.
the end of an era. If so, what would fol-
low? An age of barbarism? Or perhaps
enslavement by some superstate of god-
less and totalitarian design? These are
grim and imminent possibilities which
should challenge followers of Christ to
an alert life and should challenge those
blinded by this world's darkness to re-
pentant faith in the Saviour. There are
other possibilities, such as the revival of
evangelical Christianity, whereby the
moral savor of civilization could be re-
stored and reinforced, not to mention
that ultimate and final possibility which
will mean the return of Christ and the
full establishment of His universal king-
dom.
It matters not which of these lie across
the imminent threshold of the morrow.
God's call to us is: "Awake, thou that
sleepest."
Hespeler, Ont.
VIII. Water from Many Wells
By Nora Oswald
Cast thy bread upon the waters: for
thou shalt find it after many days.—Eccl.
11:1.
The above is a command with a prom-
ise attached. The command is, "Cast thy
bread." Bread is nutritious, harmless,
liked by all.
Whatever thou hast of physical food,
of spiritual food, Gospel news, love,
kindness, faith, cast it out, cast, cast, cast!
They may return a hundredfold, may re-
turn in several days, or may never return.
The command is, "Give."
When our children were small we
lived near a park lake which was full
of fish, especially gold fish. The chikhen
enjoyed toting bags of bread to feed the
fish. At the landing of the first morsel a
half-dozen fish would rise to nibble on
the bread. More bread, a whole school
of fishes! The bag was thrown away after
the bread was all gone. The children
never thought of taking a reward back;
the thrill was solely in tossing the bread
and watching fish snatch the crumbs.
The major' emphasis of this verse in
Ecclesiastes is on casting, giving out; the
promise is minor. Give that which is use-
ful, needful, upbuilding, eternal, and do
not dwell upon the promise alone.
If we find ourselves disgusted, dis-
gruntled, impatient, unkind, and dis-
couraged, must we admit that we are
more solicitous in receiving than we are
in giving?
Hesston, Kans.
The People of God
By Raymond L. Kramer
By faith Moses, when he was come to
years, refused to be called the son of
PliaraoJi's daughter; choosing rather to
suffer affliction with the people of God,
than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a
season.
Biblical history affirms that these "peo-
ple of God" were stiff-necked, rebellious,
quarrelsome, and willful. They took
stones to stone Moses, their God-appoint-
ed leader. They murmured, complained,
and pouted. When Moses turned right,
they said he should have turned left.
When he went forward, they yelled he
should have gone backward. While Mo-
ses went up to the mountain to get the
law of God, they tore loose from their
moorings and yielded to the law of the
flesh.
But Moses stuck with the people of
God.
I believe he knew they were the best
people in the world!
In this age of grace I'm glad I belong
to the people of God. It may be that I'll
suffer occasionally. I'm sure there will
be some cross fire of criticism among the
people. I may get punctured, but I'll
take my place with the people of God.
Just as Moses knew the other side, the
good side, of his people; the sacrifice to
build the tabernacle, the hardships, the
devotion to duty in routing the enemy;
so I am convinced there is sacrifice, en-
durance, and devotion in God's people
today.
Yesterday some of them dropped in to
visit us. We had never met any of these
six young people before. The three mar-
ried couples had set out from home to
visit our mission station. With them in
the car were boxes and boxes of provi-
sions. I know these folks represented
Prayer Requests —
(Requests for this column must be signed)
Pray for the various evangelistic tent
campaigns to be held during the sum-
mer.
Pray for the annual meeting of the Men-
nonite Board of Missions and Char-
ities to be held in June near Salem,
Oreg.
Pray for the summer Bible schools that
will be held in Europe during the
summer months.
Pray for the summer Bible schools soon
to be held in America.
Pray for a middle-aged man who needs
a deeper experience with God that he
might be able to break from the world
and be willing to fully consecrate his
life to the Lord.
Pray for the Howard Hammer tent evan-
gelistic campaign to begin in Oregon
on May 28.
Pray for the Mennonite Hour staff as
they prepare and record the weekly
programs.
Pray for the evangelistic meetings now
in progress at Hickory, N.C.
generous hearts. I could tell that by look-
ing in the boxes. But more important,
these people acted like people of God.
They were hardly inside our door until
they began to ask questions about the
spiritual history of our church. We didn't
find out what their occupations were un-
til we asked them specifically. They
seemed more interested in God than in
cattle. We exchanged information with
some of them about others of God's peo-
ple that were mutually known to us. We
showed them our converted dance hall
church building. They were very much
interested. They bubbled with enthu-
siasm. They told us with intense spirit-
ual fire and fervor of their own church—
a young congregation, an outpost of a
group of three established congregations.
Back in our kitchen over a cup of cof-
fee and a cooky we continued the fellow-
ship. One of my brethren led in prayer.
The atmosphere was warm; alive with
mutual spiritual interest and the ex-
change of eternal values. You see they
were God's people!
They had hardly left when another
couple from the same church came in
with the rest of the provisions. (They
couldn't get them all into one car!)
These were older people, folks of more
experience. They were mellow and ten-
der and reserved. But I recognized the
same marks of identification: interest in
the kingdom of God. I saw tears stand in
my brother's eyes as we visited about
(Continued on page 513)
512
GOSPEL HERALD
June i, 1954
OUR SCHOOLS
GOSHEN COLLEGE NEWS
The challenge of Christian work in for-
eign countries was presented by various
speakers at the daily chapel service through-
out the week of May 3-7. At the final service
representatives of three mission boards spoke
on the opportunities for young people to
serve in foreign lands. The speakers were:
Harvey A. Driver, Secretary, Congo Inland
Mission Board; J. D. Graber, Secretary, Men-
nonite Board of Missions and Charities, and
Orie O. Miller, Secretary, Eastern Mennonite
Board of Missions and Charities.
Bro. Milo Kauffman of Hesston College
delivered his lectures on Stewardship at Go-
shen College on May 8 and 9. He also
preached a Mother's Day sermon at our reg-
ular Sunday morning worship service on
May 9.
The annual all-school outing is to be held
at Camp Mack after lunch on May 13. The
afternoon will be spent in various types of
recreation. Following the evening meal there
will be a program of group singing and talks.
In the "Write for Your Church Papers
Contest" sponsored by the Mennonite Pub-
lishing House, seventeen prizes were won re-
cently by Goshen College students. Those re-
ceiving one or more awards are:
1. For Beams of. Light— Ida Arnone, Kath-
ryn Aschliman, Edith Hostetler, and
Kathryn Miller.
2. For Words of Cheer— Kathryn Aschli-
man, Marie Gingerich, Marion Hold-
read, Edith Hostetler, and Arlene Mar-
tin.
3. For Youth's Christian Companion— Ida
Arnone, Joyce Burkhart, Edith Hostetler,
Margaret Jantzi, Howard M. Snider,
Esther Stoltzfus, and Bertha Wenger.
Commencement activities this year begin
with a program by the Biblical Seminary
Class on Friday evening, June 4. Class re-
unions and athletic events on Saturday will
be followed at 3:30 by the Dedication Service
for Westlawn, the Social Room and the
Teacher Education Center. The Alumni Ban-
quet will be held at 6:00 p.m. Services will
be held as usual on Sunday morning and a
chorus program is arranged for the afternoon.
The Baccalaureate Service is at 8:00 p.m. at
which time President Miller will preach the
sermon. The College Senior class program
will be given Monday afternoon, June 7, at
2:30, and the Commencement Exercises will
be held at 8:00 p.m. Dr. Guy E. Snavely,
Executive Director of the Association of
American Colleges, Washington, D.C., will
deliver the Commencement address.
The regular Summer Session begins June
8 and ends August 6. The Biblical Seminary
is holding a Graduate Summer Session of two
three-week terms: the first term from June 8
to June 26, and the second term from June
28 to July 15.
S. M. King.
The Task of Our Church Schools
To Provide Guidance for the Christian
Investment of Life
By Roy D. Roth
A Relationship with Christ
The Christian investment of life pre-
supposes a heart and will regenerated in
a new relationship with the living Christ.
This is more than a philosophy. This is
an experience with the real, living Christ.
In my devotions recently, Col. 3:4 im-
pressed me. There I read, "When Christ,
who is our life, shall appear, then shall
ye also appear with him in glory." The
present reality is the thrilling fact. Christ
is our life. Newman once said that faith
is a habit of the soul, a practical keeping
alive of such a sustained and full com-
munion with God that every instinct of
the spirit, in all daily tasks and experi-
ence, is in perpetual reference to Him.
This reality is too wonderful for words.
Perhaps we shouldn't try to talk about it.
We need here the help of the poets. Here
are a few stanzas which emphasize the
fact of the living relationship with the
real Christ:
Breath of our breath, in Thee we live;
Life of our life, our praise receive.
Our throbbing life is full of Thee,
Throned in Thy vast infinity.1
Jesus, my Saviour, let me be
More perfectly conformed to Thee;
Implant each grace, each sin dethrone.
And form my temper like Thine own.2
Christ is the center of this relationship.
His immortal life transforms the life of
men. In the third chapter of Colossians
we also read, "And above all these things
put on charity, which is the bond of per-
fectness" (verse 14). Those of us who are
engaged in the work of Christian educa-
tion need constantly to engage the Spirit
of Christ in our work. We fail utterly if
we do not continue to be the exponents
of Christ living within us. Christianity is
more than a cause; Christianity is a per-
son. I like what a contemporary author
has written on this point:
I think all Christians would agree with me
if I said that though Christianity seems at
first to be all about morality, all about duties
and rules and guilt and virtue — yet it leads
you on, out of all that, into something be-
yond. One has a glimpse of a country where
they don't talk of those things — everyone
there is filled full with what we should call
goodness as a mirror is filled with light. But
they don't call it goodness. They don't call it
anything. They are not thinking of it. They
are too busy looking at the source from which
it comes. But this is near the stage where
the road passes over the rim of our world. No
one's eyes can see very far beyond that.3
» Samuel F. Smith, "Lord of Our Ljjo-"
Anonymous, "Jesus, My Saviour."
8 C. S. Lewis, Christian Behavior, p. 70. The Mac-
millan Co., 1944.
A Relationship with Others
No man lives to himself and in Chris-
tian experience a true relationship with
Christ results in a redemptive relation-
ship with fellow men. In the parable of
the ninety-nine sheep, the lost sheep, to
be sure, symbolizes the value which
Christ puts on the individual soul. But
we must also remember that the lost
sheep was out of relationship with the
shepherd, and consequently, the com-
munion of the fold was broken; fellow-
ship was broken. In the same chapter,
Luke includes the lost son and elder
brother parables to point up the em-
phasis of the relationship that should
exist in the home between the two sons
and their father. In the first instance the
fellowship was broken by the younger
son, and in the last, by the older son. The
gift of God is a daily, eternal bond of
common union between His children.
Howard Lowry has written, "This is the
Christian realism about democracy— the
realism of man as a person in relation
with, other persons. These last include
both the living and the dead, and his
sense of obligation to them is part of his
sense of worth."4 Another author has
said that what you have inherited from
the fathers you must earn in order to
possess.
That teachers are obstreperous and
sometimes find it difficult to realize the
ideal of harmony and unity, particularly
within the secular context, was quite ably
declared by John Dale Russell in a
speech at the inauguration of Ralph
Waldo McDonald as fourth president of
Bowling Green University in Ohio. On
that occasion he said:
It was said of the great universities of the
Middle Ages that they were builded of men.
In a real sense the university is its faculty.
We are so accustomed to think of the build-
ings and the football stadium and the other
physical properties as the "university" that
we forget that these are only facilities where
scholars, who are the true university, can
carry on their work. Each scholar on the
faculty is, of necessity, a specialist in his own
field of teaching and research. Such a spe-
cialist usually has a strong trend toward
rugged individualism in his nature, especially
as concerns his own scholarly activities. He
does not like to be told what to do or how to
do it, especially by someone who is less of
an expert in his particular field than he is.
Sometimes a young, a very young, instructor
can be induced to accept a suggestion from an
old experienced head of his department, but
the young scholar soon gets over that stage of
his development. This trait of scholarly in-
dividualism is admirable and necessary. It is
a product of the kind of rigorous mental train-
ing that I commented on earlier as essential
in the face of modern mass media of com-
munication. Even though each faculty mem-
ber must be a specialist, with strong charac-
teristics of doing his own thinking and mak-
ing his own decisions, somehow the efforts of
all staff members must be co-ordinated and
directed toward the accomplishment of com-
monly recognized and commonly accepted
goals.5
♦ Howard Lowry, The Mind's Adventure, p. 131.
The Westminster Press, 1950.
« The Widening Road, p. 37. Bowling Green State
University, 1952.
(Continued on page 525)
June i, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
513
CHURCH MUSIC
Come to Laurelville
August 21-27, 1954
By J. Mark Stauffer
(The following statement ivas read Sep-
tember 2j, 193), at a Church Music Con-
ference, St. Jacobs, Ontario, Canada)
We Resolve:
1. To honor the New Testament Scrip-
tures that Christian believers should
"teach and admonish one another in
psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing with grace in your hearts to the
Lord" (Col. 3:16).
2. To follow the spirit and practice of
the early Christian Church in the main-
tenance of congregational singing with-
out instrumental accompaniment.
3. To continue the original, basic phi-
losophy of congregational music as we
find it in the Protestant Reformation,
especially as it was taught and used by
John and Charles Wesley.
4. To hallow the memory and work
of the faithful Mennonite Church musi-
cians who anticipated the needs of our
dav and labored accordingly.
5. To plan and care for the music
needs of our children more adequately in
the future by providing better musical
leadership and music material.
6. To do all in our power to improve
the sacred character of our worship serv-
ices in song bv maintaining high spirit-
ual standards for our music leaders and
bv usine congregational music for occa-
sions which are suitable for worship.
7. To advocate and use the best tvpes
in church music: this music must preach
Christ, feed the soul, and be in keeping
with Christ's clear specification of wor-
shio in "spirit and in truth."
8. To strengthen and develop our
choral, congregational music in everv
good wav bv improving the character of
our leadership, bv continuing to teach
our people to read, and bv providing
suitable material for them to sin?.
9. That our special music activities
shall be consistent with our church music
tbeorv and that thev shall make a posi-
tive contribution to congregational sing-
in?.
10. That our church music shall be
the handmaiden of effective evangelism
and revival: that our church music must
not onlv be emploved to win men and
women to Christ, but that it shall con-
tribute to keeping them saved.
If this statement has value to the Men-
nonite Church of todav. and for tomor-
row, we need to recruit a lar?e armv of
voung men and women who love their
T ord and the Christian Church which
He built. Our consecrated, talented mu-
sicians in the church must find some time
and place where they can be better fitted
for music work in the church. Laurel-
ville Church Music Conference, August
21-27, 1954, under the blessing and direc-
tion of the Lord, can be one of those
times and places. Plan now to be with
us for a spiritual fellowship in church
music at Laurelville.
Harrisonburg, Va.
Charles Wesley — "A Singing
Bird"
Charles Wesley, born at Epworth, Eng-
land, December 18, 1807, was one of
nineteen children born into a Church
of England minister's family which has
been called a "nest of singing birds." He
had one of the world's most famous
mothers and received a fine education at
Oxford along with his older brother
John. The two are reported as walking
the fields while at Oxford and singing
songs and hymns.
The brothers were ordained and came
to America, John as a minister and
Charles as secretary to Governor Ogle-
thorp of Georgia. They did not remain
quite a year. On their way home they
met on shipboard some Moravian mis-
sionaries, and each was led to "find peace
with God." Evangelism at once seized
them and projected them into lives of in-
cessant labors, resulting in the great
Methodist movement. When the two
"got religion," it made them sing as few
Christian leaders in all history.
Charles at once began to exercise his
God-given poetic talent. "Oh, for a
Thousand Tongues to Sing" was written
on the first anniversary of his conversion.
He wrote a hymn practically every day,
taking no time to polish them. This re-
sulted in much of his work being crude
and long since forgotten. He died at the
age of eighty-one, physicians testifying
that they could find no cause for death
except "old age and weakness due to a
strenuous life."
During their sensational labors the
brothers suffered much from the clergy
of the established church. Many of
Charles Wesley's hymns were not widely
accepted until after his death. Probably
his most famous, "Jesus, Lover of My
Soul," though written within two years
after his conversion, was not included in
John's "Hymns Collected for the People
Called Methodists" (containing 525
hymns). John thought the word "Lover"
was too sentimental. It did not appear
in any Methodist hymnal until after the
death of Charles.
There are three conflicting stories told
as to the origin of this great hymn: One
that a bird, escaping from a hawk, flew
into the room where Charles was work-
ing. Another that he wrote while secret-
ed in a hedge to escape a mob. Lastly,
that it was written on board a ship dur-
ing a severe storm. "None of these stories
has been substantiated" (McCutchen).
The simplicity of Charles Wesley's
hymns is remarkable. In "Jesus, Lover of
My Soul," 156 out of 188 words have only
one syllable, and Jesus is presented as a
refuge, pilot, lover, wing, and fountain
of healing. As first written, Wesley used
"Jesu" instead of Jesus.
The truths of the Gospel passed
through the crucible of his experience to
become more poetical and reached a
broader range of emotions. An English
historian asserts that more people were
won to the Wesleyan "Societies" by the
songs of Charles than by the sermons of
John.
Time is a great eliminator. Of the
more than 6,000 hymns Charles Wesley is
reputed to have written, less than fifty
are found in the latest Methodist hym-
nal. Some have criticized him for writ-
ing too much chaff, but we ask, How is
golden grain to grow without some chaff?
A study of the topical index will dis-
cover Wesley hymns which cover every
great Christian emotion or experience.
His contributions were broad and realis-
tically vital. They have so long been in
use that his fame will remain so long as
"I Know That My Redeemer Liveth,"
"Christ the Lord Is Risen Today," "Oh,
for a Thousand Tongues to Sing,"
"Depth of Mercy, Can There Be," "Blow
Ye the Trumpet, Blow," "Love Divine,
All Love Excelling," "Ye Servants of
God, Your Master Proclaim," and all the
rest remain with which Christian believ-
ers can express their praises and thanks-
giving. The Christian world owes a great
debt of gratitude to God for the life and
work of Charles Wesley.— Ernest O. Sel-
lers, reprinted in The Free Methodist.
If You Were a Third Verse
The song leader announced the num-
ber of the hymn and paused while folks
turned to it. Then after a moment, as is
frequently the case, he added,
"We will omit the third stanza."
Thereupon a friend sitting next to me,
turned and said in a whisper,
"How would you like to be the third
verse of a hymn?"— The Christian Evan-
gel.
THE PEOPLE OF GOD (Continued)
God's family. We had dinner together.
We shared also the bread of life.
Now I'm sure that if I'd go digging
around with the carnal snout of a reli-
gious anteater, I could find some things
about these folks that would embarrass
them. There might be some ghosts in the
closets of yesterday. But praise God for
the cleansing of the blood! Praise God
for the ministry of the Holy Spiritl Praise
God for God's people! I'll take my lot
with them!
Meadville, Pa.
514
GOSPEL HERALD
June i, 1954
FOR OUR SHUT-INS
Sharing
By Opal Brammann
He understands each heartache,
He understands each pain,
He understands each bitter loss,
Each joyful, glorious gain.
He knows each deeply hidden thought,
Each longing of our heart.
And of each disappointment
The Saviour has a part.
He shares our life from day to day,
If we but let Him share.
Or do you carry all your load,
And leave Him waiting there?
Park Rapids, Minn.
Seeing Through Tears
We need not tell you that life has
many things which cause tears. No
doubt you have found it to be true and
likely have often seen things through
tears.
Perhaps our vision has been distorted
by them, for this is the natural physical
effect of tears. Things lose their propor-
tion. But this physical characteristic of
tears is not what we would like to speak
about. We like to speak of faith which
sees through tears without losing the
clear vision faith gives and though un-
derstanding may be lacking, yet clings to
the mercies and goodness of God, con-
tent to meet circumstances as they come,
with the help of God.
Tears may be uncomfortable. Hearts
may be sore. Grief may grip us and ren-
der us subject to dejection. Sorrow may
cast a dark pall on our days. Yet, if we
are where God wants us and what He
wants us to be, the dark clouds will have
a silvery lining which will be more than
gilt edges. We shall truly learn that all
things work together for good if we love
the Lord.
In things of the Spirit, tears deepen
our trust and confidence in our heavenly
Father. Spiritual sight is never dim be-
cause of natural film. The Lord walks
with us as we travel the way of sorrow
and He leads faithfully and helps to
carry the burdens of each day. He wepl
also. He suffered too. He knows every
step of the way you and I need to take.
Are you afraid of tears? You need not
be. !)<> you cringe Erora sorrow? lie will
help vou hear it. Do you think tears will
blind your spiritual vision? Look up:
your real help comes from above ami it
will surely come if you want it. And
sometime, "God shall wipe away all
tears" from your eyes if you let Him.—
Evan J .Miller, editorial in Herold der
Wahrheit.
The "Gift Burden"
By Chester Shuler
Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and
he shall sustain thee: he shall never suf-
fer the righteous to be moved. Ps. 55:22.
This verse from the Psalms has
brought comfort to many hearts. 'Most
everyone has burdens. Some have more
and heavier burdens than others. And
to some folks even a light burden is griev-
ous and seemingly heart-crushing in its
intensity.
But every burden-bearer, whatever his
degree of fortitude and strength, is eager
to have the burden lifted.
This verse gives such promise to those
who, by faith, can claim the promise.
But we came upon a brief comment
by some unknown writer recently which
gave us a slightly different light on the
deeper meaning of the verse, and partic-
ularly the word "burden." He stated
that this word translated into our Eng-
lish word "burden" really means "gift."
No, the idea is not to cast gifts— as we
usually think of gifts or offerings— at the
Lord's feet. That, of course, is proper,
but it is not meant here. "What it really
says," this writer continues, "is 'Cast back
upon the Lord what He has given you.' "
Most of us have difficulty thinking of
any burden or other unpleasant, difficult
thing, as a gift. We consider a real gift
to be something which gives pleasure
only.
A gift is an expression of love— if it is
given in and with the proper spirit. Has
the psalmist intended to tell us, then, in
this statement that God would give us,
as a gift, a burden?
At first thought, this seems unlikely.
He is a God of love, and of justice. It
does not seem too much like either love
or justice to give burden-gifts, does it?
But let us see.
While Testis walked the earth, He was
one day approached by an afflicted wom-
an (Matt. 9:20-22; Mark 5:25-34; Luke
8: 1348), who for a do/en years had been
given up as a hopeless invalid. The
slightest hope of recovery to normal
health had been denied her by her phy-
sicians. She had speni .ill her living Eor
doctors' fees, in vain. Worse still, her life
had been made drab In the prospect oi
perpetual invalidism. And then one
da) she heard that Jesus was coming her
way. She hurried to meet and see Hiin.
1 here was nothing unusual in that: mul-
titudes always thronged Him wherevei
He went. Bui this lad) had an extra
special reason for wishing to meet Jesus.
She had heard much about His miracles,
and how He had healed many sorely
afflicted persons. A faint ray of hope
sprang into her heart— He might, just
might, be able to help her!
And so this woman, afflicted grievously
for twelve long, painful years, went to
Jesus to cast her burden of suffering up-
on Him— to "cast back upon the Lord
what He had given her." To return
the burden-gift. Without this "gift"
their meeting would have been just the
same as that of many other persons in
the crowd that saw Jesus. But the bur-
den-gift brought to her a great thrill,
when as she touched Jesus' garment, un-
noticed, healing came into her body!
No, most of us are not similarly afflict-
ed, perhaps have no physical afflictions
at all. But nearly all have burdens of
worry, anxiety, trouble, confusion, uncer-
tainty, indecision. Are these troubles
bringing us closer to God? Or farther
from Him? They can do either— accord-
ing as we look upon and think of them.
We do not mean to say that all our
troubles and burdens come from God.
Thev do not. He may permit us to have
some, at times, if by so permitting He
can help us keep from transgressing. But
many of our troubles are of our own
making. However, there are numerous
instances where we can, like the woman
of the Bible story, be drawn nearer to
His healin^ touch through our burdens.
—Selected.
Addresses of Shut-ins
Una Mae Thompson — b. Nov. 9, 1880
Route 1
Christiana, Pa. ...
Miss Amanda Dietrich — b. May 27, 1864
Route 1
Washington Boro, Pa.
EXPRESSIONS OF APPRECIATION
We sincerely appreciated the prayers and
letters of sympathy and encouragement which
have been offered and received during the past
year for us and by us. May God richly bless
and reward each of vou in His own good way-—
D. Rohrer Eshleman, Clayton and Martha
Keener. Nazareth, Ethiopia.
* * *
I wish to express sincerely my appreciation
for the pravers of fellow Christians on my behalf
during my stay in the hospital and since I am
at hoine. Also for the visits, beautiful bouquets,
potted plants, cards, and other gifts. I wish
you all God's richest blessings. — Mrs. Merle
Cordell. Greencastle. Pa.
» * »
We wish to express our sincere thanks to
our friends and neighbors for the kind assist-
ance given during the illness of Reuben E.
Kmenheiser, and also for the cards, gifts, prayers,
the fruit baskets from the different Sunday
schools that were given to him. And we also
thank them for the many cards and letters and
the words of sympathy expressed and assistance
given since our bereavement in the loss of our
husband and grandfather. May the Lord bless
each one of you is our wish and prayer. — The
Emenheiser family. Elizabethtown, Pa.
• • •
We wish to express our sincere thanks and
appreciation to all friends who so kindly shared
with us during our daughter's stay in the hos-
pital. We also wish to thank those from whom
we received through the mail, bearing no name.
Mav God have a blessing in store for them all. —
Mrl and Mrs. Harold Kratzor. Richfield. Pa.
June i, 1 9 $4
GOSPEL HERALD
515
TO BE NEAR TO GOD
THEME— MEETINGS
Sunday, June 6
Read Gen. 33:4. 10 — The Meeting of Reconciliation
The grace of God is manifested in that,
after time and Providence have dealt with
erring men, they can embrace, kiss, and weep
over the folly of both. The Esau who de-
spised his birthright can now say, "I have
enough," and refuse a gift. He who had
murder in his heart can recognize faith in
his brother Jacob who now limped and was to
limp forever. Time, separation, God's bless-
ing in the interval, and, above all, the mar-
velous grace of God had worked together to
make this meeting one of lasting satisfaction.
It is a monument for the ages, to be pondered
over by men who have differences, yea, mur-
der-inciting differences. This incident proves
for all time that jealous brethren can bury for-
ever that which properly belongs to the mis-
taken past.
Monday,' June 7
Read Num. 23:3, 4 — God Meets a Prophet
Prophets should love God above all else,
but this one loved money, sad to say. Never-
theless God met him and gave him his mes-
sage. The prophet delivered it, cash in ad-
vance, however. It was clearly not God's
intent that Balaam go, yet God suffered it.
As the prophet went, God met him in the
way in the person of an angel who turned
his ass aside. And after meeting the heathen
king who was an enemy of God's people, God
met with the prophet once again after sacri-
fices were kindled. Mankind did not have
to wait until the time of Christ to see that
God was long-suffering; God always was so,
as this incident reveals. God may not approve
of the place and circumstance of your present
state, but He surely is willing to give you di-
rections as to carrying out His will. He will
at least give you directions as to how to re-
turn to the people of God. You need not die
with the enemy as Balaam did.
Tuesday, June 8
Read Judq. 6:34. 35 — Meet General Gideon
Gideon had been called of God and he
obeyed. He did a very daring thing; he threw
down his father's Baal altar and cut down
the grove of worship. No wonder that the
Spirit of the Lord came upon such a young
man! Such an outpouring results in an ever-
lasting dissatisfaction with things as they are.
It will give the energetic one no rest until
things are as they ought to be. General Gid-
eon was being forged on the anvil of experi-
ence.
Having been called of God and having
magnified his office boldly, he blew a trum-
pet and men of good heart answered him by
the thousands. When faith so obsesses men
as it did General Gideon, they too will blow
and men who are tired of the spiritual oppres-
sion of the devil will answer. Through our
modern General Gideons weary souls meet
Gideon's God who saves by His own might.
"The sword of the Lord and of Gideon."
Wednesday, June 9
Read Prov. 22:2— Millionaires and Paupers
The rich have money and the poor merely
lack it; why should either class boast or com-
plain? The poor must spend in order that
the rich may receive and the rich must hire,
else the poor would not have money to spend.
If either needs a transfusion, the blood of
the other will do. Even in the economic
scale there may be a reversal of positions ere
they lie down to die. Each is here to do what
good he can; let him therefore promote that
good for humanity which lies nearest his
door. We have seen great riches held in sa-
cred trust for the Lord, and we have seen
envious poverty a fertile breeding ground
for the devil's works. God grant us in our
relative possession of wealth that we may
know that God is the Maker of us all. Then,
Sunday School Lesson for June 13
(Amos 2:6-12; 4:1, 2; 6)
Amos saw God with a plumb line in His
hand. What is a plumb line? Why did God
speak with this symbol? That was an excel-
lent figure because Israel had not measured
up to the standards of God, and Amos was
to remind them. It is a good figure for Chris-
tian conduct at any time, for the individual
or the nation.
God was about to punish Israel. Why? 2:6-
12. And, like our God, He had done so much
to call Israel away from their sin. But they
had even made drunks of their saints, the
Nazarites. And they didn't want to hear any
correcting voice. "Prophesy not," they told
the prophets.
Wealth had given Israel ease, luxury, and
idleness. With these had come the great sin
of intemperance. Really they were intemper-
ate in the use of their money and time. To
gain their money, they had oppressed the
the poor. 4:1, 2.
The women were very intemperate. They
led the men on. They, no doubt, had cried
for the summer and winter houses and the
beds of ivory. What would Amos say to the
drinking, intemperate women of today?
Drunkenness among the poor is more under-
standable than among the rich. What is the
effect of this sin on womanhood?
How like the wantonness of today was
that of Israel! Nothing to work, luxury in
furniture, food, ointments, wines, and music.
Nothing to nourish the mind. How could
they keep from degenerating morally? Moral
lapses of this kind must lead to destruction.
rich, poor, or moderately wealthy, we shall
have ourselves and wealth, or lack of it, as
unto Him. Then shall we cherish His loving
favor as we meet others who are outside our
own particular monetary classification.
Thursday, June 10
Read Amos 4:12 — Meet God
If I chastise my son I mean that it shall do
him good. So did God in the times which
Amos reviewed. God had dealt as a father.
Dry weather was a whip, but the people
learned not. Blasting, mildew, palmer worm,
pestilence of man and beast, and the devour-
ing sword all failed to bring Israel to her
senses. Therefore, as a collective group,
"prepare to meet thy God, O Israel." Even
though in all these things they had met Him,
now they must meet Him as judge. How
many suspended judgments hang over us na-
tionally? Don't view things from a national
viewpoint, nor yet from your own viewpoint.
It must give us pause to consider the wide
divergence between God's aims and judg-
ments and our respective nations' aims and
performances. Therefore Amos' word thun-
ders at us also, "Prepare to meet thy God,
O . . . ."
(Continued on page 425)
We too have great wealth of food in our
good country, and so much physical help in
our learned medical skills, yet men and wom-
en in the United States live largely for the
fleshly pleasures and they practice those in
excess. A loud voice is needed. Hesitate not
to lift up the standard of God in your class.
Cry aloud against all intemperance. Many
of our people are tempted with wealth. Real-
ly we are all too rich in America. Present
some facts on drinking in the U. S. and in
your community.
We as Christians should be awakened to
stir all people concerned with this awful sin
of drink. H. A. Bosley says in the "Christian
Herald" that Christians must be concerned
because drinking is related to mental, physi-
cal, and social disease; to poverty, disillusion-
ment, and broken homes; to the making of
criminals and educating our children to vice.
Here are seven reasons for good teaching on
drinking. We must be interested in saving
all drinkers. God loves them.
Consider in class your friends, your neigh-
bors, your community. Whom should you
help? Whom can you help and how? Every
drinking youth or adult needs our help badly.
We may not preach like Amos, but we can
tell the evils of the sin and the better way of
God. Challenge each member of the class
to help at least one drinker.
"Alcoholism is cancer of the ego."
— Alta Mae Erb.
Lesson based on "International Sunday School Les-
sons: the International Bible Lessons for Christian
Teaching," copyrighted 1951 by the Division of Chris-
tian Education National Council of the Churches of
Christ in the U.S.A.
Amos Condemns Intemperance
516
GOSPEL HERALD
June i, 1954
FIELD NOTES
Items to appear in this column for any issue of the
following Tuesday must reach Scottdale by Wednes-
day morning.
The annual meeting of the Non-Resistant
Relief Organization of Ontario was held at
the First Mennonite Church, Kitchener, Ont.,
on May 3. Bro. J. C. Hallman, treasurer, re-
ported that the total receipts for the year
were $52,436.00.
The Executive Committee and Bishops of
the Southwestern Pa. Conference met at
Scottdale Saturday, May 15, to arrange for
the annual conference to be held at Martins-
burg, Pa., Aug. 3, 4, and to care for other
business.
The Executive Committee of the Mennon-
ite Publication Board met at the Publishing
House, May 14, 15. Important items of busi-
ness transacted will be reported later.
The Schowalter Foundation, Inc., a non-
profit religious, charitable, and educational
organization, was organized at Newton,
Kans., recendy as follows: Orie O. Miller,
Akron, Pa., chairman of the board; H. J.
Andres, Newton, Kans., president and gen-
eral manager; Herbert H. Sizemore, New-
ton, first vice-president and general counsel;
Ernest Bachman, Newton, second vice-presi-
dent and assistant manager; D. C. Buller,
Halstead, Kans., third vice-president and as-
sistant manager; C. L. Graber, Goshen, Ind.,
treasurer; and Adin Holdeman, Hesston,
Table of Contents
505 — God Calls to Repentance
Christ or Chaos (Poem)
506 — Our Readers Say
507 — A Reminder
The Ascension
508 — The Revelation of Jesus Christ
In Every State of the Union
It Happened
509 — Elijah Beside the Drying Brook of Cherith
510 — Awake
511 — Prayer for This Week
Water from Many Wells
The People of God
Prayer Requests
512 — Goshen College News
The Task of Our Church Schools
513 — Come to Laurelville
Charles Wesley — "A Singing Bird"
If You Were a Third Verse
514 — Sharing (Poem)
Seeing Through Tears
The "Gift Burden"
Addresses of Shut-ins
Expressions of Appreciation
515 — To Be Near to God
Sunday School Lesson for June 13
516 — Field Notes
Calendar
517 — Mission News
Your Treasurer Reports
518 — La Plata Mennonite Hospital Graduates
Nine Nurse Aids
Working Together in Argentina
519 — 215 Tons of Food Canned This Season
La Blblla Ablerta to Open the Closed Blbln
520 — Program Annual Meeting Mennonite Board of
Missions and Charities
521 — The Mennonite Hour
Waltl Don't Buy That Second Home
522— MRSC Weekly Notos
MCC Weekly Notes
Women's Activities
523 — From Our Churches
526 — Marriages; Births; Obituaries
527— Book Shelf
528 — Your Publishing House
Items and Comments
Kans., secretary. The corporation will ad-
minister the million-dollar estate of the late
J. A. Schowalter, Newton, Kans., who willed
all his property to three churches: General
Conference of the Mennonite Church of
North America, Mennonite General Confer-
ence (Old Mennonite), and the Church of
God in Christ Mennonite, all of whom elect
representatives to the organization. The liti-
gation against the estate has been partially
settled and it is hoped to satisfy all claims by
relatives in the near future.
One person was received into church fel-
lowship by letter at the Kingview Church,
Scottdale, Pa., Sunday morning, May 16.
Dedication services were held for the new
church building at Exeland, Wis., on Sunday,
afternoon May 9. Elmer Hershberger, De-
troit Lakes, Minn., gave the dedication mes-
sage, Wallace Kauffman, paster, made the
dedication statement, and B. B. King, Scott-
dale, Pa., led in the dedicatory prayer.
Bro. Marcus Bishop, paster of the congre-
gation at Pueblo, Colo., on April 26, fell from
a ladder while helping in the construction of
the new church building. His left elbow was
broken and dislocated. The congregation
hopes to have the new building ready for use
for summer Bible school by June 7.
Bro. T. K. Hershey, who has been ill at his
home in Goshen, Ind., is said to be much im-
proved.
Bro. Howard Hammer, who is engaged in
tent evangelistic work, states that his perma-
nent mailing address for the summer is R. 1,
Apple Creek, Ohio, c-o Peter F. Geiser.
At the commencement exercises at the
Iowa Mennonite School, Kalona, Iowa, May
17, Bro. Frederick Erb, Detroit, Mich., gave
the address.
Important Instructions for All Persons
Ordering Herald SBS Supplies:
Grade 6 Herald Summer Bible
School Pupil's Workbook and Teach-
er's Manual, entitled Teachings of Je-
sus, has been completely revised. The
new revised books for both teacher
and pupil can be identified by three
white dots on the cover of each book
just beneath the title. Please make
certain all your copies are of the new
edition. It will be necessary to purchase
a new Teacher's Manual if you plan
to teach Grade 6 this year. A com-
bination of old and new pupils' books
cannot be used in any one class. Check
your stock now and order the quantity
you need for Grade 6 teachers and
pupils. Any unused copies of the old
edition may be returned for replace-
ment.
Mennonite Publishing House
Scottdale, Pennsylvania
The commencement address for the fifty-
sixth commencement of Goshen College was
delivered by Dr. Guy E. Snavely, Executive
Director of the Association of American Col-
leges, Washington, D.C.
Bro. O. N. Johns, Louisville, Ohio preached
the Conference sermon at the Ohio Confer-
ence at Walnut Creek last week.
Bro. Abner Miller, pastor of the Cumber-
land, Md., mission, was the guest speaker
at the annual Ascension Day meeting of the
Johnstown district, held at the church at
Johnstown, Pa.
(Continued on page 524)
Calendar
Indiana-Michigan annual meetings at Howard-Miami
Church, Kokomo, Ind. Mission Board, June 1;
Conference June 2, 3.
North Central Mennonite Conference and associated
meetings, June 7-11 at Lake Region Church,
Detroit Lakes, Minn.
Annual meeting of Ontario A.M. Conference, June
9-10, at East Zorra A.M. Church, Ontario (near
Tavistock).
Annual meeting Mennonite Board of Missions and
Charities, Western Mennonite School, Salem,
Oreg., June 17-20.
Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Youth Fellowship, Go-
shen College Union Auditorium, Goshen, Ind.,
June 2S-27.
1954 Schedule for Lcmrelville; Writers' Conference,
June 26 to July 2; Family Week, July 3-9; Boys'
Camp (ages 9-13), July 10-16; Girls' Camp (ages
9-13), July 17-23; Junior High (ages 13-15), July
24-30; Junior High (agos 13-15), July 31 to Aug. 6;
Young People's Institute, Aug. 7-13; MYF Work-
shop and Annual meeting, Aug. 14-20; Church
Music Conference, Aug. 21-27; Missionary Bible
Conference, Aug. 28 to Sept. 2.
Little Eden Camp: Youth Camp, June 26 to July 3 —
Boys' Camp, Grades 4-6; July 3-10 — Girls' Camp,
Grades 4-6; July 10-17— Jr. High, Grades 7-8;
July 17-24— Sr. High, Grades 9-12; July 24-31—
Young People's Camp; Adult Camp, July 31 to
Aug. 7— Christian Business Men; Aug. 7-14 — Mu-
sic & Family Week; Aug. 14-21 — Bible Conf. &
Family Week; Aug. 21-28 — Farmers' Week; Aug.
28 to Sept. 4— Christian Layman's Fel.
Chesley Lake Camp, Alleniord, Ont., June 27 to Sept.
6. Special camps: For children, July 26-31,
Stirling Ave. Church, Kitchener; Aug. 9-14, Men-
nonite Boys' Camp; Aug. 16-21, Mennonite Girls'
Camp; July 31 to Aug. 6, Christian Endeavour
Society; Aug. 23-28, Mennonite Youth Camp.
Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp: Pre-camp train-
ing— June 28-July 2; Week-end Bible Conference
on Stewardship — July 3, 4, Milo Kauffman, Hess-
ton, Kans.; Junior Boys — July 5-10 (ages 9-12);
Junior Girls — July 12-17 (ages 9-12); Junior High
—July 19-24 (ages 13-15); First Family— July 28-
31; Youth Retreat — Aug. 2-7 (ages 16 and above);
Second Family — Aug. 9-14; Orientation Camp
for prospective I-W Men — August 21-28. Program
sponsored by MRSC. Week-end Bible Conference
and Annual Camp Meeting of Rocky Mountain
Mennonite Camp Association — Sept. S, 6.
Alberta-Saskatchewan Mennonite conference and as-
sociated meetings, July 1-4, Salem Mennonite
Church, Tofield, Alta.
Peace Sunday, July 4, 1954.
Annual meeting Mission Board of Southwestern Penn-
sylvania Conference, Otelia Church, Mt. Union,
Pa., July 9, 10.
Illinois Junior Camp, July 12-17, and Junior High
Camp. July 19-24, Camp Emmons, Mt. Morris, 111.
Virginia Conference and related meetings. Spring-
dale Church. Waynesboro, Va., July 27-30.
Annual Ohio MYF convention, Ohio Mennonite Camp
Ground, Kidron, Ohio, July 30 to August 1.
Annual meeting Southwestern Pa. Conference, Mar-
tinsburg. Pa., Aug. 1-4.
Illinois State MYF Retreat, New Salem State Park,
August 5-8.
Annual meeting Iowa-Nebraska Conference, West
Union, Parnell. Iowa, Auq. 10-13.
Annual meeting South Central Conference, Assembly
of God campground, near Eldon, Mo., Aug. 17-20.
Annual meeting Illinois Conference, East Bend.
Fisher. 111.. Aug. 24-26.
Fall meeting. Commission for Christian Education,
LaurelvlIIe Mennonite Camp, Laurelville. Pa.,
Sept. 27, 28.
Study Conference of Child Evangelism, LaurelvlIIe
Mennonite Camp. Sept. 29, 30.
Fall meeting. General Council of Mennonite General
Conference, LaurelvlIIe Mennonite Camp, Oct.
1, 2.
Annual meeting of the Mennonite Board of Education,
Kalona-Wellman, Iowa, area; Oct. 14-16, 1934.
Annual meeting Mennonite Conference and Associated
meetings of the Pacific Coast District at Western
Mennonite School, Salem, Oreg.. June 1-4.
Annual meeting Conservative A.M. Conference,
Maple Glen congregation near GmntsvUle, Md.,
Aug. 10-13. 1944.
June i, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
517
MISSIONS
Go, Preach ? M\ I ^ ^ 1 1 J i ^1 ^ Give, Pray
The General Board Headquarters lor Missions, Relief, and Service: 1711 Prairie Street, Elkhart, Indiana. Telephone. Elkhart 2-2786.
Mission News
In Carmen de Areco, Argentina, five con-
verts were baptized on Good Friday, thus
forming the first group of believers there
since the work has been started by Sisters
Edna Good and Marta Quiroga. Bro. and
Sister Amos Swartzentruber were present for
the service. Prayer is requested for those
who, having completed the instruction classes,
declined baptism.
Missionary speakers serving on the annual
meeting program for the Ontario Mennonite
Mission Board, May 22-24, included Bro.
Simeon Hurst, missionary on furlough from
Tanganyika, Africa, and Bro. J. B. Martin,
recently returned from Israel.
Sister Mary Ellen Shoup, a student at Go-
shen College and former MCC worker in
Europe, gave an illustrated lecture on or-
phanage work in France to the Elkhart
Women's Missionary Meeting held in the
Prairie St. Church, Elkhart, Ind., May 28.
Sister Goldie Hummel arrived in New
York from India on S.S. United States Tues-
day, May 25. She is spending her first days
of furlough at her parental home in Green-
wood, Del.
Bro. and Sister J. Otis Yoder, who have
been serving at the Mennonite Home Mis-
sion, Chicago, 111., since the fall of 1952, will
conclude their ministry on June 6 and return
to Eastern Mennonite College, Harrisonburg,
Va., where Bro. Yoder serves on the faculty.
He has been absent on leave for graduate
study at Northern Baptist Theological Semi-
nary.
Bro. Don Driver, assistant pastor at the
Mennonite Home Mission, Chicago, 111.,
since last September, will serve as pastor at
the Home Mission during the summer
months.
On Sunday, May 9, Bishop M. L. Troyer,
Elida, Ohio, worshiped with the Lima Mis-
sion congregation and officiated in a service
of reception of new members in which three
were baptized and one received by letter.
Pray for these new members.
Bro. Nelson Litwiller, Buenos Aires, Ar-
gentina, spent the first two weeks in May in
the Argentine Chaco giving assistance to the
missionaries there in planning their building
and linguistic programs. He reports that Dr.
and Mrs. William D. Reyburn are doing very
good work in helping the missionaries put
the Toba language into writing and in better
understanding Toba customs.
The Old Order Amish Committee respon-
sible for operating the Hillcrest Home, Har-
rison, Ark., a county home for the aged, has
been asked to operate the County Home at
Van Buren, Ark. The home at Harrison is
operated with the help of I-W and VS per-
sonnel.
Bro. Lawrence Brunk and family were
guests in Floresta, Buenos Aires, Argentina
over the week end of May 2. On May 1,
Labor Day in Argentina, Bro. Brunk accom-
panied the young people of the local Men-
nonite churches on an outing to an island in
the delta district of the Parana River. The
executive committee of the JEMA, the Ar-
gentine Mennonite Youth Organization, also
met during the same days.
Bro. and Sister John Litwiller and their
sons Nelson and John left Buenos Aires, Ar-
gentina, on May 6 returning to their work
in the Argentine Chaco. Bro. Litwiller had
earlier gone to the Chaco by car but returned
to get his family.
The purchase of the Shepherd's Hill prop-
erty in London, England, to be used as a
Mennonite Center has been completed, ac-
cording to Bro. Quintus Leatherman. Some
alterations were required before the building
could be occupied. The London workers
hoped to have their May 29 meeting in the
new Center.
The student group from American Men-
nonite Colleges going to Europe this sum-
mer will be in London over the week end of
June 20. Three of the students have agreed
to help the Quintus Leathermans with their
summer Bible school program.
Bro. Lee Kanagy reports from Nakashi-
betsu, Japan, that land may be available soon
on which the local group can build their
church and kindergarten. Pray for God's
leading in this matter.
The Kentish Town Church in London, the
mission church where summer Bible school
was held last summer, will be definitely com-
ing up for auction on June 15. The Executive
Committee of the General Mission Board has
authorized Bro. Quintus Leatherman to put
a bid on the building. Pray that God's will
may be done about the acquisition of this
building and the added witness which such
acquisition would entail.
Bro. and Sister Stanley Weaver, Chinle,
Ariz., are planning to begin regular Sunday
services as soon as they can secure a Navaho
worker to help them. At the present time
they conduct regular visitation on Sundays.
Sister Lois Kauffman, who is presently serv-
ing as nurse in the Navaho India Migrant
Unit, plans to join the missionaries later this
year as a missionary nurse.
Bro. Lester T. Hershey, missionary on fur-
lough from Puerto Rico, is scheduled for the
following appointments in Illinois early in
June: June 2, Arthur; June 3, Dillon; June 6,
a.m., Science Ridge and West Sterling, Ster-
ling; and June 6, evening, Freeport. Bro.
Hershey spoke at the Morrison, 111., Men-
nonite Church on May 31 and at the College
Mennonite Church, Goshen, Ind., on May 23.
Bro. Luke Birky, La Plata, Puerto Rico, is
completing his present deputation schedule
in behalf of the Puerto Rico Hospital in the
midwest as follows: June 6, evening, East
Fairview, Milford, Nebr.; June 8, Shickley,
Your Treasurer Reports
I should like to report the result of recent
appeals by the Mission Board for funds to
meet accrued operating deficits within the
year. I am very happy to advise that the sev-
eral appeals, including the one by Brother
Erb, have resulted in substantial contribu-
tions being received for the General Mission
Fund during the past several months. Mis-
sion Board financial reports have now been
completed for the fiscal year, and we can re-
port that sufficient funds were received to
meet all operating deficits and would have
been sufficient to close out all debit accounts
including expenditures for construction.
Therefore, the Mission Board has been able
to close all operating accounts for the year.
Due to the fact that the General Fund
balance would be quite low if all capital ex-
penditure accounts were closed out, it has
been agreed that we should carry forward
in our accounts some of the major building
funds in anticipation that some of these can
be met through designated contributions dur-
ing the coming year. The major account be-
ing kept open is the home for the aged at
Sturgis, Mich.
The consolidated financial statement for
the year indicates that total contributions
amounted to $789,901.90. This actually rep-
resents an increase of contributions over last
year, which increase is accounted for by the
sizable contributions received during the year
for the Bethel Church Building, Puerto Rico
Hospital, Relief and Service funds, and the
General Mission Fund. Contributions dur-
ing the previous fiscal year amounted to
$700,588.84. This indicates a total increase
of $89,313.06 in contributions during this
year as against contributions received last
year.
The ready response from the church to
contribute for the needs of the Mission Board
is much appreciated. The enlarging mission
program does require more funds to carry on
the work, but we must continually face the
responsibility of using the resources that we
have for the work of the kingdom. We solicit
your continued prayer and financial support
that during the coming year we might know
God's definite leading in the further planning
of the mission, relief, and service programs
of the church.
H. Ernest Bennett, Treasurer
Mennonite Board oi Missions and Charities
Elkhart, Indiana.
Nebr.; June 9, Roseland, Nebr.; June 10,
Chappell, Nebr. Bro. Birky spoke at Mead-
ville, Pa., on May 28 and Martins Church,
Orrville, Ohio, on May 31.
(Continued on page 524)
518
GOSPEL HERALD
June i, 1954
The graduation exercises of the 1954 nurse aide class at the Mennonite Hospital. La Plata.
Puerto Rico. On the left is John Lehman, hospital director, and on the right is Rev. Fidel
Mercado, pastor of the Baptist Academy at Barranquitas.
La Plata Mennonite Hospital Graduates
Nine Nurse Aids
By Elsie Eberly
Friday, April 9, was a happy day for nine
nurse aides who had successfully completed
their twelve-week course of intensive study
and practice. At 1:00 p.m. all were dressed
in their gray and white striped uniforms with
white collars and cuffs and their white nurse
aide caps, ready for the commencement exer-
cises at the community center. Each one
quietly took her place on the platform.
The bienvenida was given by John Leh-
man, director of the hospital, and the invo-
cation led by John Driver. Two of the girls
read compositions: the first entitled "The
Kind of Nurse I Want to Be" was read by
Maria Mercedes Suarez; the second entitled
"The Nurse Aide in the Community" was
read by Rosalie Rodriguez. The girls then
sang their class song, Las Futuras Enferme-
ras.
Our guest speaker, Fidel Mercado, Princi-
pal of the Baptist Academy in Barranquitas,
gave us a challenging message on service. A
mixed quartet composed of two nurses, Mrs.
Robert Yoder and Mrs. Floyd Litwiller,
pharmacist John Mann and laboratory tech-
nician Weldon Troyer, sang a hymn, "Living
for Jesus." Each girl came forward to re-
ceive her diploma which was handed to her
by Dr. R. J. Yoder. After reciting their pledge
together, a dedicatory prayer was offered by
E. V. Snyder.
This was a happy day for the teachers who
had spent much time and effort choosing
materials to use in the courses, translating
from English to Spanish, supervising prac-
tices, etc. These teachers were Dorothy Yo-
der, R.N., Medical Diseases; Lona Litwiller.
R.N., Nursing Procedures; Mrs. Elvin Sny-
der, English; Jeanette Lewis, R.N., Foods and
Nutrition; Elsie Eberly, R.N.. Hospital Su-
pervisor, Ethics and Obstetrics.
Although this was a new venture for most
of us, we all agreed that it had been an in-
teresting and challenging experience. We
thank God for this experience to contribute
and witness to this community. There is a
great need for health teaching. We trust
that as these girls serve in the hospital and in
the community many parents will learn the
importance of caring for their children, sup-
plying good nutrition, taking measures to
prevent illness — in other words, to attain and
maintain good health.
Only three in this class were from Protes-
tant homes. We pray, too. that through their
contacts here these girls will be drawn to the
Saviour who alone can save and will also
join us in a spiritual ministry to their people.
La Plata, Puerto Rico.
Working Together in Argentina
I like to think of you all as sister mission-
aries. You may never cross the ocean in per-
son but in spirit you are crossing all the time
in one form or in another; and not just to
Argentina but to every foreign country where
together we witness for the Lord Jesus. God's
children are especially blessed, for they, in
spirit, can travel to the uttermost part of the
world even though they may live their whole
life in a small community. In this very real
way you missionary sisters are obeying the
great commission to "go . . . into all the
world."
We continue to praise the Lord for what
He has done and for what He will do here
in Carmen de Areco. In spite of continual
opposition we see His Spirit at work because
God's children are praying and struggling
together with the Almighty. We have great
reason to rejoice, for we know we will
triumph in Him.
We were sorry to have to say good-by to
Isabel on Friday evening but her visit with
her uncle had to come to an end. However,
there was also joy mixed with our sorrow be-
cause she is returning home with her Sav-
iour. She is an orphan girl; so for that rea-
son we are especially glad to know that she
has the Lord's presence and help at all times.
She realizes that it will be difficult for her to
fit in at her old home since she is conscious
The nursing staff at Mennonite Hospital, i>a Plata. Puerto Rico: Lett The 1954 nurse aide graduates and their nursing Instructors,
to Right: Virginia Showalter, Jtianlta Detweller, Elsie Eberly.
Jeanette Lewis, Mrs. Dorothy Yoder, Lona Litwiller. Viva Luge-ill.
June i, 1954
of the change in her own life. Her old
friends will not find the same Isabel when
they go out with her. She does not know of
an Evangelical church in her town; so you
can imagine that poor Isabel does not have
an easy road ahead of her. We will try to
do all we can to pray for her, send literature,
and I know you will want to help her also.
She has the best intentions to be true to her
Lord, but we know how sly Satan is and how
difficult it is when there are no Christians
near to have fellowship. May the Lord bless
this 18-year-old orphan girl and keep her
under the shadow of His wing. — Edna Good,
in Argentine Missionary Women's News Let-
ter.
GOSPEL HERALD
519
215 Tons of Food Canned This
Season
Mennonite, Brethren in Christ, and Amish
communities in Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio,
Indiana, Illinois, Minnesota, Iowa and Kan-
sas have already canned 172,391 cans of food
for foreign relief this season. Most of this
food is meat. Each can contains 2'/2 pounds
which makes a total of approximately 215
tons.
Most of this food has been processed with
the MCC portable canner which began the
season's operation in Kokomo, Ind., Oct. 12.
The remainder was processed by local can-
ners. The MCC canner concluded its opera-
tions for the season in Lancaster County, Pa.
Most of the meat will be shipped to Korea,
Germany, and Austria. Some will be shipped
to Jordan as well as to other countries in
which MCC has relief services. Some of this
meat is already en route. Canned meat in-
cludes beef, pork, poultry, and lard. Most of
it, however, is beef. Other food canned this
season includes vegetables, fruits, jam, and
preserves. A final report will be made when
the canning season is completed.
The number of cans which the various
communities and groups have processed with
the MCC canner: Kokomo, Ind., 6,615;
Elkhart ■ County, Ind., 17,633; Archbold,
Ohio, 7,082; Eureka 111., 2,214; Buda, Free-
port, and Sterling, 111., 7,927; Lagrange Coun-
ty, Ind., 5,260; Springfield, Ohio, 3,612; West
Liberty, Ohio, 6,069; Louisville and Hartville,
Ohio, 7,122; Aurora, Ohio, 3,601; Columbi-
ana, Ohio, 2,500; Belleville and Martinsburg,
Pa., 12,563; Harrisonburg, Va., 19,800; and
Denbigh, Va., 10,305.
These communities processed the follow-
ing number of cans with local canners: River-
side, Ohio, 3,348; Wellman, Iowa, 7,512
Parnell, Iowa, 2,332; Olds, Iowa, 4,536; Ka
lona, Iowa, 2,424; Pandora, Ohio, 2,400
Plain City, Ohio, 4,250; Mountain Lake
Minn., 884; Delft, Minn., 234; Conway
Kans., 120; Salisbury, Pa., 323; Kokomo
Ind., 984; and Old Order Amish churches
Lagrange County, Ind., 451.
MCC Information Service, Akron, Pa.
La Biblia Abierta to Open the Closed
Bible
By Lester T. Hershey
Recently a Puerto Rican priest said that if
the Catholic Church were to really push the
reading of the Bible, in less than a year 40
per cent of the Catholic Church in Puerto
Rico would be Protestant. Maybe this sounds
high, but the point is that for many Latins
the Bible is a closed book. They have heard
of it only as a book belonging to the heretic
Protestants. They have heard their priests
condemn it. In some countries it has been
burned — yes, piles of them burned at public
gatherings.
Jesus is the way: are you helping the
heathen to walk in it? — The Soul Clinic.
"La Biblia Abierta" octet includes personnel
from the mission, MRSC. and Ulrich Founda-
tion programs.
Today there are 70,000 more people on the
earth than there were yesterday. This year
there will be 25,000,000 more people in the
world than there were last year at this time.
The population of the world is increasing.
And, to many of these new souls on the earth,
the Bible will be a closed book.
That is why our Spanish Broadcasting
Committee in its meeting in Elkhart last
April 20 decided to call our Mennonite
Church's Spanish broadcast "La Biblia
Abierta" (The Open Bible). We hope to be
able to open the Bible week after week in a
way that those who would not go to a Prot-
estant church for fear of being discovered
might be able to hear God's Word behind
closed doors. We hope to be able to be of
help also to ministers and Christian workers
on the frontier who need some help in prep-
aration for giving talks. Some of them need
help like the Dominican Republic minister
who wrote some time ago:
"I am listening each week to your broad-
cast over the station 4VEH (Haiti). I hope
you don't mind what I am doing. I am tak-
ing notes from your messages and using them
as sermons to my people." Of course we
don't mind. May God bless His Word.
God has given us a vision of what can be
done to expand our Spanish Broadcast. We
see the need not only in Spanish-speaking
countries such as Honduras) Cuba, Uruguay,
and other Central and South American coun-
tries, but we also see the 450,000 Puerto Ri-
cans in New York City; the 150,000 Latins
in the Chicago area; the 250,000 Mexican-
Americans in Bexar County of which San
Antonio, Texas, is the largest city; the 500,
000 to 750,000 Mexican-Americans in and
around Los Angeles; the 75,000 Spanish-
speaking people in and around Austin, Tex-
as; Cleveland and its surrounding suburbs;
Milwaukee; Lancaster, Pa.; and Philadelphia,
as well as other challenging points.
So we ask ourselves the question: Why not
minister to these people, too? They come
from Spanish-speaking countries to our south.
Many of them may have had some contact
with the Gospel before leaving home. Many
of them have found it quite hard to live their
Christianity in the midst of an American
culture which looks down upon them. Many
have thought of the United States as a land
of Christianity. But many too often have
been disillusioned after living here a while.
To these we can't all go personally. But we
can go to them over the radio stations located
near their homes. In each of the cities named
above, there are at least one or two radio sta-
tions that have a Spanish-listening audience.
We don't need to work up a listening audi-
ence. By far the majority of these people have
radios, and many have television sets. They
like good singing. If we can get on these sta-
tions, we can carry the Gospel of the Open
Bible right into their homes.
But in order to do this missionary work
over the radio we need financial help. We
need Sunday schools, congregations, Bible
classes, MYF's, individuals, and men's organ-
izations to come to the aid of our broadcasts.
A group of young people in Michigan hav-
ing heard our desire to go to New York have
pledged themselves to send $80.00 per month
for one week's broadcast. But, as you know,
there are four weeks in a month, and some
month's have a fifth. We need others to help
out for this one station. Two stations in Tex-
as are being backed by a group of MYF's.
Four congregations in one of our states have
considered our Chicago broadcast.
But there is the broadcast going into Spain
over Radio Internationale at a cost of $35.00
per week. Someone has called it piercing
the purple curtain. And certainly the people
of Spain need to have the Bible opened to
them. Will someone come to the aid of this
broadcast? A group of men are undertaking
to foot the cost of a broadcast into Honduras
each month. But then there is the broadcast
going into the Central American country of
Nicaragua at a cost of $20.00 per week.
Where are there 20 people who will give $4.00
per month for this broadcast?
Recently President Peron of Argentina said
there was a mistake made in restricting Prot-
MISSIONS SECTION
520
GOSPEL HERALD
June i, 1954
estants, and now the Protestants have as
much privilege to broadcast over Argentine
radio stations as do the Catholics. Here is a
missionary cause worthy of your undertaking.
We may need to broadcast from Uruguay,
across the bay from Buenos Aires, at a cost
of $35.00 per week, if we cannot get on an
Argentine station. Will you and your Sunday
school, MYF, or your Sunday-school class
undertake this missionary cause?
At least will you pray for these broadcasts?
Will you bear these broadcasts on your heart
day after day so that the Open Bible will re-
ally be opened to these people? If you will
pray daily for the Spanish broadcast, "La
Biblia Abierta," I am sure we will not lack
funds to finance these various broadcasts.
If you are interested, tell us you are pledg-
ing support for one of these broadcasts for a
year. Write for further information to either
The Spanish Broadcasting Committee, 1711
Prairie Street, Elkhart, Ind., or to Lester T.
Hershey, director of "La Biblia Abierta,"
Fisher, 111.
Fisher, 111.
Whether life grinds down a man, or
polishes him, depends on what he is made of.
Progress is being made on the construction of the Bethel Mennonite Church and workers
quarters in Chicago. Pray and give that this project may be carried through to completion,
providing the much-needed worship and activity space for the Bethel community.
MENNONITE BOARD OF MISSIONS AND CHARITIES
Western Mennonite School, Salem. Oregon
June 16 to 20, 1964
Theme: THE POWER OF THE GOSPEL IN A CHANGING WORLD
Wednesday, June 16
9:00 a.m. Executive Committee Meeting.
1:00 p.m. Executive Committee Meeting.
7:00 p.m. Executive Committee Meeting.
Thursday, June 17
Executive Committee Meeting.
Opening business session of the Mennonite
■ : , ™ session is open to the pubUc ^ ^
The Power of the Gospel in a Changing World: rwrnlt Mich
In the New Testament Church ._ I- Fred .enck Erb. g*g&*&
8:00 a.m
1:30 p.m
Board of Missions and
Through the Centuries
In Mennonite Missions
Pa
S.~C. Yoder, Goshen, Ind.
18
Offering
Open Discussion
Orpha Trover, Walnut Creek, Ohi« :
D. Graber, Elkhart, Ind.
2:30 p.m,
5:45 p.m.
Chairman Mrs. J. .
Chorister Mrs. Clarence West, Sweet Home. Oreg.
Special Music
Business Session of the Board.
Devotion and Workers' Meeting M. D. Stutzmcm. Kingman. Alto*
The Power of the Gospel in a Changing World:
In Our Cities John D. Zehr, Los Anqeles, Calit
In Latin America
Lester T. Hershey. Aibonito, Puerto Ric«:
3:30 a.m
9:00 a.m
Friday, June
8:30 a.m. Business Session of the Board.
Voluntary Service Conference
The" Power of the Gospel in a Changing World- In Voluntary Serrfe.
Devotion One Roth, LlKhart, ina
As Voluntary Service" Grows"..- - Levi C.Hartzler Elkhart, Ind
You Have Opportunities — Louise Miller, Kansas City, Mo.
Ida Showalter, Kansas City, Mo.
Ina Roth, Elkhart, Ind.
Marianna Stutzman, Kansas City, Mo.
Roman Stutzman, Kansas City, Mo.
Luke Birky, La Plata, Puerto Rico
Others. ,
To Serve Christ - B. Charles Hostetter Harrisonburg, Va.
Chairman . - Boyd Nelson, Elkhart, Ind.
Chorister . Mary Ann Hershberger, Kansas City, Mo.
8-30 a.m. Business Session of the Mennonite Nurses Association A
10:15 Mr. and Mrs. Luke Birky will speak about medical work In
Puerto Rico. , ... , . ,
11-00 am. Public Program of the Mennonite Medical and Nurses Association.
The Challenge of the Expanding Program of Hospitals and
Medical Work in the Church Allen H. Erb, Lebanon, Oreg.
The Expanding Medical Program in India _ J. G. Yoder MD.
Dhamtan, India
1:30 p.m. Devotion _ i James Lark, Chicago, 111.
The Power of the Gospel in a Changing World:
In Israel — I. B. Martin, Waterloo Ont.
1:30 p.m. Business Session of the Women s Missionary Sewing Circle
Auxiliary. Open to anyone interested.
Devotion _ Mrs. George Smoker, Tanganyika. East Africa
Welcome Address . Mrs. Albert Snyder, Canby, Oreg.
Response . Mrs. Allen Ebersole, Canton, Ohio
Delegates' Roll Call
RePOSocretary Mrs. Mqhlon Eigsti, Hesston, Kans
Treasurer Amanda Frey, Archbold, Ohio
Sewing Secretary Mrs. Paul Yoder, Columbiana, Ohio
Girls' Activities Florence Shantz, Waterloo, Ont
Literature Secretary Mrs. C. L. Shank, Goshen, Ind
Working in tho Local Circles: . _ „.
Creating Interest Mrs. Daniel Horst, Atwater, Calif
The Work Program in the Adult Circle
Mrs. Guy Hershberger, Goshen, Ind.
The Work Program in Girls' Activities
Mrs. Henry Yoder, Grantsville, Md
Saturday, June 19
Business Session of the Board.
Program of the Women's Missionary Sewing Circle Auxiliary
Theme: The Power of the Gospel in a Changing World
Call to Worship
Song Service
The Unchanging Word Mrs. S. M. King, Dhamtari. Indioli
The Gospel Changing Lives: J
In Puerto Rico Mrs. Lester Hershey, Aibonito. Puerto Ric«
In the Ozarks . Ruth Cressman. Cu:p, Ark,
In Navaholand
In Israel
Mrs. Stanley Weaver. Chinle,
Mrs. J. B. Martin, Waterloo,
Cr.:.
Introduction of Missionaries
Offering
Devotion: The Unchanging Saviour I
Mrs. J. G. Yoder. Dhamtari. India-
1:30 p.m. Devotion George Miller, Honduras, Central America):
The Power of the Gospel in a Changing World:
In Africa George Smoker, Tanganyika. East Africa.
In Radio Evangelism _ B. Charles Hostetter, Harrisonburg. Va.
3:00 p.m. Concluding Business Session of the Board.
3:30 p.m. Conjoint Meeting of Executive and Personnel Committees.
7:00 p.m. Mennonite Youth Fellowship Program
Devotion Orval Shoemaker. Hesston, Kans.
Youth Discovers Ideals for Fellowship Everett Metzler, Manheim, Pa.
Youth Commits All of Life to Christ
John R. Mumaw, Harrisonburg. Va.
Consecration Service Paul Erb. Scottdale, Pa.
Special Music _. Mennonite Hour Quartet
Sunday, June 20
9:30 a.m. Devotion Daniel Miller, Argentina, South America:
The Power ol the Gospel in a Changing World:
In Our Local Churches Milo Kauffman. Hesston, Kans.
In Navaholand Stanley Weaver, Chinle. Arix.
Mission Sermon, I Cor. 9:22 Paul Erb. Scottdale, Pa.
1:30 p.m. Devotion I. G. Yoder. Dhamtan. India
The Power of the Gospel In a Changing World:
In Relief and I-W Service Boyd Nelson, Elkhart, Ind.:
In India Wilbur Hostetler, Dhamtari. India;
3:00 p.m. Consecration Service
6:45 p.m. Devotion
The Power of the Gospel in a Changing World:
Other Lands Where the Gospel Is Needed J. D. Graber, Elkhart, Ind.
Mission Strategy in This Changing World
John H. Mosemann. Goshen, Ind.
June i, 1954
The
Mennonite
Hour
The following itinerary has been planned
en route to the annual Mission Board meeting
at Salem, Oreg., and return for the Mennon-
ite Hour pastor, Bro. B. Charles Hostetter,
the octet, and quartet. Check the nearest stop
to your home and plan to attend that service.
All services will be evening appointments
unless otherwise indicated.
Mixed Octet with pastor and other speaker
June 8, Tues. — Johnstown, Pa., District
Kaufman Church
June 9, Wed— Archbold, Ohio, District
Central Church
lune 10, Thurs.— Elkhart County, Ind.
Colleqe Union, Goshen, Ind.
Ladies' Quartet and speaker — Return trip
June 11, Fri. — Sonnenberg, Apple Creek, Ohio
June 12, Sat. — Conneaut Lake, Pa.
June 13, Sun. —
a.m. Sunday-school hour
Britton Run, Spartansburg, Pa.
a.m. Preaching hour ,
Beaver Dam, Corry, Pa.
eve. Rockton, Pa.
Men's Quartet and pastor
June 11, Fri.— Garden City, Mo.
June 12, Sat. — La Junta, Colo.
June 13, Sun. —
a.m. Pueblo, Colo.
p.m. Colorado Springs, Colo.
eve. Denver, Colo.
June 15, Tues.— Filer, Idaho
June 17-19, — Mission Board Meeting, Salem, Oreg.
June 20, Sun. —
a.m. Albany, Oreg.
eve. Portland Rescue Mission
June 21, Mon. — Nampa, Idaho
June 25, Fri. — Protection, Kans.
June 26, Sat.— Harper, Kans., District
Pleasant Valley Church
June 27, Sun. —
a.m. Hutchinson, Kans.
p.m. Hesston District
Hess Hall. Hesston, Kans.
eve. Yoder, Kans., District „ , _
Yoder Church
June 28, Mon. — Shickley, Nebr.
June 29, Tues.— Milford, Nebr., District
East Fairview Church
June 30, Wed. — Manson, Iowa
July 1 Thurs. — Kalona-Wellman, Iowa, District
Iowa Mennonite School Auditorium
July 2, Fri.— Wayland, Iowa, District
Sugar Creek Church
July 3, Sat. — Metamora-Roanoke, 111., District
Metamora Church
July 4, Sun. —
9:30 a.m. Peoria, 111.
11:00 a.m. Morton, 111.
p.m. Hopedale, HL
eve. Fisher, 111.
July 5, Mon. — Howard-Miami, Amboy, Ind.
July 6, Tues. — Leo, Ind.
July 7, Wed.— Elida, Ohio, District
Salem Church
July 8, Thurs. — West Liberty, Ohio, District
South Union Church
July 9, Fri.— Holmes County, Ohio, District
' Walnut Creek Church
July 10, Sat.— Wayne County, Ohio, District
Martins Church
July 11, Sun. —
a.m. Sunday-school hour
Hartville, Ohio Church
a.m. Preaching hour
Beech Church, Louisville, Ohio
eve. Mahoning-Columbiana, Ohio, District
Midway Church
July 12, Mon. — Morgantown, Pa.
Since it is not possible for Bro. Hostetter
and The Mennonite Hour Quartet to serve
in all of our churches, pastors are urged to
invite near-by congregations to these services
wherever possible.
Publicity Office, Elkhart, Ind.
16-Page Anniversary Book Just Off the Press
God has blessed the radio work in a very
real way in the past three years. In 1951 the
broadcast was begun over one station — now
it is heard over 30 stations in the U.S.A., two
in Canada, and four in foreign countries.
The publicity department has prepared a
pictorial booklet which shows the staff in
GOSPEL HERALD
action. Also in the booklet is a brief account
of the history of the broadcast as well as a
sketchy write-up of duties related to the vari-
ous departments of the broadcast.
For your free copy write to The Mennonite
Hour, Box 22, Harrisonburg, Va. Extra
copies to hand out are 15^ each, two for 25^,
ten for $1.00.
Washington, D.C., Station Discontinued
Because of insufficient funds it is neces-
sary to leave WMAL, Washington, D.C.,
with the last broadcast on May 30. It is very
difficult to leave this station for two impor-
tant reasons. First of all, WMAL is one of
the choice stations in the nation's capital with
many listeners in Washington, D.C., Mary-
land, Delaware, Virginia, and Pennsylvania.
Secondly, Washington, D.C., is a needy city.
A recent report claims that the people of
Washington drink more liquor than milk.
It is hoped that additional gifts will be
given so that the Washington, D.C., broad-
cast may be resumed before too long. The
Mennonite Hour continues its witness as in-
terested Christians give and pray for the
work. If God would have you help in this
missionary program, send your gift to The
Mennonite Hour, Box 22, Harrisonburg, Va.
521
The Mennonite Hour Is Your
Broadcast
It is almost a year since The Mennonite
Hour has become officially related to the
Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities.
The working arrangement has been entirely
satisfactory to both parties and during the
year the broadcast has had a vigorous and
healthy growth. The message is now being
carried on five 50,000-watt stations in the
U.S.A. as well as on HCJB in Quito, Equa-
dor, Radio Ceylon, and on about 30 smaller
local stations. From many, many places come
letters to Box 22, Harrisonburg, Va., telling
of blessings received from the singing and
the spoken message.
The support of the broadcast is dependent
on the contributions of interested listeners.
Even though The Mennonite Hour is spon-
sored by the Mennonite Board of Missions
and Charities, it is not supported as a part
of the Board budget. Any funds sent to the
Elkhart office of the Mission Board, how-
ever, and designated for The Mennonite
Hour are turned over to them in full. Hav-
ing a denominational name for the broadcast
means for the most part that Christians of
other denominations will let us pay the bills.
Friends of The Mennonite Hour are en-
couraged to send their contributions di-
rectly to Box 22, Harrisonburg, Va. Please
pray for Bro. Hostetter and his staff and be
assured that your suggestions and criticisms
are also gladly received. Help to make ef-
fective over the air waves the message of
"The Living Christ for a Dying World."
Elkhart, Ind.
There is no culture in the world in which
the church of Christ cannot thrive. — Henry
Garber.
Missions Editorial
Wait! Don't Buy That Second
Home
Why not use in Michigan or Ohio the mon-
ey you are planning to invest in a second
home in Florida? Why not give city chil-
dren a chance for two weeks in the country
each summer under the direction of their
pastors and teachers? Jesus said, "Lay not
up for yourselves treasures upon earth . . .
but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven"
Our city mission workers are trying desper-
ately to save their children from the temp-
tations presented by the world in modern
cities. They try to provide activities during
the week after school hours. They make the
church the center of these young people's
lives in every way possible. They exploit
every opportunity they have to spend time
with their young people, to influence their
lives for good. Even so, many are lost to
Christ and the church because of the attrac-
tions which the world, offers.
One way our city workers have for getting
these young people out of this environment
and into a wholesome atmosphere for Chris-
tian fellowship and teaching is through the
summer camp program. Two weeks at camp
in the country gives the city pastor a chance
to impress his young people with the reality
of God through nature and a study of the
Bible without the distractions of city life.
For the past several years the pastors of
our missions in Saginaw, Cleveland, Youngs-
town, and the Bethel Church in Chicago
have been taking their young people to a
camp in Michigan for fellowship, Bible teach-
ing, and preparation for leadership in their
home churches. This experience has proved
the great value of such fellowship, (for these
young people and the future of our church).
Furthermore, Camp Rehoboth, 111., Men-
nonite Youth Village, Mich., and Camp
Ebenezer, Ohio, have attempted to provide
such facilities for the younger children from
these churches. With the exception of Camp
Rehoboth, these summer camp facilities are
also used for children from other churches
or for other conference programs. The needs
of our Negro young people have reached the
place where one camp is needed for the
whole summer to adequately provide the fa-
cilities to do a good job of teaching.
This is where your second home comes in.
Properties would be available which could
be equipped to make possible this much-
needed teaching and fellowship program.
If you are interested in meeting this need,
in being a part of this witnessing program
by helping to provide summer camp facili-
ties for these four churches, write to the
General Mission Board secretary at Elkhart,
Ind. — L. C. Hartzler.
522
GOSPEL HERALD
June j, 1934
Relief and Service News
MRSC Weekly Notes
Administrative
Beginning in the last week of May, month-
ly I-W job opening reports are being sent to
all pastors. These reports will show where
there are openings for I-W men, and will
enable pastors to counsel their young men
who are entering service as to the likely
places for obtaining a job where other young
men are serving.
On May 2!0, Ray Horst, Ephrata, Pa.,
joined the MRSC staff as Director of Volun-
tary Service. Boyd Nelson continues as Sec-
retary for Relief and Service, and Dorsa
Mishler as Personnel Director for Relief and
Service in addition to personnel assistance for
the General Mission Board program. Bro.
Horst has had previous experience in VS
administration under the MCC and will
make a fine contribution to this part of the
Relief and Service program.
Relief and Service Funds Low
Your relief and service dollar supports the
MCC relief and refugee aid programs; our
forty PAX men in Europe, Asia, and Africa
(Egypt); and voluntary service workers from
the MRSC constituency serving under MCC.
In addition this service dollar supports an
MRSC-VS program of 156 workers here on
the continent and Puerto Rico in missions,
hospitals, community service projects, chil-
dren's homes, and homes for the aged; and
the I-W services program which brings the
men into vital fellowship with each other
and the church.
I-W service has put our young men on the
front lines in voluntary service, alternative
(earning) service, and PAX. Your offerings
enable them to serve more effectively wher-
ever they are. Your support will enable you
to share with the young men in this mo-
mentous experience. This is a challenge for
our church. It is a challenge for each of us
personally. What are we doing with it?
A total of $23,500 per month is required
for the entire Relief and Service program,
which is more than we have ever given in
this way. A monthly relief and service offer-
ing in every congregation will help. The
congregations now lifting this offering may
want to increase their giving.
On April 1, the Relief and Service Com-
mittee began the new fiscal year with less
than one month's operating expense on hand.
The way we respond will decide whether the
programs mentioned above will be able to
continue or need to be curtailed. Contribu-
tions clearly designated for relief and serv-
ice may be sent through your district confer-
ence treasurer or direct to the Treasurer,
Mennonite Hoard of Missions and Charities,
1711 Prairie St., Elkhart, Ind.
Released May 21, 1954
Office lor Relief and Service
Elkhart, Indiana
MCC Weekly Notes
Luxembourg Mennonites Need Church
Building Assistance
Among the European Mennonites needing
assistance with the construction of church
buildings is the 13-family congregation in the
community of Friedhof/Diekirch, Luxem-
bourg.
This congregation, whose present mem-
bers and ancestors have lived in this Luxem-
bourg community since about 1850, has con-
structed the shell of a church building but
now need financial assistance to complete the
structure. The building thus far has cost
175,000 Luxembourg francs, which members
of the church have paid, and will require
about 228,000 Luxembourg francs for com-
pletion and furnishing.
If money were available, this simple chapel
could be completed by July or August. To
date the walls have been erected, roof laid,
and ceiling and windows installed. Members
of the congregation contributed roofing and
wood for the doors and brought stones and
sand to the building site. When completed,
this house of worship will accommodate 150
to 170 persons. Construction was started by
the European Mennonite Voluntary Service
caravan late in 1952. This group did the ex-
cavating and quarried the stone and sand.
A church building is vital to this Mennon-
ite group in its worship and service activities.
The pastor and bishop, Joseph Oesch, has
indicated that this Mennonite brotherhood
scattered throughout Luxembourg is deeply
grateful for all the assistance of other Men-
nonite brotherhoods and welcomes their fel-
lowship.
At present this group meets every second
Sunday in the month in a wooden barrack
and every fourth Sunday in Lauterborn in a
home of one of the members. The closest
Mennonite church is in Lotringen, France,
which is 130 kilometers (approximately 80
miles) distant. The Eastern Mennonite
Board of Missions and Charities has workers
at Esch and Dudelanga which are about 35
miles south of this Luxembourg Mennonite
community.
A fund has been established at MCC head-
quarters in Akron, Pa., for contributions to
assist European Mennonites in the construc-
tion of such church halls as the Luxembourg
brotherhood needs. American Mennonites
who wish to assist their European brethren in
this way may send their contributions to
their regular conference channels or MCC
headquarters in Akron either designated for
Luxembourg or the general European church
building fund.
The German Mennonite congregations
which are being established through the con-
struction of housing by American PAX men
also need assistance in constructing church
halls. More information on the need for
financial help by the various European Men-
nonite groups in the construction of these
simple church building facilities will be pre-
sented in the coming months.
Nonpacifists Comment on "Peace Is the Will
of God"
The unified peace statement entitled "Peace
is the Will of God," prepared by representa-
tives of the historic peace churches in Eu-
rope with the participation of the Interna-
tional Fellowship of Reconciliation, is draw-
ing the attention of nonpacifist thinkers.
The April issue of the "Ecumenical Re-
view," a nonpacifist publication, carried two
articles on the nonresistant witness. One of
the articles quotes from "Peace is the Will of
God" and from "The Christian Conscience
and War," which is a Church Peace Mission
publication. The author, Professor Soe,
Copenhagen theologian and author of a
massive textbook on ethics, brings into focus
the real pacifist issues and treats the argu-
ments on both sides with remarkable objec-
tivity and fairness. The tide of this article
is "War and the Commandment of Love."
While Professor Soe expresses an inability
to agree with conscientious objection to war,
he refuses to support the nonpacifist position.
The significance of such articles is the change
of attitude on the part of some nonpacifist
thinkers and their willingness to give these
matters further study and consideration. Ten
years ago a treatment such as Professor Soe's
in a nonpacifist organ would have been un-
thinkable. The fact that ecumenical leaders
dare to permit discussion in such a way is
reason for gratitude and respect.
Copies of "Peace is the Will of God" and
"The Christian Conscience and War" are be-
ing circulated to delegates to the World:
Council of Churches assembly in Evanston, .
111., this summer.
Women's Activities
A call for money contributions has come:
from Mrs. Roman Stutzman, Kansas City,
Mo., for the purchasing of several pieces of .
furniture and a few cooking utensils. Bunk
beds, a studio couch, and larger cooking ket-
tles are needed. It is thought that some:
groups would prefer to contribute money
rather than articles. Please write to Florence
Shantz, 1711 Prairie St.. Elkhart, Ind., before
sending your money, so that Sister Shantz
can advise the amount needed at the time you
wish to make your donation.
* • #
The Sewing Circles of the Ontario Con-
ference held their thirty-seventh annual meet-
ing, Tuesday, May 11, at the Erb Street Men-
nonite Church, Waterloo, Ont. The program
was built around three related ideas: for the
morning session, "Look Back and Praise
Him"; for the afternoon, "Look Around and
Serve Him"; and for the evening meeting,
"Look L^p and Trust Him."
Special speakers were Mrs. Simeon Hurst,
Mrs. Ross Goodall, and Bro. and Sister J. B.
Martin.
• • #
The first district meeting of the recently
organized women of the Virginia Conference
is scheduled to take place Thursday, May 13,
1 larrisonburg, Va.
June i, 1954
All members of the Executive Committee
of the Women's Missionary Sewing Circle
Organization will be engaged in special meet-
ings with groups of women and girls in the
various conference districts en route to the
annual meeting to be held at Salem, Oreg.,
June 18, 19. A number of meetings have also
been scheduled for the return trip. The ob-
ject of this plan is to give more sisters the
benefit of the annual meeting and to share
with them the purposes and ambitions of
their organization.
En route to Oregon, Mrs. Mahlon Eigsti
and Florence Shantz will take a southern
route; Mrs. J. D. Graber and Mrs. C. L.
Shank, the middle route; while Mrs. Paul
Yoder, Amanda Frey, and Orpha Troyer will
follow the northern route. Pray that these
meetings may be helpful and a means of
strengthening the work of our women's or-
ganization for the cause of Christ.
# * *
A newly organized sewing circle, South
Boston, Va., has been busy making bed cov-
ers. They have also helped with a project
they call "pounding" for a young family who
lost their home by fire. Some of them have
made scrapbooks for elderly people. What
joy willing, loving workers can bring to
others !
# # *
Sisters of the Mt. Herman congregation,
Bergton, Va., have been active throughout
the year, sewing for local needs and for for-
eign relief. Recently they had an all-day
meeting with a fellowship lunch at noon
which was much appreciated. This circle us-
ually meets in the evening.
# * *
For your convenience we are offering sin-
gle subscriptions to the Missionary Sewing
Circle Monthly at the rate of three years for
one dollar. Now is a good time to renew your
subscription. Send your renewals to WMSCO,
Scottdale, Pa.
Notice
At the annual meeting of the Women's
Missionary Sewing Circle Organization to be
held near Salem, Oreg., June 18, a constitu-
tional change authorizing a change of name
of the organization will be placed before the
voting delegate body in order to make the
name more nearly describe the nature of the
activities now being carried on by women's
and girls' groups.
Practices change during the years. The
work of the women in the home and in the
church is much different than it was a few
years ago. For a long time we have had
women's groups known as sewing circles.
Most of these sewing circles spend some time
in sewing, but nearly all of them have also
been cooking, canning, cleaning, etc., as well
as giving large sums of money to the various
missionary causes of the church. Now we
suggest changing the name of the Women's
Missionary Sewing Circle Organization so as
to include the activities in which we are now
engaged. — Mrs. C. L. Shank.
GOSPEL HERALD
From Our Churches
N'o lips speak so loudly to us as those
from which the breath of life has gone for-
ever.— YCC.
KALONA, IOWA
(Lower Deer Creek Congregation)
Greetings in the name of our Risen Lord :
At the present time our prayer-meeting group
is studying Torrey's "How to Pray.' W ith the
oncoming Hammer tent revival it is a very
profitable study and should teach us how to
pray better. Our leader, Bro. Lloyd Brenne-
man, is in bed with a light stroke. May God
direct as is His will. . T
On May 2 we observed communion, L<ove
and unity were expressed and we pray God
this manifestation will continue. We changed
the routine, and communion was held in tne
morning and Sunday school in the evening
service.
Visiting speakers in the community recently
were Frank Peters, Luke Birky, Elam Hol-
linger, and Nelson Kauffman. Two from this
community, Ruth Fisher, who returned from
Formosa, 'and Roger Hochstetler, who served
several years in Germany, also spoke to us
about their work. .
Our present Sunday-school organization is as
follows : Supt., Edd Brenneman ; Asst. Supt.,
\lvin K. Grasse; Chor., Beulah Miller ; Sec-
Treas., Philip Marner ; Primary Dept. Supt.,
Wayne Miller; Asst. Supt., Roger Hochstetler.
Recent results of sewing circle organization :
Pres.. Mrs. Ora Marner ; Vice-Pres., Mrs Clark
Brenneman ; Sec.-Treas., Mrs. Glen Burkholder ;
Devotional leader, Mrs. John W. Gingerich ;
Sec of Literature, Alma Brenneman; Bood
committee members, Mr. and Mrs. Omar Mar-
A project the MYF is sponsoring this sum-
mer is the upkeep and mowing of the cnuren
cemetery. , _ , . „ ,
Over the Easter season the Goshen and Hess-
ton choruses combined gave a program in the
new gym at the Iowa Mennonite School.
Commencement services were held May lb-lb
at I M S. This class was the first to hold
graduating ceremonies in the new auditorium-
gymnasium. The local school tour was to Ne-
braska this year.
As we wait for the revival meetings, may we
continue in earnest prayer.
Correspondent.
PHOENIX. ARIZONA
(Sunnyslope Congregation)
God's work in "The Valley of the Sun" is go-
ing on "line upon line, here a little, and there a
little " The presence of many saints last win-
ter was an inspiration to us. We appreciated
the timely messages of ministers from various
parts of the globe. .
God has blessed us with an early spring. Sev-
eral people that had not been here before are sure
that summer has begun! _
The work in the Lords vineyard at the
Buckeye Migrant Labor Camps has been prog-
ressing under His blessing. A new building
was erected at Camp 29 last winter. Six con-
verts are under instruction at present in this
camp. A summer Bible school is to be con-
ducted at the camps under the direction of
the general superintendent, Johnwilliam Boyer.
The summer Bible school in the home con-
gregation is to be under the direction of Si6ter
Helen Frey.
The school board is happy to announce that
Sister Doris Yoder will teach our Christian
day school for the 1954-55 term.
A goodly number from Sunnyslope are plan-
ning to attend the annual district Singspira-
tion. The Los Angeles congregation will be
host this year. The redeemed really have a
Melvin Mast.
PORT TREVORTON. PENNSYLVANIA
(Susquehanna Congregation)
Greetings in our blessed Saviour's name :
We thus far in 1954 are rejoicing in the
good and bountiful works of God. In I Thess.
5 :16 it says, "Rejoice evermore."
On April 4 we had our communion service
and we were glad our elderly bishop, Bro. W. W.
Graybill, and our new bishop, Bro. Donald
Lauver, could both be with us.
On Good Friday our aged minister, Wm.
Shaffer, spoke on "Our Suffering Saviour" in
English and Bro. John Reinard delivered a
similar message in German.
523
The attendance in our Sunday school has
been very good the past year and is gradually
increasing. , „ , . .
Bro. C. M. Brubaker has been m bed for
several months now. Please pray for him.
Please pray for us at this place. Visitors are
always welcome. Sara Hmkle.
RENSSELAER, INDIANA
(Burr Oak Congregation)
Greetings in Jesus' holy name :
While we laid a new floor in the auditorium,
our church services were held in the basement.
On March 7, Sister Lydia Muller, a foreign
exchange student at Goshen College, worshiped
with us, and talked for a short time on her
home country, France.
On Missionary Day, March 14, Bro. and bis-
ter Floyd Sieber were here. They had recently
returned from Argentina. '
Marie Yoder, Carol Yoder, and Luke Birky
worshiped with us on April 11. Bro. Birky
spoke in the interests of the new Puerto Rican
hospital. ,
A peace team from Goshen College was here
May 2. Foreign exchange students from
France, India, and Holland gave messages.
They were accompanied by Bro. Paul Frey and
another Goshen College student.
Our communion services were held on toaster
Sunday. Five girls, one woman, and one boy
were baptized on Easter also. We ask that you
remember these seven in your prayers that their
lives may grow richer in Christ.
May God bless you. .
Regma Frey.
SALFORDVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA
(Spring Mount Congregation)
Dear Readers of the Gospel Herald :
"Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us
with benefits, even the God of our salvation
(Ps. 68:19). .
The past year we were again blessed in a
number of ways. Bro. Paul Clemens was the
evangelist and brought challenging messages
from the Word of God. There were many de-
cisions made during the week, and we praise
God for those who were willing to go all the
way with Jesus Christ. Then there were those
who were not willing to go all the way and
drifted back into the world. Among these was
a man who is living in his latter days. Will
you pray for him so that he might find the
Lord before it is eternally too late?
The increase in the Sunday-school attendance
is also very encouraging. We are truly thank-
ful especially for those who come from the
town of Spring Mount and the community
round about. , ..
On March 27, 28, we had a Christian Lite
Conference with the brethren Harold Lahman,
Elkton, Va., and Norman Beehtel, Spring City,
Pa. We were again reminded of our duties con-
cerning the lost souls about us and the neces-
sity of living exemplary lives so that the world
can see Jesus magnified in us. Will you remem-
ber us at the throne of grace so that we may
go about our Lord's work in winning the lost
for Him? Ervin Long.
SOUTH BOSTON, VIRGINIA
(Ebenezer Congregation)
Dear Gospel Herald Readers:
"Rejoice in the Lord always : and again I
say, Rejoice."
For some time we have been studying 111 our
Bible meeting about the needs of youth, and
we pray that parents and older folks will do
all they can to help youth find Christ.
Since we wrote last we have had many
visiting ministers here. Bro. Harold Lehman
held a series of revivial meetings when he
made plain the will of God concerning us.
There were two converts and some requests
for prayer.
On May 1 Bro. Mark Stauffer and a group
of thirty young people gave a message in song
and testimony. What can make us happier than
to see young folk in the service of the Lord?
Hattie Koger.
STRYKER, OHIO
(Lockport Congregation)
Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus
Christ :
Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift
and for all who have accepted the call to be of
service for Him. We have been privileged in the
past few months to have some of these from
other congregations visit us and bring inspiring
messages. The following brethren were among
these : Olen Nofziger, Wauseon, Ohio, Jan. 3 ;
524
GOSPEL HERALD
June i, 1954
Alvin G. Becker, Woodburn, Ind., Jan. 10; in
the evening of Jan. 17, Max Short, We6t Unity,
Ohio, told of his work and experiences during
two years of PAX service in Europe. May the
Lord bless those who are willing to help build
up a nation rather than to destroy.
On Jan. 24, D. Walter Miller, Wooster, Ohio,
spoke to us in the morning, and in the evening
Ira Amstutz, Orrville, Ohio, gave an address.
May God bless the class of ten who were re-
ceived into the church on Feb. 14 by our bish-
op, Walter Stuckey.
On March 7, the Lost Creek congregation
and on March 28 a service unit from the North-
ville Mental Hospital, near Detroit, presented
the evening programs. On April 1 a male quar-
tet from the service unit at Kansas City gave a
program in song and testimony. All of these
groups showed us the opportunities they have
for witnessing to all classes of people.
A group of workers from here hold services
every Sunday morning at a church about
twelve miles from Lockport called the Salem
Church. During the week of April G-ll Bro.
Jesse Short, Archbold, Ohio, held evangelistic
meetings there.
On April 28, a group from the Conservative
Church, Hartville, Ohio, presented a full eve-
ning of testimony and song. Let us remember
them in prayer, as they make their European
tour, in the service of the Lord.
On May 2 we were again made aware of the
great need in our orphanages when Sister Mary
Ellen Shoup, Goshen, Ind., who spent seven
years as superintendent of a Children's Home
at Valdoie, France, told about the work. After
finishing her studies at Goshen, she plans to re-
turn to her work in France. Also at the same
service Bro. Hans Wieler, Goshen, Ind., told
about his war experiences among the fleeing
refugees. He also plans to return to his work
as German Youth Leader when he finishes his
schoolwork.
On May 9, Bro. Nelson Kanagy and a quartet
gave a program in the interest of their radio
work.
May God bless each one as they present the
Gospel to a lost and dying world.
Correspondent.
MISSION NEWS (Continued)
Three converts were received into the
church by water baptism on Easter Sunday
morning in Floresta, Buenos Aires, Argen-
tina. Bro. Amos Swartzentruber, zone direc-
tor, was in charge of the service.
Bro. J. Weldon Martin, Mathis, Texas, re-
ports that funds received thus far for the new
church building at Mathis total approximate-
ly $2800 of the total $10,000 required for the
purchase of the lots and construction of the
building.
The Seventh Annual World-wide Mission-
ary Conference at the East Chestnut St.
Church, Lancaster, Pa., May 19-23 was large-
ly attended and good interest was shown as
speakers from many parts of the church gave
the messages. The church was crowded to
capacity over the week end.
Philos Farm, Inc. is the name of the new
Mennonite Children's Home for Negroes,
near Harrisonburg, Va. An article describing
this project will be published in the Herald
in the near future.
IN EVERY STATE (Continued)
cities right on the streets where I offer
tracts to everyone who passes by— rich
and poor, high and low. The majority
of the letters we receive come from just
such people who get tracts on the streets.
Interest in the tract work is good in
congregations where 1 have had oppor-
tunity to speak. 1 have spoken on the
Had work in about three hundred
schools and churches, and it seems that
our people all over the country are wak-
ing up to the great possibilities in this
work. We have had a number of letters
from young people's groups as well as
church leaders asking for information
and suggestions for carrying on such a
work.
During 1954 we hope to be able to
carry on the work further. There are
thousands of communities all over the
country where the testimony is needed.
May the Lord lead us where and how He
would have us to go.
[Bro. Palmer is worthy of our prayer and
financial support in this work. All tracts are
furnished to him at cost. Even so, this work
costs him about $5.00 an hour for tracts alone.
Will you make a sacrifice to reach some of
this summer's city crowds? Be sure to designate
your contribution to "Ralph Palmer" and send
it to Herald Press Tracts, Scottdale, Pa. — Har-
old Brenneman, Tract Editor.}
Denbigh, Va.
FIELD NOTES (Continued)
A group of thirty tourists worshiped with
the Elizabethtown, Pa., congregation on
Sunday morning, May 30, a part of the guid-
ed tour service rendered by Ira Frank, during
the summer, for people mosdy from New
York City.
Baccalaureate services for the Belleville
Mennonite School were held at the Maple
Grove Church, Belleville, Pa., on Sunday
evening, May 23. Bro. Jacob Weirich, home
minister, preached the sermon. Commence-
ment exercises were held at the Allensville
Church on Friday evening, May 28.
The twelfth commencement of Lancaster
Mennonite School was held May 27, 28.
The congregation at Pinto, Md., is plan-
ning to hold a summer Bible school at the
Wiley Ford School building, near Cumber-
land, Md., June 14-25.
"The Foundation Echo" is the name of
a paper, published by the Ulrich Foundation,
Aibonito, Puerto Rico, which has just come
out with its first issue. Its aim is to acquaint
our people with the work of this organiza-
tion.
Change of Address. — Lester T. Hershey
from New York City to Fisher, 111.
Commencement activities of the Johnstown
Mennonite School, held at the Kaufman
Church, included the baccalaureate sermon
by Bro. A. J. Metzler, Scottdale, Pa., and the
commencement address by Bro Myron Augs-
burger, Harrisonburg, Va.
At the annual meeting of the Mennonite
Youth Fellowship of the Southwestern Penn-
sylvania District, held at the Thomas Church,
Saturday, May 22, the following officers were
elected; President, Bradley Otto, Springs, Pa.;
Vice-President, Stanley Yake, Scottdale, Pa.;
Treasurer: Mervin Zook, Scottdale, Pa.;
Secretary of Fellowship, Elnora Schrock,
Springs, Pa.; Secretary of Faith and Practice,
Ruth Yoder, Johnstown, Pa.; Secretary of
Extension, Paul Roth, Jr., Masontown, Pa.
Bro. and Sister Earl Buckwalter, Hesston,
Kans., by action of the conference executive
committee and approval of the Sycamore
Grove congregation, Garden City, Mo., will
live in that community a part of each month
as Bro. Buckwalter serves as bishop of the
congregation for the next six months.
"Thank you very much for your generous
gift of New Testaments recently received.
We shall make the best use of it in our daily
life. Please thank the donors for us. Yours
prayerfully." This message, followed by sixty-
five signatures, has come to the editor's desk
from Christian Medical College, Vellore,
South India. This is from some of the 224
students to whom Testaments were sent sev-
eral months ago. In the same mail we re-
ceived a request for 75 Testaments to be
given to incoming students at Christian Medi-
cal College, Ludhiana, Punjab, India.
Announcements
Quarterly conference at the Steelton, Pa,
Mission June 23, with A. J. Metzler, Scott-
dale, Pa., as instructor.
Monthly meeting for Jewish evangelism at
Vine Street Church, Lancaster, Pa., Monday
evening, June 7. Speaker, M. S. Stoltzfus,
Gap, Pa. Prayer service at 1:00 p.m. preced-
ing.
Young People's Institute, Aug. 6-13, at
Laurelville, Pa., Mennonite Camp. Bulletins
available June 10. Address C. F. Yake, Sec-
retary, Scottdale, Pa.
Eighth annual meeting of the Gospel Mes-
sengers, afternoon and evening, June 6, in a
tent on Broad St., Lebanon, Pa. Speakers:
Noah Hege, Roy Newswenger, and Jacob
Rittenhouse.
Youth Conference at Mt. Joy, Pa., Church
June 12, 13. Speakers: Richard Detweiler,
Perkasie, Pa.; Myron Augsburger, Harrison-
burg, Va.
Song service at the Churchtown Church,
southeast of Carlisle, Pa., June 6, 7:00 p.m.,
with Reuben Stoltzfus as leader.
Ordination of a deacon at the Groffdale
Church, near Bareville, Pa., June 10, 9:30
a.m. Pray for the work.
Visiting Speakers
May 23. Harry Stutzman, Berlin, Ohio, at
Congregational Mennonite Church, Marietta,
Pa. Samuel M. King, India missionary, at
South Union, West Liberty, Ohio. John L
Horst, Scottdale, Pa., at Marion Church,
Chambersburg, Pa. Andrew Jantzi, Alden,
N.Y., at Zion Church, Beckersville, Pa. Eli
Jutzi, Kalona, la., at Mt. Pisgah, Leonard,
Mo. Joseph Boll, Lititz, Pa. at Fairpoint,
Ohio.
May 30. Jacob Kolb, Spring City, Pa., at
Zion Church, Beckersville, Pa. Noah K.
Mack, Morgantown, Pa., at Towamencin
Church, Kulpsville, Pa. Jacob Peltz, Jewish
evangelist, at Olive Church, Elkhart. Ind.
Evangelisdc Meetings
Elno Steiner, Elkhart, Ind., at Crumstown,
Ind., beginning May 23. Erie Renno, Reeds-
ville, Pa., at Barrvil'le, Belleville, Pa., May 30
to June 6. John S. Hess, Lititz, Pa., at Bern-
ville. Pa., Mission, beginning June 6. Peter B.
Wiebe, Goshen, Ind., at Berea Church, Alma,
Out., beginning May 23. Myron Augsburger,
Harrisonburg, Va., at Broad St., Harrison-
burg, Va., May 30 to June 6.
The tent meetings by George R. Brunk
near Marion, Pa., have been well attended
and the interest has been good.
June i, 1954
TO BE NEAR TO GOD (Continued)
Friday, June 11
Read I Sam. 17:40-45— Mr. Goliath, Meat David
What an annoyance that this stripling
comes out against me! What arrogant in-
solence! I'll thrust him through with these
twenty pounds of sharp spear point. The
force of the twenty-pound shaft will carry
it clean through him.
So might have mused Goliath. Evil has
ever trusted its brute force. Sometimes good
men do also when they lapse from their
better thoughts. So eager was force to over-
come God's representative that Goliath went
to meet David. But so eager was righteous-
ness to meet the enemy that David ran to
meet Goliath. And in that memorable meet-
ing the small things in the hand of faith
brought to naught the mighty forces in the
hand of evil. What a meeting !
Nerve me, O Lord, that I may run to meet
the evil which stalks toward me to curse
God's elect. Grant me a true eye and lips to
praise Thee as I meet him who would defame
Thy name. Amen.
Saturday, June 12
Read Matt. 25:6 — Meet the Bridegroom
Recently a happy couple chose their wed-
ding invitations. They look forward to a
great day. They want it to come; so they are
getting ready for it. How foolish they would
be if they simply said their marriage day
would come sometime and prepared nothing!
By all appearances they will be ready when
the set day comes. How foolish if they would
sleep instead of prepare! No one in his senses
would think of doing that.
And yet there is to be a wedding of Christ
and His church on a date as yet unan-
nounced. This Bride is to be constantly
ready, her robes of righteousness worn at all
times so that she will be instantly ready. Her
lamp is to be ready for instant use. Sad in-
deed it is that there are those who claim to be
the bride who wear the garments of the
world, soiled with the stains of that which
defiles! Their lamps are not trimmed enough
to light the way for sinners, let alone them-
selves. Stern is the warning that there will be
no marriage supper of the Lamb for them.
Barred forever and forever.
"Behold the bridegroom cometh!" Go I
out to meet Him?
— J. Paul Sauder.
OUR SCHOOLS (Continued)
This is a secular pronouncement.
Where does one turn for the answer with-
in the Christian context? Certainly the
ideal of co-ordination and common goals
cannot be realized unless the love of
Christ constrain us. The simplicity of
the Christian life is pre-eminently mani-
fest in the one goal of all Christians,
namely, to serve and glorify God, and
not self. Can our Mennonite faculties
exemplify good will, unity, harmony, co-
operation, love, interdependence, and
constructive helpfulness? This is in part
what we mean when we speak of Chris-
tian teachers and Christian administra-
GOSPEL HERALD
tors. They are not characterized by the
mere tossing in of a religious observation
from time to time in a classroom lecture;
they are persons with the radiant spirit
of one who loves God and his brethren
in the body of Christ. A Christian school
man or woman is one whose approach,
attitude, and conduct is totally Christian.
Christian Investment in Terms of the
Church in the World
The practical outcome and fruit of
Christian education is the enriching and
strengthening of the work of the church.
Christian schools are the agency of the
church to accomplish a segment of her
work and mission in the world. The
The Christian life is not contemplation
or even a bond of divine relationship
only, but a practical, redemptive force in
the world. Rufus Jones once said that
the church must face the real issues of
life and make a practical difference in
the lives of actual men and women, or it
is doomed to become a disappearing af-
fair. One appreciates indeed the account
of the fifty years of progress in Mennon-
ite education, as he observes the conser-
vation and the enrichment of Christian
life which has resulted. But one is also
thrilled to note that Christian schools
have been used by the church to promote
her outreach in an unregenerate world
and society. In this, particularly, we
need to learn how to engage the Spirit
of God, because in this outreach we con-
front the realistic fact that the Christian
life in the world is absolutely contrary
to the spirit and idealism of unregener-
ate society.
This calls, then, for an appropriate
humility. By appropriate I mean a hu-
mility really sincere and honest. With a
little learning and a little education
sometimes comes the temptation to a
spirit of pride, to success-feelings, inde-
pendence, and even perhaps to estrange-
ment from the moorings of faith and the
church. One recognizes that some suc-
cumb to this temptation. Perhaps those
who were funneled out of the Mennonite
Church in the first twenty-year period of
our experience in education fell prey to
this danger. Maybe we aren't free from
this danger yet. Many sincere brethren
in our church still feel that to go away
to school results in a spirit of pride, ar-
rogance, and spiritual inadaptability. We
need therefore to take inventory con-
stantly concerning the kind of spirit
which our church schools foster. With
what attitudes do our graduates go home
after their church school experience?
A sincere humility in Christian serv-
ice finds its very real opposition in the
modern craving for popularity and per-
sonal publicity; and schools are especially
susceptible to this kind of "success" phi-
losophy. Lowry writes some incisive
words concerning this trend of our times:
The measure of collegiate accomplishments
was not in the moral Tightness of the gradu-
ates but in the extent of their success — the
money they made, the positions they held, the
influence they wielded, and the number re-
525
corded in Who's Who. . . . This then is the
tragedy of our day that there is no party that
would rather be true than to win an election,
no nation that would rather be just than vic-
torious, no candidate who would rather be
right than president. It is a startling fact that
this doctrine of clever expediency has had its
rise in the same period in which the college
graduates have begun to dominate the scene.6
The upshot of all this is that the efforts
to make the Christian cause known must
be different from the publicity which the
world employs. Worldly publicity is def-
initely built upon a "success" philosophy
and sounds like this: "Look here, see who
we are! See what we are doing! Look
what great honors the world has be-
stowed on us! Can you believe it, how
much money we are making? Did you
ever see such great success or accomplish-
ments as we are having?"
No doubt you know about the study
made a few years ago under the sponsor-
ship of Time magazine, projected to
show the value of a college education.
The results of the study were presented
in a book, They Went to College. The
researchers compared the actual incomes
of 9,064 representative college graduates
with those of Americans generally. By
considering on a lifetime basis the figures
of income as reported in the Time study,
we learned that the average man who has
graduated from college has a life income
at least $115,000 greater than the life in-
come of a man who has not been to col-
lege.7
But this is not for us; for Christian
schools, it is more of the Lord's glory and
less of personalities. I Peter 4: 1 1 sets the
pace for any and all pursuits of the Chris-
tian: ". . . that God in all things may be
glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom
be praise and dominion for ever and
ever." As Christians, we want the whole
school situation in which we move to be
permeated by those touches which reflect
the glory of God.
The Christian investment of life is
through the church. It is based upon
firm conviction, and results in a church-
loyal contribution to the world. The
church founded upon a rock is in a
unique way symbolic of conviction and
firmness. While we appreciate the doc-
trine of academic freedom and promote
within the Christian context the free
spirit of inquiry, such inquiry should re-
sult finally and always in firmer convic-
tions than those held heretofore. To be
educated is not to be "ever learning, and
never able to come to the knowledge of
the truth" (II Tim. 3:7); but rather "be-
ing rooted and grounded in love, |that
ye] may be able to comprehend with all
saints what is the breadth, and length,
and depth, and height; and to know the
love of Christ, which passeth knowledge,
that ye might be filled with all the ful-
ness of God" (Eph. 3:17-19).
"Conviction is one of the crying needs
of our age," said Robert M. Hutchins a
few years ago. Therefore, we must go
6 Howard Lowry, The Mind's Adventure, pp. 129,
130.
7 Information from The Widening Road, p. 52.
526
GOSPEL HERALD
June i, 1954
beyond the search after truth to the busi-
ness of living. Life is lived according to
convictions. True education does not
stop short with fact finding and informa-
tion getting, but moves on to commit-
ment and decision. Man's personality is
constituted of mind, heart, and will-
reason, emotion, and volition. Two
Christian thinkers have expressed them-
selves on the value of conviction and the
effect of moral power:
A detachment which affects to be non-com-
mittal, is, in practice, denial.8 ... In view of
the chronic tendency of academic persons to
sit on the fence, the theologian should at all
times stress the duty of decision and com-
mitment. He should stress, too, the futility
of all attempts to shirk commitment, since
such attempts themselves involve a decision
unconscious, ungrounded, and irresponsible.9
Fact-collecting, open-mindedness as an end
of life, to be forever learning and never com-
ing to a knowledge of the truth — is less ar-
duous than reflective commitment. Reflection
is easy and commitment is easy, but the two
together — that is an educational task that de-
mands the highest powers. For education that
seeks intelligent conviction about the mean-
ing of life and its ends is no food for babes.
But education that does not seek it is hardly
anything we can decently refer to as "the
higher learning."10
In summary, the Christian investment
of life is an experience with the real
Christ. It is a relationship with the liv-
ing Lord in all of life. It is communion
with the Saviour of the world. It is sit-
ting at the feet of Jesus.
The Christian investment of life is the
redemptive outreach of man in unregen-
erate society. It is lived in the fellowship
of the saints; it is an encouraging of the
brotherhood in the ways of godliness and
holiness.
The Christian investment of life is ef-
fected in terms of the church in the
world. It is witnessing, serving, strug-
gling; it is keeping one's eyes on Jesus in
an appropriate humility; it is witnessing
rather than gaining publicity; it is put-
ting His name in the headlines and keep-
ing our names in the background; it is
being convinced deeply about the reality
of Christ's sufficiency for all of life; it is
getting off the fence of doubt and in-
difference and rolling up one's sleeves to
the hard work of Christian discipleship.
The poet said:
For travails and perplexities of mind
Through which we wrestled, nobler life to
find,
And found, beyond our craving soul's up-
reach,
The wonder of the lessons Thou wouldst
teach,
We thank Thee, Lord.
For all Thy leadings through life's devious
ways.
With faith illumined and high heart of grace,
For sweet laborious days and restful nights.
For work to do, and strength to do the work.
We thank Thee, thank Thee, thank Thee,
Lord."
» Sir Walter Moberly, The CrisU In the University.
p. 307. Student Christian Movement Press, Ltd., 1949.
» Ibid., pp. 291, 292.
1 0 Howard Lowry, The Mind's Adventure, pp. 134,
135.
1 1 Tohn Oxonham.
Hesston, Kans.
MARRIAGES
May the blessings of God be upon the homes
established by the marriages here listed. A year's
subscription to the GOSPEL HERALD is given to those
whose address is supplied by the officiating minister.
Bontrager — Weaver. — Daniel Bontrager. Clin-
ton Frame congregation, Topeka, Ind., and
Helen Weaver, Olive congregation. Elkhart,
Ind., by Elno W. Steiner, assisted by Vernon
Bontrager, at the Olive Mennonite Church, May
1 1954
' Burkholder — Shenk. — Carl G. Burkholder and
Dorothy Shenk, both of the Stumptown con-
gregation, Lancaster Co., Pa., by Elmer G. Mar-
tin at the Stumptown Mennonite Church, May
8, 1954. „
Geisinger — Yoder. — Lawrence C. Geisinger
and Effie Yoder. both of the Crown Hill con-
gregation. Rittman, Ohio, by Noah Hilty at the
Crown Hill Church. April 18, 1954.
Martin — Horst. — Jay L. Martin and Florence
S Horst. both of the Weaverland congregation.
East Earl, Pa., by J. Paul Graybill_ at the
Weaverland meetinghouse. April 17, 1954.
Petre — Heatwole. — Lawrence Nathaniel Petre,
Reiff and Paradise congregations. Hagerstown,
Md and Norma Pearl Heatwole. Bank congre-
gation, Dayton, Va., by Daniel W. Lehman at
the home of the bride. May 12. 1954.
Salah — Brubacher. — Isaac Salah and Magda-
lena Brubacher. both members of the Petoskey
Mennonite Church, Petoskey. Mich., by Ivan K.
Weaver at the church. April 17. 1954.
Weaver — Petre. — Paul M. Weaver. Church-
town congregation, Cumberland Co.. Pa., and
Ruth H Petre. Reiff congregation. Washington
Co Md.. by Moses K. Horst at the home of the
bride. May' 15. 1954. m . ,
Wright — Wagner. — Robert Wright. Consho-
hocken Mennonite Mission. Conshohockpn, Pa.,
and Mrs. Bessie Watrner. Worcester. Pa., con-
gregation, bv Paul R. Clemens at his home,
March 27, 1954.
Hollinger. Russel S. and Esther Ruth (Btieh-
er), Lancaster, Pa., third child, second son, Ed-
ward Lvnn, April 22. 1954. ]
Leaman. Charles H. and Janet E. (Metzler),
R inks. Pa., second child, first son, Roger Dean,
May 10. 1954.
Martin. Kenneth and Betty Lou (Prongh),
Caledonia. Mich., first child, William Edward.
Mav 4. 1954.
Martin. J. Leon and Katherine (Sehaefer),
Castorland. N.Y., third 6on. Darrell Sehaefer,
May 8. 1954. . . ■ ,„.„ ,
Miller, Edwin L. and Nellie Irene (Miller),
Hutchinson, Kans., a son, Omar Lee. May 15,
1954
Mvers. Earl C. and Ruth (Ebersole). Green-
castle Pa., fifth child, second daughter. Sharon
Elaine. May 1. 1954.
Nussbaum. Irvin and Arlene (Steiner). Walk-
er. Mo., third son. Dean Larry. May 11. 1954.
Peterschmitt. Willy and Jeanne ( Balrzinger),
Muntzenheim ( Ilaut-Rhin ), France, first child,
Miriam. April 24, 1954.
Reinard. Amon and Alice (Shoily). Port
Trevorton. Pa., third child, second daughter.
Martha Louise. April 15. ir>54.
Rush. J. Nelson and Bertha (Detweiler),
Lititz. Pa., first child. Debra. April 24. 1954.
Siemens. Cornelius J. and Lois (Stanton),
Eagle Hill. Alta.. seventh child, a daughter,
Glenda Dawn Marie. May S. 1954.
StaufTer. Earl and Juanita (Robertson),
Knoxville. Tenn.. second child, first daughter,
Pamela Joy. May 15. 1954.
Stehman. Morris and Rosalie (King). »au-
kegsn 111., first child. Judy Allene. May 9. 19»4.
Turman. Wm. Rupert and Arlene (Hess),
Allisonia. Ya., first child. Sandra Kay. May
9 Yoder. Sherman and Cleora (Ropp). Wolford, I
N Dak., first child, a daughter (no name given), J
May L 1954.
OBITUARIES
May the sustaining grace and comfort of our Lord
bless these who are bereaved.
BIRTHS
"Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord" (Ps. 127:3a).
Alger, John Paul and Retha (Mishler),
Broadway, Va.. third child, second daughter,
Phvllis Fave, May 12, 1954.
Bergey, James H. and Mary (Troyer). Fen-
tress, Va., third son, Leonard Eugene, May 13,
1954
Brubaker. Albert and Mildred (Shaffer). Port
Trevorton, Pa., third child, third son. Kenneth
Dale. March 31. 1954. . .
Brenneman, Allen R. and Vir<nma (Miller),
New Castle, Del., first child, Richard Allen.
May 4, 1954. .„ v „ •
Byers. Harold and Naomi (Smoker). Norris-
town. Pa., first child, Beverly Ann. April 23.
1954.
Byler, Delmar and Bonnie (Welty). Hesston,
Kan's., second child, Jeanne Marie. May 13,
1954
Clemens, Paul R. and Marv (Kaufmans),
Lansdale, Pa., a daughter. Mary Elizabeth.
April 24. 1954. xt
Eyer, Stanley and Imogene (Hinkle). Nor-
thumberland, Pa.. Hiiro" child, second daughter.
Amv Louise, .Anril 5, 1954.
Gingerich. Floyd B. and Gladys (Yoder).
Keeneshiirg, Colo., fourth child, second son.
Stanley Flovd. May 2. 1954.
Graber. Harvey and Miriam fHnchstetler),
Or.«h.">. Ind.. first child, John Howard. April
2fi 1954. v _„
Harnish. L'ovd K. and Rolen (Thomas) Wil-
low Street. Pa., third child. Gary' Eee. March
8. 1954. „ : _
Haives. Ralph and Greta (Burkhart). Guern-
M-v Sask.. second daughter, Vivian Joan.
Anrtl It 1951. _ m
Heinibach. Albert and Marv (Knuffman).
SclinsTrovo. Pa., second son, Robert William.
Jan. 27. 1954. , .
High. Daniel W. and Nora M. (Beclier).
Lancaster, Pa., sixth child, third daughter,
l.v.lia Lorraine, May 12. 1954.
Birky. Marv Elizabeth, daughter of Emanuel
L and Lvdia (King) Kenagy. was born in Cass
Co.. Mo..' June 7. 1S7G : passed away at her
neighbors home near Columbia Falls. Mont*
from a heart attack, on April 9. 1954: aged
77 y. 10 m. 2 d. In her youth she accepted
Christ as her Saviour and became a member of (
the Mennonite Church near Garden City Mo. :
She served faithfullv as a deacon's wife till the
calling home of her first husband, and was true
to her Lord until the Lord called her home. |
On Jan. 7. 1897. she was married to .T"hn w.
Oesch. who preceded her on Sept. 2^. 1930. To )
this union were born 3 son6 and 3 daughters,
all of whom survive except one who lost his life I
in an accident during childhood. They moved
to Creston. Mont., in 1917 where Bro. Oesch I
was ordained as deacon and he served there]
until his death. In February. 1940. she was
married to Joseph N. Birky, who passed away
April 5. 1953. Surviving are 5 children (Buella |
Miller Bernice Hoolev. and Harold Oesch. all |
of Kalispell, Mont.: Leila Lapp. Nampa. Idaho; j
and Vernon. Rexford. Mont.). 11 stepchildren |
(Roy Birky. Parnell. Iowa: Elmer Birkv and j
Mary Benson, both of Creston. Mont.: Harry.
Vernon. Jonas. Ezra, and Paul Birkv. all of
Kalispell. Mont.; Jacob and Emma B'rkv. Col-
ombia Falls. Mont. ; and Eva Greig. Nickerson.
Kins.). 5 half brothers and one half Bi^rl
(Uric and Irvin Kenagy. Albanv. Ores.: Wil- 1
liam Kenatrv. Hubbard. Oreg. : George Kenagy.;
Glendale. Calif.: Sarah Birky. Oregon City.
Oreg.: and Thomas Kenagy. Salem. OreK.M
Funeral services were held in the Wncgner and]
Campbell Funeral Home in Kalisnell. M«nt.. in.
charge of J. G. Hochstetler and D D Brenne-i
man. Burial was made in the Conrad Me-;
morial Cemetery. . . I
Kltnffleamtth. Grover E.. son of Beniam-n .
and Sarah Klinglesmi'h. was born Oct. 14. 18112.
in North Gn>ve. Ind.: died very suddenly on j
April 27. 1951. at his home near Brethren
Mich of a heart attack; aged 61 y. f? m. 13 d
On Vo'T 28, 1919 he was united in marriage tc
Clara Murrv. This union was blessod with P i
children. S sons and 3 daughters. In 193(1 be
was received as a member of the Mennonite
Church and of the Pleasantview congregation
in which faith he died. He was a trustee Oj
the congregation at the time of his death anr
June i, 1934
GOSPEL HERALD
527
Add EFFECTIVENESS to your
Bible school
Herald
Summer Bible
School
Materials
Don't lose the effectiveness of your summer Bible school by
changing materials every few years. Herald SBS materials mean
long-range planning for the pastor; teachers concentrate on better
methods instead of struggling with new material; new every year
to each child because it's graded.
MENNONITE PUBLISHING HOUSE
Scottdale, Pennsylvania
a regular attendant at church whenever health
permitted. Those left to mourn their loss are
his wife, the following children (Dean, Breth-
ren, Mich.; Phyllis — Mrs. Don Weaver, Elk-
hart, Ind. ; Bernice — Mrs. John Harnish, and
Mildred, both of Elkhart, Ind. ; and Jerry,
Northville, Mich.), one sister (Bessie Janzi,
Beaver Crossing, Nebr.), and 2 brothers (Har-
ry, Onondaga, Mich., and Dewey, Barberton,
Ohio). The funeral was held on May 1 at the
Pleasantview Mennonite Church by the home
minister assisted by Lester Wyse.
Moshier, Norman James, son of Joseph J. and
Katherine (Roggie) Moshier, was born Jan. 18,
1920, in New Bremen, N.Y. ; passed away at
The House of the Good Samaritan, Watertown,
N.Y., Feb. 27. 1954; aged 34 y. 1 m. 9 d. On
Nov. 24, 1953, he was injured when a tractor
tipped over on him. He apparently recovered
and was again able to work. On Feb. 18 he
was suddenly taken ill and after eight days of
intense suffering, passed on to his eternal home,
death resulting from a diaphragmic hernia
caused by the tractor accident. On Oct. 2, 1938,
he was baptized in the C.A. Mennonite Church
at Lowville, N.Y., remaining a faithful mem-
ber until death. On Oct. 1, 1946, he was united
in marriage to Irene Gingerich. He is survived
by his companion, 4 children (Frederick Dean
6; Joseph Loren 4; Cynthia Ann 19 m., and
Norman James, born 7 weeks after his father's
death), his parents, and the following brothers
and sisters (Marion — Mrs. Ezra Yousey, Cas-
torland, N.Y. ; Luella and Spencer. Lowville,
N.Y. ; and Richard, of Korea). Funeral serv-
ices were held March 3 at the C.A. Mennonite
Church by Elias Zehr and Leon Martin. Burial
was made in the adjoining cemetery.
Summers. Anna, daughter of Samuel and
Nancy (Stutzman) Yoder, was born at Millere-
burg, Ohio, Oct. 30. 189G ; died May 13, 1954,
at the St. Joseph Hospital, Kokomo. Ind. On
the morning of her death she suffered a cerebral
hemorrhage and was removed to the hospital
where she died. On Feb. 14. 1922, she was mar-
ried to Mose Sommers. She leaves to mourn
her departure her husband, and the following
children (S.mford, Amboy, Ind.; Paul. Camp
Carson, Colo. ; Ena Miller, Kokomo, Ind. ; and
Alvin, at home), also one stepson (Raymond,
Klamath Falls, Oreg.), 6 grandchildren, 8 step-
grandchildren, 4 brothers and 2 sisters (Jacob,
Farmerstown, Ohio ; Aden. Sarasota, Fla. ; Da-
vid and Lee, Greenwood, Del. ; Elizabeth, Hem-
lock, Ind. ; and Fannie Swartzendruber, Schuy-
ler, Va.). In her youth she accepted Christ as
her Saviour and remained faithful to the end.
She was a member of the Howard-Miami- Men-
nonite Church. Funeral services were conducted
at the Howard-Miami Church by E. J. Hochs-
tedler aud A. G. Horner. Burial was made in
the Mast Cemetery.
The Book Shelf
Books reviewed in these columns may be ordered
from the Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale, Pa.
The Recovery of Family Life, by Elton and
Pauline Trueblood; Harpers; 1953; 127 pp.;
$1.50.
Readers of the excellent series of books
that have come to be known as the "True-
blood series" will be delighted to have this
newest venture, an interpretation of the
modern family, its problems, and what can
be done about it. Those who have admired
the Quaker philosopher's clear style and con-
servative approach will be pleased to learn
that Mrs. Trueblood has earned a rightful
place as an author alongside her husband.
Preferring to write informally in the first per-
son, her chapter on the vocation of married
women has the telling direct effect of a per-
sonal testimony.
The authors start out by making a diag-
nosis of the sickness that has come over the
American family. They find it is suffering
from malnutrition and neglect. Many of
the functions of the family have been taken
over by the school, the community, and the
church. Particularly damaging has been the
fact that both father and mother are work-
ing away from the home. The Truebloods
have a strong conviction that the family is at
its best when it follows God's order in family
relationships. The father must take his right-
ful place as head of the home. This entails
not so much a privilege as a responsibility,
and the responsibilities are clearly explained.
The mother, on the other hand, is the heart
of the home, a function no less important
than the head. This should entitle her to
more privileges than she usually enjoys.
This high honor clothes her with a dignity
that makes her the equal, or superior to,
the career woman. The home builder need
never apologize that she is "just" a house-
wife. Indeed, Mrs. Trueblood discovers that
there is no word in the English language
that does justice to her significant and dif-
ficult position, and she invents such a word.
Henceforth when you housewife-mothers are
asked by some sophisticated career lady what
your profession is, you may proudly answer
that you are an agathelian!
The family is basically a religious institu-
tion and the last and best chapter in this vol-
ume is devoted to a consideration of how
528
GOSPEL HERALD
YOUR PUBLISHING HOUSE
June i, /05.
By A. J. Metzler, Publishing Agent
1
Henry Hernley, retired after 47 years
of service
13. Personnel
At the close of the year our personnel at Scottdale, at
the branch stores, and the nonresident writers and editors, com-
prised 142 full-time workers. There are 65 women and 77 men.
In addition, there are 33 regular part-time workers, and
from five to ten who are called in occasionally. The workers
who have responded to this call for Christian service come
from 13 states and Canada.
Workers have a number of committees which they elect
to look after their common interests. These include: Spiritual
and Social Welfare, Mutual Aid, and Cafeteria. The House
provides a host and an assistant, and a hostess and an assistant.
These serve both workers, and guests.
Our own Mutual Aid is supported 50-50 by the House and
workers. It gives assistance for medical, surgical, hospital,
and funeral expenses and pays two thirds of the wages for
time lost due to sickness, up to twenty weeks.
Regular Social Security benefits are supplemented by the
House. During the last year, Henry Hernley retired after 47
years of service with the House. Retirement is at 65, except
as extended on a year by year basis by mutual agreement.
The Training-in-Service program continues to sponsor eve-
ning classes and aids workers in taking specialized training
for more effective service.
During the past year we have used more non-Mennonite
workers, mostly from Scottdale and vicinity, than any time
heretofore.
The Executive Committee of the Roard has had a com-
mittee studying the House Wage Policy. The cost of living,
plus small considerations for skills, experience, training, and
responsibility have constituted the general basis for determin-
ing wages rather than the prevailing scale for comparable serv-
ices in industry or professions. While the committee has spent
considerable time studying the various considerations for
determining a satisfactory wage policy, it is evident that this is
a continuing task.
The monthly House organ for workers and friends has
been improved and given a new name, "Hi-Lights of the Men-
nonite Publishing House."
The Annual Ovtine
one can have an effective religious climate
in the home, for the authors rightly say
that religion is more caught than taught.
Pastors and parents will profit equally by a
careful reading of this book. In a day when
family living is pushed aside by the press of
other less significant duties, such a volume
is as welcome as a candle when the electricity
gets shut off. — H. Clair Amstutz.
ITEMS and COMMENTS
The Russia Orthodox Easter, which came
one week later than that of Western churches,
was observed by multitudes in Moscow. A
special report to the New York Times said
that more churches were open, more priests
consecrated, and more believers, young and
old, participated in the ceremonials than
ever before since the Bolshevik Revolution.
» » •
A study of Philadelphia revealed that 82
per cent of all Negro families and 22 per cent
of all white families live in blocks in which
there is some racial integration. In 27 per
cent of the city's residential blocks, Negroes
and white families live side by side.
H3X3
AWN I
A writer in The Sunday School Time!
said, concerning the singing at the Bills
Graham meetings in London: "How tremenl
dously significant too is the fact that the greal
hymns of the church are being sung almosl
exclusively; these are the messages in son!
that serve the crowds bent upon finding
Christ. When men are hungry for that which
can satisfy the depths of the human spirit,
they crave something other than that which
.1 jazz-crazy age has to offer. These hymns
touch the heart and stir the soul as they are
sung." —j — | ( q t 0 !■ . 0 » J
I
GOSPEL HERA
'In the defence and confirmation of the gospel' "Jhw beautiful are tk feet of them that preach the go
VOLUME XLVII .
TUESDAY, JUNE 8, 1954
.NUMBER 23
God Is Everywhere
By J. Lester Brubaker
"What was your verse in Sunday school
today, Mary Jane?"
" 'Thou God seest me.' "
"Ah, that's a good verse lor you. You
like to do naughty things when you think
nobody is looking. That verse means
that God sees you all the time and so it
you are bad, He knows about it."
If this was the conversation just before
Mary Jane went to bed, would it seem
strange that an innocent little girl lay in
bed restlessly in growing terror of a God
who, holding a big stick, was eager to
punish the slightest wrongdoing? Yet
how easy it is to misuse this truth regard-
ing one of God's most beautiful attri-
butes in order to frighten little ones into
subjection to ourselves!
God is Spirit (John 4:24), and spirit is
not bound by limitations of space. It is
because God is a spiritual being that He
can be everywhere at once. True, the
Bible speaks of God as dwelling in heav-
en (e.g., Isa. 8:18). Perhaps we could
think of heaven as God's headquarters
from which His presence reaches out into
every part of the universe. We often
think of the heart as the headquarters of
the soul in man; yet that soul fills and
permeates every part of the body.
There are those (pantheists) who be-
lieve that God is everywhere and that He
is in fact contained within every part of
the material universe. The pantheist
sings
"In the rustling grass
I hear Him pass"
with a different interpretation from that
of the evangelical Christian. He sees
God in the grass as a part of each green
blade; we see God in the grass only in
that He created it. It is as though we
would say of a beautiful carving made
by a friend, "I see John's hand in that."
If this seems to be a quibbling over de-
tails, let it be remembered that this "in-
significant" point marks a fork in the
road, for the pantheist denies the per-
sonality or individuality of God.
God is everywhere, and because He is
everywhere He knows everything. The
omnipresence and the omniscience of
God are in reality inseparable; the latter
is dependent upon the former. Because
God is where we are (wherever that may
be), He knows all about us. This fact
has a twofold result; it makes some peo-
ple happy and others unhappy.
Take a look at the context of "Thou
God seest me," the story of Hagar in
Gen. 16. Having been maltreated by
Sarai because of jealousy, Hagar was flee-
ing from the cruelty of her mistress.
Surely she felt alone and cast off as she
paused to rest in the wilderness. But
alone and lost, she was met by God and
comforted by His sympathy. "Thou God
seest me" was uttered from the depths
of a heart that rejoiced in the fact that
God inhabited even the wilderness, see-
ing and caring for one so despised as she.
David the psalmist was made glad as
he contemplated the fact of God's being
present everywhere. In Psalm 139:7-12
he names the most distant points that he
can think of in the universe and the
most unlikely situations for God's care
to be manifested; one can almost hear
the exultation in his voice as he cries
out after every if, "Behold, thou art
there."
If we are children of God, we are made
happy by the truth of God's omnipres-
ence. We know God as a loving Father
who cares for His own. Realizing we
can never get away from His presence, we
rejoice, for to have Him near is to be safe
in His keeping and to know that "all
things" will "work together for good"
to us.
I hear James saying, "Is any among
you afflicted? let him pray." Why? Be-
cause God is present and will hear and
answer prayer.
Is any discouraged?
Is any sorrowing?
Is any ill?
Is any unloved?
Is any misunderstood?
Is any fearful?
A most comforting truth for all such
(who isn't included sometime?) is that
God is right where the troubled one is,
eager to pour on the wound the healing
balm of Gilead that he might be made
completely whole.
Many a young man or young woman
is kept from stumbling into sin by the
knowledge that a beloved friend believes
in him and is sympathetically watching
him and entering into his conflicts, offer-
ing a helping hand at the right moment.
The knowledge that God is with us,
ready to make His power operative in us
for overcoming every attack of Satan, is
evidence of His love and deters Chris-
tians from yielding to sin.
But we have looked at only the one
effect upon man of God's omnipresence.
Though we selfishly overplay the other
side many times in dealing with children,
it is true that God is fully aware of all
evil that we do and will punish us for
sins unrepented. This is a truth that
must be expressed, for it is a means of
bringing some to salvation. However, it
seems to me that the Bible stresses this
side of the truth only to those who have
willfully determined to continue in sin,
refusing the claims of a loving God upon
their lives.
In Jer. 23 God speaks through His true
spokesman against those who pose as
prophets but lie. Says He, "I have seen
folly in the prophets of Samaria." God
is a God both "at hand" and "afar off."
In warning against these ungodly men
who pervert the truth and against those
who listen to them God cries out, "Can
any hide himself in secret places that I
shall not see him? . . . Do not I fill heav-
en and earth?"
Again in Amos God gives a similar
warning against those who sin against
Him by reminding them of the impos-
sibility of escaping from His presence
and power to punish. The words are
reminiscent of Psalm 139, but how differ-
ent the emotional feeling attached to
theml "Though they dig into hell, thence
shall mine hand take them; though they
In Every Thought of Mine
By Lorie C. Gooding
From this day forward and forevermore
I shall be servant of the Lord Divine.
He is my Saviour and He is my King,
And He shall be in every thought of mine.
And He shall be in all my words and deeds,
And He shall be in all my nights and days.
He paid a sinner's penalty for me,
And every thought of mine shall be His
praise.
And whether life be dark and full of woe,
Or whether all my days with gladness
shine,
He is my God and evermore shall be,
And He shall be in every thought of mine.
Holmesville, Ohio.
530
GOSPEL HERALD
June 8, 1954
climb up to heaven, thence will I bring
them down." Then He continues by
naming earthly places of attempted
escape, "And though they hide them-
selves in the top of Carmel, I will search
and take them out thence . . ." (Amos
9:2, 3).
In the New Testament Jesus remarked
that "every idle word that men shall
speak, they shall give account thereof in
the day of judgment." It is because God
is everywhere present and knows all that
occurs that men can thus be warned of
the necessity of avoiding sin.
Truly Belshazzar learned the fact of
God's omnipresence to his own horror
and eternal doom.
In the words of the song writer, "You
cannot hide from God." What those
words make us feel depends upon our
attitude toward God which in turn de-
pends upon our relationship with Him.
To some it is a fearsome warning. But,
oh, as a Christian it is a comfort to me!
How I thank Him that wherever I am,
He is there to guide and bless! What a
challenge this truth is to me to keep my-
self in the center of His will! Let us
exult in the fact of our ever-present Lord.
Lancaster, Pa.
How Big?
By Martha B. Nafziger
"I want to go to work with Daddy,"
the three-year-old pleaded this morning.
I smiled sympathetically and shook my
head. "Sorry, David, but you are not yet
big enough."
"But I am big enough," he insisted
and he stood straight and tall to prove it.
The rattles, the diapers, the teething
ring, the high chair— to David these are
now disdained symbols of babyhood. I
thought of God's children in the church.
Are they also as impatient to be about
this business of being "big"? Would to
God they might likewise disdain the sym-
bols of their spiritual infancy— self-grati-
fication, sensitiveness, self-pity, tattling,
whining, in an eagerness to be mature
Christians and shoulder the burdens of
the young and weak.
What are some evidences of being
"big"? If you are spiritually mature—
You are wise to the treachery of the
flesh. Rom. 7:18.
You do not complain about your cir-
cumstances. I Cor. 10:10.
You do not worry. Luke 12:29.
You hold no grudges. Gen. 50:21.
You do not lose your temper. Eph.
4:31.
You utilize the wisdom of praying "im-
possible" problems loose and not prying
them loose by strong words and fleshly
efforts. Phil. 4:6.
You have a healthy appetite for the
Word. Ps. 119:103.
You have faith to believe that every
experience of life works for your good.
Rom. 8:28.
You value trial as a means of spiritual
growth and enrichment. I Pet. 1:7.
You find joy in every circumstance,
even adversity. II Cor. 11:30.
You have learned experimentally that
He who assigns your task will give you
the ability to perform it. Phil. 4:13.
You do not scheme to work matters to
your advantage. Gen. 27:18-20.
You allow no mistakes or successes of
the past to spoil the present. Phil. 3:13.
You unquestioningly serve Christ, re-
gardless of painful sacrifices involved.
Mark 10:29, 30.
You share personally in the responsi-
bility of reconciling sinners to God. II
Cor. 5:20.
You know that wisdom will not perish
from the earth when you leave it. Job
12:2.
You are tenderhearted and forgiving.
Eph. 4:32.
You rejoice in the promotion of others.
John 3:30.
You find deep sorrow and a cause for
prayer in the sin of a fellow Christian.
I Cor. 5:2.
You are conscientious about not of-
fending others. I Cor. 10:32, 33.
You refuse to think critical or sus-
picious thoughts about others; much less
will you gossip about them. I Cor. 13:5b;
I Pet. 2:1.
You cultivate the Barnabas spirit of
recognizing and appreciating real spirit-
ual progress in every true Christian or
Christian cause. Acts 11:22-24.
You are completely trustworthy of the
confidences of others. Prov. 11:13.
You recognize that suggestions for car-
rying on God's work can be very good,
even if they do not originate within your
skull. Ex. 18:13-26.
You work co-operatively and not com-
petitively with fellow Christians. Ill
John 9, 10.
You do not talk back to your oppo-
nents nor fight for your rights. I Pet.
2:23.
You do not lend yourself to the devil
as a tool of opposition to revival, mis-
sions, Christian education, or any other
cause that would promote more and bet-
ter Christianity. Acts 13:10.
Spiritual maturity is not achieved
through brute self-effort, nor through the
accumulation of years necessarily. It is
the result of complete surrender to the
will of God and full appropriation of the
crucifixion experience in every area of
life, plus a daily nourishing diet of the
Word and an obedient walking in the
strength of it.
How big are you?
Ft. Vermilion, Alta.
That I May Know Him
Philippians 3:10a
By Leroy Hostetler
In the third chapter of the Book of
Philippians we have a passage in which
the very heart of the Apostle Paul is laid
bare, and in this clause "that I may know
him" is found the core of the passage.
These words reveal the intense longing
that motivated and actuated Paul's life—
the longing to become personally and
intimately acquainted with the Lord Je-
sus Christ.
Paul had his introduction to Jesus on
the Damascus road one day as he trav-
eled along "breathing out threatenings
and slaughter" against the followers of
this very One whom later he came to<
love. He carried with him letters from
the high priest in Jerusalem which would
grant him entrance into the synagogues
of Damascus and the right to search out
and bring to trial any whom he might
find who were followers of "this way" —
followers of Jesus.
As he journeyed, suddenly at midday
a great light, brighter than the sun,
shone around him and Saul of Tarsus
was struck down, brought up short in his
career, and there humbled in the dust,
blinded by the glory of that light, he
came face to face with Jesus. For three
days and nights, the world shut out, die
glorious vision of the Son of God burn-
in o- into his very soul, he waited before
God. For the first time in his life Saul
of Tarsus really prayed.
Word came from God to Ananias, a:
disciple in Damascus, "Arise, and go into
the street which is called Straight, and
enquire in the house of Judas for one
called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he
prayeth." Ananias was obedient, the
scales were lifted from Paul's eyes; he re-
ceived his commission to go "far hence
unto the Gentiles," and forever aftei
there Earned in his heart a great passion
to become better and better acquainted
with the glorious Son of God whom he
had met for the first time on the Damas-
cus road.
In order to gain an increased knowl-
edge of Tesus, Paul was willing to re-
(Continued on page 532)
GOSPEL HERALD
MTUUIHID ieoe AS SUCCESSOR TO eOSPBL WITNIH HSOB) AND HERALD OF TRUTH (1864)
PAUL BR B EO.TOR JOHN L. HORST, MIL. LARD C. L1ND. CONSULT.*.. EDITORS LEV. C. HARTZLER. M.SS.ONS EDITOR
T-. .CSV H..AL. ,. A S.L,.,~.. ..... PU.L..H.. ... <" TH. M K N No N I T K CHURCH ST TH. — . ^"^^^
„T»» A. ...OHO CLA.. MATTM .» AT TH. PO.T »,... AT iOOTTMLI, PA.. UN... ACT O, «.CH .U..O, , PT ■ ON ,R,«, /""^^J^
4DV.Mli ™ •« — — ~" *« «•«"• — — « —
r- eUlNTOJ IN U.S.A.
June 8, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
EDITORIAL
Tell Me About Your
Church'
:
Anyone who contacts people outside
his own church fellowship, and practical-
ly all of us do, will be asked sometime or
other for information about his church.
Either out of curiosity or because of a
deeper interest in religious matters peo-
ple may want to know what our his-
toric roots are, what our denomination
believes, what our distinctive practices
are and the reasons for them, where
we have our centers of population, what
forms of philanthropy and evangelism
we carry on, what means of education we
employ. Any self-respecting Christian
must be able to answer questions about
his church, and we should be able to give
an appealing answer to sincere question-
ers. Ignorance or lack of understanding
conviction certainly gives no recommen-
dation to a faith.
Any Christian may at any time need to
give a reason for his faith and practice.
But a Mennonite or any other member
of a minority, nonconformist group will
be pretty sure to meet often the chal-
lenge, "Tell me about your church."
Sometimes our time may be short, and
one always thinks afterwards of things he
should have said. One must be able to
give a personal testimony and the kind
of presentation out of one's own heart
that carries conviction. But it is always
helpful to have some literature that your
inquirers can take along and read at
their leisure.
We have some tracts that suit this pur-
pose: Who Are the Mennonite s; We Be-
lieve; Will Just Any Church Do; Neglect-
ed, Rejected, Forgotten Truth.
But just now we would call attention
to a new booklet written especially for
non-Mennonites who want to know more
about us. It is Mennonite Life, by John
A. Hostetler, the author of a similar
booklet on Amish Life. Our readers will
be interested in the ad on the last page
of this issue. We heartily recommend
this booklet for the purpose it is intend-
ed to serve: to inform people who want
to know more about us. It is written in
language that is easy to read, and is at-
tractively printed with a number of illus-
trations. Its facts are authentic and up
to date, even though you may have to
explain some slight variations that apply
to your particular neighborhood. The
author recognizes that differences of
practice make it exceedingly difficult to
describe all the Mennonites at one time.
He says enough about the different
branches of Mennonites to give a reader
a concept of our differences. But the
book in the main is devoted to our own
branch, the Mennonite Church, some-
times designated, though not officially,
as the (Old) Mennonites.
It would be a good idea to buy a dozen
copies or more of this booklet and always
have one with you when you travel.
They are priced so that you can afford
to give them away to interested persons.
Your editor intends always to have a
copy in his brief case to use in this way.
Your Publishing House is already using
this booklet to help answer the many in-
quiries that come to us about the Men-
nonites, You may want to put one in
vour city library.
Bro. Hostetler has done us a good serv-
ice in writing this booklet. It deserves,
and we feel sure will enjoy, a wide dis-
tribution.—E.
The Minority Prevails
Again it has happened. A minority
voice courageously announced its dissent.
It got a slight hearing. But since the
minority opinion was on the side of
truth, as the years passed men came to see
that the dissenting opinion was the right
one. There was a rehearing, a re-evalua-
tion, and a new decision in line with
right and truth.
The case is that of racial segregation.
In 1896 the U.S. Supreme Court, in up-
holding a Louisiana railway segregation
law, established the principle of "sepa-
rate but equal" facilities for Negroes.
But the vote was 8 to 1. Justice John
Marshall Harlan in a lonely dissent said,
"Our Constitution is color-blind and
neither knows nor tolerates classes
among citizens. . . . The arbitrary sepa-
ration of citizens on the basis of race . . .
is a badge of servitude wholly incon-
sistent with the civil freedom and the
531
equality before the law established by
the Constitution." But Justice Harlan
was only one, and the principle of "sepa-
rate but equal" ruled (with the "equal"
often unequal) in much of our life, in-
cluding education in a third of our
states.
On May 18, 1954, an important date in
the history of human liberty, the Su-
preme Court reversed itself in a unan-
imous decision regarding segregation in
education. Chief Justice Warren read
the ruling which said that separate facili-
ties are inherently unequal and which
outlawed segregation in public schools
as "a denial of the equal protection of
the laws" guaranteed by the Fourteenth
Amendment.
Christian people, who do not believe
that God shows partiality in dealing with
His creatures, will rejoice in this deci-
sion. We will see to it that the principle
of this decision is thoroughly implement-
ed in the life and work of the church.
Our only regret should be that the
church has not led the way as she should
have in racial impartiality.
But the point of this editorial is that
one on the side of God's truth is a major-
ity. Thank God for courageous men
through the centuries who have been
willing to express a lonely dissent. Again
and again they have been vindicated.
The truth crushed to earth rises again all
the stronger for the testing it has gone
through. The dissenter may not live to
see the vindication: Justice Harlan has
been dead for forty-three years. But the
important thing is, right has a way of
reasserting itself. The way of the minor-
ity is often difficult. But it is a comfort
fo know that in so far as we stand for the
truth, both time and eternity are on our
side. In a day when evil so often is en-
throned, it is a satisfaction to believe that
the enthronement is only temporary,
that eventually the truth and right will
prevail. Certainly the eternal world will
bring this vindication; but time also pro-
duces numerous instances.
Of course not every minority is right.
Sometimes we stand alone because we
are wrong. A true humility is willing to
leave it to time to demonstrate the truth,
and accept the verdict with good grace.
But the years bringing this verdict may
be long, and many a man lies down in
death with no answer except that of his
own conscience, which tells him he has
stood with God, and that in God's own
way the vindication will come.
Our Lord Jesus was a lonely figure on
532
GOSPEL HERALD
June 8, 1954
the cross of Calvary, but through the cen-
turies has been acknowledged by mil-
lions as the Son of God. Paul on Mars'
Hill was ridiculed by the worldly wise,
but today his words are engraved on a
copper plate on that very hill. Galileo
was forced to publicly recant his cosmo-
logical folly, but all modern science is
in his debt. Luther was condemned and
excommunicated, but today carries the
honor of the Father of the Reformation.
Our Anabaptist fathers, who were ex-
ecuted by the hundreds for their intoler-
able heresy, are acknowledged today as
the creators of important religious liber-
ties. John Wesley was ridiculed and
maligned, but even secular historians
today call him the most important influ-
ence of his century in England. John S.
Coffman and John F. Funk were lone
voices in their day, but they gave us the
Mennonite Church of today.
That man who is always careful to
stand with the majority is not likely to
make a significant contribution. Dissent
for its own sake is of no value. But dis-
sent for the sake of truth is the price of
every advance in the kingdom of right.
-E.
THAT I MAY KNOW HIM (Continued)
nounce all things else in favor of Christ.
Even those things which were so dear to
his heart, his background, his ancestry,
his ability, his training, his zeal, even his
own righteousness he was willing to cast
utterly aside and count as refuse in order
to experience a fuller knowledge of Je-
sus. To walk with Him, to talk with
Him, to listen to His voice, to contem-
plate Him, to behold Him in His beauty
and holiness and glory, to have unbro-
ken fellowship with Him became Paul's
chief delight. And why not, when he
had found One so wonderful, so gracious,
so soul-satisfying? And so Paul took time
out to be alone with the Lord for three
years in Arabia, "not conferring with
llesh and blood," but listening to the
voice of the Lord and learning from
Him. And so his acquaintance with Je-
sus grew.
Mindful o! his commission and di-
rected by the Holy Spirit, he came out
of retirement, went lip to Jerusalem, and
l>c>gan his great public ministry of wit-
nessing for his Lord. So real was his ac-
quaintance with the Lord that he could
hear His voice at every turn of the road,
"This is the way, walk ye in it," and so
he was guided in his missionary endeav-
ors. Because he knew Jesus so well, the
Lord could whisper in his ear things that
were meant lor Kim alone. In the midst
of opposition and pressure in a great city
such as Corinth, Jesus spoke to Paul in
a vision in the night, "Be not afraid, but
speak, and hold not thy peace; for I am
with thee, and no man shall set on thee
to hurt thee: for I have much people in
this city." Do you wonder that Paul was
fearless? He was acquainted with Jesus.
Arrested in Jerusalem, in danger of be-
ing torn in pieces by a mob, the Lord
stood by him in the night watches and
said, "Be of good cheer, Paul [you see
He knew him by name] : for as thou hast
testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou
bear witness also at Rome." A prisoner
on a ship in the midst of a great storm
in the blackness of a starless Mediter-
ranean night, the angel of God stood by
him and said, "Fear not, Paul; thou must
be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God
hath given thee all them that sail with
thee." Do you wonder that Paul could
say, "I believe God"? You see Paul was
acquainted with Jesus.
"And the Fire Fell"
By Mary Alice Holden
Man has ever had his altars
Where the heavenly fire could fall.
Righteous Abel built an altar,
Rich with blood and pleasing God,
For God answered with a token
Of His might, consuming fire.
It Happened —
SEVENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO
(From the Herald of Truth, June, 18-9)
In the Pretty Prairie congregation, La-
grange Co., Indiana, Jonathan Hartzler
was ordained deacon on the 18th of May.
Daniel F. Yoder was ordained deacon
May 4th, in the Walnut Grove congrega-
tion (Amish) in Logan Co., Ohio.
Sunday schools have been opened in
both the Walnut Grove and the Cham-
paign congregations (Amish), the former
in Logan, the latter in Champaign Co..
Ohio. Both commence with good pros-
pects.
A copy of the great Mentz Bible, print-
ed bv Gutenberg, in 1455, the first book
ever printed, was recently sold bv auc-
tion at Paris for $10,000. ... At a sale
in 1873, a copv of the same work was
sold for $17,000.
Some of the Mennonites who emigrat-
ed from Russia to South America are re-
turning disappointed to their old homes:
542 have recently reached Antwerp, and
manv more are soon to follow.
Noah when he left the ark-boat
For an earth yet damp and dark
Built an altar praising God
For deliverance for all.
Solomon who built a temple
Pleased the Lord and caught this fire.
So our hearts are now Good's altars
And His Spirit's fire and grace
Makes us living temples— firebrands
Of His love and lasting truth.
Cimarron, Kans.
And so Paul became like Him. He
knew the thinking of Jesus, and he
thought with Him. He knew the glories
and the excellencies of the character—
the Person-of the Son of God. and there
came to be imprinted upon his life the
image— the likeness— of the One whose
name is above every name. His fellow
ship with the Lord was so intimate that
he talked the language of Jesus. We find
him saying, "I could wish tli.it nivsell
were accursed . . . for . . . my kinsmen ac-
cording to the flesh," if that would result
in their salvation; and that reminds us
that "Christ hath redeemed us from the
curse of the law. being made a curse for
us: for it is written, Cursed is every one
that hangeth on a tree." He could s.i\
'I am made all things to all men. that 1
might bv all means save some," because
he knew the burden of the Lord when
he "looked upon the multitudes and was
moved with compassion on them." Paul's
great desire, his passion to know Christ,
was being realized. Is it anv wonder that
he could say. "For to me to live is Christ,
and to die is gain"? To be in constant
fellowship with Him now, and then one
day to step over into His very presence
there to enjoy even richer and more in-
timate association, to go on forever in-
creasing in knowledge of Him. what
could present a grander outlook for the
future?
Mv friend, do you know Him? Have
you ever really met Jesus? Would you
like to become acquainted with Hini?
Christian, would you like to know Him
better? Shall we not say with Paul. "I
cast everything else aside in order that
1 may knou> him"?
W inona Lake. Ind.
If we wish to really consecrate our-
selves to the vision of Christ, we must
first of all consecrate ourselves to the
Christ Himself.-J. N. Smucker.
Unless we can eliminate prejudice
from the home, it will never be stopped
in the streets.— Basil O'Connor.
June 8, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
Faith and Shifting Social Standards
By H. Clair Amstutz
We have already heard that faith is
the ongoing work of God and a sense
of participation in this significant work
is needed in this day of shifting social
standards. As an evidence of this fact I
want to point out something that comes
from the now famous Kinsey report.
This group reports that religious piety
has a greater effect on moral behavior
than any other factor which they exam-
ined. It must be recognized that in our
present generation a change in control
of social activities has come about. Sec-
ularization of the school and the home
have played a significant role in this
change. The change is so profound that
it is perhaps not accurate to say that the
social standards have shifted. Indeed the
nature of standards are such that they
cannot well be shifted without being
destroyed. We are faced today with a
situation which can best be described as
being without social standards. In this
confusion, there is an honest and painful
search for an anchor, an inquiry for a
faith which is adequate.
There are, as I hinted, a number of
reasons for the destruction of standards.
Loss of other-worldliness is one reason.
There is a feeling that what one does
may not really matter provided one does
not get caught. Then there have been a
series of philosophies which are destruc-
tive of absolute standards. Among them
have been Darwinism with its teaching
that man is essentially a creature of the
jungle, Freudianism with its emphasis on
expression of biological urges, and Kin-
seyism with its teaching that whatever is,
is normal. Other factors are the urban-
ization of life in which both father and
mother may work in separate factories,
so that members of a family have only a
meager acquaintance with each other,
and really greater acquaintance with
their workfellows, or schoolmates. This
has contributed to a breakdown in the
feeling of family solidarity. Family liv-
ing has become incidental, a peripheral
experience, and its deeper meanings are
not understood or even thought about.
Finally there has been a removal of
the classical fears which in the past have
kept people from illicit behavior: the
fear of detection, fear of venereal disease,
and the fear of pregnancy. The fear of
detection has been removed by the an-
onymity of the large city and in the rural
area by the means of private transporta-
tion, the automobiles.
The fear of venereal disease has been
largely removed by the knowledge of pre-
vention and cure of these infectious dis-
eases, and the fear of pregnancy by the
knowledge of contraception. It should
be said that there is still considerable
danger in each of these areas— fear of de-
tection by the very nature of the human
conscience, of disease by the failure of
the antibiotics, and of pregnancy by the
inefficiency of all known methods of
contraception. Nevertheless, the fact is
that people believe that is no occasion
for fear and therefore act as though they
had no fear.
A generation or so ago there were so
many external safeguards that a person
was very much like a trolley car. There
was literally no opportunity to jump the
track. Now, however, the tracks have
been removed. There are few if any ex-
ternal restraints. The logical thing to
do, then, is to provide the driver with a
steering apparatus and a route of the city.
In other words, we need a bus with in-
ternal controls for our modern times.
Too often the church has tried to meet
the problem by blaming the trolley cars
for crashing into sidewalks in this day
when there are neither tracks nor steer-
Repuiaiion is precious, but char-
acter is priceless. — Y.C.C.
ing wheels. Having passed into an age
of pneumatic tires we cannot expect
buses to follow streetcar rails.
We are living in a scientific age, and
we cannot destroy it or ignore it. One of
our basic tenets is that we have faith in
truth. A scientist, too, must have faith.
He too has a stated creed. This was made
plain in Dr. Robert Yerkes' foreword to
the Kinsey report. Said he: 'We, as
scientists, have large faith in the values of
knowledge, little faith in ignorance."
Prof. Kinsey stated his faith negatively
when he said we do not "believe that the
happiness of individual men, and the
good of the organization, is ever fur-
thered by the perpetuation of igno-
rance."
So far we agree with these scientists^
A scientist must have faith— faith in the
source of his information, for example.
After all, a scientific fact is said to be es-
tablished if it is the universal, independ-
ent conclusion of competent observers.
Do we have information on the results of
social behavior gathered by competent
observers? The cumulative experience of
the race should give us some insight as to
how to proceed safely, just as we learn to
drive a car in the city. There are com-
plex rules about red and green lights,
about left-hand turns, speed limits, and
parking rules. No one can make up his
rules about driving as he goes along.
Safety is dependent on observing the
rules which the experts have gathered
through cumulative experience. Some-
times minor refractions seem safe. Occa-
sionally a major break in the rules does
not produce a wreck. Perhaps one could
533
cross a street in Chicago with the eyes
closed, but one should certainly beware
of advocating such a procedure just be-
cause we have done so and gotten by.
So history does teach us something. No
one would accuse Prof. Kinsey of being a
conservative traditionalist, yet here is
what he says in his famed report:
"Throughout most human groups, every-
where in the world, the home has been
recognized as the basic unit of social or-
ganization. In only a few instances have
there been serious attempts to abandon
the family organization, and to substitute
some state-centered institution which
would abolish the long-time association
of adults and their offspring. Such aban-
donment of family was attempted in an-
cient Sparta, and in the communal
groups such as the Brook Farm Colony,
the New Harmony Colony, the Oneida
Colony, and the various other experi-
mental societies which developed in the
United States a century or more ago.
Something of the sort has been attempted
more recently in Nazi Germany, Soviet
Russia, and Communist China. None of
these schemes, however, has provided sat-
isfactory substitutes for the home, and
most of them have been short-lived, flw-
tory confirms the importance of the fam-
ily, even though it does not justify some
of the other customs which are a part of
our culture." I think we may put down
as accepted scientific fact No. 1 that the
family is essential to civilization.
A second fact that we may regard as
being scientifically established is that sex
needs control. Sex does have something
to do with the family. The weakness of
the Kinsey report is precisely in that it
overlooks this very important fact. No-
where in the report is there any con-
sideration of love, parenthood, or respon-
sibility, only a mathematical summation
of the sexual behavior of the human
mammal. This is not scientific because
the human species does not, in actual
fact, deal with a sexual object except
with either affection or disdain. Parent-
hood, too, is a scientifically observed fact.
Adults need children. Children have a
right to have parents, and to have par-
ents give them what they need for the
nourishment of their souls, namely, affec-
tion. For these reasons all cultures have
regulated social behavior. In Shake-
speare's Troilus and Cressida, the Greek
Hector says,
There is a law in each well-ordered nation
To curb those raging appetites that are
Most disobedient and refractory.
A modern view is that of the well-
known psychoanalyst, Dr. Brill, who
says, "As long as civilization will endure,
sex will have to be controlled, and only
irresponsible imbeciles believe that one
can run riot with sex." This, of course,
makes irresponsible imbeciles of many
Americans, including members of first
families of the land. I think we are
agreed that there must be some control
of social behavior.
534
GOSPEL HERALD
June 8, 1954
Psychiatrists point out that in humans
there is a basic need for parenthood.
Karl Meninger, in "Love Against Hate,"
points out that many people are neurotic
and frustrated because they do not have
enough children to satisfy their emo-
tional needs. The deep needs of the hu-
man personality are not met by sex ac-
tivity of the Hollywood type, to which
the Kinsey report is confined. The deep
emotional needs of humans are met only
in their fulfillment in love and parent-
hood. Ernest R. Groves in his book,
"Fulfillment in Marriage," points out
the same thing. It is because of close as-
sociation of sex and parenthood, close
both physiologically and psychologically,
that one cannot deal with sex behavior
without considering the moral aspects—
the effect on the individual and on the
family institution.
A third fact to bear in mind is that sex
is not love. Sex is a physical affair which
man has in common with mammals.
Love is a psychological and spiritual
quality which is peculiar to humans and,
of course, God. In the matter of the use
of the word "love," the English language
has been ravaged. In much of modern
literature the word "love" is used in such
a way that an immediate translation of
"sex" is accurate. The notion has gained
ground, therefore, that since love is a
good thing, sex expression, being love,
must also be good and desirable. Such
confusion is due to the misuse of the
word "love." As, for example, in the
story of the farmer who caught a rooster,
picked up his ax, and marched to the
block behind the woodshed. As he
swung his ax he was heard to remark,
"Boy, do I love chicken."
Love is not destructive. Love is an at-
titude that seeks to do what is good for
the loved. Sex, in the family situation
as ordained of God, may lead to love, but
it is not love. Love may be the spiritual
outcome. On the other hand, when sex
is destructive of character, when it de-
stroys, it is not productive of love but of
lust.
Shakespeare had a verse on this theme:
Call it not love, for Love to heaven is fled
Since sweating Lust on earth usurped his
name ;
Under whose simple semblance he hath fed
Upon fresh beauty, blotting it with blame;
Which the hot tyrant stains and soon bereaves
As caterpillars do to the tender leaves.
Love comforteth like sunshine after rain,
But Lust's effect is tempest after sun;
Love's gentle spring doth always fresh remain,
Lust's winter comes ere summer half be done;
Love surfeits not, Lust like a glutton dies;
Love is all truth, Lust full of forged lies.
It will help us in thinking about so-
cial standards to keep this distinction
clearly in mind. Love seeks the good of
the loved.
This brings us to the next point. Mor-
als is that which is good for people. Some
people have the idea that being moral is
doing anything that is against nature.
Morals are in line with natural law.
Good morals bring happiness. "Her
ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her
paths are peace," said the Wise Man.
"My yoke is easy, and my burden is
light," said Jesus. Good morals may
mean controlling what is immediately
pleasurable for the ultimately desirable.
It takes faith to see that, but it is a clear
truth. But in the long run, good morals
mean good living.
This is something quite different from
saying that morals are derived from the
cultural mores of the middle class, or of
the general populace. Yet that is exactly
the use that is being made of the findings
of the Kinsey report. People are saying,
"Everyone is doing it; it must be all
right." One does not establish Tightness
or wrongness by conducting a Gallup
poll. Doing so in certain sections of the
Amazon would establish that head hunt-
ing is a noble sport. What is, is mores;
what ought to be, is morals.
This brings us, then, to the conclusion
of the matter. We have shown that good
wholesome living is not contrary to the
Character is a perfectly educal
ed will* — Selected.
teachings of science; that science deals
with facts, and that there are certain
clearly demonstrable facts about the re-
sults of different ways of social behavior.
We have seen that the most desirable are
those which lead to happiness, and the
fulfillment of our real natures; that in
the human heart there is a longing for
love, affection, mutual trust. There is a
need to believe in the future, and in the
ultimate triumph of good. This is faith
—faith in the ultimate purposes of God,
faith in the goodness and wisdom of His
plan for us. There must be a willing-
ness to shoulder the responsibilities with
which He trusted us, a confidence to fol-
low in the paths which He has outlined
in His revealed Word, and in the paths
which human experience confirms as the
road to happiness. Ours is a high and
noble calling, for God has entrusted to
us the power of creation and has en-
dowed us with redemptive love which
transforms our own lives and those given
to our care. Such a faith is adequate to
guide us, to give us the inner controls
which we so much need in these days of
shifting standards.
Goshen, Ind.
NOT CHARITY BUT
BROTHERHOOD
Mutual plan of sharing hospitalization,
surgical, or burial aid benefits.
Parents' membership includes all chil-
dren up to age 18.
Write for further information:
Mennonite Aid, Inc.
1202 S. Eighth St.
Goshen, Indiana
Tolerance
By Ruth Blrkholder
The Nature and Value of Tolerance
Tolerance is not necessarily or solely
a Christian virtue. Most broad-minded,
civilized people have a certain degree of
tolerance. Arthur Helps has said, "Tol-
erance is the only real test of civiliza-
tion." Let us not confuse tolerance with
credulity. To be tolerant means to allow
and understand the existence of beliefs
and practices different from our own
without accepting them as our own.
The presence of the virtue of toler-
ance in an individual is a measure of the
breadth of his personality and outlook
on life. It shows that he recognizes dif-
ferences in the background, personality,
and training of other people, and the
possibility of error in himself. Seneca
once said, "Hardly a man you will find
who could live with his door open." In
the fine art of living with other people,
tolerance is an indispensable tool. Re-
member—others live here, too.
The Christian Aspect of Tolerance
Many people can be tolerant of dif-
ferences in areas which to them are rela-
tively unimportant, but are unable to
exercise tolerance in matters which mean
most to them. This is the real test of a
tolerant attitude. Can I in a matter
which means the most to me respect an
opinion or practice totally different from
mine? As individuals we naturally want
people to be tolerant of us, but when tol-
erance must be an outreaching virtue, 1
that is a difficult matter. We talk much ,
about die Christian grace of charity,
which, after all, includes tolerance and
understanding of our fellow men.
It seems to me Uiat as Mennonite peo-
ple we have in the past been particularly
susceptible to intolerance in die area of 1
denominational differences and the ap- •
plication of Christian principles in spe- ;
cific behavior. Perhaps our policy of iso-
lationism has been largely responsible
for our relatively narrow view of life and
the resulting intolerance toward people
of different beliefs and practices.
Christianity is not stereotyped into one
mold. We can be tolerant of interpreta- |
tions of Christian experience odier than
our own without accepting them, rec-
ognizing a difference in degree of en-
lightenment of conscience. To respect
the opinions of other people is much
more likely to win respect, in response, |
for our beliefs, than dogmatic asser-
tions that we only are right and the rest I
of the world just hasn't arrived yet. 1
There is a difference between tolerance !
because of principle and credulity from j
lack of principle. We do not want to ac-
cept every belief presented. But we do 1
want to recognize the right of others to
do differently than we without antago-
nism. Certainly Christians who have a j
spirit of charity and love toward their
fellow men will have respect for the in- ]
dividual and his beliefs.
June 8, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
535
A Prayer for This Week
Father of Lights, in whom is no vari-
ableness, we praise Thee for the recur-
ring wonder of the spring. Each year
from Thy hand it comes— full proof of
the basic glory of life; miraculous object
lesson of the resurrection; sure sign of
Thy provident love for the creature
which Thou hast made.
Confidently we plant our gardens and
our fields with tested seed, knowing that
the same Hand which dialed spring will
surely indicate a harvesttime.
Yet teach us daily, O Lord, to be care-
fully conscious that all time is seedtime
in Thy kingdom; that what we sow we
shall reap. Give us this day the sense to
plant wisely. And if already we have
planted the seeds of resentment, or pride,
or covetousness, give us courage to pluck
out the bitter weeds before they break
into sinister flower. O wise Gardener,
share with us Thy skill, Thy wisdom,
Thy patience as we work Thy fields. The
glory will be Thine, for Thine are the
kingdoms— of the earth, of the heavens,
and of our hearts, forever. Amen.—
Miriam S. Lind.
The Practical Expression of Tolerance
As Christians, the question is not, Shall
we be tolerant or not? but, How shall we
properly express tolerance? It is not the
part of wisdom to sit idly by while be-
liefs are expressed which are decidedly
opposed to the truth as we know it. It is
the manner in which controversial issues
are handled that makes a great differ-
ence. An argumentative manner indi-
cates immaturity, and dogmatism indi-
cates a lack of knowledge.
To clear the mind of Former prejudices
and emotion concerning a specific issue
is the first and most difficult step. The
mature person, when making important
decisions, will not let his emotions and
biases unduly influence him. As some-
one has said— every question, like every
jewel, has several facets. A tolerant per-
son will listen respectfully and without
irritation to all opinions and will pre-
sent his own opinions reasonably and
open-mindedly. A intellectually and
emotionally mature person will not
blindly reject all that he has been taught,
nor think that to be broad-minded he
must accept all that he hears. The prop-
er balance is to consider all the facts and
make one's own decision without con-
demnation or ridicule for those who may
reach a different decision.
In our own circles we may have intol-
erance masquerading as religious zeal,
when actually it may mean intellectual
stubbornness. It is the enlightened mind
which is tolerant, and enlightenment
comes by considering varying opinions
in an open-minded, reasonable way. To
be able to maintain friendly relations
with those who disagree with us on im-
portant matters is the supreme test of
tolerance.
Rewards of Tolerance
Objective thinking such as is neces-
sary for a tolerant attitude is difficult,
but it is also rewarding. It will increase
our knowledge and give us a broader out-
look on life. It will win increased re-
spect for ourselves and our opinions, and
promote friendlier relations between in-
dividuals and among adjacent groups.
Tolerance provides a balance for life —
spiritually, socially, and intellectually.
Harrisonburg, Va.
Prayer Requests-
Bill Borden and the New Car
By Stanley C. Shenk
Bill Borden was a strong, virile, joy-
ous young man— capable, and a leader of
men. At the age of twenty-one he inherit-
ed a fortune of over a million dollars. At
the age of twenty-two he entered a theo-
logical seminary to prepare himself for
a life of sacrificial foreign mission work.
(Bill died in Cairo in 1913 at the age of
twenty:six while on his way to his for-
eign field. In his will be left his entire
fortune to the work of the kingdom.)
About the year 1910, he was standing
with a friend in the doorway of his home
when a fine automobile flashed by. He
was thrilled, and exclaimed to his friend,
"Wouldn't I like a car like thatl"
"Why do you not get one, William?"
asked the friend.
"I cannot afford it," was his startling
reply.
"Couldn't afford it?" you may say in
amazement. "Why, the man was a mil-
lionaire! He could have had a whole
fleet of them!" Yes, that is true; he
could have— even though cars then often
cost $5,000, and were definitely luxury
items. However, luxury or no, the fact
still remains that Bill had a million dol-
lars! He could have bought 200 such
cars. Why then did he say he couldn't
afford one? Because his money as well as
himself and his life were dedicated to
the Lord. He had no room in his budget
for unnecessary luxuries. Do we? Today,
a car is no longer necessarily a luxury. It
is often or usually a necessity— but we
have discovered other lures for our mon-
ey—lures that claim to be necessities and
that maybe are, and maybe are not.
What are luxuries? Are they simply
things that other people buy while we,
of course, just buy the things that we
need? Is a luxury just something that
we don't want anyway? In a world of sin,
needy mission boards, struggling mission-
aries, and hungry, crying children, how
(Requests for this column must be signed)
Pray for the various evangelistic tent
campaigns to be held during the sum-
mer.
Pray for the annual meeting of the Men-
nonite Board of Missions and Char-
ities to be held in June near Salem,
Oreg.
Pray for the summer Bible schools that
will be held in Europe during the
summer months.
Pray for the Howard Hammer tent evan-
gelistic campaign to begin in Oregon
on May 28.
Pray for the Mennonite Hour staff as
they prepare and record the weekly
programs.
Pray for a sister who is tempted to diso-
bedience regarding self-denial.
Pray for the salvation of a teen-age girl
who is disobedient to her parents.
much can a thoroughly consecrated
Christian pay for a house? for a car? for
a radio? How many radios do we have
a right to? How thick should our rugs
be? How far can we go along the line of
installing deep-freezes, plush furniture,
dishwashers, electric mixers, vacuum
sweepers (with all the attachments), rec-
ord changers, automatic washers and dry-
ers, air-conditioning units, super-mat-
tresses, electric blankets, etc., etc.? Is
there anything wrong with any of these
things? Not necessarily. But how many
of them should any single home have?
Must we not limit ourselves somewhere
and deny ourselves something that we
want if we are to avoid the accusation of
luxurious living? Or doesn't it make any
difference if we live luxuriously? It did
to the prophet Amos. "Woe unto them
that are at ease in Zion!" he cried. They
were rolling in luxury and they didn't
give a hoot for the social and religious
evils around them— evils that their mis-
spent money could have helped to cor-
rect. Doesn't it make any difference if we
live luxuriously? It did to Bill Borden.
I believe it does to Jesus. Whatever we
spend selfishly for luxuries limits by that
much the dedication of ourselves and of
our money to God.— Youth Bible Studies,
February, 1953.
In order to have power to unite men
of different races the church must first
rise above class distinction within the
races.— John R. Mumaw.
536
GOSPEL HERALD
June 8, 1P54
OUR SCHOOLS
LA JUNTA MENNONITE SCHOOL OF
NURSING NEWS
The La Junta Mennonite School of Nurs-
ing held its thirty-fifth annual commence-
ment on Monday night, May 3, 8:00 P.M. at
Herren Junior High auditorium. Members of
the graduating class were: Viola Diener,
Wellman, Iowa; Pearl Good, New Hamburg,
Ontario, Canada; Truva Hood, Lamar, Colo-
rado; Regina Kauffman, Mio, Michigan; Jo-
anne Keller, Eureka, Illinois; Jeanette Ken-
nel, Iowa City, Iowa; Doris Rupp, Pioneer,
Ohio; Lydia Schlabach, Arthur, Illinois; Mary
Schlegel, Albany, Oregon; Eleanor Stoltzfus,
Premont, Texas; Leabell Troyer, Conway,
Kansas; Norma Jean Weldy, Wakarusa, In-
diana; Marjorie Wittrig, Beemer, Nebraska;
Marjorie Yoder, Hesston, Kansas. Paul M.
Miller, member of the seminary faculty at
Goshen College, delivered the commence-
ment address.
M. A. Yoder, professor of biological sci-
ences at Hesston College, preached the bac-
calaureate sermon on Sunday evening, May
2, at the First Methodist Church in La Junta.
In addition to the many parents, relatives,
and friends of the graduating class, guests
over the commencement season included fif-
teen pre-nursing students from Hesston Col-
lege, Dorothy Detweiler, Orpha Zimmerly,
and Evelyn Rouner of the Hesston College
faculty and staff. Mr. and Mrs. L. A. Dubbs,
members of the hospital board at Ransom,
Kansas, and Ada Smoker and Grace Selzer
of the class of '53.
The class of 1949 had their five-year re-
union during the commencement season.
Members able to participate in this fellowship
were: Sara Plank, Mary Anna Eichelberger,
Pauline Dooley, Mildred Kuhns Schrock, Jer-
ry Hansen Wagner, Violet Troyer Miller, and
Leona Brenneman Yoder.
Edna Amstutz, R.N., president of the Men-
nonite Nurses' Association, attended a meet-
ing of the Executive Committee of the
M. N. A. at Elkhart, Indiana, on May 12.
The class of '54 journeyed to Denver on
May 17. On the 18th and 19th they were en-
gaged in writing their State Board Examina-
tions.
The faculty and nursing staff had a picnic
supper in the park on Thursday evening.
May 20. Guests of the evening were mem-
bers of the class of '54.
Nelson Kauffman, president of the Men-
nonite Board of Education, attended to busi-
ness matters in La Junta on Thursday,
May 20.
Maude Swartzendruber R.N., attended a
meeting of the Nursing Education Council
held at Hesston College on Friday, May 21.
The bimonthly Hospital-School meeting
was held in the social room of Miller Hall on
Friday evening, May 21, at 7:30 P.M. The
main feature of the program was the showing
of slides taken by hospital personnel.
Orpah Mosemann, director of the school of
nursing at Goshen College, visited in La
Junta over the week end of May 22.
Newly elected officers of the Colorado
State Student Nurses' Association of District
4 are: president, Katherine Yutzy, Plain City,
Ohio; vice president, Joan Shettler, Wellman,
Iowa; secretary, Doneta Yoder, La Junta,
Colorado, and treasurer, Freda Roth, Wood-
burn, Oregon.
Maude Swartzendruber attended a meet-
ing of the State Board of Nurse Examiners in
Denver, Colorado, on Thursday, May 27.
The Book Shelf
Books reviewed in these columns may be ordered
from the Mennonite Publishing House, Scottdale, Pa.
A Pictorial History of the Bible and Chris-
tianity in 1000 Pictures, edited by Baldwin
H. Ward; Simon & Schuster; 1953; 192 pp.;
$7.95.
Here is a valuable and unusual pictorial
history of the Bible and Christianity, includ-
ing a brief section on the other world re-
ligions. This is a large book, about three
times larger than an ordinary book. Pictures
cover perhaps about three fourths of the
space.
While presenting all religions in general,
prominence is given to Christianity. After
tracing in brief the historical events of the
Old Testament and the patriarchs, there is
also a splendid section on the New Testament.
Following this are familiar scenes in church
history, such as the persecution of the early
Christians, the Crusades, the Inquisition,
Martin Luther, Zwingli, Calvin, John Knox,
papal reforms, great churches and cathedrals.
All of the major Christian groups are de-
picted, including the Mormons, Salvation
Army, Baptists, Presbyterians, Methodists,
and others. Credit is given to the Mennonite
faith, but on page 93 under a scene of an
early Anabaptist baptismal scene, is an er-
roneous statement that the Mennonites "rec-
ognized only the New Testament." It should
read they "recognized the supremacy of the
New Testament." Also there are about 275,-
000 Mennonites of all branches instead of
about 150,000.
The last approximate 50 pages cover the
other religions of the world. Pictured are
paintings and pictures representative of re-
ligions such as Buddhism, Shintoism, primi-
tive religions, and others. An excellent de-
tailed index makes the book especially
valuable for students.
The church history student will revel in
this book. It is an excellent supplement
to show familiar scenes, many of them re-
productions of early paintings, as specific
periods and events are studied. Those inter-
ested in church history may receive surprise
at the pictures of battle shown so frequendy.
But that is the shameful record of the church.
The section on primitive and comparative
religions will be helpful for those making
a study of other religions.
This book can be used handily in church
school and college libraries, and in winter
Bible schools. The extensive index makes
it of especial value for study and quick ref-
erence. Even those not concerned about
indexes, who enjoy simply to browse through
the pages, will find many items of interest
to Christians. This is a tremendously in-
formative book. — Ford Berg.
CHRISTIAN HOSPITALITY (Continued)
well-directed exchange of conversation
in matters spiritual, to the believer; a
challenge needs to be thus put to the
non-Christian.
Is a man's house really his castle? Is a
man to be king over all that goes on in
his house? In I Tim. 3:12 deacons are
to rule their own houses well. It seems
fitting that parents too should rule their
own houses well. In that sense a man's
house is his castle. Should we allow our
homes to be used for drinking? No! In
a Christian home usually the drinker
doesn't feel at ease to drink nor the
smoker to smoke. In fact, most people
do not feel at home to use profanity in
our homes. Now, if the right atmosphere
can exclude these evils, should it not also
make gossiping, unkind and uncharita-
ble remarks about others, and undue
criticism seem out of place as well?
Our mottoes and pictures have a very
prominent way of directing the thoughts
of guests to the fact that we endeavor to
serve Christ. Praise God for every one
that is used; many more could profitably
be used. Especially could the number
increase in our places of business. These
should serve as a challenge to us as well
as to our callers. Let us hang up the
mottoes, dien by God's grace live con-
sistently with their message. The motto
without the life backing it up is an emp-
ty phrase. "Christ Is the Head of This
Home,"' "Prayer Changes Things," "Je-
sus Never Fails." Do we live out the
truth of such?
Speaking of hospitality— do the poor
feel at home with us? Or do we make
them feel they must be so careful of the
above familiar surroundings that it puts
them ill at ease? "The simple way o£
life," a phrase supposed to be peculiar
to the Mennonite and related churches,
would go a long way toward solving that
difficulty. The question is. "Do we ac-
tually believe in and live in this 'simple
way of life' ?"
Do agents feel our hospitality? Though
it is something of a test to be cheerful
and patient with an insistent agent, as a
Christian 1 can do no less than treat him
courteously and kindly. This does not
implv buying his wares against my will
but neither does it imph ignoring the
Golden Rule.
How about working men? Is it a cross
or a pleasure to serve them a meal and
June 8, ip54
share the joys of conversation with them?
It presents an opportunity to show forth
the love which constraineth us, does it
not? What about those hired to work
for us? Are they treated as graciously as
our guests are? After all, they are our
guests, in a sense, are they not?
Are older people welcome and do they
feel at home with younger people? Do
we love to have children visit us? Do the
extremes in age enjoy calling on us? The
love of Christ knows no age barriers-
praise His name for that! Are we not
partakers of that love?
Are our callers made to feel that our
work is being hindered by their pres-
ence? Usually our work can wait. Time
out is more often than not beneficial to
both the called upon and the caller.
A characteristic of Christian hospitali-
ty is that it is extended to all— not to
"the gang" over and over again while
others are excluded, forgotten, or lone-
ly. Christ perhaps had His inner cir-
cle, but He used it very moderately and
not over and over again to the exclusion
of others. He also had His Zacchaeus-a
sinner until Jesus was his guest; He had
His despised Matthew who made a feast
where Jesus again ate with publicans and
sinners after Matthew became His dis-
ciple; He had His friends at Bethany-
Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. When He
was entertained in their home the fel-
lowship and devotion received His com-
mendation rather than the food and ta-
ble service. When He was Peter's guest
He was first concerned with being of
service to the sick mother-in-law. As
guest of the ruler He didn't comment
upon the luxury of His surroundings but
restored the daughter the same as He
helped the poor.
Do the lost feel at home with us?
Should they? They felt at ease, it seems,
to dine with Christ; hence it is evident
they should be made to feel at home with
us too. However, they should very defi-
nitely not feel at liberty to engage in sin-
ful practices in the Christian home. Love,
kindness, and courtesy, not for polite-
ness' sake, but for Christ's sake, will gen-
erate a warmth of love which reaches the
person regardless of his spiritual stand-
ing. If the unbeliever isn't won by his
association with Christian friends, let
him at least know that his spiritual wel-
fare is our concern. Let us try to help
him to desire the love and inspiration
from above also.
In I Tim. 3:2 among the qualifications
for a bishop, "given to hospitality" is
listed. Heb. 13:2 says, "Be not forgetful
to entertain strangers: for thereby some
have entertained angels unawares." I
Pet. 4:9 tells us to "use hospitality one to
another without grudging."
We have each individually met with
selfless and loving receptions at some
time or other. Whether rich or poor,
young or old, gifted much or gifted lit-
tle, Christian hospitalitv is to every one
of us a real responsibility and oppor-
tunity. Let us share generously of our
GOSPEL HERALD
material blessings in a simple and direct
way, but let the warmth of fellowship
and degree of love be abundant with the
spirit of Christ. It is in good taste to be
kind and to put guests at ease regardless
of fixed propriety so long as it does not
537
interfere with Christian principles. May
our contacts and associations be such as
to show forth Christ's love, inspire fel-
low believers, and warmly invite others
to accept the love and the cleansing of
the Master.
TEACHING THE WORD
Shall I Go to Camp This Summer?
By Roy S. Koch
As the temperature rises with the ap-
proach of summer, so year by year there
has been an increasing interest in our
church camps. The summer camp malady
is infecting increasingly greater areas of
the church. For some people this grow-
ing interest is indeed a malady and a
serious one. They view the trend with
misgivings. They shake their heads sadly
and point out one indication after an-
other of the "drift" in the church.
"Programs are arranged for every age
and interest group," they say. "Camp
leaders are acquiring more and more
'know-how' of camping; more church
camps are springing up. Even some of
our congregations have their own camps
now. And to top it all off the Mennonite
Commission for Christian Education has
appointed a secretary of church camps to
integrate and actually promote the
church camp program.
"It's all foolishness, this running off to
camp every summer. When we were
young we stayed at home and worked.
These newfangled ideas! Camps cost
money and teach the children to idle
away their time in play— better teach
them to work. If I still had youngsters
they'd stay at home and work, I'll tell
you. What good do camps do any-
way . . . ?"
After the sound of these stentorian
tones and imperial pronouncements has
died away we may begin to assess them.
Maybe it is just as well that their chil-
dren have grown up. But let us be char-
itable as Christians should be. After all,
camps are comparatively new, and new
things can easily go in wrong directions.
Critics with their objections compel lead-
ers to operate on high standards.
Well, what is good about our church
camps? Do they have well-defined goals,
and do they reach them? The charge
that they cost money is not serious. All
good things cost money. If value is re-
ceived for money spent, we don't usually
complain.
Church camps afford young people real
learning experiences in a natural and
pleasant setting. Certainly camping is
not a Sunday morning church service
dragged out over seven days. Young peo-
ple don't go to camps only to listen to
sermons. Our camps give opportunities
to do things, worth-while things. Learn-
ing is natural. Information is gained and
attitudes are shaped by group living un-
der the friendly supervision of an older
Christian who serves as a counselor to the
children and young people. While chil-
dren are there for a vacation, the coun-
selor makes it his business to relate the
whole of life meaningfully to God for ev-
ery boy and girl under his care.
A week of camping for the boys and
girls should make them return home
feeling that God is kinder than they had
thought and that He is closer to them.
They should have new friends whom
they appreciate. They should appreciate
the Sunday school and the church and
spiritual things more because some con-
secrated counselor has made them all
more meaningful to them.
Even older people can profit immense-
ly from living closer to nature for a week
or two. The Sea of Galilee environment,
the mountains or woods, the lazy lapping
of water on the beach, the distant chug-
chugging of an outboard motor, the mu-
sic of a mountain stream or the animated
voices of playing children can all be part
of God's great handiwork for you.
So explore. Come away from your
busy schedule of appointments and walk
around in the woods. Take time to no-
tice things. You have no appointment;
you need not hurry. You are not going
anywhere; you are only on your way.
Relax. Sleep and rest or pursue your
hobbies. Fill your days full of delight-
ful things and enjoy the night sounds.
Prepare yourself with a devotional book
and a relaxed mind. Meet God in His
world and enjoy Him.
Worship God. Meet Him when the
birds awake. Commune with Him in
your private devotions and in the morn-
ing Bible class. Appreciate Him as you
see Him in other lives. Meet Him again
when He draws the drapes for the night.
This summer plan your vacation
around one of our church camps where
there is not the constant temptation to
slip your moral standards into neutral.
Vacation where you need not fight
against the music and motions of an
amusement park. Go where you and
your family can enjoy true relaxation
and receive a genuine spiritual tonic.
Look up the names of our camps and
their activities in the calendar found
elsewhere in this paper. Write to them
for information.
St. Jacobs, Ont.
538
GOSPEL HERALD
June 8, 1954
FAMILY CIRCLE
Christian Hospitality
By Mrs. Aldine Gingerich
"Good old-fashioned hospitality" and
"Good old southern hospitality"— how
familiar the term hospitality has become!
In fact we have grown up hearing about
"hospitality." If then hospitality has
long been a familiar virtue among our
people, why bother to discuss it? As
Christians and as members of a commu-
nity it is our privilege and challenge to
witness to those we meet from time to
time. Our hospitality or lack of it can
greatly help or hinder our witness.
What is "hospitality"? To whom does
it reach? Is a man's house his castle as
the statesman has said? How does Chris-
tian hospitality differ from any hospitali-
ty? What makes a good host or hostess?
Have we failed along the hospitality
line? If so, wherein? What does the
Bible say about hospitality? What bene-
fits are to be gained by being consistent-
ly hospitable? Did Jesus set us any ex-
amples in hospitality?
"Hospitality" in my thinking is that
virtue by which others, especially guests
or strangers, are received and cared for
with warmest consideration, kindness,
and generosity. We usually think of
home when we think of hospitality, and
well we may, for here is where we have
our most frequent opportunities for ex-
ercising hospitality. However, the hos-
pitality of the Christian goes with him
wherever he goes; when he cannot take
strangers into his home he can gracious-
ly take them into the circle of his con-
cern and friendliness.
At church hospitality is needful much
as it is in the home. Do strangers in our
worship services feel they are strangers?
Do they feel that the heavenly Father,
whom they worship, is the only One who
cares and notices that they are in serv-
ices? Oh, yes, the guest speaker or the
prominent religious leader may be so
well surrounded with "home members"
it's difficult to manage to meet him. That
much is fairly good. But what of the
poor little boy or girl who comes shyly
into our church or Sunday-school service?
Or the aged grandfather or grandmother
who "is probably too hard hearing to un-
derstand us anyway"? Or the semi-
stranger who isn't very interesting (we
think)? Or the person we know will keep
us talking so long if we start conversa-
tion—what about the person who has
been recently bereaved, or has met some
other unfortunate or unhappy experi-
ence—do we keep our distance because
we don't know what to say? What about
the stranger who doesn't understand our
language, or who seems so far above us
intellectually and culturally? Or the
person whom we see with such regularity
that we come to take him for granted?
Does hospitality imply that we treat all
of these the same? No, not the same in
detail, but with the same warmth and
love with which our loving Master has
inspired and filled us. A smile and a
friendly word or handshake are the least
we can do in every one of these cases,
adding as much more as reason, prompt-
ed by the Spirit, directs. Older people,
young people, children, and all are us-
ually appreciative of your interest if it
is sincere.
In a large church it's impossible to
meet everyone, but does it not seem un-
christian to hastily and coldly pass by
those who are our brothers and sisters
in the faith (if they aren't, they should
be)? There are those who feel that no
one cares to converse with them: let's
make them know we love them. If you
feel prone to believe that no one cares
for you, try finding a cheerful word and
sincere smile for another; especially for
someone who seems discouraged or who
has come through recent difficulties. Bet-
ter yet, look unto Jesus, who bore so
much alone, was misunderstood more
than you can ever be, yet befriended and
died for those who hated Him.
Much of what applies to hospitality
at church applies at home too. First— to
be hospitable at home we must be at
home. My opinion is that the trend is to
be away from home entirely too much.
Of course, in moderation we are justi-
fied in going away. It is our Christian
duty and desire to visit the sick, the lone-
ly, and other friends. Church services,
missionary work, and other Christian ac-
tivities are worth leaving home for. But
when we add our opportunities for go-
ing away from home day after day and
night after night in succession, it is very
likely that we defeat the influence for
good that we seek to achieve. If we (es-
pecially we parents) feel we are needed
in the civil and cultural affairs of the
community, how much more are we
needed in the small family circle? Pro-
grams promoting business and secular
affairs— entirely harmless and even good
in their purpose— can become a detri-
ment to the welfare of the family, and
finally to the church and the community
if they keep us from spending enough
time at home with the family. How shall
our young people enjoy evenings at home
if their parents don't see enough value
and enjoyment in family living to give at
the very least an average of two evenings
out of seven to be at home together? If
evenings at home aren't enjoyable, it's
time we see what is wrong. Look around
a bit for some things the family enjoys
doing together. The type of thing chosen
will depend upon the age and type of
talent of the family.
If our homes are to radiate hospitali-
ty, the members must be happy, well ad-
justed, interested in the home, loving
and being loved, considerate, unselfish,
and courteous to each other. Hospitality
isn't something we put on and take off
with the appearance and disappearance
of guests. Love must be the foundation
of any happy home, and who is the au-
thor and source of love save Christ Him-
self? When the love in a home is Chris-
tian love, there will be plenty to spill
over and reach out to those who come
and go from the home. Did you ever
have a "ringside seat" at a family quarrel
or argument while you were the guest of
another? What was your reaction?
The family needs to work together,
also, to enjoy recreational activities to-
gether; but even more than these it needs
times of heart-expressing devotion to-
gether. There should be regular time set
aside for worship and in addition there
need to be those special and impromptu
times when some form of prayer, praise,
or other worship activity seems to be the
proper outgrowth of the situations as
thev arise. Spontaneity prevails more
readilv at the time the heart is moved in
gratitude or supplication; so why not an
"on the spot" prayer, song, Scripture, or
whatever seems fitting?
Taking it for granted that conditions
in the home are satisfactory, what can
we do to make others feel at home with
us? To give guests a great variety of
foods— the fanciest we can think of.
served in the prettiest wav possible, with
snowy linen, sparkling silver and glass-
ware, and expensive china— surelv these
must convince our guests that we do es-
teem them highly, especially if our house
and furnishings are spotless and dust
free! Surelv these will prove we are hos-
pitable! No! Offhand I can think of five
times when Jesus went to dine with
friends and the only details of food and
service mentioned were the bread and
wine, and the waterpots at the wedding
in Cana.
Do we prove our hospitalitv bv parad-
ing or airing all the work which we can
accomplish, or all the possessions we
have been able to acquire? We don't
mean to do it, but certain sentiments
creep into our contacts, such as "we have
a new this or that" and all about its
merits, etc. Think a minute. Perhaps
your guest isn't helped much bv being
reminded in effect that he isn't keeping
up with the "Joneses." Be a bit selfish
here: wouldn't even you gain more bv
asking him about things in which he is
interested, bv leading the conversation
into channels which interest him and
which will improve and widen your
views too? To be a good listener is char-
acteristic of a good host or hostess,
though the guest may need some "prim-
ing." Better vet. open the conversation
and develop it along spiritual lines. Cer-
tainly this should be a topic from which
both guest and host profit mutually. In-
spiration and blessing should follow the
(Coi.Mnuwd on p<*j« 536)
June 8, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
539
TO BE NEAR TO GOD
THEME— KISSES
Sunday, June 13
Read Luke 7:45 — No Kiss from Simon
Simon, you professed Pharisee with zeal
for the law, cannot you kiss Jesus, the one
who never broke the law? A kiss is due your
guest, isn't it? It is the custom, is it not?
The man's father is dead, so 'tis said, and He
has left home and everything to love the
lovely and unlovely; why not kiss Him? You
would feel honored to have a distinguished
rabbi in your home and would be delighted
to kiss such a one; this man was at twelve
already learned enough to instruct doctors.
Kiss the rabbi, Simon.
But Simon withholds the greeting of love.
The Master of all learning is here and Simon
comprehends Him not. The Son of Man is
here, and Simon does not see that He is also
Son of God. Yes, God the Pardoner is here
and Simon does not know it. The woman
does; so she weeps and kisses the travel-
stained feet which doubtless had searched her
out, as other sinners were searched for. In
all sobriety I ask the question whether I
would steal into a house where the Son of
Man was reclining at table and kiss the tired
feet while I bathed them with my tears. Or
am I successor to Simon who would refrain
from showing love toward the present-day
body of Christ which is His church? I
wonder.
Monday, June 14
Read Luke 22:47, 48 — A Kiss from Judas
The night is dark. There must be no mis-
take. I had counted on the near-full moon
to shed her light, but she is hidden. I know
what I shall do; I'll walk in among them and
pick Him out easily enough, but I'll not
alarm that impulsive Peter. He has two
swords and might run me through. I'll kiss
Jesus and step back. I'll get the money; he'll
get into a contest and we'll see how things
turn out this time. A kiss, — that's the thing.
» # *
I have sinned; my scheme is sin. It's bloody
sin too. He'll bleed to death on a cross. One
false kiss yields death for Him and me. One
false kiss. Woe is me. My mother in Kerioth,
why did you bear me?
Tuesday, June 15
Head I Kings 19:20, 21 — Elisha's Kiss
"This is so sudden," young Elisha might
have exclaimed. Perhaps he thought it. But
perhaps God had talked to his heart many
times as he was plowing so that he was al-
ready prepared mentally. Perhaps, in his
heart, his oxen were already boiled by the
fire of his kindled plow. At any rate, it was
a rather long-drawn-out "kiss" which he gave
his parents, for it included a farewell feast for
them and the neighbors. Somehow I rather
like the testimony and his manner of giving
it. Surely plow-cooked beef must have made
an impression. What a grand send-off his
parents gave him. Who now would tend
the acres? Who now would support them
in their old age? Maybe there were other
sons, who knows! But the essentials are
there, the utter dedication of self, the decent
farewell, the testimony to the neighbors, and
the white bones of the work animals.
P.S. He never returned.
Wednesday, June 16
Read Gen. 27:24-29 — Jacob's Kiss
Jacob, the "supplanter," has prepared to
dupe his aging father. Jacob wants a blessing.
Isaac is prepared, as soon as his stomach is
full, to give one. The time is now come. But,
horror of horrors, the blind old man asks for
a kiss which will bring the son closer than
ever, too close for comfort, by far. It's too
late to turn back now, Jacob, or is it? No,
he who has lied much, can lie some more;
and, like his infamous descendant centuries
later, he can lie with a kiss, And the kiss
deceived an old blind man for a brief hour,
but it didn't deceive Esau, nor God, nor
Jacob himself, nor history. Man's greatest
Sunday School Lesson for June 20
(Hosea 4:6—7:16)
Amos condemned and denounced Israel
for their sins. But the heart of God is also
love as well as justice. Hosea speaks the
love of God to the same sinning Israel. He
pleads with them: "Come, and let us return
unto Jehovah."
Why had God "torn" and "smitten" Israel?
It was love that had disciplined them for their
sins. They had forsaken God. We saw the
great prosperity and luxury under Jeroboam
II in our previous study. Luxury had brought
debauchery. They would not listen to Amos.
Sin increased. With the death of Jeroboam
affairs passed quickly into general anarchy
and decay. Jeroboam's son reigned only six
months. He was slain by Shallum, who reign-
ed one month. Menahem slew Shallum and
reigned 10 years. His son Pekahiah reigned
only two years, when he was slain by Pekah
and Hosea also saw Pekah killed by Hoshea.
It was during these years of anarchy, blood-
shed, and revolt that Hosea called Israel back
to God.
Once Israel was good and knew God. But
they committed whoredom. 6:4-10. From the
first three chapters of Hosea we learn that
Hosea had experienced in his own life just
what God was experiencing with Israel.
Hosea's wife, Gomer, had left him and be-
come an adulteress. Hosea bought her back
when she was sold as a slave. What love he
woes come from turning acts of love to per-
sonal, fleeting, and painful self-advancement.
And the pain is in this that the false kiss, the
hypocritical profession, carries a sting which
is never erased, though it be forgiven. No
wonder one of Jacob's descendants said,
"Keep thy heart with all diligence, for out
of it are the issues of life."
Thursday, June 17
Read I Kings 19tl8— They Didn't Kiss
What a horrible thing it is to kiss an im-
personal object ! The kiss is a demonstration
of affection, and how can there be an affec-
tion for inanimate objects? Love for things
is wrong, as the second commandment so
clearly teaches.
How brave these seven thousand were!
In the midst of "Everybody else docs it," and
"Why be different when we all seek to wor-
ship the same God back of all these forms?"
these seven thousand stuck to Jehovah wor-
ship and refused to kiss the sun-god's image.
They needed no carving of man to remind
them of God. They had no woman to whom
they prayed as intermediary, hence they need-
ed no reminder of such person. They
wouldn't even make an image of their con-
ception of God, for He had forbidden it.
Not seeing His Person they had nothing to
kiss other than those persons whom they
saw and loved. This would be a better world
today if we shared their attitudes. Speaking
(Continued on page 547)
displayed! God is a God of love, calling
adulterous Israel to return to Him. This
Hosea can appreciate. Verses 4:1, 2, 6, 13,
15-19; 7:1-4, 9; 8:13; 9:1; 10:1, 2. Picture
the sins that touched the heart of God. Espe-
cially must the blasphemy of their sacrifice
have hurt God.
God's love for Israel is told by Hosea 11:1-
4, 8; 14:1-7. God will receive if they will
return. Here we see the great mercy of God
toward the backslider. There's healing, bind-
ing up, reviving, raising up, life, knowledge,
and blessing (rain) of God. Make the pic-
ture clear to your class.
See how the heart of God yearns for
genuine worship of Himself. Israel's chief
sin was in forsaking God and therefore dis-
obeying His commands. They did keep
some forms of worship, especially the sacri-
fices, but these meant nothing when the heart
of love for God was not in them. Licentious-
ness at the time and place of worship came
to prevail. We wonder how Israel could
do it. How do men today worship God
in vain?
Hosea loved and pleaded and begged
Israel to return to God. He also warned
them. It is the part of love to warn. 11:5; 13:9-
14. In our next and last study of Israel we
will see the end of the northern kingdom.
— Alta Mae Erb.
Lesson based on "International Sunday School Les-
sons: the International Bible Lessons for Christian
Teaching," copyrighted 1951 by the Division of Chris-
tian Education National Council of the Churches o{
Christ in the U.S.A.
Hosea Pleads with Israel
540
GOSPEL HERALD
FIELD NOTES
Items to appear in this column for any
following Tuesday must reach Scottdale by Wednes
day morning.
"Christ for the Jews" was the theme of a
meeting held at Blooming Glen, Pa., Church,
Monday evening, May 24. Speakers were
Isaac Baer, Washington, D.C., and Paul Erb,
Scottdale, Pa.
Bro. T. H. Brenneman, Sarasota, Ha., re-
cently'spent a period embracing two Sundays
visiting the churches in Puerto Rico, over
which he has bishop charge.
The Belleville Male Chorus rendered the
evening program at the Martinsburg, Pa.,
Church, May 30.
A fourteen-year-old Mennonite boy, will-
ing and able to work, wants a summer farm
home with Mennonites willing to take the
boy as their own, give Christian guidance,
and teach farm work. Location preferably
in Pennsylvania, Eastern Ohio, or Virginia.
When answering give details about family
and kind of farming. Address: Department
A, Gospel Herald, Scottdale, Pa.
Ordination.— Bro. Emerson McDowell, pas-
tor of the Danforth Church, Toronto, Ont.,
was ordained as bishop at the Wideman
Church, Markham, Ont., on May 26. May
the Lord bless him in these new responsi-
bilities. .
Teachers and leaders of juniors and inter-
mediates will find materials in Words of
Cheer for June 13 on the Mennonite Board
of Missions and Charities, its personnel, and
its work. The discussion of this material in
class will add meaning to announcements
and conversations they hear concerning the
coming Mission Board meeting in Oregon.
Editorial Appointments. The following ap-
pointments were recently announced by the
management of the Publishing House:
John A. Hostetler, who has just spent a year
in Europe under a Fullbright Scholarship,
has been appointed Book Editor. Urie A.
Bender, Baden, Ont., has been appointed edi-
tor of The Youth's Christian Companion,
to assume full responsibility, January, 1955.
Helen Trumbo, Scottdale, will be the new
editor of the Beams of Light, also to take
full charge January, 1955. Fuller announce-
ments will be made later.
The Gospel Messengers, a men's chorus
from northern Indiana, conducted by Rollin
Hostetler, gave programs at the Longenecker
Church, near Winesburg, Ohio, and Martins
Creek Church, Millersburg, Ohio, Sunday,
May 30.
The Mennonite Revival Singers, a mixed
octet from Hartville, Ohio, left on June 2 for
a three months' tour of Europe. Arriving in
England on June 13, they will spend a month
in England and Scotland singing in various
churches and mission halls. The second
month will be spent in Germany and the re-
mainder of their time in Austria. They plan
to be back in the States by Sept. 26.
The John Friesen family, on furlough from
the India Mission, spent May 23 with the
First Mennonite Church, Denver, Colo.,
when Bro. Friesen spoke in the morning
service and the family brought the evening
program, which included some pictures.
Change of Address.— Bro. LeRoy Kennel,
from Roanoke, III, to Metamora. 111.
Dr. Martha Ropp, missionary to Java,
showed slides of the work there at the War-
Table of Contents
-God Is Everywhere
In Every Thought of Mine (Poem)
-How Big?
That I May Know Him
-"Tell Me About Your Church"
The Minority Prevails
-"And the Fire Fell" (Poem)
It Happened
-Faith and Shifting Social Standards
-Tolerance
-A Prayer for This Week
Bill Borden and the New Car
Prayer Requests
-La Junta Mennonite School of Nursing News
The Book Shelf
-Shall I Go to Camp this Summer?
-Christian Hospitality
-To Be Noar to God
Sunday School Lesson for June 20
-Field Notes
Calendar
-Mission News
Your Treasurer Reports
-"He Putteth Forth His Own Sheep"
-The Church in an Alien Climate
Girls ....
—Confronting the Japanese Mind
—Launching into Hamilton, Ontario
The Mennonite Hour
Supporting a Missionary Voice
-MRSC Weekly News Notes
MCC Woekly News Notes
Women's Activities
—From Our Churches
—Marriages
Births
Obituaries
550 — Items and Comments
529-
530-
531-
532-
533-
534-
535-
536-
537-
538-
539-
540-
541
542
543
544
545
546
547
549
June 8, 1954
wick River School, Denbigh, Va., on Satur-
day evening, May 15. On Sunday evening
following she spoke at the Warwick River
Church concerning the Java work with the
Japanese and Chinese.
Communion services were held at the
Rainy River Mission, International Falls,
Minn., on May 23. Bro. D. A. Yoder, Elk-
hart, Ind., officiated.
The fourth annual youth retreat of the
Johnstown District was held at Blue Knob
Park, Bedford Co., Pa., June 3-6. The re-
treat is sponsored by the Golden Rule Literary
Society.
(Continued on page 548)
Important Instructions for All Persons
Ordering Herald SBS Supplies:
Grade 6 Herald Summer Bible
School Pupil's Workbook and Teach-
er's Manual, entitled Teachings of Je-
sus, has been completely revised. The
new revised books for both teacher
and pupil can be identified by three
white dots on the cover of each book
just beneath the title. Please make
certain all your copies are of the new
edition. It will be necessary to purchase
a new Teacher's Manual if you plan
to teach Grade 6 this year. A com-
bination of old and new pupils' books
cannot be used in any one class. Check
your stock now and order the quantity
you need for Grade 6 teachers and
pupils. Any unused copies of the old
edition may be returned for replace-
ment.
Mennonite Publishing House
Scottdale, Pennsylvania
Calendar
North Central Mennonite Conference and associated
meetings, June 7-11 at Lake Region Church,
Detroit Lakes, Minn.
Annual meeting of Ontario A.M. Conference, June
9-10, at East Zorra A.M. Church, Ontario (near
Tavistock). , „ „ .
Annual meeting Mennonite Board of Missions ana
Charities, Western Mennonite School, Salem,
Oreg., June 17-20.
Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Youth Fellowship, Go-
shen College Union Auditorium, Goshen, Ind.,
June 25-27. _ .
1954 Schedule for LaurelviUe; Writers Conference,
June 26 to July 2; Family Week, July 3-9; Boy»
Camp (ages 9-13), July 10-16; Girls' Camp (ages
9-13), July 17-23; Junior High (ages 13-15), July
24-30; Junior High (ages 13-15), July 31 to Aug. 6;
Young People's Institute, Aug. 7-13; MYF Work-
shop and Annual meeting, Aug. 14-20; Church
Music Conference, Aug. 21-27; Missionary Bible
Conference, Aug. 28 to Sept. 2.
Little Eden Camp: Youth Camp, June 26 to July 3 —
Boys' Camp, Grades 4-6; July 3-10— Girls' Camp,
Grades 4-6; July 10-17— Jr. High, Grades 7-8;
July 17-24— Sr. High, Grades 9-12; July 24-31—
Young People's Camp; Adult Camp, July 31 .to
Aug. 7 — Christian Business Men; Auq. 7-14 — Mu-
sic & Family Week; Aug. 14-21— Bible Conf. 4
Family Week; Aug. 21-28— Farmers' Week; Aug.
28 to Sept. 4— Christian Layman's Fel.
Chesley Lake Camp, Allenlord, Ont., June 27 to Sept.
6. Special camps: For children, July 26-31,
Stirling Ave. Church, Kitchener; Aug. 9-14, Men-
nonite Boys' Camp; Aug. 16-21, Mennonite Girls
Camp; July 31 to Aug. 6, Christian Endeavour
Society; Aug. 23-28, Mennonite Youth Camp.
Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp: Pre-camp train-
ing—June 28-July 2; Week-end Bible Conference
on Stewardship— July 3, 4, MUo Kauffman, Hess-
ton, Kans.; Junior Boys— July 5-10 (aqes 9-12);
Junior Girls— July 12-17 (ages 9-12); Junior High
—July 19-24 (ages 13-15); First Family— July 26-
31; Youth Retreat — Aug. 2-7 (ages 16 and above);
Second Family— Aug. 9-14; Orientation Camp
for prospective I-W Men— August 21-28. Program
sponsored by MRSC. Week-end Bible Conference
and Annual Camp Meeting of Rocky Mountain
Mennonite Camp Association — Sept. 5. 6.
Alberta-Saskatchewan Mennonite conference and as-
sociated meetings, July 1-4, Salem Mennonite
Church, Tofield, Alta.
Peace Sunday, July 4, 1954.
Annual meeting Mission Board of Southwestern Penn-
sylvania Conference, Otelia Church. Mt. Union,
Pa.. July 9, 10. . . , _ .
Illinois Junior Camp, July 12-17, and Junior Hlqh
Camp. July 19-24, Camp Emmaus, Mt. Moms. 111.
Virginia Conference and related meetings. Spring-
dale Church. Waynesboro, Va.. July 27-30.
Annual Ohio MYF convention, Ohio Mennonite Camp
Ground, Kidron, Ohio. July 30 to August 1.
Annual meeting Southwestern Pa. Conference, Mar-
tinsburg, Pa.. Aug. 1-4.
Illinois State MYF Retreat, New Salem State Park,
August 5-8. B . ... .
Annual meeting Iowa-Nebraska Conference, wesi
Union. Pamell. Iowa, Auq. 10-13.
Annual meeting Conservative A.M. Conference.
Maple Glen congregation near Grantsvllle. Ma..
Avia. 10-13 1954
Annual meeting South Central Conference, Assembly
of God campground, near Eldon, Mo.. Aug. 17-20.
Annual meeting Illinois Conference, East Bend,
Fisher. 111., Aug. 24-26.
Church School Day. Aug. 29. m^,-*—
Fall meeting. Commission for Christian Education,
LaurelviUe Mennonite Camp, LaurelviUe. Pa.,
Studv9PCon2fe'rence of Child Evangelism. LaurelviUe
Mennonite Camp. Sept. 29. 30
Fall meeting. General Council of Mennonite Ganerai
Conference, LaurelviUe Mennonite Camp. Oct.
Annial2'meetinq of the Mennonite Board of Education,
Kalona-WeUman. Iowa, area; Oct. 14-16. 1934.
June 8, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
541
Go, Preach
MISSIONS
Give, Pray
The General Board Headquarters ior Missions, Relief, and Service: 1711 Prairie Street, Elkhart, Indiana. Telephone, Elkhart 2-2786.
Mission News
Bro. Daniel Miller, missionary to Argen-
tina, spoke at La Plata, Puerto Rico, on Sun-
day morning, May 23, en route home for
furlough. His wife and son had preceded
him by several months.
Bro. and Sister S. M. King, missionaries
on furlough from India, will be stopping at
La Junta, Colo., en route to General Mission
Board meeting and speaking at Cheraw on
Sunday morning, June 13. On May 16 they
spoke at the Oak Grove Church, West Liber-
ty, Ohio, in the morning, and at the South
Union Church in the evening. They served
the Lockport and Central churches near
Archbold, Ohio, in a similar manner on
May 30.
Bro. Martin Landis, Lancaster, Pa., will
serve at the St. Ann's Mennonite Church,
New York City, over the week end, June
12, 13.
Bro. Mario Snyder, superintendent of the
Mexican Mennonite Church, Chicago, 111.,
will keep the following appointments en
route to the General Mission Board meeting:
June 9, Lower Deer Creek, Kalona, Iowa;
June 11, Manson, Iowa; June 13, Milford,
Nebr.; and June 14, Wood River, Nebr.
Bro. and Sister J. G. Yoder, missionaries
on furlough from India, will be speaking at
the Lower Deer Creek Church, Kalona, Iowa,
on Sunday morning, June 13, and at the East
Union Church in the evening.
Bro. and Sister Wilbur Hostetler, mission-
aries on furlough from India, will be keep-
ing the following appointments en route to
Oregon for the General Mission Board meet-
ing: June 8, West Sterling, III; June 9, Alpha,
Minn.; June 11, Miller, S. Dak.; June 13,
Bloomfield, Mont.; and June 15, Creston,
Mont.
Bro. and Sister Lester T. Hershey, mission-
aries on furlough from Puerto Rico, will be
speaking at the following churches on their
way to the annual Mission Board meeting:
June 9, Wellman, Iowa; June 10, Argentine
Church, Kansas City, Kans.; June 11, Penn-
sylvania Church, Hesston, Kans.; June 13,
morning, Spanish Church and the La Junta
congregation, La Junta, Colo.; evening, Colo-
rado Springs, Colo.; June 15, Nampa, Idaho.
The brethren H. Ernest Bennett and Boyd
Nelson, Elkhart, Ind., will participate in the
annual meeting of the North Central Con-
ference Mission Board at Detroit Lakes,
Minn., on June 8.
Bro. Elvin Snyder, La Plata, Puerto Rico,
will serve as director of the Boys' Camp to
be held at El Yunque YMCA campgrounds,
July 2-7. The Girls' Camp will be held at the
McLean Campgrounds, June 28 to July 3.
The Counseling Committee of the Hok-
-kaido Mennonite Fellowship met at Obihiro,
Japan, on May 17. Among other things the
committee set the date for the second general
meeting of the Fellowship for Aug. 10-12.
Sister Hilda Stoltzfus and children, For-
tuna Ledge, Alaska, are spending several
weeks in Nome for medical and dental check-
ups. Mission Covenant friends have granted
them the privilege of living in the house of
a missionary on furlough.
The Annual Summer Bible Camp planning
meeting for our Japan churches was held at
Kushiro on May 31 with representatives from
Hombetsu, Obihiro, and Nakashibetsu also
attending. Tentative dates for the camp are
set for July 26-30.
Bro. J. D. Graber, Elkhart, Ind., will be
keeping the following appointments en route
to the General Mission Board meeting in Ore-
gon: June 9, Manson, Iowa; June 11, Chap-
pell, Nebr.; June 13, morning, Filer, Idaho;
evening, Nampa, Idaho.
The Spanish Broadcast Committee of the
General Mission Board met at the Mexican
Mennonite Church in Chicago on Tuesday,
May 25. Further plans were laid for securing
financial sponsors for the broadcast on pres-
ent and new stations where the program has
been requested by local pastors and mission-
aries in the United States. Because a local
broadcast in Panama is using the name La
Biblia Abierta, the Committee decided to find
another name to be announced in the near
future.
Pray for the Church in India. Persecution
is beginning there, but our missionaries re-
port that the church is being stimulated by
it. Pray daily for our brethren and sisters in
India.
Eight or nine new pastors are needed in
Madhya Pradesh, India. Pray that the church
will select the men God is calling for this
work.
Sister Lillian Yoder of the West Union
Mennonite Church has volunteered to do
Mission work at the Daytonville Mennonite
Mission Church. Sister Hazel Horst has
completed her first year of service and is con-
tinuing on in her service here. Pray for these
girls as they are giving of their time to the
service of the Lord.
Recent visiting ministers at the Dayton-
ville Mennonite Mission Church were Wil-
liam Brenneman, Chicago, 111., Max Yoder,
Wellman, Iowa, and Perry Blosser, South
English, Iowa. Bro. Samuel Hershberger of
the Iowa City Mennonite Church is giving a
series of lectures on Christian Stewardship,
which are very much appreciated.
Six members were received by baptism at
the Poarch Indian Mission, north of Atmore,
Ala., on May 22. This service was held at a
forest stream near by, and was well attended
by approximately 75 persons. The mission
is located adjoining an Indian Reservation
and the response of the Indian people to all
Your Treasurer Reports
Reports from Chicago indicate that the
Bethel Church Building construction is pro-
gressing very satisfactorily. The contractor
reports that barring difficulty the building
should be ready for occupancy the latter part
of this summer. At the present time the
masonry work is being completed and within
the next month the roof and exterior con-
struction should be completed.
The total estimated cost of construction has
not changed significantly from original esti-
mates. Contributions are still being received
for this building and we would like to en-
courage additional contributions since we do
hope to have the building ready for occu-
pancy including purchase of equipment with-
in the next several months. No doubt there
are many who have been planning to con-
tribute to this project who have not yet sent
in their contribution. May we take this op-
portunity to thank those who have contribut-
ed, and we would like to encourage those
who are yet planning to give for this project
to send in their contribution as promptly as
possible during the next two months. By do-
ing so the contributions will be received in
time to help meet the payment for construc-
tion and purchase of equipment.
H. Ernest Bennett, Treasurer
Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities
Elkhart, Indiana.
of the services is very good at present. The
Gospel work here is an outgrowth of the
Freemanville congregation conducting sum-
mer Bible school among these people, and is
affiliated with the Lancaster Mennonite Con-
ference.
Seven souls were received into fellowship
by baptism and confession at the Calvary
Mennonite Church, Brewton, Ala., recently.
Five of these are young men which are much
needed in the church. Will you pray for their
continuance with the Lord and the church?
Bro. J. D. Graber, Elkhart, Ind., is the
guest speaker at the annual Mission Board
meeting of the Southwestern Pa. district on
July 9, 10, at Otelia Mennonite Chapel, Mt.
Union, Pa.
The congregation at St. Jacobs, Ont., re-
cently took action to purchase four lots in
Hamilton, Ont., to be used as a site for the
erection of a church building. The congrega-
tion is sponsoring a mission in Hamilton.
We must by some means overcome the
fault of assigning young people to the "wait-
ing room." — John R. Mumaw.
542
GOSPEL HERALD
Tsuneo and Hiroko Sunairi (center) with Carl and Esther Beck. ftjtajW™
to the ministry in the Obihiro Mennonite congregation. Hokkaido. Japan, on Dec. 27. JM».
He is our first Japanese pastor.
"He Putteth Forth His Own Sheep"
By Carl Beck
It is December 27, 1953.
You are there. Although, occasionally, as
you glance up at the consecrated figures be-
fore you, you find it almost necessary to
pinch yourself. Is it possible that God has
answered your petitions so far beyond your
own faith? You look full into the faces of
your Brother and Sister Sunairi, and you
know that it is true. You are there.
Brother J. D. Graber is speaking from
God's Word. The truth of his words, couched
in the earnestness of his spirit, is setting fire
in the hearts before him. As he pauses reg-
ularly to let Brother Oikawa interpret, your
mind has time to remember, doesn't it? And
you recall many things.
You remember the first time Sunairi San
slipped into the Sunday evening service.
When he left, you knew only his name and
his address, and you wondered if you would
ever sec him again. Then he began coming
to instruction class for beginners in the Chris-
tian life, and you learned to know more about
him. He was a Christian. He had been bap-
tized some years earlier in Tokyo. He and
his wife came to Obihiro to work— she as a
physician and he as a high-school teacher.
God allowed disease to touch his body and
he was put on sick rest.
Then one day he came to your home and
told you what you had already guessed from
the class discussion periods. He is much at-
tracted to the Anabaptist understanding of
the Faith. The call to everyday, obedient
discipleship and a Biblical approach to all
matters of faith and practice seem to him to
fit especially into the teachings of Jesus. The
MISSIONS SECTION
centrality of love in the Gospel and its prac-
tical applications, even down to the military
problem, meshes with his own concerns. Lit-
eral observance of I Cor. 11 and John 13
seems to him to be the most logical way to
accept those passages and to advance the
deep spiritual principles taught in them.
Could he join your fellowship even though
his wife was a Catholic believer? That both-
ered you a little, didn't it? You didn't quite
know how to handle this kind of situation,
did you? You consulted with Brother Buck-
waiter at Kushiro. But a good, all-wise Fa-
ther made the decision for you. Your wife,
Esther, became ill. The doctors you called
in were afraid to risk their reputation and
didn't come back. And each day the little
red line on the thermometer climbed a bit
higher. You remember the dread-filled fear
that lay, in disobedience to Matthew 6, like
dragging lead in your inward parts, when the
second doctor refused to come a second time
or to prescribe, don't you?
Finally, you did what should have been
obvious from the start. You called on Mrs.
Sunairi. Esther began to improve and Mrs.
Sunairi asked to study the evangelical faith.
Her nurse came with her and soon Mr.
Sunairi's mother joined the group. Brother
Sunairi was received into church fellowship
by letter and a little later Mrs. Sunairi was
received, too, and the mother and the nurse
were baptized.
Then one day in his reserved manner, he
told you more about himself. You remember
that day well, don't you? It seems that
Hiroshima is the home town of both the
Sunairi clan and the wife's family. After
graduating from Meiji University in Tokyo
and doing a stretch in the army, he had re-
June 8, 1954
turned to the parental roof to rebuild a bro-
ken body and do what he could with the
shreds of a torn soul.
As you remember it, it was at this juncture
that God spoke in a big voice. Suddenly the
room where he sat was brighter indeed than
the brightness of the noonday sun. There
was a dull approaching roar. The parental
roof rose upward. Doors and windows dis-
appeared, even as a hot breath smote him
in the face. Minutes later a still partially
blinded Sunairi San clambered to the sum- |
mit of a small protective hill that shut out
the view of the city. On the other side of the
hill there were no houses; there was no city!
You saw again the look of horror on his face,
as he told of seeing the heart of that vast city
as one great smoking, flame-belching crater.
Beyond the fiery rim were hundreds of smal-
ler fires to set off the horror of the scene in
a sort of satanic frill. His beloved Hiroshima
was no more.
Three days later he had worked his way
to the heart of that deadly waste, to the
smoking ashes that had been his uncle's
home and began digging in the rubble to re-
cover a few bits of bone to take back for
entombing in the family shrine. But soon
the color of the skin on his hands turned a
fiery red. Thousands of tiny vibrations raced
through his brain. His head ached fiercely.
Blood oozed from nose, gums, and internal
tissues. Every bone and joint ached. With
his treasure of scorched fragments of bone,
he made his labored way through the smok-
ing plain that had once been streets, shops,
and homes, filled with laughing children.
Several weeks later the pain in his head had
subsided; his gums no longer oozed blood.
But the dull ache in his heart continued.
There must be a better %vay than this. There
must never again be a Hiroshima.
What made him seek the answer in a
Christian school, when it was a Christian na-
tion that had wrought this havoc, is one of
those strange twists of the Oriental mind
that you'll never understand, isn't it? Or do
you suppose the Jesus of the Damascus road
had already claimed him, and was leading
him to the house of one, Ananias?
Three years later, when he had graduated
from St. Paul's Seminary-University in To-
kyo, he was a determined disciple of the Lord
Jesus. But deep within him he felt that the
Good News of Love he had learned was not
the Gospel he saw in practice. He could not
give himself to the work of a professional
holy man here. He was baptized in a small
church of another denomination. There, too.
he was not a man at home. He would teach
school until the voice of God should come
again. He must have his Arabia.
On that same fateful afternoon when trag
edy struck Hiroshima, a train was carrying
a lonely little girl from her beloved family
back to the dull grind of Tokyo Medica
College. She would not see her loved one:
again for eleven months, and the lonelines;
that only a small girl away from the parenta
tokonoma (a tiny alcove off the living roorr
which is the center of Japanese family life'
can know, flooded her soul. A high-pitchec
voice over the train loud-speaker systerr
barked suddenly. "A dreadful thing has com<
June 8, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
543
to pass. A mysterious explosion has destroyed
all of Hiroshima. Please do not plan to go
back. Your homes are gone and there is
poison in the air."
The loneliness in her heart went numb.
This frail girl would see her loved ones no
more. And the One who suffers in all of
earth's suffering reached down and touched
that bleeding heart. She too must find an
answer to the Hiroshimas and Nagasakis. It
was in a Catholic church that she finally
found peace and a simple faith in God.
And now these two had grown together
in their faith and devotion, until God had
spoken again. You had watched them in the
latter part of this growth. You had watched
a bit anxiously, hadn't you, as they together
wrestled with this new word from God?
But you were relieved, when they said "yes"
to God and to the request of the church, sit-
ting in solemn council.
Here they sit now, with heads bowed,
drinking in the kindly earnestness of Brother
Graber's closing admonitions. Farther back
in the tiny basement chapel you see Kizue
Sensei, the local Episcopal pastor, and your
true brother in the Lord, who had led in the
opening prayer, wipe the moisture from his
eyes. He was remembering past days when
God had laid His hand on his shoulder.
Now they are kneeling before you. Your
hand rests on those of Brother Graber and
Brother Buckwalter. Your voice trembles
with emotion as you translate the questions
being phrased by Brother Graber. Their
voices — his husky, hers clear and soft with
feeling — are heard clearly in the Spirit-
charged silence of the meeting-room. As they
receive their charge, the Spirit again places
it strongly on your own heart.
The brothers and sisters have gathered
around and Ralph leads all in singing "Hover
o'er Me, Holy Spirit." And you know that
this is really the heart-prayer of each one.
You thank God for this solemn-faced man
and this equally consecrated, gracefully veiled
woman before you.
Pastor Kobayashi of the local Salvation
Army Chapel leads while you all pray for
God's blessing on these two and on all of
you as you work together for the extension
of the kingdom in this land.
A few closing words of encouragement to
the Sunairis, some kindly advice to the entire
congregation by Brother Graber, and the
first ordination service in the Japan Mennon-
ite Church is history.
Obihiro, Japan.
The Church in an Alien Climate
By Lee and Adella Kanagy
Sandwiched between two great cultures
and ideologies, communism and democracy,
the church of Christ in Japan is struggling in
a culture quite different from either of the
two.
The words peace, democracy, communism,
and Christianity are becoming sensitive and
dangerous terms to many Japanese. To be
identified with one or the other means being
under suspicion by someone. Christian
schoolteachers and students arc mocked at or
given a silent ostracism. It has happened
here in Nakashibetsu-cho and it is happening
in other schools in Japan. The same can be
said for those who follow the Marxists' line,
or American democracy, or some "peace"
group. An age of fear, suspicion, and dis-
trust is gnawing at the foundation of the
church.
Yet for the Christian Church, this may be
its golden age, because it will be a purifying
age. "Every branch of mine that bears no
fruit, he takes away, and every branch that
does bear fruit, he prunes, that it may bear
more fruit" (John 15:2). From the beginning
the Christian Church has been marked with
much suffering and pruning. It is the way
Christ took to redeem His church, and the
church is literally fulfilling today the words
of Christ, "Ye shall be hated of all men for
my name's sake."
So in Japan, people who came to church
during the "occupation period," who may
even have signed decision cards, are being
pruned and tried for those motives in the
present sandwiched position between two
"worlds." God is doing His work for His
church, for His struggling but not defeated
church.
We moved to Nakashibetsu-cho on July 17,
1953. We moved into an old Japanese dwell-
ing through the kindness of Mr. Fujita, head
of Snow Brand Creamery, who had taken
the responsibility for finding a house to rent
until we could move into a small, new, village
cinder-block house, 18 x 24 feet, on January
20, 1954. Don McCammon was a big help in
packing our things in Tokyo. He accom-
panied us all the way to Nakashibetsu-cho
and helped to uncrate and set up housekeep-
ing in the 18-year-old dwelling. The first
Sunday in Nakashibetsu, 38 children gath-
ered (probably out of curiosity) at our home
for children's meeting. Up until November
1 we had church services in our home, and
beginning on November 8, 1953, church serv-
ices were held in the Bible house.
When Brother J. D. Graber was here at
Christmastime we, together with the inter-
ested people, dedicated the Bible house to be
used for services. The Bible house was offi-
cially opened on March 1, 1954, for reading
purposes and for selling Bible literature and
Bibles. On Sunday the Sunday-school attend-
ance ranges from 80 to 100. If 100 or more
come we cannot accommodate the students
adequately. In the evening church services
there are 20-25 interested ones who come
quite faithfully.
Up to March 1, 1954, Mr. Oikawa helped
with translating my sermons and reading
them during church services. But he and his
family have now moved to Teshio, a village
near to Wakkanai, the northernmost village
in Hokkaido, due to his government job in
an Agriculture Experiment Station. His mov-
ing practically forced me to begin preaching
in Japanese since there was no other Christian
helper available. Preaching in Japanese is
still a difficult task, but God is seeing me
through.
Adella has a weekly chorus practice class
at a girls' sewing school, a monthly Bible
study hour for the interested women, and in
April by request of the women, she started
a monthly cooking class. The women prefer
meeting about 10:00 a.m.; they prepare Jap-
anese and Western foods, and then they all
stay with the children to sample their new
recipes and visit until about 3:00 p.m. Adella
has also been working with Sunday-school
teachers and the Sunday-school program.
We also have a small radio program every
Sunday morning from 6:30 to 7:45 a.m. The
program varies with hymn-singing, Scripture
reading, and prayer, using largely local talent.
On this program Sunday-school and church
services are announced. Thus far the broad-
cast has not cost anything and we are thank-
ful to God for this privilege of getting His
Word out once a week into thousands of
homes in our area.
Would you join us in prayer for Mr. and
Mrs. Uematsu who are interested in Chris-
tianity? Mrs. Uematsu has been an invalid
for many years and since she found Christ
she said that she no longer needs the little
shinto god-shelf which one finds in practical-
ly every home.
Pray also for Mr. and Mrs. Fujita and their
twelve children. Neither have been baptized
but they show much interest in the church.
Pray with us that they may be able to make
this final step.
Pray for our Sunday-school teachers who
are also not baptized yet. They have done a
real service in teaching the children who
come to Sunday school. We are praying that
the day may soon come for them also to take
the final step in baptism.
We thank you for your prayers and ma-
terial support during the past year. As we
face another year in bringing the message of
Christ to bear on the lives of our neighbors in
this village, pray with us that the church may
move forward by His Spirit in an alien cul-
ture, sandwiched between two great opposing
cultures.
We look for His return and redemption.
Nakashibetsu-cho, Hokkaido, Japan.
Girls . . .
With professional training or without it,
you can make important contributions to the
witness of the church. Whether you enjoy
housekeeping, working with children, or
nursing, there is a place for you. If you are
a practical nurse, a teacher, or a secretary you
are needed. There are openings for you if
you would like to be a nurse aide or an as-
sistant mission worker. Christian service is
our duty — our privilege. "If any man will
come after me, let him deny himself, and
take up his cross, and follow me," Jesus said.
At the present time there are openings for
both registered and practical nurses in our
homes for the aged in Eureka, 111., and Stur-
gis, Mich.; also in our hospitals in La Junta,
Colo., and Greensburg, Kans. Bookkeepers,
clerks, and accountants are also needed in
the hospitals in La Junta and Rocky Ford,
Colo., and Greensburg, Kans. Nurse aides
are wanted for the Iowa City, Iowa, Hospital
unit. A girl is urgently needed to help in
El Hogar Del Nino, a boys' home in Puerto
MISSIONS SECTION
544
GOSPEL HERALD
June 8, 1954
Jeannie thinks that having her hair combed is
the best thing about getting up in the morning.
The nurse aide is Fannie Mae Stutzman, Sheri-
dan Oreg., working in the Hospital School tor
Handicapped Children, Iowa City, Iowa.
Rico. From time to time there are other
openings.
For further details, write to the Personnel
Director, Mennonite Board of Missions and
Charities, 1711 Prairie St., Elkhart, Ind.
Confronting the Japanese Mind
By Eugene Blosser
The March number of the CIM magazine,
The Millions, quotes a letter recently re-
ceived from inside China, place not men-
tioned, from a Christian student. Some
quotations follow: "The special classes on
'unified assignment of jobs' have ended and
the list of assignments has been announced.
Some of my schoolmates were assigned to
Tibet, North China, Northwest China, etc.
As for me, little did I think I would be
assigned to a job right here. You can imag-
ine how happy my mother is ... . During
this past summer vacation we had meetings
for three days running at our church. These
services were only for those young Christians
who are studying in universities, colleges,
and middle schools. We had some of God's
choice servants to preach to us. In a big
bright hall we, more than 600 young Chris-
tians, listened to God's Word, sang hymns
and prayed with one accord. Instead of
hatred, prejudice, and hypocrisy there were
fraternal love, kindness, and genuine sincer-
ity one to another .... In the churches here
we have meetings several times a week. All
those who go to church regularly are very
devoted .... Those who were rice-bowl
Christians have denied our Lord and dropped
out, but the churches are still full. Don't you
remember that in the past we had many dif-
ferences between churches? But today we
hardly ever hear anyone saying, 'What church
do you belong to?' We belong to none on
earth, but our Lord Jesus Christ in heaven."
— China Bulletin.
There is always somewhat of a problem
involved when a missionary on the field at-
tempts during his first year to find something
about which to write an annual report. Soon-
er or later one becomes involved in an Eng-
lish or national language Bible class. I hap-
pen to be teaching a Japanese Bible class by
means of an interpreter. This class is made
up of students who have come from our
churches in the north to Tokyo for their
higher education. Some of the boys are al-
ready Christians, while others have not made
the all-important decision. We do consider
it a privilege to have this opening for witness-
ing and teaching aside from language study.
Then there are reports to give concerning
one's own family. Our major report in that
area is the arrival of our daughter, Rachel
Ann, on Dec. 22, 1953. She and her big
brother Philip (P/i) make a major contri-
bution to our family happiness.
In thinking of what might constitute the
remainder of this report my mind has turned
to a lecture I heard recently on "The Psy-
chology of the Japanese People" by a Profes-
sor Hiroshi who studied in the U.S. during
the war and also served there for a number
of years as a professor of psychology. Some
of the facts he has presented may help you to
understand a little better a few of the trends
of thinking among the Japanese people today.
First of all, Professor Hiroshi suggests that
many of the Japanese people have a dim im-
pression of the last war and its climax. Many
seem to think that the war was stopped by
the Emperor and not by defeat. Neither do
they think the fascist political system suffered
an inevitable defeat by a democratic govern-
ment. Rather they believe it was the material
superiority of the U.S. forces and not the
weakness of the fascist polical system which
caused their defeat.
Furthermore, many of the Japanese are
quite superstitious and believe in a number
of religions. As a nation they looked to their
Emperor as their supreme spiritual authority
as well as the one who stood at the head of
a hierarchical form of government. Until
the end of the war the Japanese people stood
in good faith on the authority of the Emper-
or, but since the war this foundation has been
destroyed, and especially since the Emperor's
declaration that he is not divine. Democracy
has not proved to be adequately strong to
satisfy this need for authority. Also democ-
racy has come from the outside and is not a
product of Japan. As a result, the Japanese
are psychologically unstable since the war,
and some are seeking a new spiritual support
or foundation.
Among the youth of Japan there is a con-
siderable anti-authoritarian spirit being man-
ifested. In this anti-authoritarian spirit there
is opposition to both spiritual and worldly
authority. They feel that the grownups are
not reliable because they supported both the
Emperor and fascism during the war, and to
the young people both of these have been
proved false. If Professor Hiroshi's evalua-
tion is correct, and there is considerable evi-
dence that it is, then the youth of Japan are
wide open to Communism which is making
a strong appeal to them.
Another trend of thinking turns toward
materialism. As noted earlier, Japan before
and during the war was highly religious.
During the war the Japanese looked upon
the national mobilization as a spiritual mobil-
ization rather than a military. The defeat in
war has upset their spiritual foundations as
MISSIONS SECTION
the island of Hokkaido.
m
June 8, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
545
a nation. As a result of this national and
spiritual defeat there has been a noted turn
toward materialism and irreligion. The su-
perior material strength of the U.S. forces
has become to many the symbol of power. As
a result of this turn from the spiritual, their
literature also has come to emphasize the
material. The Japanese have turned to (using
Professor Hiroshi's term) "a literature of the
flesh." Literature including plays and drama
has turned to the non-spiritual, materialistic
aspects of life in which sex fills a major role.
With this brief look at trends of thinking
among the Japanese people, one readily sees
that the task and challenge of presenting the
Gospel to the Japanese mind is tremendous.
We are too small and insignificant to move
these people to accept the Gospel we preach.
However, by your prayer support and by the
power of the Word through the Spirit we
shall be able to lead many to simple faith in
Christ as Saviour. Pray with us that we may,
in the words of the Apostle Paul: "Be blame-
less and harmless, the sons of God, without
rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and per-
verse nation . . ." and that we may "shine as
lights in the world; holding forth the word
of life; that. . . [we] may rejoice in the day
of Christ, that. . . [we] have not run in
vain, neither laboured in vain" (Phil. 2:15,
16).
Tokyo, Japan.
Launching into Hamilton, Ontario
By Leonard Haarer
The last five years of rapid growth and
development in some of our cities has pre-
sented great challenges for extension work in
city missions. Hamilton, Ont., is just such a
city.
Hamilton, a city of 216,000 population,
has vast housing projects in which there is
very little evangelical witness. The moun-
tain area, with an estimated population of
35,000, is a fast developing region. The older
section of the mountain has some churches.
The newer areas have few at present, but
more are being proposed.
The St. Jacobs congregation has felt the
call to launch work in one of the newer areas
on the mountain. Several surveys had been
made previously by interested parties from
the Erb St. Church and also by several parties
(students) of the Ontario Mennonite Bible
Institute. The St. Jacobs congregation then
took further steps of investigation and began
work last summer with two weeks of sum-
mer Bible school. The school was a success,
with an average of over eighty the second
week.
Immediately following Bible school, Sun-
day-school work was started and this has
been in operation ever since. There was a
very small beginning, but under the blessing
of God through faithful workers the attend-
ance has been over forty.
The work is being carried on in a school-
house at present. Two sister workers, Lu-
anda Snyder and Beatrice Habermehl, are
on the field. Bro. Paul Swarr had been in
charge of the work until of late when he was
called to serve as area director of I-W men
in Pennsylvania. Bro. and Sister Leonard
Haarer have been appointed for this field and
will assume responsibilities July 1.
We would like to share with you the
urgent needs for this work. A home needs to
be secured for our family. A suitable loca-
tion has been bought for a church site.
Funds are needed for the erection of a church
building. The present arrangement with the
school board for the use of the building is
only on a temporary basis, and so construc-
tion will need to begin as soon as possible.
Anyone who feels constrained of the Lord to
help in this cause, please contact Bro. Roy
Koch, St. Jacobs, Ont., or myself. Will you
enter with us into a prayer fellowship in re-
lation to the needs of this new venture in a
new and needy field?
187 Erb St. W., Waterloo, Ont.
r Mennonite
Hour
New Station Wagon Donated
The Mennonite Hour staff is very grateful
for the kind friends in Virginia and Pennsyl-
vania who donated money to be used in the
purchase of a Pontiac station wagon. We
are grateful also to John Burkholder, local
Pontiac dealer, who sold the station wagon
at cost.
The station wagon was a very much need-
ed piece of equipment. According to present
plans the station wagon will travel about
10,000 miles this summer touring churches
from coast to coast. This will represent a big
saving in traveling expenses. The station
wagon will also be used on local business trips
as well as future week-end tours.
Thank you, dear friends, for your generous
gift.
Male Quartet and Ladies' Sextet on Tour
The itinerary of the male quartet and
ladies' sextet ' appears in last week's issue of
the Gospel Herald. The following correction
should be noted. July 1, Sugar Creek, Way-
land, Iowa, July 2, Science Ridge, Sterling,
111. The male quartet will be giving programs
en route to and return from the General Mis-
sion Board Meeting held at Western Men-
nonite School, Salem, Oreg., June 17-20. The
ladies' sextet and Daniel Suter will be travel-
ing with the male quartet as far as Goshen,
Ind., and will be giving programs on their
return from Goshen.
Remember these groups in prayer as they
make this extended tour. If any of these
groups visits your community, you are cor-
dially welcome to hear them in person.
Amidst all the opposition of earth and
hell, look upward and forward and you
will feel your heart animated by the view. —
Philip Doddridge.
Missions Editorial
Supporting a Missionary Voice
Most of our foreign missionaries have their
support pledged by individual congregations,
Sunday-school classes, or individuals. This
method of support is attractive because of
the personal element involved. Missionaries
write letters and send pictures to the group
supporting them and make a special effort
to visit them during furlough.
The radio now extends the missionary
witness far beyond the village in which he
works. His carefully prepared and divinely
directed messages are carried into homes
many miles away from his base of operation.
These radio contacts often bring inquiries
which provide opportunity for sending Bibles
and Christian literature to those who have
no missionaries preaching in their village.
But many stations reaching non-Christian
homes are unable to carry a broadcast unless
a fee is paid. Who will provide the money
to send the missionary's voice into Spain, for
example? The cost for a half-hour broadcast
of Gospel songs and a Gospel message is
$35.00 per week, or approximately the equiv-
alent of the monthly allowance for a mission-
ary couple in Puerto Rico. The Spanish
Broadcast Committee is looking for sponsors
for this station. Although such sponsorship
may seem like supporting only a voice, yet
when that voice is proclaming the Gospel
of Christ to those who have never heard the
true way of salvation, should it not be sup-
ported?
Letters from Spain indicate that the voice
is being heard, even by those who disbelieve.
And there are other stations, even in our own
United States, where a broadcast in Spanish
will reach those who have been brought up
in a religion which worships a dead Christ.
Recently The Mennonite Hour staff an-
nounced the discontinuance of their Wash-
ington, D.C., outlet effective May 30 for
want of funds to support the broadcast over
that station, a station reaching many in our
nation's capital who need the Gospel.
Who then is willing to keep the voices of
our radio pastors and singers on the air and
reaching into homes otherwise untouched
by the Gospel? What MYF, Sunday school,
congregation, family group, or individual is
ready to pledge support for a station over
which La Biblia Abierta or The Mennonite
Hour can be heard? What prayer helpers
will make this need a matter of earnest
prayer?
"How shall they hear without a preacher?"
But we have the preachers. We only need
radio outlets for their voices. — L. C. Hartzler.
MISSIONS SECTION
546
Relief and Service News
MRSC Weekly Notes
Voluntary Service
On June 3, Bro. and Sister Carl Metzler,
Goshen, Ind., joined the service unit working
among the Navaho Migrants, Grants, N.
Mex., as unit leader and matron for the sum-
mer while Bro. and Sister Marion Bontrager,
the regular workers there, are on leave to
attend summer school at Indiana University,
Bloomington, Ind. The Metzlers had pre-
viously served in this work for one year when
the unit was first organized. Sister Bertha
Alderfer, R.N., Telford, Pa., who has also
served for a one year term among the Nava-
hos, will be joining the unit for the summer
months.
Thirteen young folks attended classes dur-
ing the May 28-June 8 orientation school.
Ten of these have received their assignments.
Gladys Alderfer, R.N., Souderton, Pa., will
be taking charge of the nursing services of
the Mathis, Tex., unit as the term of Lela
Sutter, R.N., Hopedale, 111., expires in July.
Evelyn Burkey, Sargent, Nebr., Ruth Reesor,
Markham, Ont., and Edith Hostetler, Roa-
noke, 111., are joining the nurse aide class at
the Mennonite Hospital, La Junta, Colo.
Hettie Snyder, Elmira, Ont., is replacing Mir-
iam Renno, Belleville, Pa., whose term at the
Elkhart Mission Board Headquarters as
housekeeper expired in May. Miriam Kauff-
man, Minier, 111., will serve as a kindergarten
teacher in La Plata, Puerto Rico. Daniel
Miller, Kalona, Iowa, is joining the La Plata,
Puerto Rico unit as bookkeeper, and Wallace
Brenneman, Kalona, Iowa, as a sanitation
worker in the community service program.
Silvia Hostetler, Kokomo, Ind., has begun
her service as a nurse aide in the Iowa City,
Iowa, Hospital Unit. The group enjoyed
several excursions and work projects during
their two weeks of preparation for service.
Joe Kauffman, Seeley, Mont.; Joseph Plank,
Arthur, 111.; and Eugene Diller, Hesston,
Kans., have received their releases from I-W
service after serving for more than two years
in the La Junta, Colo., VS unit. The Kauff-
mans and Planks have returned to their re-
spective homes, and Eugene is continuing to
work in the finance office of the La Junta
Hospital as a staff member.
Bro. John Lehman, Director of the La Plata
Mennonite Project, Puerto Rico, and Bro.
Wm. Derstine, Sellersville, Pa., are continu-
ing in the organization and carrying out of
an effective program of solicitation on the
Island for the new hospital to be built in
Aibonito, Puerto Rico. An endorsing com-
mittee of thirty-three persons has been set
up with Mrs. Munoz-Marin, wife of the
Governor, as chairman.
I-W Services
The Moody Bible Institute film, "God of
the Atom," was recently shown in the follow-
MISSIONS SECTION
GOSPEL HERALD
ing I-W units: Plymouth, Kalamazoo, and
East Lansing, Mich.; Gary, Westville, and
Ft. Wayne, Ind.; Elgin, 111.; and Cincinnati
and Cleveland, Ohio.
Mervin Swartzentruber, leader of the Plym-
outh, Mich., unit, has been devoting a con-
siderable amount of time to the investigating
and reviewing of audio-visual educational
devices for use in the I-W program.
An attractive, sixteen page booklet, Pro-
ceed with Caution, has been prepared for
distribution to men who are anticipating I-W
service. Copies can be obtained free of charge
by writing to the Mennonite I-W services
Office, 1711 Prairie St., Elkhart, Ind.
On May 23, the I-W group serving in the
Beatty Memorial Hospital, Chicago, 111., gave
a program of chorus numbers and talks at
the Holdeman Mennonite Church, Wakaru-
sa, Ind.
Released May 28, 1954
Office for Relief and Service
Elkhart, Ind.
MCC Weekly Notes
Worker to Sail for Jordan
Menno Ebersol, Goshen, Ind., and former-
ly of Kokomo, Ind., sailed from New York
28 for Jordan where he will join the MCC
unit in Jericho.
Relief activities in Jordan include the dis-
tribution of material aid, supervision of arts
and crafts classes, welfare work, and medical
service. Of special significance are the self-
help projects such as the cobbler's school,
classes in sewing and needlework projects.
MCC personnel in Jordan in addition to
Brother Ebersol include Mr. and Mrs. Walter
Rutt, Gulfport, Miss.; George Peters, Boisse-
vain, Manitoba; Ada and Ida Stoltzfus, Mor-
gantown, Pa.; three nurses: Ethel Wolge-
muth, Mt. Joy, Pa.; Clara Bauman, Floradale,
Ont; Marian Krupp, Souderton, Pa.
Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Lehman, who have
served as director and matron of the Jordan
unit the past two years, left there May 5 and
are expected to arrive in New York about
the middle of June.
Harold Yoder Reports on Good- Will Bundle
Distribution in Korea
The first shipment of good-will bundles
reached us on March 12. We had decided
that the majority of them would go to the
Bible Club children and so for several months
we had been answering questions about how
soon the bundles would arrive. These chil-
dren, who come from families who cannot
afford to pay the public school tuition, are
poor even according to Korean standards.
We had the preliminary work all done, and
so on the following day we held the first
good-will bundle distribution in Korea. The
superintendent of the clubs told us he would
send about 1500 children to this first distribu-
tion. He was a bit surprised when over 2000
boys and girls came. Fortunately we had
enough Korean New Testaments on hand so
that no one went home disappointed although
about 500 had to come back the following
Saturday to get their bundles.
June 8, 1954
The distribution was held outside and the 1
superintendent had foresightedly borrowed a
sound truck to enable all the children to hear
during the worship service and also when the
instructions were given. The children sat on
the ground in rows and barely moved a mus-
cle for an hour except to sing and pray in
unison, which they do with great earnestness
and volume. These Korean children who, in 1
their play and general reactions remind us so
much of American youngsters, are somehow
able to contain their energy and sit still much
longer than American children.
The next several hours are not too clear in
my memory. There were children — most of
them quite small for their age, some with
apparent physical handicaps, but all very po-
lite and very grateful. In those next several
hours the four of us, Harry, Adam, Patricia,
and I, gave out 1524 bundles, not according
to age but according to size. We found, for
example, that the recipients of our eight-year-
old bundles were often twelve years old or
even older. The Koreans reckon age a bit
differently than we, but there is nearly al-
ways at least three years' actual difference be-
tween the age written on the bundle and the
age of the Korean recipient.
Two weeks later, on March 27, we had a
similar distribution for 1164 children, which
brought our March good-will bundle distri-
bution score to 2688 or slightly over half the
total number we intend to give to these Bible
Club children. The remaining 300 bundles
will be given to other needy children, includ-
ing orphans. We are using some of the older
boys bundles for "our boys" at the farm.
Released May 28, 1954
MCC Information Service
Akron, Pa.
Worship service at the Children's Home.
Valdoie. Franee
The above pictures a regular Sunday eve-
ning service for children at Valdoie, France,
with an outside speaker. Sunday morning
they go downtown to Sunday school.
French Mennonites can fruit for this chil-
dren's home and occasionally give other
foods. There are no sewing circles or mis-
sionary groups among the French churches,
but the French help by taking some of the
children on their farms in summer.
The future of the Valdoie home is still in-
definite; Mary Ellen Shoup returns to the
home this fall for two years, but from there
on nothing is decided.
June 8, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
547
The June issue of the Missionary Sewing
Circle Monthly gives more information con-
cerning our children's homes in France. You
will want to read all of this material; also
you will want your own copies of the pictures
on the cover. These babes we feel sure will
be Christian workers, for they are already
helping to win the friendship of others.
* * »
Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Lehman, who have
just finished a two-year period of relief serv-
ice in Jericho, Jordan, are presendy visiting
MCC stations in Europe and the Belgium
Mennonite Mission en route home. They
are scheduled to reach New York on June 11.
After spending a few weeks in Indiana with
their parents they will again be serving at
the MCC headquarters, Akron, Pa.
# # *
Leona Yoder, president of the Ohio and
Eastern A.M. Women's Organization, has
recendy accepted an appointment to serve in
Jordan. May God bless her as she goes forth
to minister to the people in this needy field.
• • *
News in General, the publication of the
Kansas City Voluntary Service Unit, ex-
pressed appreciation for the Daily Prayer
Guide in its April- June issue:
"We at the unit spend a period of time
with God each day as a family. It has blessed
each one and has helped to strengthen our
faith in God.
"Every morning we have Scripture reading
and the prayer request is read from the Daily
Prayer Guide before someone leads in prayer.
"This morning the prayer request was for
the work among the colored people in Los
Angeles. We asked that each worker might
have special strength and guidance. . . .
"The Daily Prayer Guide has proved to be
very helpful. . . . Following the prayer re-
quests for certain communities and the par-
ticular needs, we can pray more effectively.
A church united in prayer is a great blessing
to those who pray as well as to those for
whom we pray."
» # ♦
Are your young people supplied with
Prayer Guides? — Mrs. C. L. Shank.
From Our Churches
ASHLEY, MICHIGAN
(Bethel Mennonite Congregation)
Greetings in the name of our Saviour to all
Gospel Hekald readers : Bro. and Sister John
Landis and two daughters, Faith and Ruth,
have moved into the J. Kore Zook home for the
year while the Zook family are absent. They
moved in from Hesston, Kans., the fore part of
April and are in charge of the pastorate work
of the church here. We are grateful for their
presence and work in our church.
At our midweek meetings on Thursday eve-
ning, besides our season of prayer, we are study-
ing and memorizing Psalms. At present we are
memorizing Psalm 51.
We are making plans for a two-week Bible
school to open June 7. A pre-Bible school con-
ference is being planned for June 5, 6, with
Arnold Gingrich, Bothwell, Ont, and LeRoy
Bechler, Saginaw, Mich., as speakers.
The young people have been meeting at the
John Landis home for their MYF meetings and
have been working on a monthly church news-
letter. This had its first publication this week.
The past month our church has entertained
the Gladstone Mission quartet from Cleveland,
Ohio, and their pastor, Bro. Vern Miller.
On April 18 the foreign students from Goshen
College, with Bro. and Sister John Oyer, were
with us for a service, and on April 19 we en-
joyed a program by the E.M.C. Chorus from
Harrisonburg, Va.
A few weeks ago a carload of sisters went to
help with the spring house cleaning at the I-W
service unit in East Lansing.
We desire your prayers that we as a church
may be true witnesses for Him who died to re-
deem us. Anna Conrad.
BOYERTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA
(Boyertown Congregation)
Dear Christian Readers :
"Ascribe ye greatness unto our God. He is
the Rock, his work is perfect" (Deut. 32:3, 4).
It is almost a year since the Lord called our
shepherd, H. Paul Yoder, and his companion to
the foreign field. According to the flesh, we felt
an urge to compel them to stay, as we thought
they were needed here, but nevertheless "his
work is perfect." Their release was granted, and
we wished them Godspeed and follow them with
our prayers continually.
Our God did not leave or forsake us, but He
wisely chose Bro. Paul D. Yoder and companion
to fill this place. After ministering to us for a
while by license, an ordination service was held
Feb. 21, and he is now our ordained shepherd
and is feeding the flock very capably. We thank
God for them and continue to uplift them to
the throne of grace.
A series of revival messages were enjoyed
April 3-11, when Bro. William Jennings and
his wife were with us. Although there were no
public decisions for Christ, we rejoiced in the
testimonies of those whose hearts and lives were
cleansed.
At present we are conducting prayer meetings
and cottage meetings alternately every Tuesday
evening.
In the will of the Lord is real joy. Continue
to pray that His will may be done here and
that souls contacted will yield to the Lord.
Anna Gehman.
MIO. MICHIGAN
(Fairview Congregation)
Dear Hekald Readers :
We praise the Lord for untold blessings that
He has showered on us. We were privileged to
have a number of groups here, and also other
visitors this spring. On April 12 three Goshen
College foreign students with Bro. and Sister
John Paul Oyer gave an interesting program.
On April 21 the E.M.C. chorus gave a program
of sacred music to a full house. On April 27,
the brethren Etril Leinbach, Orvin Hooley, and
Paul Haarer were with us in a Christian Work-
ers' Conference.
We enjoyed a Good Friday service this year.
"With Jesus at Calvary" was the theme.
On May 16 Alvin Becker from the Northern
Bible Society spoke about their work and
brought a helpful message. May God bless their
work as they send out the Word to the four
corners of the earth !
Fifty years ago last February the church
here was organized. On June 20 we are plan-
ning an anniversary program. Bro. L. A. Kauff-
man, who was ordained as minister here, now
of Montana, has promised to be with us ; also
Bro. E. A. Troyer, who was the first S.S. super-
intendent, will have a part on the program.
We invite all who have been members here at
auy time or any one interested in the work here
to come share the program with us, Saturday
evening, June 19, and all day Sunday. A fel-
lowship dinner and supper will be served at the
church. All are welcome !
Mrs. 0. L. Detweiler.
PORTLAND, OREGON
(Gospel Mission Congregation)
We praise the Lord for the showers of spirit-
ual blessings and also for the natural showers
of rain, just enough to bring out crops and
gardens.
On May 9 our spring communion service was
held and one person was received into church
fellowship by baptism. Our bishop, Bro. Allen
Erb, was with us and officiated in this blessed
service.
Our congregation is growing steadily. A
number of service men are employed in the city
and, with their wives, join us in worship.
Several families have lately moved in : Bro. and
Sister Bud Miller and three children from
Sheridan, Oreg. ; Bro. and Sister Charles Yoder
with their two small girls from Yoder, Kans. ;
Bro. and Sister Myers and five children from
Pennsylvania ; and Bro. and Sister David Mil-
ler and three children from Indiana. We are
very glad for them and believe they will be an
asset to the work at this place.
Our sewing circle has been discontinued for
the summer because of the many activities :
Bible school, summer camp for boys and girls,
and the canning project for relief.
Please remember Portland in your prayers,
that God may richly bless each one who has a
part in the work in this large city, that many
may be won for Christ. Correspondent.
TO BE NEAR TO GOD (Ceatinued)
of Christendom generally, I assert that so-
called aids to worship have done us incalcu-
lable harm. We'd better get back to the sim-
plicity and bravery of the seven thousand.
Friday, June 18
Road Rom. 16:16; I Cor. 16:20; II Cor. 13:12; I Pet.
5:14
Paul's relatives were at Tarsus, not Corinth.
I suppose Peter's relatives were in the Galilee
section at this time. Yet both men talked
about kissing. Strange subject for men, was
it not?
The Orient made much of kissing relatives.
References to this are plentiful in the Bible.
Here now in the early days of the church
we see its two greatest instructors being care-
ful to emphasize the fact that Christians love
as brethren. Peter is even careful to add "kiss
of charity," meaning, in our terms, "kiss of
concern for brethren in Christ."
If the brotherhood which reads these pages
ever drops the kiss of charity from its practice
it can only be because love has cooled. At
such a time (God forbid that there be such a
time), if it ever comes, we shall use the term
"brotherliness," but we shall deny the power
thereof because brothers and sisters of the
same family do display affection, and Paul
and Peter asked us to demonstrate our spirit-
ual love for each other with a kiss both holy
and charitable.
Saturday, June 19
Read Psalm 2:11, 12
Do fears and kisses go together? This
Psalm says that they do. When you are afraid
to do wrong and serve the Lord you have the
right to kiss the Son, figuratively speaking.
That is, you would kiss Him if His body
were available. When you tremble lest you
break the commandment of God, you have
a right to rejoice in the Lord. You are pleas-
ing Him, don't you see? That transmutes
fear into perfect confidence while you go
right on fearing to do wrong.
And, lastly, show the Son your affection.
After all, David spoke prophetically here.
David's Son took your sins in His body on
the cross so that you, being dead to sins,
should be alive unto righteousness. Such
doing deserves a kiss, doesn't it?
— J. Paul Sauder.
Consider the ravens which do not sow nor
reap, yet once upon a time they fed a prophet
of God.— Selected.
548
FIELD NOTES (Continued)
At the third annual Summer Bible School
Workshop sponsored by the Scottdale Men-
nonite Bookstore and held in the Scottdale
Church, with some sessions in the Publish-
ing House, about 190 persons from local and
other communities were present. Bro. Paul M.
Lederach gave the main address and others
assisted in the Workshop.
Bro. Howard H. Charles, Goshen, Ind.,
spoke at a Bible Conference held at the Neffs-.
ville, Pa., Church on May 22, 23, when he
brought messages on "The Glory of the
Christian Calling," and "The Significance of
the Worship Veil."
A brother from Oregon wishes to caution
Mission Board visitors that the evenings in
Oregon are generally cool and accompanied
by wind. He thinks we should bring suffi-
cient coats and wraps.
Five applicants were received into church
fellowship by baptism on Sunday, May 9, at
the Perkasie, Pa., Church, with Bro. Joseph
L. Gross, Doylestown, Pa., officiating.
Bro. A. J. Metzler, of this office, gave the
conference sermon at the annual meeting of
the Pacific Coast Conference, held at Western
Mennomte School, Salem, Oreg., June 1-4.
On his return east he stopped at Denver,
Colo., and Goshen, Ind.
Cornerstone laying services, held at the
Rockway Mennonite School, Kitchener, Ont.,
on Friday evening, June 4, marked a signif-
icant development in their building program.
Commencement exercises were held on May
27, when the largest class in the history of
the school was graduated. Bro. Stanley Shenk,
West Liberty, Ohio, was the commencement
speaker.
Bro. and Sister J. Kore Zook, St. Johns,
Mich., were recent visitors at the Mennonite
Publishing House. They visited various parts
of Western Pennsylvania and attended serv-
ices at the Scottdale Church, Sunday evening,
May 30. In their itinerary to the far west
to attend the Mission Board meeting in
Oregon, they expected to take in the Indiana-
Michigan Conference at Kokomo, Ind.,
June 2, 3.
A youth nonresistance conference was held
at the Forks Church, Middlebury, Ind., May
28-30. The guest speaker was Millard Lind,
Scottdale, Pa., and the I-W group from In-
dianapolis, Ind., gave the Saturday evening
program.
Sister Emma Birky, wife of Bro. J. W.
Birky, pastor of the Britton Run Church,
Spartansburg, Pa., died May 30, at the Corry,
Pa., hospital. Funeral services were held at
the' Britton Run Church on June 1, and the
body was taken to her childhood home near
Wisner, Nebr. Funeral services were con-
ducted at the Plum Creek Church, near
Bcemer, Nebr., on June 4, and burial was
made in the Beemer Cemetery.
Announcements
"What Think Ye of Christ" will be the
topic of the young people's Bible meeting at
Lititz, Pa., June 13. Several local young peo-
ple will be the speakers.
Bro. John W. Miller, of the Goshen College
Seminary faculty, will be the guest speaker
at the sixty-first session of the Northern Dis-
GOSPEL HERALD
trict Conference of the General Conference
Mennonite Church, on the Freeman College
campus, Freeman, S. Dak., June 11-15.
Visiting Speakers
May 16. George Miller, missionary to Hon-
duras, at Warwick River, Denbigh, Va.
James Staufrer, Apple Creek, Ohio, at Perk-
asie, Pa.
May 23. J. John J. Miller, Riverside, Iowa,
at Yoder, Kans.
May 30. Jacob Kolb, Spring City, Pa., at
Zion, Beckersville, Pa. Paul M. Miller, Go-
shen, Ind., at Elizabethtown, Pa. George
Miller, Honduras, at East Chestnut St., Lan-
caster, Pa. J. Silas Graybill, Doylestown, Pa.,
at Market St., Scottdale, Pa., morning; Da-
vid Hosteder, Dalton, Ohio, evening. Henry
Yoder, Ft. Wayne, Ind., at Rainy River,
Minneapolis, Minn.
Evangelistic Meetings
Hammer Tent Revival began at Salem,
Oreg., May 28.
George R. Brunk has announced that he is
planning to hold meetings in Glasgow, Scot-
land, and in London, England, between cam-
paigns in this country during midsummer.
Looking Through the Word
The minister who has the growth of
Christian people at heart must be very
careful to give to them the proper diet.
The essential Gospel must constantly be
preached to the unsaved, the basic ele-
ments must be presented to young Chris-
tians, and a mixture of stronger diet pre-
sented for maturing Christians. The
proper combination of all these ele-
ments, while sometimes difficult, is abso-
lutely essential.
If the simple plan of salvation is not
held constantly before the audience, un-
saved people may seek to pattern then-
lives by Christian ethics and may fail of
salvation. If nothing but "strong meat"
be presented, the growth of the babes in
Christ may remain stationary for lack of
"the sincere milk." Only occasionally
should apologetics be mixed with the
diet, and never without a full combina-
tion' of the elements already mentioned.
There can be nothing worse for a church
than a course of lectures designed to
prove that the Bible is true.
A born-again man with a strong grasp
of the Scriptures succeeded a militant
"defender" as pastor of an outstanding
church. The people had been fed on
lectures against evolution, lectures prov-
ing the Mosaic authorship of the Penta-
June 8, 1934
teuch, lectures demonstrating the his- 1
toricity of Christ, and the Gospel narra-
tive. The new pastor discovered that
they were woefully inadequate in hon-
esty of Christian living and in kindness
of Christian love. In the course of his
sermons he began to use such phrases as
"you proud fundamentalists need to
learn . . ." and "if you fundamentalists
were more interested in . . . ." A woman
came to him one day and said, "Why do
you hate the fundamentalists so? You
are always taking a crack at them instead
of at the modernists." The minister
looked at her and replied, "I'm not
preaching to modernists. If I should
spend my time preaching against them,
I would merely feed the fancy and the
vanity of those of you who are very
proud that you have all your doctrines
in their proper compartments. If I were
preaching to modernists, I would know
how to proceed quite differently."
Erecting a straw man in the pulpit
each Sunday morning, and smiting him
deftly beneath the fifth rib may demon-
strate the dexterity of the preacher, but
it leaves the congregation with spiritual
anemia, due to lack of proper food con-
tent in the preaching. To proclaim the
Word will convert sinners, and build up
believers. This constitutes the very best
defense of the Bible and its truths.
—Donald Grey Barnhouse, in
Gospel Herald (Cleveland).
"The Mennonite Nurses' Association will
hold its annual meetinq in conjoint session
with the Mission Board Meetinq at Western
Mennonite School, Salem, Oreg.. on Friday,
tune 18. The business session opens at H.JU
AM At 10:15 Bro. and Sister Luke Birky
will sreak about medical work in Puerto
Rico At 11:00 the Nurses' Association joins
the 'public session of the Mission Board at
which time Bro. Allen H. Erb will speak on
™ Challenge of the Expand nq Program
of Hospital and Medical Work of the Church.
Reading the Bible
The great effective instrument of the
Holy Spirit by which the truth is au-
thoritatively taught is the inspired Word J
of God. Satan is gaining victories by
holding men back from a loving, search*
ing study of the Bible.
My own daily life is as full as that of i
any man I know, but I found long since I
that as I allowed the pressure of profes- |
sional and other engagements to till in
every moment between rising and going I
to bed the spirit would surely starve; so I'.j
made a rule, which I have since stuck tcM
in spite of mam temptations, not to read ,
or study anything but my Bible after the |
evening meal, and never to read any oth-
er book but the Bible on Sunday.-Dr.
Howard M. Kellx.
If we take Isaiah as our guide for the
moment, the first thing that God speaks
to us about is our sin. "Hear. O heavens,
and <nve ear, O earth: for the Lord hath
spoken, I have nourished and brought j
up children, and they have rebelled
against Me." He tells us what sin is. sir
is not only a breach of the law; it is not
only a missing of the mark; it is not onhj
[lie failure to draw a straight line. It v\
all that. But sin is also rebellion. "The>.
have rebelled against me." Sin is ingrati
tude. Sin is meanness, scorn, insult
mockery. It is as il a son raised his ham
and smote his father in the face.-TV. W
Fullerton.
June 8, 1934
GOSPEL HERALD
549
MARRIAGES
May the blessings ot God be upon the homes
established by the marriages here listed. A year's
subscription to the GOSPEL HERALD is given to those
whose address is supplied by the officiating minister.
Amstutz — Steiner. — Earl J. Amstutz and Ro-
sina Steiner. both of the Bethel Mennonite
Church, Apple Creek, Ohio, by Lester D. Am-
stutz, April 22, 1954.
Bechtel — Bast. — Lester Bechtel, Wanner con-
gregation, Hespeler, Out., and Alma Bast. First
Mennonite congregation, Kitchener, Out., by
John H. Hess, April 24. 1954.
Blosser — Cullar. — Arthur Blosser. Salem,
Ohio, and Ardith Cullar, North Lima, Ohio, by
James Steiner, uncle of the bride, at the Mid-
way Mennonite Church, where both are mem-
ber's, May 15, 1954.
Diller — Ross. — Wayne W. Diller and Beta
Ross, Fairview congregation, Fairview. Mich.,
by Harvey Handrich at the home of the bride.
May 15. i954.
Lederach — Kauffman. — John Lederach. Leder-
ach. Pa., and Naomi Kauffman, Goshen, Ind.,
by A. H. Kauffman, father of the bride, with
Paul M. Lederach, brother of the groom, assist-
ing, at the Clinton Brick Church, May 16, 1954.
Sangrey — Shank. — Elvin Sangrey, Byerland
congregation, Willow Street, Pa., and Esther
Shank. River Corner congregation, Conestoga,
Pa , bv Henry W. Nauman at the Byerland
Church. May 19, 1954.
BIRTHS
"Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord" (Ps. 127:3a).
Bare, John S. and Nettie (High), Witmer,
Pa., a daughter, Veronica Mae, May 11, 1954.
Baumann. Karl C. and Anneliese (Sam-
huber), Stuarts Draft, Va., first child, a son,
Lothar Christian, May 10, 1954.
Bishop, Earl and Esther (Godshall), Chester,
Vt., second son, Gary Lee, May 23, 1954.
Boshart, Dillon and Myndell (Wagler), Way-
land, Iowa, fourth child, fourth daughter, Rosa-
lee Ellen, April 30, 1954.
Cross, George J. and Verna (Weldy) (no
address), fourth child, second son, David La-
mar, May 22, 1954.
Ebersole, Jacob L. and Alverta (Musser),
Elizabethtown, Pa., sixth child, fifth daughter,
Joann M., May 18, 1954.
Frey, Harold and Ruth (Snavely), Lebanon,
Pa., fifth child, third daughter, Anita Kay,
May 10, 1954.
Hernley, Ephraim M. and Mabel (Weaver),
Elizabethtown, Pa., first child, Patricia Joan,
May 14. 1954.
Hershey, John L. and Helen R. (Herr), Par-
adise, Pa., first child, Beverly Ann, May 17,
1954.
Jones, Roger and Thelma (Moyer), Harris-
burg, Pa., first child, Mary Lois, May 16, 1954.
Kennel 1, John and Violet (Kennel). Port-
land, Oreg., first child, Lonnie LeMar, May 11,
1954.
King. Harley and Betty (Keller), Eureka, 111.,
third child, second daughter, Linda Ann. March
31. 1954.
Kurtz, Mahlon K. and Charlotte (Piersol).
Narvon, Pa., third son, Richard Allen, April
26. 1954.
Liechty, Omer and Mary (Zehr). ,
Ohio, fifth child, fourth daughter, Wendy Sue,
May 24. 1954.
Reesor, Elmer and Stella (Witmer), Union-
ville, Ont, first child, Joanna Mae, May 1, 1954.
Riegsecker, Duane and Ellen (Miller), Go-
shen, Ind., second child, first son, Randall Dean,
April 23, 1954.
Schrock, Harry and Dorothea iSchantz),
Souderton. Pa., second child, Miriam Elizabeth,
May 15. 1954.
Shank, Ralph and Miriam (Ebersole), Ster-
ling, El., fifth child, third son, Ivan Ralph, May
5, 1954.
Springer. Mahlon and Doris (Nafziger),
Hopedale, 111., fourth child, third daughter, Jill
Katherine, May 17, 1954,
Springer, Roy and Pearl (Keller), Roanoke,
111., sixth child, fourth daughter, Sharon Sue,
May 8, 1954.
Swartzendruber, Eldon E. and Eldora (Mil-
ler), Kalona, Iowa, second son, Francis Lee,
April 21, 1954.
Troyer, Royden and Doreen (Stutzman),
Milford, Nebr., fourth child, second daughter,
Paula Jo, May 9, 1954.
Turner, Millard M. and Elva Lois (Gabel),
Broadway, Va., third child, third daughter,
Carolyn Joy, May 18, 1954.
Weaver, David E. and Elsie (Hartz), Elver-
son, Pa., fourth child, third daughter, Susan
Jane, May 22, 1954.
Weaver, Donald R. and Phyllis (Klingel-
smith), Elkhart, Ind., second daughter, Jeri
Lynn, May 15, 1954.
Weaver, Kenneth J. and June Marie (Col-
lins), Harrisonburg, Va., first child, Carol Joyce,
May 21, 1954.
Widmer, Galen and Marie (Ediger), Wash-
ington, Iowa, third son, Jon Micheal, April 14,
1954.
Yanrzi. Sylvester and Betty (Snyder), Baden,
Ont., first child, Bruce David, May 1, 1954.
Yoder, Ivan B. and Maxine (Hershberger) ,
Elkhart, Ind., second child, first son. Jack
Eugene, April 29, 1954.
Yoder, Thomas and Fannie (Kurtz), Elver-
son, Pa., fourth daughter, Rose LaRue, May 21,
1954.
OBITUARIES
May the sustaining grace and comfort of our Lord
bless these who are bereaved.
Bingenian, Irvin, son of the late Mr. and Mrs.
David Bingeman, was born in Oxford Co., Out.,
Nov. 19, 1877; passed away May 17, 1954, at
the K-W Hospital ; aged 76 y. 5 m. 28 d. He
is survived by his second wife (formerly Eliza-
beth Gingrich), one daughter (Viola — Mrs. Ja-
cob Enns, New Westminster, B.C.), and 4
grandchildren. His first wife (the former Mary
Shautz) died in 1946. For many years he
farmed near Washington, Out., during which
time he was a member of the Blenheim congre-
gation. Recently he transferred his membership
to the First Mennonite Church in Kitch-
ener while residing in this city. Funeral
services were held at the Blenheim Church near
New Dundee, conducted by John H. Hess and
Moses Bowman. Interment was made in the ad-
joining cemetery.
Heatwole, John E.. son of the late Joseph F.
and Fannie Heatwole, was born at Dayton, Va.,
Jan. 22, 1874 ; passed away at Harrisonburg,
Va., May 6, 1954; aged 80 y. 3 m. 15 d. On
Oct. 13, 1896, he was married to Mary E. Hart-
man, who preceded him on Jan. 23. 1938. On
June 26, 1941, he was married to Cora Grove
Eshleman, who passed away Nov. 4, 1949, and
on Nov. 13. 1950. he married Cornelia M. Sho-
walter. Besides his wife, he leaves 2 daughters
(Ethel — Mrs. Byard Lahman, and Grace — Mrs.
Dan Blosser), one son (Roland), 9 grandchil-
dren, one brother (Melvin J.), and one sister
(Mrs. Oscar Rhodes). Two brothers (Jacob A.
and Enos) and one sister (Mrs. James Coakley 1
preceded him. He traveled for a number of
years in the interest of Eastern Mennonite Col-
lege and was a member of the E.M.C. Board
until in later years. Funeral services were
held at the Weaver Church in charge of Oliver
Keener and S. H. Rhodes. Burial was made
in the adjoining cemetery.
Hess, Lizzie, daughter of the late Martin and
and Hettie (Charles) Breneman, was born Nov.
8, 1879, in Lancaster Co., Pa. ; passed away
at the Lancaster, Pa., General Hospital, April
19, 1954; aged 74 y. 5 m. 11 d. She had a heart
condition for a number of years, but was able
to be about doing her daily work until several
days before her death. She was a faithful
member of the New Danville Mennonite Church.
On Dec. 7, 1905, she was united in marriage to
Abram M. Hess, who preceded her in death on
Jan. 13, 1933. Surviving are 3 children (Da-
vid B., Lancaster, Pa. ; Rhoda E. — Mrs. Mel-
vin O. Nolt, Mt. Joy, Pa.; and Ruth E. — Mrs.
John R. Breneman, Kirk wood. Pa.). 5 grand-
children, one sister (Emma — Mrs. Urias Wit-
mer), and one brother (Charles), both of Manor
Township. Funeral services were held at the
New Danville Church, April 22, with the home
ministers participating. Interment was made
in the adjoining cemetery.
Hunsicker, Leidy D., son of the late Isaac M.
and Mary Ann (Detweiler) Hunsicker, was
born near Blooming Glen, Pa., Aug. 5, 1878 ;
passed away May 2, 1954, at his residence in
Blooming Glen ; aged 75 y. 8 m. 25 d. He suf-
fered from a stroke nearly 10 years ago, but
made a remarkable recovery and was able to be
up and active in the church. In recent years
he suffered from hardening of the arteries. He
was bedfast only 10 days; the immediate cause
of death was pneumonia. Surviving are his
wife (Delia Moyer Hunsicker, whom he married
in 1902), 2 sons (Paul M., Souderton, Pa.; and
Dr. Harley M., Perkasie, Pa.), one sister (Mrs.
Emma Shaddinger, of Perkasie), and 4 grand-
children. He was a member of the Blooming
Glen Mennonite Church for many years and
was active as a teacher, youth leader, and chor-
ister. He also traveled a great deal with evan-
gelists, taking charge of the congregational sing-
ing. He was a commission merchant in Phila-
delphia for 42 years, retiring in 1939. Funeral
services were held May 5 at the Blooming Glen
Church in charge of Joseph Gross and David
Derstine, Jr. Interment was made in the ad-
joining cemetery.
Larrew, James Franklin, son of John Wesley
and Julia (Shuff) Larrew, was born Sept. 3,
1893, at Nickerson, Kans. ; passed away at the
Tillamook General Hospital, April 18, 1954;
aged 60 y. 7 m. 15 d. On July 29, 1917, he was
united in marriage to May Flower Detwiler.
To this union were born 3 children (Loyd
Howard and James Melvin, both of Blaine,
Oreg., and Naomi Kathryn — Mrs. Reuben
Schrock, Beaver, Oreg.). Also surviving are 4
grandsons, 2 granddaughters, one sister (Mrs.
LeRoy Cowan, McMinnville, Oreg.), 7 nephews,
3 nieces, stepfather, 5 stepbrothers, 2 stepsisters,
stepnieces and nephews, and many friends. His
parents and one brother preceded him in
death. He united with the Mennonite Church
when a young man and remained a faithful
member until death. He was a charter member
of the Sheridan Mennonite congregation. He
and his family were the first to move to Blaine,
and through their efforts and those of a few
other families who came later, there now stands
a little mission church at Biaine. Funeral serv-
ices were held at the Blaine Mennonite Church
in charge of Marcus Liud, Jac b Kauffman, and
G. D. Shenk. Interment was made in the Blaine
Cemetery.
Nolt, Enos H., son of the late Christian and
Mary (Herr) Nolt, was born May 30, 1897, in
Upper Leacock Twp. ; passed away in the Lan-
caster General Hospital, May 10, 1954; aged
56 y. 10 m. 16 d. Death came suddenly from a
blood clot received after an accident about two
weeks before. He was a member of the Stump-
town Mennonite Church for many years. He is
survived by his wife, Mabel W., 2 children
(John M., Stevens, Pa., and Ruth E., at home),
and 4 grandchildren. Funeral services were
held at the Stumptown Mennonite Church in
charge of Lloyd Eby, Elmer Martin, and John
Oberholtzer. Interment was made in the ad-
joining cemetery.
Roth. Joseph Simon, son of the late Christian
and Mary Magdalene (Resz) Roth, was born
Oct. 4, 1872. in Hickory Co., Mo.; departed this
life May 13, 1954, at the home of his son, Earl ;
aged 81 y. 7 m. 9 d. He had been in failing
health the past two years and was bedfast the
last four months. He united with the Mennonite
Church in his youth in Hickory County, and
later transferred his membership to the Syca-
more Grove Church near Garden City, Mo., and
remained a faithful member until death. He
was married to Barbara Nafziger in November,
1895. To this union were born 7 children (Ella
— Mrs. Jona Yoder, Lawrence, Kans. ; Susie —
Mrs. Fred Stutzman, and Harvey, Garden City,
Mo. ; Earl. Harrisonville, Mo. ; Pearl, who died
in 1936 ; Barbara and Erma, who died in in-
fancy). His wife preceded him in death Jan.
17, 1911. Also preceding him were a grandson
and several infant grandchildren. He is sur-
vived by 18 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchil-
dren, and a large number of other relatives and
friends. He was the oldest of 10 children ; 3
preceded him in death. Surviving are Mrs. Bar-
bara Shelton and John, Caney, Kans. ; Chris-
tian, Nashville. Ark. ; Mrs. Sarah Shelton, Pitts-
burg, Kans. ; Jacob, St. Joseph, Mo. ; and Mol-
lie Gleason, Harrisonville, Mo. Funeral services
were held May 15 at the Sycamore Grove
Church by Earl Buckwalter, assisted by S. S.
Hershberger. Burial was made in the Clear-
fork Cemetery.
Stutzman, Kathleen Laverne, stillborn daugh-
ter of Orville R. and Ilea (Voth) Stutzman,
was born April 11, 1954, at Newton, Kans.
550
Surviving are her parents, grandparents (Mr.
and Mrs O. H. Voth, Newton, Kans and Mr.
and Mrs Fred Stutzman. Garden City, Mo.),
an 3 great-grandparents (Silas Stutzman, Har-
nlvile Mo.; J. S- Both, of Hamsonville,
and Mrs G. W, Corfman, Whitewater, Kans.).
Graveside services at the Pennsylvania Ceme-
tery near Hesston, Kans., were conducted by
^hXLrUoyd, son of Perry and Celia
(Carr) Whetstine, was born May 23. JS»7, HI
b^'sryearsMd. On July 20 1922 , he was
£g? wfreTo^X t^n/Sr^
union were ""£_M \\r'A\ Davis, Marge, and
&s,11buJ!11'MoFr,Ji^:aFi«IK„«IrK';:
finite Mission, and seemed very happy in his
Yoder, Andrew S., son of Sam and Barbara
Yoder, was born m Holmes Co Oh«arch
29 1887; passed away at the ^wamnviiie,
Oreg Hospital, April 25, 1954; aged 67 y. 27 d
SSSU*. WHRS
? sons and 2 daughters were born, the first son
dX° in infancy. He leaves to mourn his pass-
his w fe 3 sons (Ammon Elmer, and
Henry? 2 daughters (Ada-Mrs Louis Swartz-
Suber, and" Clara) all of McMinnville^ 8
grandchildren, one sister (Lizzie— Mrs Wick
Yoder), one brother (Christ S ^^0,44 £e
many other relatives and friends In 1944 he
tnnsf erred his membership to the fcneriaan
MennonTte" congregation ^ere he worshiped un-
til his passing. Funeral services were held in
Ihe Sheridan Mennonite Church in charge of
TJ A Wolfer and LeRoy Cowan.
H Ytder: Jerry M., son of Moses and Cathryn
Yoder was born in Berlin, Ohio, Oct. 7, 1BOS ,
passed away May 20, 1954 atthe home of Will
and Callie Lietzel, Hutchinson, Kans., wnere
he was cared for the last five years; aged 95 y
7 m 13 d On Feb. 20, 1907, he was married
to Sarah Morgan, who preceded him m Febru-
ary 1931. Two stepchildren also preceded him.
He is survived by 3 stepchildren (Mrs Elmer
Swanson, Sam Morgan, and Charhe Morgan ,
all of Hutchinson. His nephew, Noah IWler.
helped to care for him the last I ew mon s o
his life. He was a member of the Hutchinson
Mission Mennonite Church, having been bap-
tized when he was 88 years old. Funeral serv-
ices were held in the Volkland Funeral Home
Hutchinson, May 22. with J. G. Hartzler and
sVnford E. King in charge. Burial was made
in the Hutchinson Eastside Cemetery.
Zimmerman, Susan, daughter of Joseph and
Fannie (Lesher) Horst, was born near Maug-
ansville, Md.. Dec. 3, 1863; passed away at her
home near Protection, Kans., May 17 1954 ,
aged % V. 5 m. 14 d. She accepted Christ as
her Saviour in her youth and united with the
Mennonite Church at Maugansville. Md. bne
was united in marriage to Jacob Zimmerman
in 1886 To this union were born 6 sons and t>
daughters. Two sons. 2 daughters and her hus-
band preceded her in death. She leaves to
mourn her passing 4 sons, 4 daughters. 32 grand-
children, 33 great-grandchildren, one Sister
(Mary L. Martin, Maugansville. M<U, and
many nieces, nephews, and friends. Funeral
services were held May 19 at the Mennonite
Church near Protection. Kans., where she was
a charter member, in charee of Aha Swartzen-
druber and Harry A. Dienor. Burial was made
in the adjoining cemetery.
GOSPEL HERALD
God is either first or He is nowhere with
us individually. The very essence and
core of religion is "God first" and alle-
giance and obedience to Him first.
If I cannot keep my father and mother
and be faithful to God, then I must for-
sake my father and mother. If I cannot
keep my husband or wife and be faith-
ful to Him, then I must forsake husband
or wife. If I cannot keep my children
and be faithful to Him, then Jesus
Christ says, forsake them. And if I can-
not keep houses and lands and be faith-
ful to Him, then I must forsake them.
If I cannot keep my business and be
faithful to Him, then I must sacrifice my
business. If I cannot keep my health and
be faithful to Him, then I must sacrifice
it. And last of all, if I cannot keep my
life and be faithful to Him, then I must
be prepared to lose it, and to lay my
neck on the block, if need be.
This is my religion, and I do not know
any other. I do not believe any other
will stand on the right hand of the
throne; and, if that be so, why, all other
sorts must stand on the left.
So pray do not attach that idea to me
that I think any person can sit down,
provided he has light, or opportunities
of getting light, without embracing this
higher-life religion, and then get to
heaven in a shamefaced, sneaking way.
No, no! God will have you or He will
not have you. He will know you or He
will say, "I never knew you: depart from
me."
People must have a God and a reli-
gion. They will have one, and when
they shrink from the true one, and will
not follow the divine counsel, then they
make one for themselves, and a great
many of them go to sleep and never wake
again. They go out of the world com-
fortably, under the influence of narcot-
ics. They die deceived; or, if they do
awake, we know what sort of awakening
it is, and what sort of deathbed is theirs.
-Catherine Booth, 1829-90. Reprinted
in The Burning Bush.
Price of Salvation
I do not find two standards of Chris-
tian experience here at all. I do not
believe God ever intended there should
be a lower life and a higher life and I am
afraid that those people who rest in the
lower life will find themselves awfullv
mistaken at last.
I believe that religion is all or nothing.
ITEMS and COMMENTS
Last Christmas the Omaha World Herald
ran a full-color reproduction of a painting
of Christ's head by artist Sirio Toneli. The
demand for reprints began pouring in.
though no offer had been made. Later the
paper announced that reproductions would be
made available at cost. Result: during^ Jan-
uary and February more than 34,000 copies of
the painting were purchased by readers.
— Moody Monthly.
Among the more discouraging statistics of
our time are those in the annual FBI report
on major crime — murder, negligence, man-
slaughter, rape, robbery, aggravated assault,
burglary, larceny, auto theft. The figures
for 1953 released by the FBI . . . made grim
reading. In 1953 there were 2,159,080 major
June 8, 1954
crimes — a 6 per cent over 1952 and an all-
time record. Every hour, on the average, in
1953, 15 persons were stabbed, clubbed, shot;
7 robberies were committed, 26 cars stolen.
Only murder showed a decrease — 12 per
cent below 1952— yet the total of 7,120 means
a murder very 72 minutes. The most dis-
turbing figure was the ratio of increase of
crime and population — since 1950, the popu-
lation has increased 5 per cent, crime, 20
per cent. — New York Times.
* * *
Milo A. Rediger, a minister of the Evan-
gelical Mennonite Conference, and serving
presently as dean of Taylor University, has
been elected president of the Congo Inland
Mission Board. This Board is composed of
members from four different Mennonite con-
ferences. It carries on foreign mission work
in the Belgian Congo, and now has more
than 70 missionaries under its supervision.
» * *
A study reported in Christian Parent re-
veals that few children understand the words
they hear in church. The conclusion: "We
should stay with the simplest possible words
in teaching religion, if we want more than
the sound of the words to get into the heads
and hearts of all people."
# # #
President Franklin D. Roosevelt's affilia-
tion with the Episcopal Church was original-
ly a matter of geography, according to the
diary of Harold L. Ickes, excerpts from which
were published in a recent issue of Look
magazine. Roosevelt's father had been
brought up in the Dutch Reformed Church,
and had attended the Presbyterian when
there was no Dutch Reformed in the neigh-
borhood. When the Roosevelt family moved
to Hyde Park, they got into the habit of at-
tending the Episcopal Church in the town,
because it was near by and "had a very fine
minister." Ickes said that the president told
him that the Roosevelts were very low
church, and that personally he preferred the
Presbyterian, Methodist, or Baptist sermon
to the Episcopalian. No doubt many people
choose their church on the basis of geography
or the eloquence of the minister. Many of
us, however, are unwilling to make our
choice in that way.
* • •
The National Service Board for Religious
Objectors has appealed to General Louis B.
Hershey, Director of Selective Service, in the
hope of eliminating multiple prosecution of
conscientious objectors. Under present regu-
lations, a number of CO's have been indicted,
convicted, and sentenced to prison again after
serving a term for refusing to register for
the draft. The Board has received reports on
19 second prosecutions throughout the coun-
try. It is reported that General Hershey re-
ceived the appeal "sympathetically."
• * #
A group of Lancaster County Amish have
carried their fight for an independent school
district to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.
They have appealed from refusal of the Lan-
caster County Court and the State Superin-
tendent of Public Instruction to approve an
independent school district. The attorney for
June 8, IP54
GOSPEL HERALD
551
the township says, "The Amish petitioners
say they want better facilities for their chil-
dren, but in reality they want to keep their
children aged fourteen and over out of school
and they also want to lower their school
taxes." This is a part of the long-standing
dispute between Pennsylvania school author-
ities and the Amish, who want to remove
their children from public school at the age
of fourteen for religious reasons.
# # *
The administration of the state of Uttar
Pradesh has asked the Indian government
about the possibility of taking measures
against the activities of foreign missionaries.
The statement declares that foreign mission-
aries, mostly American, had become increas-
ingly active in Uttar Pradesh and frequent
complaints had been received that they were
engaging in political activities. In the past
year various Indian leaders have made similar
accusations against foreign Christian mis-
sionaries. The charges have been denied re-
peatedly by spokesmen for the major denom-
inations, according to Religious News Serv-
ice.
# # *
The Oak Grove Baptist Church at Para-
gould, Ark., has admitted ten Negroes to
membership, thus becoming what is believed
to be the first interracial Baptist Church in
Arkansas. A member of the church said the
congregation took the action because "we
would look funny talking about foreign mis-
sions if we could not do something like this
in our own community."
• * *
The number of Roman Catholics who
joined the United Lutherans in American
congregations in 1952 was four times as
great as the total of members lost from that
denomination to Catholicism in that year.
The data was gathered in a survey in which
the great majority of the congregations of
the denomination participated.
* # *
On the hydrogen bomb The Times of Lon-
don has some thoughtful words: "If the
possibilities of the hydrogen bomb stretch out
to infinity, does national security demand
that experiments must continue farther and
farther along the road? Surely a point must
come at which the knowledge gained should
be sufficient to make further demonstrations
unnecessary. Moreover, if one side has bombs
capable of blowing up half of the world, is
it necessary as a deterrent for the other side
to have bombs capable of blowing up three
quarters of it?" — W. P.
* * *
Ralph Bunche, American diplomat who ar-
ranged the truce now in effect between the
Arab countries and Israel, has warned that
the drive for independence by colonial peo-
ples in Africa may bring a repetition of the
international crisis now evident in southeast
Asia. Speaking at Syracuse, New York, to
a state political science association, he de-
clared that there was a "good possibility that
Africa in the coming years will prove an even
greater threat to the peace of the world than
Asia." Dr. Bunche, who is Director of the
United Nations Trusteeship Department,
pointed out that the world organization is in
a paradoxical situation: trying to promote
independence for new nations, such as those
in Africa, while at the same time standing
broadly on de-emphasis on nationalism as a
source of international strife.
* * #
An editorial in the New York Times calls
attention to two grave statistics confronting
the American people. One is that over one
half of the world's population is living on the
edge of starvation, suffering from malnutri-
tion diseases. The other is that the United
States soon will have $6,000,000,000 worth of
surplus foods and fibers which are feeding
and clothing no one, piled up in idle storage.
Arguing that the government cannot give this
food away on any political formula, the edi-
torial urges that it should be distributed to
the needy of the world through established
relief and charitable agencies.
* # #
About 9,000,000 Americans are suffering
from some form of mental illness. More than
700,000 of them are in mental hospitals, fill-
ing half of the hospital beds in this country.
New York state devotes 28 per cent of its
total budget to mental hygiene. The National
Association for Mental Health reveals that
the average stay of a patient in a state mental
hospital is eight years, with 60 per cent of
all patients remaining from five to forty-five
years or longer.
* # *
Military propagandists are at work to pre-
pare the minds of the American people for
another Asiatic war. The great roar of dis-
approval, however, has caused many official
disclaimers of any intention to send men into
Indo-China.
* # #
It is not only the peace churches which are
saying that the cross and the H-bomb are
alternative choices. A Congregational Church
in Los Angeles asked President Eisenhower,
"Can we reconcile love of enemies and mass
retaliation, the cross and the H-bomb? Which
shall we give up?"
* # #
It is not only American missionaries who
are being denied visas to India. One man
who has been in charge of a hospital in India
since 1926, a citizen of Denmark, has been
refused permission to return to India.
* * *
Newspapers in India are reporting that
Christians are being reconverted to Hindu-
ism. The head of a widely known Hindu
monastery in South India is said to have won
over 10,000 persons away from Christianity.
* * #
A Harvard University professor testified
before the Senate Judiciary Committee on
Juvenile Delinquency that in the homes of
delinquents "a high proportion of the moth-
ers drank to excess, and 62 per cent of the
fathers."
* # *
A new three-cent stamp bearing the motto,
"In God We Trust," will be issued at Wash-
ington in June for regular postage. The
stamp will be similar in design to the eight-
cent stamp recently issued and will carry a
picture of the Statue of Liberty as well as the
slogan, "In God We Trust." The present
stamp picturing President Thomas Jefferson
which has been in use since 1938 will be dis-
continued. The post-office department prints
an estimated 7,000,000,000 three-cent stamps
per year, all of which will be carrying the
message of trust in God after June 24.
# # #
"Miss 7,000th" trotted up the runway of
the steamship "American Importer" on April
27. This Guernsey heifer was the 7,000th
head of cattle to be shipped overseas by the
Heifer Project. She went to Germany. On
April 5 the Heifer Project had sent to Korea
a plane loaded with 75 goats, 500 rabbits,
and 200 packages of bees. Aerial sprayings
of DDT had killed all the bees in Korea and
since the sugar price is high, bees are badly
needed. Recent shipments include a con-
signment of Brown Swiss cattle to Thailand
and 30,000 chicks and 3,000 turkey poults to
Turkey. In June, 35 heifers will be sent to
Austria.
# * *
"Billy Graham does not spend his time de-
fending the Bible," said Dr. Paul Rees, presi-
dent of the National Association of Evangeli-
cals, at the annual convention of that or-
ganization. "He makes no effort to prove
the authority of Holy Scripture; he simply
assumes it and asserts it." Describing the
methods of the American evangelist, Rees
said, "He has developed a slower pace and
is more subdued. He doesn't shout and is less
dramatic and goes over better with the Brit-
ish." He added that Graham has decided to
return to England in 1955.
# * #
There are 1,741 Protestant churches with
nearly 1,000,000 members in the five Penn-
sylvania counties comprising the greater
Philadelphia area. This was disclosed in a
survey conducted over the past four years
by the Philadelphia Council of Churches. The
area covered in the survey was Philadel-
phia, Delaware, Chester, Montgomery, and
Bucks counties, which have a combined popu-
lation of 3,150,000. Since the survey was
begun four years ago, 41 new Protestant
churches have been built in the area. The
area's Protestant churches sponsor 116 service
institutions, homes, and centers, according
to the survey, and educational institutions
with Protestant backgrounds or traditions
number 62. Forty are private schools, 16 are
schools of theology, and 6 are colleges. A
partial survey of the religious affiliation of
18,000 public school teachers in the greater
Philadelphia area shows that an estimated
95 per cent are church members, at least
nominally, and about two thirds of these are
Protestsants.
# * #
"We used to thank God each day that
we — and not Russia — have the A-bomb; now
we watch the sun come up each day — and
thank God." — An atomic scientist, quoted
by Between the Lines.
# * #
The first Roman Catholic church erected in
Israel since the founding of the new state in
1948 has been consecrated on the crest of Mt.
Carmel.
THE BOOK
Have interested strangers asked you, 'Tell me some-
thing about your group"? Maybe they wonder, "What
does your group believe?" Or perhaps their questions
show that they have Mennonites confused with Amish
or some other distinctive group.
And what do you tell them? Where do you begin?
What characteristics are typical of Mennonites? And
why do Mennonites exist?
With at least twenty-one different groups is it any
wonder we have difficulty describing ourselves to out-
siders! Actually, it is utterly impossible to squeeze
Mennonites into a single recognizable mold. You will
probably agree with John A. Hostetler that "there
are exceptions to almost everything one can say about
them."
But in spite of our differences in appearance and in
practice, John A. Hostetler points out that we do possess
a single idea— Bible-centeredness. And in our daily liv-
ing we place primary emphasis on obedience, simplicity,
and love.
The stranger with whom you share Mennonite Life
will find twenty-nine pages of interesting general facts
about Mennonites— where we come from, how we wor-
ship, what we do about education, the place of women,
the vocations we follow, why some people join and
why others leave, and what contribution we are making
to the world today. Price: 50$
You can give them a copy of
MENNONITE LIFE
by John A. Hostetler
(author of the popular AMISH LIFE)
HERALD PRESS
Scottdale, Pennsylvania
THE AUTHOR
As a Mennonite John A. Hostetler can speak
with understanding of his fellow members. He
also knows something of the onlooker's role, for
he grew up in an Amish home.
Eager to clear up the many false ideas about
Amish and Mennonites, he has made a careful
study of both groups. Both in Mennonite Life and
in Amish Life he explains distinctive characteris-
tics of the group, gives a brief account of its
origin, defines the beliefs, and describes the pat-
ROX-ltern °f living. £| OSYOIhO
N I 1 N 3 >! ti V A V %
al-vw i p;2<5 ivoncic ?! i r:r ::::rr:
GOSPEL HERALD
In ffre defence and confirmation of the gospel" "Jhw beautiful are the fmt of them that preach the gospel of peace'
VOLUME XLVII .
-TUESDAY, JUNE 15, 1954.
.NUMBER 24
Let God Have His Way
By Alice K. Gingerich
(This article comprises chapter 3 of the book,
'Life and Times of Daniel Kauffman," which is
ust off the press. Other announcements of this
300k occur elsewhere in this issue.)
In frontier days Mennonites were scat-
ered far and wide, and frequently in
these isolated spots one or two families
made up the community. This was es-
pecially true west of the Alleghenies.
These scattered members, attempting to
maintain their identity as Mennonites
under adverse circumstances, called for
ministers to visit them.
Certain churches and conferences in
Pennsylvania had authorized evangelists
.o visit the scattered churches in the
West, and even before this time an evan-
gelizing fund had been set up at Elk-
hart, Ind., to finance the trips of minis-
tering brethren to congregations and
neighborhoods where the members were
too few in number or too poor to defray
the expenses themselves.
The Herald of Truth, established in
1863 by John F. Funk at Elkhart, Ind.,
was enjoying an expanding circulation,
and upon its pages were appearing more
and more frequently evidences that the
people were awaking to their needs and
calling for action.
On the editorial page of the closing
number of the Herald of Truth tor the
year 1890 the editor sums up these evi-
dences thus: "We see by the numerous
accounts of visits among the churches
that there is increasing interest and ac-
tivity in the ministry. Our young peo-
ple have also shown a commendable zeal
in taking more active part than ever in
the Sunday-school work. The conference
reports show that there is a deeper con-
viction among our people of the neces-
sity of earnest, united, and consecrated
and continued effort for the upbuilding
of Zion and the dissemination of the
Gospel of Jesus Christ among men. Nor
has this increased activity been void of
good results; for by the blessings of God
on the special efforts that have been
made for gathering souls into the king-
dom, the church shows a larger increase
in membership than perhaps any one
year in the last century."
The time, then, was ripe for a forward
movement in the church, and the Holy
Spirit was even then preparing leaders
for such a movement. Through the influ-
ence of a few Spirit-filled men whose
evangelistic efforts were widespread
throughout the church, and by less rec-
ognized means, qualified young men
were being led to Christ, into the Men-
nonite Church, and to the definite con-
secration of their whole lives for the use
of the Holy Spirit. For his own place
in the work, Daniel Kauffman was pre-
paring himself by prayer and diligent ap-
plication to the study of the Word.
In October of the year 1892 John S.
Coffman visited the Mt. Zion congrega-
tion and preached during a two-week
series of meetings. He was shortly joined
by Bishop L. J. Heatwole, at that time in
charge of the churches in Cass Co., Mo.
Toward the close of the last week of the
meetings, Coffman read and explained
the Scripture relating to the qualifica-
tions and selection of church officers, and
the voice of the church was taken with
regard to ordaining a minister at that
place. Daniel Kauffman was chosen by
the unanimous vote of the congregation,
and on Saturday, Oct. 30, he was or-
dained by L. J. Heatwole, in the pres-
ence of his father, David Kauffman, and
his "father in the faith," John S. Coff-
man. It was an impressive occasion, and
one person present, later called to the
ministry himself, felt as never before the
solemnity of the "high calling" laid
upon a man with the laying on of hands
in his ordination vows.
Daniel Kauffman expressed his own
convictions concerning the call to service
and the Christian's response to it a few
years later: "What our course after re-
generation will be, depends partly upon
the leading of the Spirit, and partly upon
our willingness to be led by this leading.
. . . Whatever may be the chain of cir-
cumstances which seem to shape our
career, or the impressions resting upon
our minds, let nothing be so construed
as to mean that we should interfere with
God's work. If God has designed that
we should be fitted for certain positions
in life— as, for instance, the ministry, or
mission work— and we are submissive to
Him, He will certainly bring us to the
place He wants us to occupy, without a
particle of interference on our part.
"Should a man say, 'God has called me
to preach; if the church will not ordain
me, I'll preach anyway,' the same will
prove at once that he is not called of
God, for he is not Scripturally qualified;
for he is not 'easy to be intreated,' and is
both 'highminded' and a 'striker.' God
never calls any man to any station in
life, and then uses His organization to
block the way. Let God have His own
way, and He will, in His own good time,
bring us into the position which is best
for us and for the cause. . . .
"Paul is a notable example. He re-
ceived a direct call from God to become
His chosen messenger to carry the Gospel
to the Gentiles. Yet not until after a
chain of circumstances of several years'
length carried him through various ex-
periences and thorough preparation, was
he sent forth as the ordained of God and
the church to the work he had been
called to do. Let God have His way.
'Run not before Him.' 'Wait, I say, on
the Lord.' 'n
The duties which came to Daniel
Kauffman upon his ordination to the
ministry were undertaken with his char-
acteristic humility and diligence. The
Missouri Conference, though "never
very strong numerically as compared
with other conferences . . . took an ag-
gressive attitude toward all Scriptural
church enterprises and exerted a marked
influence in the counsels of the church
at large."2 Among other things they at-
tempted to serve the members scattered
here and there over the state, and a num-
ber of times the district conference re-
ports noted the fact that Daniel Kauff-
man had been appointed evangelist for
the current year.
Due perhaps to the fact that his home
congregation, Mt. Zion, was rather small
in numbers, and partly to his work in the
early years of his ministry among the
Men Wanted
By Ruth King Duerksen
Christ wants men!
Service? not sufficient.
Christ wants men
Willing to be used and spent ;
He wants their thoughts,
Pure and holy ;
He wants their wills,
Broken and lowly;
He wants an eternal "no" to self
Wholly free from pride ;
He wants an undivided heart
So He can live inside.
Hesston, Kans.
554
GOSPEL HERALD
June 15, 195*
small groups of members in Missouri,
Kansas, Iowa, and later in moie distant
states, Daniel Kaulfman always felt a
warm concern for the small and strug-
gling church. Often he went many miles
out of the way, and strained an already
close time schedule to visit and minister
to such a congregation. "The large
churches often have visitors," he once
patiently explained to his critical chil-
dren. "These little churches need help
and encouragement, too."
After his conversion, and later after
his ordination to the ministry, he con-
tinued his work in the schoolroom for
several years, the latter part of which he
taught in the Garden City, Mo., schools.
"I like my old business fine," he wrote to
f. S. Coffman in 1894, "but the work is
enormous. Regular schoolwork, insti-
tute work, correspondence, preparation
of sermons, and general reading takes
up about all my time." A year later in a
letter to J. S. Coffman he wrote: "It
would be impossible tor me to accept
any position in your school, even if ten-
dered to me, at least for this year, as I
have accepted the principalship of the
Garden City schools. For the same rea-
son, I cannot accept your request to come
to Indiana this fall to work in the evan-
gelizing field. I hope, however, that you
will have no trouble in seeming a min-
ister to fill that place.
"If anyone should have told me six
months ago that I would accept a posi-
tion in any school outside of a church
school, I would have told him that he did
not know what he was talking about;
but I have a weakness for the invitation
'come, teach our school,' and when the
invitation came I yielded. . . . Whether
I did the right thing or not, I thought
I was doing the best thing I could do.
My heart is in the Christian work, and
I hope to be able to do some outside
work this winter."3 As his church work
gradually increased and called lor more
and more of his time, he found he need-
ed a less confining occupation.
Bishop David Kauffman died in Au-
gust, 189G, after an illness of several
months with consumption. In Septem-
ber of that year, the Missouri Confer-
ence, meeting at the Mt. Zion Church,
called and ordained his son Daniel to
take up the office of bishop which his la-
ther had so faithfully filled for more
than twenty years.
With the high calling of the office of
bishop laid upon him, Daniel left the
schoolroom in the spring ol 1897, at the
close of his contracted term, and re-
turned to Morgan County, lie lived with
his mother at the old home place, and
gave his spare time to farming. He was
now much more free to accept the calls
from different churches as they came to
him. Before, he had been limited for
the most part to the summer months for
evangelistic efforts.
Several things early impressed him as
he went about among the churches,
meeting the members under many and
varied circumstances, observing the
strength and the weakness of each place
in his thoughtful, discerning way. To
the Mennonite Church he was commit-
ted heart and soul, and he desired above
all things to see the church working to
the honor and glory of God. He saw the
people in many instances "scattered
abroad, as sheep having no shepherd."
He felt their hunger and thirst for the
Word. He saw the paralyzing effect that
formalism without corresponding spir-
ituality had had upon some churches,
The Dawn
By Lorie C. Gooding
From my doorsill I watched the day awake.
And I in wonder stood in wordless prayer.
The sun paused just above the hill to shake
The folds from all his crimson flags of light
And slip the leashes of his silver hounds
That harried to his domain's utmost bounds
The ragged sable remnants of the night.
In mild astonishment a redbird spoke.
A little wind accompanied the morn,
And walked, cat-footed, by the sleeping corn
To seize die drowsy orchard unaware.
A chipmunk flickered on an ivied oak.
Holmesville, Ohio.
and, conversely, the equally devastating
effect of "formlessness." The burden nev-
er left his heart as long as he lived, and
he dedicated his whole self to Christ, to
labor with all the powers of his being
"for the perfecting of the saints, tor the
work of the ministry, for the edifying of
the body of Christ: till . . . all come in
the unity of the faith, and ol the knowl-
edge of the Son of God, unto a perfect
man, unto the measure of the statute ol
the fulness of Christ" (Eph. 4:12, 13).
What were the resources which he
brought to the work to which he was 10
give his life? Chielly these: a Christian
heritage and training; familiarity from
childhood with the Mennonite teachings
and doctrines, chinch organization and
methods of administration; an aware-
ness of the world outside of the church
world, and the environment which Chris-
tians must face; a fondness for reading
and study; a clear and logical mind; well-
balanced emotions and sound judgment;
a tireless capacity for work; ability to ex-
press himself clearly, concisely, and in
language readily understood by every-
one; and a genuine humility which
sought to efface self at all times. These
characteristics, unreservedly consecrated,
were used of God in a ministry which
brought blessing to many in the yea»
that followed.
It is idle to speculate, as some havA
done for the sake of illustration, what
this man might have become it he had
continued in his chosen political career.
In a very real sense, the old Daniel Kautf-
nian ceased to exist at his conversion,
and he became a new and different mar*
Where he had been intent on realizing
his personal ambitions in his political
party, he was now committed to the hon-
or and glory of God through service in
the Mennonite Church. From now on,
personal consideration held no weight
to keep him from any action beneficial to
the church according to the Word o!
God. On the other hand, nothing could
persuade him to violate what he comic*
ered the best interests of the church.
"Those of us who knew him intimately
and labored with him," commented S. G
Voder, "cannot fail to note the tremeri
dous influence of this unassuming mat
who came to the church, as it now ap
pears, when she was at the crossroads
He, together with others who were sim
ilarly minded, rallied her forces and di
rected her into paths that made tor prog
ress forward and upward. His voice an<
the voices of others of his day— Coffman
Shoemaker, Steiner, C. Z. Voder, am
others— awakened the church out ot he
lethargy and helped her to realize thl
divine power at her command, as wej
as the other resources that were resided
within her. Long lines of men and won
en who were young in his dav wen
touched and inspired b\ Brother KauH
man's kindly influence and are todaj
found among the ardent laborers in th
vineyard where he served so long."
1 Herald of Truth (March IS, 1900), trom a lectin
delivered at Elkhart Institute. "From Change t
Chanqe." . _ . — ■ — ~
« Daniel KauHman, Mennonite Cyclopedic Dictioi
aTY. p. 250.
' letter to 1. S. CoHman. July 24. IMS.
Human history is not a llower garde
but a battleground, in which a titani
snuggle is taking place between Go
and forces of evil. -John A. Mackay.
GOSPEL HERALD
B0TABL1.HIO I.M A8 •UOCUIM TO «9.P»L W.TNM. (I.M) AND HERALD OF TRUTH ,18841
PAUL KERB -O.TOR JOHN L. HOR8T, MILLARD C. L.ND. CON.ULT.N. .D.TOR. LEV. C HAULER. M.SS.ONS IO.TOR
WIIKLT PURL..-.. THB I NTIRUTe «P THI M.N*ON,T« OHURCN .Y -K. M.NNON.TC PURL. CAT, ON ROARO. .COTT.ALR. FA.
■ Ml. RORPRl. MRRALJ, IS A HklllWM PURLIRRRB l» .URRCRI PT ION PRICE »« O. PIR VIA*. THRU TEAJW
::\r~rr.r:™™ =r mi,:.::.::::...,.. „
p. PBIMTRB U.«-A.
June 15, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
EDITORIAL
"Life and Times of
Daniel Kauffman'
99
For many years Daniel Kauffman was
nerally recognized as the outstanding
MJeader of the Mennonite Church. This
was especially true around the close of
} the nineteenth century and the first three
decades of the twentieth century, during
the period which is called by historians
the great awakening in the Mennonite
Church. His family background, his
early training and experiences, together
with his great native abilities, especially
fitted him, after his conversion, for such
a time as this.
Those who were active in the Mennon-
ite Church during the time in which he
lived and served will never forget the
service which he rendered and the influ-
ence which he exerted. He was indeed a
versatile leader, serving prominently as
evangelist, Bible teacher, author, editor,
and church statesman. He was a great
yet humble person, who was not less
loved, but rather more, by those who
were closely associated with him over the
years. For about twenty-four years the
writer was closely associated with him in
publishing and church work. In all this
time my appreciation for him as a man
and as a servant of the Lord was deep-
ened.
It is very important that the work and
influence of such great men of the church
be preserved for the benefit of future gen-
erations through the printed page. We
are glad to announce the publication of
the book, "Life and Times of Daniel
Kauffman," which we believe will fill a
large place in this way. Written by his
daughter, Alice Kauffman Gingerich, it
brings to us intimate glimpses into the
1 life of this great man, as well as an ac-
i count of his many and varied activities
4 in the work of the church which he so
greatly loved.
We are glad to announce the publica-
tion of this book in the columns of the
editorial page of the Gospel Herald
which he ably edited for nearly thirty-
nine years, counting in the three-year
period of its predecessor, the Gospel Wit-
ness. To many of us who are happy to
have lived in the "Life and Times of
Daniel Kauffman," this book will be a
treasured possession which will arouse
happy memories and perhaps bring a
few nostalgic tears. To the younger gen-
eration who did not have the privilege of
knowing; him we believe it will be an in-
teresting source of inspiration and bless-
ing. Published ten years after his death,
this book can now help us look back and
appreciate more than ever the great part
which Daniel Kauffman played, under
God, during the more than fifty-three
years in which he served the Lord and
the church. May the reading of this book
inspire us all to greater devotion and
zeal in the work of the Lord and the
cause of the church which we have es-
poused. See other announcements of the
book in this issue.— H.
Father's Day
One of the highest tributes to human
fatherhood is the fact that it is used in
the Scriptures to illustrate the father-
hood of God. An Old Testament refer-
ence to the point is Ps. 103:13: "Like as a
father pitieth his children, so the Lord
pitieth them that fear him." In the New
Testament Heb. 12:9 stands out: "We
have had fathers of our flesh which cor-
rected us, and we gave them reverence:
shall we not much rather be in subjec-
tion unto the Father of spirits, and live?"
The point is further illustrated in the
fact that in some of the most tender
allusions to God in both Old and New
Testaments the term "Father" is used.
For instance, the Prophet Isaiah says:
"Thou, O Lord, art our father, our re-
deemer; thy name is from everlasting"
(63:16). Other references would also
show that this term was precious to the
Old Testament saints. In the New Testa-
ment our Lord not only taught His
disciples to pray, "Our Father which art
in heaven, Hallowed be thy name," but
in His own high-priestly prayer He ad-
dressed God as "Holy Father." In giving
the Great Commission He began the bap-
tismal formula with the words, "In the
name of the Father." The Apostle Paul
uses the term both in his salutations and
his benedictions in his epistles. Peter,
James, John, and Jude also use it. No
wonder that it is one of the terms most
555
used by Christians in prayer and that it
expresses one of our most endearing rela-
tionships with God!
From the above it seems that we can
conclude that human fathers are respon-
sible to their children on the natural lev-
el somewhat as God is responsible to His
children on the spiritual or higher level.
It is not irreverent or presumptuous to
say that fathers are or ought to be the
representatives of God to their children,
especially in their younger years. How
tragic it is that so many fathers do not
realize or respond to their high calling!
The Scriptures give instructions con-
cerning the duties of fathers, both in
illustrations and in direct teaching. In
the Old Testament there is perhaps no
better illustration than that of Abra-
ham, of whom the Lord said: "For I
know him, that he will command his
children and his household after him,
and they shall keep the way of the Lord
..." (Gen. 18:19). The favorite New
Testament Scripture on this point is
probably Eph. 6:4: "And, ye fathers, pro-
voke not your children to wrath: but
bring them up in the nurture and ad-
monition of the Lord."
All of this is introductory to the re-
minder that the third Sunday in June is
designated as Father's Day. It is not as
widely recognized or observed as Moth-
er's Day. Yet it too can serve a useful
purpose if it points fathers to the duties
and responsibilities that come to them as
heads of the home. As the Scriptural
head of the home he has certain respon-
sibilities that he only can fill. He is not
only the provider for natural things, but
the spiritual head who needs to lead out
in the spiritual interests and activities
of the home. He should be the leader in
the family worship in which all in the
home need to participate. He is respon-
sible for the sterner aspects of home
training and discipline. Even though he
may not be able to manifest all the
finer traits of love and affection that
mother does, his concern for the tempo-
ral and spiritual welfare of the family
needs to be just as great.
In the home father is in a real sense
the vicegerent of God. Father's Day
provides an opportunity for other mem-
bers of the family to recognize his posi-
tion and to honor him for it in ways that
are appropriate.— H.
Jesus consistently condemned the in-
justices of society and left no room for
race prejudice.— John R. Mumaw.
556
GOSFIL HIRALD
June 15, 1954
Self-Denial
Bv Esther Trauger Showalter
The dictionary definition of sell
denial: the act or power of denying one's
self-gratification, as for the good of some-
one else or self-mortification, or the
brineine unto death the desires and will
ol the flesh; lorhearance 01 refusal to
giatily one's feeling, inclinations, or de-
sires.
" Then said Jesus unto his disciples. If
any man will come alter me, let him deny
himself, and take up his cross, and fol-
low me" (Matt. 16:24).
Christ in order to he a Redeemer from
sin and self-will learned under the sever-
est denial and testing to make the will of
God supreme, and to keep it supreme, in
shame, in suffering, in face of death. He
learned His highest obedience in His
deepest suffering. "Ease, comfort, popu-
larity, riches, glory, all were sacrificed
upon the altar of self-denial; His life sac-
rificed to the one effort to promote the
highest interest of those whom He served
and for whom He gave His all. Looking
at results, we find that He not onlv ac-
complished the deliverance of millions
of souls from the captivity of sin and
death, but that, 'God also hath highly
exalted him, and given him ;< name
whic h is above every name' " (Phil. 2:9).]
Christ went first to Gethseinanc, then
Calvary. So it is in the Christian's life:
first self-denial, then the (toss. Self-rejei
tion is the key to all regeneration. "Ex-
cept a corn of wheat fall into the ground
and die, it al>iclcih alone; but il it die, il
bringeth forth much fruit."
As we study the life of Paul, the great
apostle to the Gentiles, we have a vivid
picture of what self-denial means.
Dining Lent season many Catholics
deny themselves of material things. But
sell-denial is not a mete < titling oil ol an
indulgence here and there, or denying
oneself of this thing or that, but it is
denying self. Thai Foui letter word causes
us much trouble, it is natural and hu
man for us to assert ourselves and con-
tend for our own ideas, our own prop-
erty, our own will. Too often when we
have our most intimate communion with
CckI we begin by presenting our needs in
,1 selfish way. We hold up before the
throne Ol God OUt loved ones, not be-
cause Christ has died for them, hut be
cause their well being is bound with our
selfish happiness. Having prayed lor our
families we pray lot oui Christian work,
"l.oid, bless my Sunday sc hool class."
Why? Was thai prayei lot the children's
needs or did we want some credit for our
selves? What is the motivating force
when we pray lot our country, out woi Id,
and for peace ? Are we burdened for 1 his.
or do we fear another war? Self is every
wheie present. Self wants its own way,
and its stands up for its own rights, and
seeks its own glot \ .
The whole framework of Christian
ch. 11. Kiei tests on the lound.ii ion of self-
denial, the yielding ol one's own wishes,
desires, impulses to the will of God, who
so loved that He gave His only begotten
Son that He might reveal His will to us
in the life and death of His Son. It is
the giving up of our all, if need be, for
the sake of Christ or for our soul's sal-
vation. It is far-reaching and it must be
practiced in our daily lives to do the
whole will of God. Matt. 10:38; 16:24;
Mark 8:34, 35; Luke 9:23, 24; 14:27.
"Self-denial stands at the very gate-
way of Christian life and service. The
llesh and the Spirit are at enmity against
each other— we can not follow both at
the same time."2 Rom. 8:1, 2; Gal. 5:17-
23; 6:7, 8.
Can self be denied? The difficulty is
not with our inability, but with our un-
willingness. The refusal to die to self is
what makes one miserable. Self-denial
requires a sacrifice of what appears to
be self-interest, and this sacrifice must
be by consent of the mind and it takes
will power. Although it may be a sacri-
fice il is an investment which pays. It is
There is no yellow streak or
laiilelale gray in the soul thai has
been washed while in the blood
of the Lamb. — Naubinway Church
Bulletin.
the way to happiness and prosperity both
in a material and in a spiritual way. The
one who has given his all to Christ has
an enriched life and is of greater service
to God and man.
"The cross contradicts human nature
at every point. Except a man denies him-
self, forsakes all that he has, yea. all his
own lite also, Christ says that he 'can-
not be my disciple.' "3
"He that taketh not his cross, and fol-
loweth after me, is not worthy of me"
(Matt. 10:38).
To renounce self as being crucified
with Christ means to obey and to he sub-
missive to the resurrected Chrisi, and
this constitutes Christian sell-denial,
"The underlying principles of self-
deni.il are love and obedience. The high-
est form of self denial is the willingness
to forego even the bliss and glory ol heav-
en that others may be saved. |esus our
Savioui lelt heaven's glot \, lived the life
of a man of sorrows, and finally gave up
His life that men might be saved. The
giving up of self-righteousness is simply
an exchange for the righteousness of Je
sus Christ. The denial of riches here is
merely .111 exchange for the eternal rich-
es above."4
We must own His authority, regard
His will, seek His interests and honor
and glory. We must worship Him as su-
preme lord.
"Feat not to follow in His steps. Bv
and by the rewards of self-denial will he
apparent in the royal diadem in glorv.
and self-denial will prove to be but an
exchange of earth for heaven."5
It Happened —
TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO
(From Gospel Herald, May 25, 1929)
Bro. W. W. Hege of Marion, Franklin,
Co., Pa., died suddenly on Sunday eve-
ning, May 19. Bro. Hege was a former
member of our Publication Board.
(From Gospel Herald, May 30, 1929)
A very impressive ceremony took place
on Tuesday afternoon [Twenty-third an-
nual meeting of the Mennonite Board of
Missions and Charities, May 19-21, at
Sycamore Grove, near Garden City, Mo.]
when seven missionaries were in line on
the platform. . . . Bro. C. Z. Voder ad-
dressed the Board and the missionaries
in a consecration service.
On April 1 our locality [Louisville.
Ohio, Beech congregation] was visited
by a very strong wind storm, which did
considerable damage. Our church build-
ing was badly damaged. The west gable
was blown in. . . . About a quarter of
the roof was also blown off.
(From Gospel Herald, June 6, 1929)
On May 29 ordination services were
held at Franconia Church, Montgomery
Co., Pa., for bishop. . . . Bro. Arthur D.
Ruth was chosen.
"Let us, then, seize hold of the oppor-
tunity by yielding our nothingness to
God's concealed omnipotence."6
Here is the Saviour's promise to the
faithful, "To him that overcometh will I
giant to sit with me in my throne, even
as I also overcame, and am set down
with my Father in his throne."
1 Doctrines oi the Bible, by Daniel Kauffman, p. 480.
- Ibid., p. 48:.
Born Crucified, by L. E. Maxwell, p. 63.
' Doctrines ol the Bible, by Daniel KauHman.
p. 488.
■ Ibid., r. 489.
' Born Crucified, by L. E. Maxwell, p. 190.
Wismer, Pa.
The Price of Discipleship
1 he Southport Methodist Magazine
tells ol the missionary who w.is asked
whether he liked his work in Africa. He
replied, "Do I like this work? No, my
wife and I do not like dirt. We have
reasonably refined sensibilities. We do
not like crawling into vile huts through
goal retuse. We do not like association
with ignorant, filthy, brutish people. But
is a man to do nothing for Christ he does
not like? Liking or disliking has nothing
to do with it. We are here to do the will
of God."
June iy, iq>4
GOSPEL HERALD
557
The Lame Beggar by the Beautiful Gate
Fifteen Minutes in Bible Lands
By Anis Charles Haddad
Wending my way down the rocky path
of Mount of Olives, I sat oppos.te the
Golden Gate. A sweet calm pervaded all.
In front of me rises the mountain on
which Jerusalem is built crowned by the
eastern wall of the ancient city. Across
the valley and under the wall we see the
army of gravestones where innumerable
Moslems lie buried. The wall of the
city lies in golden morning sunlight, that
brought into special prominence the
Golden Gate which fronts us. This gate
is blocked up with masonry on the outer
side and is today "beautiful" only in its
name! It is a square, unfriendly looking
mass of stone which might as well be
called the "Dumb Gate" as the Golden!
This eate seems to have consisted of
two small arches supported by a column
between them. In spite of the Moslem as-
sertion that the pillars of this structure
were a present to Solomon from the
Queen of Sheba, the building in its pres-
ent form probably dated from the early
part of the seventh century, and opened
its portals for a second triumphal entry
in A.D. 629. The column is now re-
moved and the whole space filled up with
stone work, in consequence of a predic-
tion which gains much credit among the
followers of Mohammed. The Moslems
believe that someday the Christian Con-
queror will enter by the same gate and
that he will wrest this city from them and
give it to the Christians. Therefore they
keep the gate walled up, so as to put off
the decree of Fate to the last possible
moment. They hope to postpone the
inevitable day as long as possible.
Now we turn to Ezek. 44:2 where we
see a remarkable prophecy which seems
to bear out the Moslem tradition: "Then
said the Lord unto me; This gate shall
be shut, it shall not be opened, and no
man shall enter in by it; because the
Lord, the God of Israel, hath entered
in by it, therefore it shall be shut."
This gateway, however, is worthy of
some attention. It is generally admitted
to be Byzantine and dates, it is believed,
from the reign of Justinian. This was
probably also the northern limit of the
Temple of Herod and corresponds with
the Eastern gate called in the Talmud
the Shushan gate. It was, therefore, the
scene of our Lord's Triumphal Entry
into Jerusalem on that glorious Palm
Sunday when "they that went before,
and they that followed, cried, saying,
Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in
the name of the Lord" (Mark 11:9).
Being the only gate visible on the
Eastern side of the Temple area, popular
tradition identified it with the "door of
the Temple which is called Beautiful,"
where Peter healed the lame man, as
mentioned in Acts 3:1-11.
The apostles never intended to form
an order purely contemplative. Such an
idea, in fact, never could have entered
into the mind of one of those early Chris-
tians. They remembered that their Mas-
ter had expressly said, "Ye are the salt
of the earth." Salt is useless if kept stored
up in a vessel by itself and never applied
to any object where its curative proper-
ties might have free scope. They used
rest and contemplation; they did not
abuse them. When their tone and pow-
er were restored, they issued forth again
upon the field of religious activity and
joined in the public worship of the
crowd. "Peter and John went up togeth-
er into the temple at the hour of prayer,
being the ninth hour."
A man's character is the sum of
all his habils. — Selected.
The action of these two apostles in
their frequenting the Temple worship
gives us a glimpse into the state of feel-
ing and thought which prevailed then
and for a great many years afterward in
the Church of Jerusalem.
Peter and John were going up into the
Temple at the hour of the evening sacri-
fice. They were entering the Temple by
the gate well known to all dwellers at
Jerusalem as the "Beautiful Gate." Here
they met this important beggar at the
entrance to the Court of the Women
into which the Beautiful Gate led, whom
they healed in the name and by the
power of Jesus of Nazareth. The spot
where this miracle was performed was
familiar to the Jews of that day.
The modern notions about churches
confuse all true conceptions concerning
the Temple. The vast majority of peo-
ple, when they think of the Temple,
form to themselves an idea of a vast ca-
thedral, when they ought instead to
think of a large college, with square suc-
ceeding square, and court following
court. As Peter and John ascended the
Temple hill they came first to the Court
of the Gentiles, which served as a market
and in which a crowd of mendicants were
assembled to solicit alms. Out of this
Court of the Gentiles, the Beautiful Gate
led into the Court of the Women, which
was reserved for the ordinary religious
offices of the Jewish people.
Here was gathered a crowd of beggars,
such as then frequented the temples of
the pagans as well as of the Jews. The
custom must have proved remunerative,
for it to have been so persistently ob-
served even to this day, especially in Con-
tinental and Eastern lands.
Out of the crowd one man addressed
Peter and John, asking an alms. This
man was well known to the regular wor-
shipers in the Temple. He was a cripple,
and one long accustomed to haunt the
same spot, for he was, Scripture tells us,
above forty years old. The apostles must
have seen him before. Indeed, one feels
that they must have heard this same
beggar's plea droned out when they had
visited the Temple on previous occa-
sions, when they may have dropped
something into his outstretched palm.
It is, doubtless, a justifiable instinct
which has led needy and distressed peo-
ple to the doors of the temples and
churches in all countries and ages. If
there is ever a time when the heart
should be softened by the sight of need,
it is when men are going to appear be-
fore the merciful and great God. So Peter
and John stayed on their way to prayer
to take compassion on a physically help-
less man, and the action is typical of
what spiritually earnest people ought
always to do. Peter replied to the beg-
gar's prayer in the well-known words,
"Silver and gold have I none; but such
as I have give I thee: In the name of
Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and
walk."
They gave the helpless man a great
deal more than he asked! He asked an
alms and a temporary alleviation of his
distress. They gave him that which lifted
him above the necessity of asking alms,
and out of the region of absolute de-
pendence on others. The overflowing
joy of the man, his almost wild excite-
ment, is a sign of the genuineness of his
need. Upon this a crowd collected, at-
tracted by the excited conduct of the
man who had received such an unexpect-
ed blessing. They ran together after the
manner of all crowds which assemble so
easily and so rapidly in a city, and then,
hurrying into a cloister, called Solomon's
Porch, which was a. remnant of the an-
cient Temple, heard the address of Peter.
It must have been a spot filled with
cherished memories for the apostle.
Why was this miracle of healing the
cripple at the Temple gate the only one
recorded of those earliest signs and won-
ders wrought by apostolic hands? This
miracle was typical of the church's work,
for it was a beggar that was healed, and
this beggar lay helpless and hopeless at
the very doors of the Temple. The beg-
gar typified humanity at large. He was
laid, indeed, in a splendid position. Be-
fore him was extended the magnificent
panorama of hills which stood round
about Jerusalem. Above rose the splen-
dors of the building upon which the
Herods had lavished the riches and won-
ders of their gorgeous conceptions, but
he was nothing the better for all this
material grandeur till touched by the
power which lay in the name of Jesus of
Nazareth. And the beggar of the Beau-
tiful Gate was in all these respects the
558
GOSPEL HERALD
June 13, 1954
fittest object for Peter's earliest public
miracle, because he was exactly typical
of mankind's state. The first man healed
and benefited by Peter was a poor man,
and the church's work has ever led her to
deal with the poor, and to interest her-
self most keenly in their well-being. This
first miracle is typical of Christian work,
because Christianity is essentially the re-
ligion of the masses.
This gate must have been very beau-
tiful indeed. It was the outer gate of the
Temple, that which opened upon the
Temple area from the broad and splen-
did street which led from the city to
the sacred place. As the entering wor-
shiper passed through this gate, the
glory of the splendid structure displayed
itself before him. He saw the open courts,
the vistas of the galleries, the sweep of
stairs, the brilliant walls of the Temple
of Herod. Entering by the Beautiful
Gate, he saw the whole in all its beauty.
And the gate itself was worthy of the
view on which it opened. It was made
entirely of precious Corinthian brass.
There was a certain satisfied sense of fit-
ness there. The gate which opened on
the sublime and beautiful prospect was
beautiful and sublime itsell. The wor-
shiper entered on the glory of the Tem-
ple through a portal that foretold the
coming glory by its own.
• • •
The architecture of the old Jewish
Temple may serve us for a parable today.
The truth that it suggests will be the
harmony between a noble undertaking
and a "beautiful beginning"— that every
true temple ought to have a beautiful
gate. When we look at the fairest things
that have been done in the world, we
are much struck by seeing how often
the entrance has been at least worthy of,
and alas how often it has surpassed with
its beauty, the court to which it gave ad-
mission. The whole world had its beau-
tiful gate in those days of innocence and
pci led happiness which passed in Eden
before man's sin came, bringing sorrow
with it. Christianity commenced its ca-
reer with the beautiful life of Jesus. So
every human life starts in the beautiful
mystery of childhood. Soever) man's la-
bor in his profession opens with the days
ol stiiily and theory, when the idea ol
his profession is beautiful ami clear be-
fore him. So every best friendship ami
lilelong love starts in a glance of admira-
tion that almost worships the image of
(he ( ovcted li ieud.
Let us now think ol the wisdom ami
love ol God who has put the beauty of
youth at the entiame ol eveiv human
life. Through the Beautiful Gate every
man ionics into the temple. 1 'he temple
is heaulilul itsell. l.ile is Idled with joy
and sacredness. Hut how lew lives are
more heaulilul than (he youth (hat leads
to (hem! And how the noblest lives are
promised in (heir youth by lair anticipa-
tions ol their coming beauty! And then
think again that the highest life always
is icligious. l he best glory of the most
full existence is in the overflowing of its
fullness with the love and fear of God.
I hat sets us to asking whether to the
beautiful Temple of a mature religious
fife there is also a beautiful gate.
Old City, Jerusalem, Jordan.
Time to Give Away
By Loric C. Gooding
I have all the time there is,
Twenty-four hours every day.
Never a minute to waste or lose,
But I have time to give away.
I can spare a moment to give a smile.
I can take an hour or two to pray.
And if there is need I can wait a whde,
For I have time to give away.
I have time enough for work and for rest,
For play and for pleasure every day.
But the happiest time I have, and the best,
Is the time I have to give away.
I have all the time I can ever use,
Twenty-four hours every day.
Never a minute to waste or lose,
But I have time to give away.
Holmesville, Ohio.
The Battleground of Prayer
By Laverne Sensenig
Why is it so difficult to pray an un-
disturbed prayer? It happens frequently
that when one enters into the spirit of
prayer, some worldly influence is there
to interrupt our devotion to God.
But we must realize this is a powerlul
weapon the devil can use. Prayer is
called the heartbeat of the Christian.
Therefore the evil one knows this can be
one of his most influential means of mak-
ing the Christian's heart slop its beating.
By disturbing the prayer life of a follow-
er of Christ, he can add another soul to
his evil possessions. Yes, the devil can
.slip in very quietly to do his work. This
is one of the surest and easiest methods
he has to fulfill his desires.
My friend, doesn't it frequently hap-
pen thai when we feel the need of the
Lord most intensely some evil force
seems to say "No"? Many excuses im-
print themselves on our minds, such as,
I'm too busy," or "Later will be just a
NOT CHARITY BUT
BROTI IERHOOD
Entire congregations invited u> join.
Write tor particulars:
Mcnnonitc Aid, Inc.
1202 S. 8th St.
Goshen, [ttdL
little more convenient." Here the devil
has won part of his victory.
Then, when finally we do enter our
secret chamber to communicate with the
Lord, our thoughts seem to be far from
our Intercessor. We may feel all the
time we are praying that we are merely
wasting our time. There is so much work
to do that day and such a little time in
which it can be accomplished. So we
tush through our prayer, saying only-
unheard words. How slighted God must
feel if we are not even willing to devote
a small portion of the day to Him! We
arise from our prayer, feeling we have
received no spiritual help from Him. Is
it because God has not done His part?
We all know that this is not the answer.
We have done nothing to deserve any
help. And thus the devil has again suc-
ceeded. If he can induce us to this re-
peatedly, he can hope to win his battle.
At this time we will feel the need of a
supreme power. By ourselves nothing
can be accomplished. God can calm our
tempest-tossed thoughts as easily as He
commanded the waters on the sea to be
still. His is the power to give us a deep-
er desire to pray. He can help us keep
our thoughts centered entirely on Him.
"And the peace of God, which passeth
all understanding, shall guard your
hearts and minds in Christ Jesus" (Phil.
4:7). We must erase the feeling that we
can rid ourselves of these earthly
thoughts during our meditation with
God. God is the only One who can give
us this victory.
Prayer is needed often during the day's
trying experiences. When in a crowd,
one can breathe a prayer, but it does
not take the place of our quiet talks with
Him in out secret chambers. Frequently
M hen we fall on our knees at the end
of a busy day, our hearts are not pre-
pared to talk to God. It is essential we
rest our minds before talking to Him. so
as to have that feeling of calm and sweet
repose. This will give us a much more
forceful prayer life.
When we pray, we do all the talking.
We give God no time whatsoever to an-
swer our requests. As someone has said,
"What would the doctor think if you
should tell him all your troubles and
then suddenly stop your talking and
leave? He would not have time to give
\ou a remedy." This is also true in our
beha\ tor to the great Physician.
When we pray we must be open to
(.ihI \ answer, l! our conscience is both-
ering us. we will naturally try to stay
oil the subject of our uneasiness. We
ma\ pi.n about many other things but
to no avail, When a Christian has some
sin in his life, all his spiritual communi-
cation with God will convict him of it.
The Bible w ill speak loudly of it to him.
the preacher will seem to direct his ser-
mon to him. and his prayer life will also
convict him. The onl\ way our prayer
w ill be answered is if we are sin-free.
We many times ask God for something
anil anticipate an answer from Him im-
June 15, 1954
GOSPEL HERALD
559
A Prayer for This Week
Our Father and God: Though Thou
art great beyond our understanding, we
thank Thee that Thou dost care for the
least of us. Teach us what true worship
is, and how to worship Thee aright. Give
us insight into Thy holiness and perfect-
ness that we may be humble.
As we participate this week in public
worship, give us a spirit of awe and rev-
erence. Forgive us for assembling to see
and be seen. Forgive the profuse words
of loyalty we say on Sunday and deny
by careless lives on Monday. Help us so
to relate worship and work that our lives
may be one consistent whole.
Give us a spirit of love, tolerance, and
true forgiveness among the brotherhood,
so that those who know us may come to
know Thy love through us. In Christ's
name, Amen.— Ruth Peachey.
mediately. We strive and struggle with
Him until He finally gives it to us. Ja-
cob wrestled with an angel and would
not let him go until he received a bless-
ing from him. Even though his wish had
finally been granted to him, he had to
suffer for it. God allowed the hollow of
his thigh to be injured. How many times
God withholds His answer because we
are too selfish!
If only we could make ourselves realize
that God's answer is the best— no matter
how or when it is answered! The great,
omnipotent God has the perfect solu-
tion to every one of our problems. So
let us utilize more frequently this power
line from earth to heaven called prayer.
Akron, Pa.
The Christian's Relationship with
His Fellow Men
By Earl S. Herr
"Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love
the Lord thy God with all thy heart,
and with all thy soul, and with
all thy mind. This is the first and
great commandment. And the second
is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy
neighbour as thyself" (Matt. 22:37-
39). The chief duty of the Christian's
own personal life is said by Christ to be
his responsibility of a truly meaningful
fellowship with and love for God. But
the next important duty of the Christian
is his responsibility of a right relation-
ship with his fellow men. To have a vic-
torious, enjoyable Christian experience,
a deep love for God is an absolute, pri-
mary necessity; but a definite love for all
with whom the Christian has contact is
also a necessity. Some sincere Christians
seem to think of right relations with fel-
low men as their all-important duty. The
Christian may never allow the impor-
tance of this responsibility to precede
the importance of personal love for God,
but he must recognize, accept, and as a
result act upon this responsibility to his
fellow men.
One aspect of the Christian's duty to
his fellow men is in social life and influ-
ence. The Christian should definitely
contribute to the social and physical
needs of the world. Jesus said, "Ye are
the salt of the earth" (Matt. 5:13). The
life of the Christian should be a great
influence in preserving high moral, so-
cial, physical, and intellectual standards.
The world should be a better place to
live in as a result of every Christian than
it would have been otherwise.
How does the Christian produce such
a great influence on the life standards of
his fellow men? One very important way
by which his influence is seen is in his
personal contacts with others. These
contacts will be manifested in such as-
pects as family, business, and social life.
The Christian should be an excellent
example to his fellow men in displaying
true friendship, honesty in personal and
business dealings, thriftiness with time
and money, and peaceful dealing with
others.
Besides the influence offered by his
daily personal contacts, the Christian
should provide beneficial influence to
his fellow men by participation in work
to help alleviate many of the physical
and social ills throughout the world. He
can aid such work by providing financial
resources, participating in the program
of gathering together materials, funds,
information, or, best of all, he can par-
ticipate directly and voluntarily in solv-
ing these problems by personal contact
with those afflicted with physical or so-
cial problems. Relief and hospital work
are illustrations. Although the Chris-
tian will aid in social work, he may nev-
er, never allow this objective to come
near to being his primary motive in his
religious life. An excellent illustration
of a religion which has social reform as
a main objective is the Jewish religion,
which does not even accept salvation by
Jesus Christ.
A second and most important aspect of
the Christian's duty to his fellow men,
the chief duty of the Christian as a mem-
ber of Christ's Church, is the duty to
witness of the good news of Christ to the
non-Christian, and to teach his fellow
Christians of the truly meaningful and
abundant life as a Christian. Jesus said,
"Ye are the light of the world" (Matt.
5:14). The life of the Christian, besides
being influential in preserving beneficial
standards and in increasing social re-
form, will point directly to Christ as the
only Source of a reasonable life, far su-
perior to the distracted life of the non-
Christian. God has fitted the Christian
with the necessary instruments and set
Prayer Requests —
(Requests for this column must be signed)
Pray for the various evangelistic tent
campaigns to be held during the sum-
mer.
Pray for the annual meeting of the Men-
nonite Board of Missions and Char-
ities to be held in June near Salem,
Oreg.
Pray for the summer Bible schools that
will be held in Europe during the
summer months.
Pray for the Mennonite Hour staff as
they prepare and record the weekly
programs.
Pray for a sister who is tempted to diso-
bedience regarding self-denial.
Pray for the salvation of a teen-age girl
who is disobedient to her parents.
Pray for the church in India as she takes
over more and more responsibility
for the conduct of the work. Pray for
a spirit of revival and evangelism.
Pray for the summer Bible schools about
to open all over our land.
him at this task which is the most impor-
tant service of the Christian for his fel-
low men. The Christian's chief motive in
declaring God's love in sending Christ
to save and preserve man from sin and
its results is his deep, profound love for
God and for his fellow men. What meth-
od does the Christian use to witness of
God's love? His daily, personal contact
with his fellow men is one of the most
effective ways of presenting to the non-
Christian his spiritual need. In his per-
sonal contacts with others the Christian
should show an attitude of love and
service. In all of his dealings with non-
Christians, the Christian should seek to
be an example of perfect honesty, friend-
ship, and love.
The Christian will also make use of
more widespread methods of evangelism,
such as evangelistic services, tract distri-
bution, and sacred song services.
If the Christian has a personal, mean-
ingful fellowship with God, if he has a
love for God above all other things, if
he has a victorious, enjoyable, and peace-
ful Christian life, he will have a desire
to share his spiritual experience with
his fellow men as well as a desire to
alleviate their physical needs.
Quarryville, Pa.
Live Music
Archive
Librivox
Free Audio
Metropolitan Museum
Cleveland
Museum of Art
Internet
Arcade
Console Living Room
Open Library
American
Libraries
TV News
Understanding
9/11